Is Sevilla worth a visit? Need some inspiration to plan your weekend or vacation in Andalucia?
The capital of Andalucia, Sevilla is a must-see. Its historic center, with its well-preserved architecture, is full of charm. We were totally won over by this city on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, with its very special atmosphere. Sunshine, flamenco, colorful facades and magnificent Baroque churches will punctuate your discovery. Add to that splendid monuments(Alcazar, Plaza de España…) and lush gardens, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable stay!
In this article, we give you our 10 reasons to visit the city, and a few points to keep in mind.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Sevilla worth a visit?
That’s a big yes! We were completely won over by this regional capital, which is easy to visit on foot. Sevilla has everything you could wish for, on a human scale and with a relaxing atmosphere. Its colorful architecture, or white and yellow, will transport you to a Western movie! It also has all the ingredients of Andalucia culture, such as flamenco and gastronomy.
Above all, Sevilla is an ideal destination for culture-lovers, as it abounds in impressive Baroque churches and monuments marked by Islamic art. Andalucia was long under Muslim rule before the Christian Reconquista. You’ll find many palaces built around lush patios, which are veritable islands of freshness! Finally, a host of museums and activities await you, which you can find in detail in our article on Sevilla’s top attractions.
WHERE TO STAY IN Seville
Option 1: In the historic center
Convenient for visiting everything on foot, we recommend:
Option 2: El Arenal
Between quiet streets and riverside ambience, we recommend it:
See our complete selection of the best hotels and neighborhoods in Sevilla
Reason 1 – Admire the magnificent Plaza de España
It’s our favorite! You’ve undoubtedly seen it many times in photos, but they don’t do justice to this magnificent square, so colorful and bright in the sun. We were simply dazzled. Contrary to popular belief, this must-see is not located in the city center, but in the south of the city, in the large Maria Luisa Park. Although very busy, you can get around without suffering from the crowds, as the square is very large indeed. There’s even a canal in the middle where you can take a boat ride! To find out more, read our dedicated article.
Reason 2 – Enjoy the charm of its historic center
Sevilla’s historic center is fairly sprawling, but it’s easy to get around on foot. On the other hand, most streets are paved. With its well-preserved architecture, you can admire the colorful facades of medieval and Renaissance buildings, as well as numerous quaint, independent boutiques. If you want to go shopping, Calle Sierpes, which runs through the center, is very popular. It is covered by canvas to protect it from the heat.
In this area, there’s a concentration of bars, restaurants and hotels. Along the way, you’ll often come across convivial squares with lively terraces. For example, we really enjoyed the Plaza de la Afalfa and the Plaza de San Andres.
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Reason 3 – The Alcazar and its lush gardens
Sevilla’s Alcazar is a monument not to be missed! Entrance tickets are booked well in advance, as the building is particularly busy. Listed as a World Heritage Site since 1987, the Alcazar is a complex of palaces, patios and gardens, renovated by various monarchs over the years. Construction began in the 10th century, but it was in the 14th century that the magnificent Mudejar-style ornamentation was added, which we took the time to contemplate. Don’t miss the Galería del Grutesco, offering superb views of the buildings and lush, exotic gardens. This is one of our favourites in Sevilla! Book your visit now.
Read our article on the Alcazar.
Reason 4 – Visit its cathedral and Baroque churches
Along with the Alcazar, the Cathedral is Sevilla’s most visited monument. It is famous for its Giralda, a 104m tower. It belonged to a mosque dating back to the 12th century, when Andalucia was under Muslim rule. We found the building impressive, and for good reason! It is the 3rd largest cathedral in the world and the widest of the Gothic cathedrals. We were captivated by the interior, particularly the high altar at the center of the building. With its 220m2 of gilded wooden figures at work, this altarpiece is the largest in the world! Book your guided tour now.
We were won over by all the other churches in Sevilla. Baroque in style, they’re magnificent! We recommend a visit to the Iglesia del Divino Salvador for its impressive altarpieces, or the Basílica de la Macarena for its statue of the Virgin of La Macarena and its treasure.
Read our article on the cathedral.
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Reason 5 – Discover the cradle of flamenco
Andalucia is the birthplace of flamenco. As the capital, Sevilla has a special place in the dissemination of this art form. Every two years, it hosts the Bienal de Flamenco, a world reference in the field. Masters of the discipline are selected for various performances over a period of almost a month. There are also other flamenco events, such as the Feria de Moda Flamenca. Take a stroll through Sevilla and you’ll see plenty of flamenco fashion boutiques!
Numerous tablaos, or flamenco venues, dot the city. To learn more about this culture, we recommend visiting the Museo del Baile Flamenco, and attending a performance. We really enjoyed the show! Book your admission to the museum and the show now.
Reason 6 – Wonder at your palaces
Sevilla is home to many palaces. The best known is undoubtedly the Casa de Pilatos, built in the 15th and 16th centuries. We really appreciated the building, particularly for its rich ornamentation, with its azulejos in the patio, its mosaics, and the Roman statues dotting the various rooms. It’s a wonderful example of Sevilla’s Mudéjar style (influenced by Islamic art)!
You can also visit the Palacio de las Dueñas (15th and 16th centuries), still inhabited today. You’ll discover a magnificent green patio and an impressive library. We also recommend a visit to the Palacio de la Condesa in Lebrija. Built in the 16th century, it was extensively remodeled in the early 20th century by its last owner, the Countess of Lebrija. We were seduced by its Mudejar and Renaissance style, but above all by the Roman mosaics covering the first floor. They come fromItálica, Spain’s first Roman city, 12km from Sevilla.
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Reason 7 – Get cultured in your museums
Sevilla is the cultural capital of Andalucia. It is home to a multitude of museums! Historical, artistic or playful, they are very diverse. We’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable visit! We particularly enjoyed the Museo de Bellas Artes, where we saw this magnificent portrait, Cabeza de apóstol (1620) by Diego Velázquez. We also recommend a visit to the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions to learn more about Andalucia’s intangible heritage. For more ideas, see our article on the best museums in Sevilla.
Reason 8 – Enjoy its gastronomy
Andalucia is renowned for its gastronomy. You’ll be able to taste exceptional products, such as jamón de bellota. In the restaurants, you’ll find a majority of meat dishes, including cochon ibérico. From the presa ibérica (a tender piece of meat corresponding to the central part of the pig’s spine), to the pluma ibérica (a piece of Iberian pork located at the end of the backbone) and the secreto ibérico, (a part found at the back of the cheek of the Iberian pig), you’ll enjoy some very tasty meats!
If you like fish and shellfish, you can try gambas al ajillo (king prawns with garlic), chipirones fritos (fried cuttlefish) and paella. Cold soups are also very popular in Andalucia, withajoblanco (made with breadcrumbs and almonds) and our favorite, salmorejo (a cold tomato and breadcrumbs soup). To find your way around, see our article on the best restaurants in Sevilla.
Reason 9 – For its roots in the heart of Andalucia
A stay in Sevilla is an ideal base for discovering the rest of Andalucia. You can easily reach the cities of Cordoba (50min), Cadiz (1h40) and Granada (2h30) by train. Visit the official website of the national railway company here. You can also opt for excursions, especially to smaller towns such as Ronda. Check out our excursions from Sevilla.
Reason 10 – Enjoy unique events: Feria de Abril, Semana Santa…
Many festivities take place in Sevilla, including the flamenco events we mentioned earlier. However, 2 highlights mark the year. They usually take place in April. This is Holy Week, before Easter. Religious processions can be seen all over Spain, but those in Sevilla are reputed to be the most impressive. On this occasion, magnificent statues are brought out of the churches, such as that of the Virgen Macarena, kept in the basilica of the same name and much venerated. The Feria de Abril is held after Easter. On this occasion, Sevillians dress up in traditional costumes and come together to party in private booths. Bullfights and horse parades also take place. A funfair is also set up.
Some disadvantages of a trip to Sevilla
Crowds and traffic
Sevilla is particularly busy during the peak spring tourist season. It reaches its peak during Holy Week and the Feria de Abril, attracting both national and international tourists. In summer, it’s a little less crowded because of the heat. You’ll be quieter in autumn, but especially in winter. Read our article on the subject soon!
During peak periods, Sevilla’s historic center can be difficult to navigate by car, especially when it comes to parking. As far as public transport is concerned, it’s not very well developed. There are several bus routes and a tramway line. Visit the official public transport website here. Finally, the cab network is very efficient and inexpensive, making it a good alternative for long journeys! If you’re staying in the center, you can do almost everything on foot, or by bike with the sevici!
The weather
The weather is generally mild in spring, with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 25°. In summer, on the other hand, 40° and even 45° are easily reached in the hottest hours of the afternoon. Autumns and winters are quite pleasant. We advise you to use sunscreen in fine weather, as UV indices are particularly high (between 8 and 9). To find out more, read our article on visiting Sevilla in winter.
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How to get to Sevilla
You can get to Sevilla by train, which is well connected to Spain’s other major cities, including Madrid (2h40) and Barcelona (5h20). You can book your tickets on the Renfe website here. If you’re travelling from France, trains now run between Barcelona and Paris, and Madrid and Lyon. Visit the official scnf website here to find out more. To get to Sevilla Santa-Justa station from Sevilla city center, we recommend you take a cab.
Sevilla airport is served by major European cities, including Paris, London, Amsterdam and Vienna.
Sevilla is easily accessible by car, with major highways such as the A-4 and E803.
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