Seville City Guide

Seville captivates visitors with its seamless blend of Moorish heritage and Castilian grandeur. The city’s historic heart is dominated by the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and its iconic Giralda bell tower. Adjacent to these is the Real Alcázar, a stunning complex of royal palaces and lush gardens that showcases some of the finest Mudéjar architecture in Spain.

A short stroll away leads to the winding, whitewashed alleys of the Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter. Here, the scent of orange blossoms fills the air as visitors discover hidden plazas and traditional tapas bars. No visit is complete without witnessing the scale of the Plaza de España, a semicircular masterpiece of brick and tile-work located within the verdant Maria Luisa Park.

For a modern perspective, the Metropol Parasol offers panoramic views from its wooden canopy over the old city. As evening falls, the Triana district across the Guadalquivir River comes alive, offering an authentic setting to experience the raw passion of flamenco, a tradition deeply woven into the city’s soul.

Beyond the orange-scented courtyards of the Santa Cruz district, Seville reveals its soul in the rhythms of daily life. For a truly local experience, head to Calle Feria on a Thursday morning for El Jueves. This centuries-old flea market is a chaotic, charming treasure trove of antiques, vintage books, and religious iconography where residents haggle over curiosities.

For a taste of Seville's historic social fabric, visit Abacería San Lorenzo. This traditional grocery-turned-tapas-bar offers an intimate glimpse into the past, serving premium conserved goods and local wines in a space that feels like a neighbor’s living room. It avoids the tourist-heavy crowds while delivering authentic flavors.

Escape the bustle of the main riverside promenade by crossing the bridge to the Paseo de la O in Triana. While Calle Betis draws the nightlife, this lower path right by the water's edge offers a serene view of the city’s skyline. It is a favored spot for locals to read or share a quiet conversation away from the city's frantic energy.

Seville is a remarkably walkable city, especially within the historic Casco Antiguo where narrow, winding streets are best navigated on foot. For longer distances, the TUSSAM bus network is comprehensive and efficient, while the MetroCentro tram offers a scenic link between Plaza Nueva and the San Bernardo transport hub. Cyclists will find the city exceptionally friendly thanks to the Sevici bike-sharing scheme and over 100 kilometers of dedicated bike lanes across its flat terrain.

Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or found at designated ranks; they remain a cost-effective way to traverse the city quickly. Rideshare services like Uber and Cabify are also well-established. While the single-line Metro is less useful for central sightseeing, it provides a fast connection to the southern suburbs and the Aljarafe region. For those arriving by train at Santa Justa, the city center is a quick ten-minute taxi or bus ride away.

Travel from Seville Airport (SVQ) to the city center is most affordable via the EA bus line, which costs roughly €4.00. Taxis from the airport operate on a fixed-rate system, usually costing between €25.00 and €31.00 depending on the time and date. Within the city, a standard bus or tram fare is approximately €1.40, while a typical taxi ride between major neighborhoods like Triana and the Cathedral generally costs between €8.00 and €12.00.

Seville offers a charming blend of traditional artisanry and modern fashion. For high-end labels and luxury boutiques, head to the elegant pedestrian streets of Calle Sierpes and Calle Tetuán. Here, international brands sit alongside historic Spanish shops, providing a refined atmosphere for serious shoppers.

Those seeking local character should cross the river to the Triana neighborhood, famous for its centuries-old tradition of hand-painted ceramics and azulejos. For a more budget-friendly or high-street experience, the area around Plaza del Duque de la Victoria features major department stores like El Corte Inglés and familiar global retailers.

Don't leave without browsing the unique markets; the Calle Feria flea market is a treasure trove of antiques and curiosities, while the Mercado de Triana offers gourmet local treats. Seville is especially renowned for its leather goods, intricately embroidered flamenco shawls, and handmade fans, making for perfect authentic souvenirs.

In Seville, tipping is a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict requirement. In casual tapas bars or cafes, it is common to leave the small change from your bill. For more formal sit-down meals, a tip of 5% to 10% is considered generous if the service was particularly attentive, though many locals simply round up to the nearest euro. The local currency is the Euro (€), and as a rough guide, 1 Euro is approximately equivalent to 1.10 US Dollars.

For other services such as taxis or hotel assistance, rounding up the fare or offering one or two euros per bag is a thoughtful way to show gratitude. Since service charges are rarely included automatically on the bill, any gratuity provided directly acknowledges the staff’s efforts. It is useful to carry small coins, as adding a tip to a credit card payment is not always an option in traditional Sevillian establishments.

Spring, spanning from March to May, is widely considered the premier time to visit Seville. During these months, the city is fragrant with orange blossoms and the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for wandering through the historic Santa Cruz quarter. This peak season hosts Seville’s most iconic events, Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril, which bring an electric atmosphere but also result in the highest accommodation prices and largest crowds of the year.

For those seeking a balance between comfortable weather and better value, the autumn months of September and October are an excellent alternative. While summer offers the lowest hotel rates, the intense heat—often surpassing 40°C—can make daytime sightseeing difficult. Winter remains a practical choice for budget-conscious visitors, offering mild, sunny days and a peaceful environment to enjoy the city’s landmarks without the seasonal rush.