When to go to Seville
Seville has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Summers are very hot and dry while winters are mild and wet. Summers in Seville are long with temperatures which can top 35°C. After Córdoba, Seville has the hottest summers in continental Europe. If you don’t do well in the heat, it’s best to avoid the city in June, July and August.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons in which to visit Seville: the weather is warm but not too hot.
What to eat in Seville
Tapas are the best way to sample a variety of delicious local produce. Typical local tapas include espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpea stew served with croutons), salmorejo (cold tomato soup topped with pieces of ham and egg), solomillo al whisky (pork loin in whisky sauce) and montaditos de pringá (pulled pork sandwiches topped with cured ham). Of course, there are lots more tapas so feel free to try everything on the menu!
Seville takes its cured ham seriously: it comes from the black Iberian pig and the best kinds of ham are awarded exclusive labels, depending on the pig’s breed and diet. But whatever variety you choose, Spanish ham is delicious. Try jamón ibérico or pata negra if it’s on the menu in your tapas bar.
Wine is the perfect accompaniment to tapas! In all honesty, you can’t go wrong with a Rioja or a Ribera del Duero. But if you want to try something different, try Manzanilla (dry sherry) or vino de naranja (sweet orange wine). Wine purists should note that on hot summer days, the Spanish love to mix wine with ice and a sweet soda called Casera (similar to Sprite) to make tinto de verano or summer wine.
Travel tips from our staff for your trip to Seville
Dries works in our Revenue Management department; he spent several months in Seville during his internship and has some great tips to share.
How to explore Seville
Horse and carriage rides are very popular with tourists; you can easily find them at Plaza de España and at the Alcázar. If you want to explore as much of Seville as possible, the hop-on-hop-off bus isn’t ideal because these buses only go around (rather than through) the city. If you’re looking for a more active way to explore, try a guided bike tour in Spanish, English or Dutch by Andalusia Tours & Discovery
Tips on Seville’s top attractions
If you’re on holiday in Andalusia, the Real Alcázar is a great alternative to the Alhambra in Granada. Entrance fees are cheaper, there are several discount options available and you’ll have no problem getting a last-minute ticket at the entrance. It’s better to visit in the morning — you might have to queue later in the day. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise the royal palace: scenes depicting the Dornish castle Sunspear of House Martell were filmed here. The Catedral and La Giralda are, of course, a must-see. These monuments are to be found on the main shopping streets of Seville: Avenida de la Constitución, Calle Sierpes and Calle Tetuán. After visiting the Catedral (or when you’ve shopped ‘til you drop), head to Abuela’s in Calle Tetuán for one of the best ice-creams in Seville! The city can get hot, particularly during the summer. If you’re in need of some shade, head to Parque de María Luisa. The pavilions from the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and the park’s trees and plants offer refreshing shade on hot summer days. Plaza de España is close to the park and is worth a visit, especially if you’re a movie buff: scenes from Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Episode II were shot here.
Where to eat, drink and chill
Seville is a great place to relax with a drink and a few tapas. There are several neighbourhoods where you can kick back, relax and enjoy the good life:
- Plaza de la Encarnación: the Metrosol Parasol building, locally known as Las Setas (Spanish for ‘the mushrooms’, due to its shape) is great for dinner with a view. The top floors of Las Setas have two panoramic terraces and a restaurant. Don’t feel like dining quite so high up? Try Hábbito Tapas y Copas for some of Seville’s best tapas!
- The Alfalfa neighbourhood: Alfalfa borders the Metrosol Parasol. It’s the ultimate neighbourhood for going out because it’s filled with bars and tapas restaurants. Take your pick: you just can’t go wrong in Alfalfa.
- Alameda de Hercules: Seville’s bohemian neighbourhood has vibrant nightlife. For lunch and dinner, you can’t go wrong with any of its tapas bars and restaurants. For breakfast, try the tostada con jamón y aceite at Café Piola.
- Triana: where better to go out than in the birthplace of flamenco? This neighbourhood is right by the Guadalquivir river. You’ll find plenty of good cocktail bars with a view of the river, especially in Calle Betis. Speaking of flamenco, La Carbonería in Calle Levíes is famous for flamenco and is highly recommended.
- Looking for cheap drinks? Head to Calle San Fernando along with the city’s students. Close to the old tobacco factory, which is now a part of the University of Seville, this street has plenty of great bars and restaurants at budget prices.
Football in Seville
Seville has a strong football culture with two clubs in Spain’s top tier: Sevilla and Real Betis. These two teams play a home match every week during the season so you’ll have plenty of chances to go to a match. Tickets aren’t expensive and both teams have high-level players!
Exploring more of Andalusia
Seville is well connected to other cities in Andalusia. You can easily reach Cádiz (approx. 1 hour 40 mins) and Córdoba (under an hour) by train from Santa Justa station.