Andalusia's capital Seville invites you to a wonderful holiday in the sun all year round. Here, on the bank of the Guadalquivir river, modern-day buildings are met with historic monuments. Seville is divided into many neighbourhoods, each with a unique personality. This guide will take you through the best places to rent a holiday apartment in Seville depending on the type of city break you seek.
- A cultural holiday in Seville
- A family holiday to Seville
- Where to stay for gastronomy in Seville
- A budget holiday to Seville
- Where to stay for a luxury holiday in Seville
- Best places to stay for nightlife in Seville
- Where to stay for a romantic holiday to Seville
- Safety in Seville
Where to stay for culture in Seville
The history and culture of Seville are closely linked to its location on the Guadalquivir river. The city played an integral part in the Christian reconquest of the Iberian peninsula from the Moors in the 13th century.
To experience some of the best cultural offerings in Seville rent a holiday apartment in the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz, Seville's former Jewish quarter. Here you will find the "Real Alcazar," or the Royal Palace, still used by the royal family when they visit Seville. Around the corner is Sevilla's majestic cathedral, one of the world's largest Catholic cathedrals. The two magnificent buildings, along with the "el Archivo de Indias" (the Indian archives), have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are two of the best attractions to visit in Seville. The Indian archives are free to enter and contain valuable documents from the Spanish conquests in the Americas and the Philippines as well as a diary of Christopher Columbus.
If you want to get closer to some authentic culture in Seville, visit the Triana quarter on the left bank of the Guadalquivir river. The inhabitants of the Triana barrio have not felt like "Sevillanos" for generations, but as residents of their own town, Triana. Previously, many of Seville’s fishermen lived here and the neighbourhood has produced famous bullfighters as well as flamenco dancers and singers. Due to the clay soil in the area, the district formerly housed many ceramic factories producing famous Sevillian ceramics. Today there are a few manufacturers left, displaying their craft in the small shops dotted along the narrow streets.
Many of the streets in the Triana district are lined with houses decorated with colourful bricks, a tradition that dates back to the Moorish occupation of the city. Rent a holiday apartment in Triana, stroll through the narrow streets and feel the special atmosphere of this neighbourhood.
Just 10 minutes north of the city lies the former Roman town of Italica, which today consists of well-preserved Roman ruins. To get there, you can take the bus number 0006 from the bus station at Plaza de Armas and get off in Santiponce. From here, there is a 1km walk to the entrance. If you are a fan of the TV series Game of Thrones, several scenes were filmed on this site. You can also visit the city of Carmona by bus, which houses both ancient Moorish buildings and Roman ruins including the best-preserved necropolis in Andalusia.
Where to stay for a family holiday in Seville
Although Seville is a city with many cultural sights, it is also possible to find great activities for children. Just ten minutes walk from the city's old town is Plaza de la Encarnación. Previously, Seville's first food market was located in this square, but in 1973 the building was in such poor condition that it was demolished. The plans were subsequently to build an underground parking garage and a new market hall. But under the old building, there were hidden ruins from both Roman times and the Moorish occupation. These ruins have been preserved and make an exciting visit for both children and adults.
Above the ancient ruins, an impressive wooden structure has been built which has been nicknamed "Setas de Sevilla" (Sevilla's mushrooms) because of its avant-garde design, resembling 6 giant mushrooms. From the underground museum and from street level, take the lift up to the top floor, for a panoramic view of Seville and walk the 250-metre long footbridge over the mushrooms’ top.
One of the best attractions in Seville for children is the theme park Isla Magica, providing entertainment for kids of all ages. Spend the whole day here enjoying the slides and Viking ship rides, as well as the large water park, to cool down on hot days. If you want to stay inside for a while, the park offers different 4D films for children over 5 years old.
Two of the best places to rent a family holiday apartment in Seville are in the Alameda and Macarena districts. Both are located in the north of the old town, less than 1 km to "Las setas", and just 3 km from the city centre.
Where to stay for great gastronomy in Seville
In Spain, a meal can last many hours, and of course, eating is synonymous with socialising. Tapas is in Seville is a big part of the culture. Do as the locals do and go for “tapeo,” meaning to sample tapas in a few different bars over an evening.
In Seville, there are many places where you can satisfy your hunger both at bars and restaurants, with traditional local dishes and modern dishes with a Spanish touch. The traditional dishes are often relatively simple and made from products that are produced in Seville. The province is famous for the production of olives, wine, oranges and almonds as well as meat from the surrounding farms.
The large range of fresh products is the backbone of an impressive range of local dishes which include soups, such as Gazpacho, jamon (high quality dried ham) and "pringa" (slow roasted pork). Find simple vegetable dishes such as Papas aliñás (potatoes with oil and onions) and cooked dishes such as “huevos a la Flamenca” - an Andalusian speciality consisting of fried oven baked vegetables with eggs on top. The most common desserts are orange slices with olive oil poured on top and the small cakes “Pestiño,” which are a deep-fried dough rolled in honey.
Rent a holiday apartment in Seville’s old town to be near the most authentic bars and restaurants. Find El Rinconcillo on Calle Girona, 40, one of the oldest Sevillan taverns, established in 1670 and highly acclaimed for its traditional tapas from old recipes. Another traditional bar in Seville, where it is common to eat standing is Bodeguita Romero. Find it in Calle Harinas, number 10 in the Arenal quarter close to the bullring. Here you will find a great selection of tapas, with the most famous dish being “Montadito de Pringa” - a small burger with delicious slow-cooked fried pork.
If you want to enjoy a meal among the city's locals, visit Restaurante El Cairo, also located in the Arenal district on Calle Reyes Catolicos 13. Here you will find many traditional dishes and you can choose to eat tapas in the bar or in the restaurant, which serves larger dishes.
In the Alameda district on Calle Teodosio 53 is the restaurant Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo; a charming building which dates back to the 18th century and was a former grocery store. In the past, it was common for the merchant to let the customers taste the products, and this is the atmosphere that you find in this restaurant today. The menu has an extensive selection of both cheeses and wines, dishes that are easy to eat while standing at the counter.
Don't miss Spain's oldest restaurant which opened in 1386. Find Antigua Taberna de Las Escobas on Calle Álvarez Quintero 62. Throughout history, many famous people have dined here. The restaurant is located in the centre of Seville just behind the cathedral and serves both traditional Spanish dishes and modern interpretations of older classics.
The Macarena neighbourhood also has a large selection of great bars and restaurants. Close to the ancient Roman defence wall and the Basílica de la Macarena church on Calle Antonio Buero Vallejo, you will find El Colmao de Gascón Rubio, which serves a wide selection of both Andalusian and Northern Spanish dishes.
Just outside the old Roman city wall, you will find Restaurante Yebra, which first opened its doors in 1959 and is still a family run business. This restaurant is known for the use of top quality products and the latest cooking techniques to create both traditional and new creative cuisine. Restaurante Yebra is located in Calle Medalla Milagrosa.
Rent an apartment in Seville and cook at home with fresh Spanish ingredients. Pick up your ingredients in one of Seville’s food markets. At Plaza de Encarnacion under "Las Setas," there is a modern food market, and in Triana, there is a traditional food market just to the right of the Triana Bridge as you cross Guadalquivir river. This market first opened in 1823, and although it received a much-needed renovation in 1992, it has retained its charm and authenticity.
Find "Mercado Lonja del Barranco" on Calle Arjona which houses 20 modern stands serving the most delicious dishes. Choose from fresh octopus from Galicia, a large selection of local dried hams, the local cold soup Salmorejo and of course a wide range of paellas both with and without meat or seafood.
Where to stay for a budget holiday in Seville
Rent a budget holiday apartment in Seville and visit the city's magnificent buildings which are worth seeing even if you don't want to pay to go in, some are free to enter such as the Indian archives.
The same goes for the impressive former tobacco factory "Real Fábrica de Tabacos", which today is part of the University of Seville and is located just south of the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz. This building was constructed in the 18th century after the discovery of America and in the subsequent “good years” of Seville, ships brought valuable tobacco to the city. The factory was one of the largest buildings at that time, and it was the setting for the opera Carmen, a love story about a tobacco employee in Seville.
The tobacco factory is only a stone's throw to Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park, which are also two free attractions in Seville. Enjoy these beautiful areas and relax in the park next to a small fountain. At the far end of the park, you will find the city's archaeological museum, which is free for EU citizens. At the opposite end of the city is "Las Setas", which from below is an impressive sight in itself. Just 850 metres away, on the other side of Seville's old town is the art museum “Museo de Bella Artes” which is also free for EU citizens, remember valid documentation.
Simply walk around the city, along the Guadalquivir river and around the narrow streets of the old town to soak up the southern Spanish atmosphere for free.
Where to stay for a luxury holiday in Seville
Seville is a city that exudes luxury and was formerly very wealthy as a result of trading with the "new world". The wealth in the province led to the construction of impressive buildings, mansions, churches and one of the country's first bullfighting arenas. Many of these old structures are used as restaurants, wellness centres and some are available to rent as a luxury holiday home in Seville.
Treat yourself at one of the city's spas, book a massage and relax in the thermal baths. Visit Las Termas de Hispalis in the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz and enjoy both Turkish and Roman baths. In the same district is Aire de Sevilla where you can choose to have a thermal bath, a massage or immerse yourself in Ribera del Duero's wine for a few hours and let the antioxidants soften your skin. Prices range from €59 to €129 depending on the treatment you choose.
Admire the city of Seville from the Guadalquivir river and take a boat trip. From the river bank, you can book trips that include a dining experience. You can also rent boats and head off on an excursion of your own. If you book with Guadaluxe, the prices start at €110 per hour for the boat and there are several options for a cruise with dinner, and prices vary between €25-45 per person. The company Andaluza de Barcos also offers tours of the river and it is possible to tailor your trip, for example, if you want a romantic dinner on the Guadalquivir river, prices start from €140 per hour.
Seville has several stunning locations for a luxury dining experience. Head to Abantal Restaurant, located just outside the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Here, the quality of the food is so highly regarded that the restaurant has been awarded a star by the Michelin Guide every year since 2014. You can choose between two fixed menus, with emphasis on the taste, creativity and texture, in addition to the presentation and decoration of the dishes. Remember to reserve a table.
On Calle Chaves Nogales, find Restaurante Tribeca, which also offers terrific culinary experiences. Here you will find an extensive menu with modern and avant-garde dishes served in beautiful and stylish surroundings. There is also the possibility of a fixed gourmet menu. The restaurant largely uses seasonal products, of the highest quality, and the chef aims to create tasty dishes complimenting individual products. Remember to book a table in advance.
Where to stay for the best nightlife in Seville
One of the best places to experience nightlife in Seville is Plaza de Salvador in the Alfalfa neighbourhood. Here you will find several small bars, with terraces and a great atmosphere with locals drinking cañas of Cruzcampo beer, made in the province.
In Calle Perez Galdós and the surrounding streets, there is an abundance of lounge bars such as Cabo Loco, Ruko N 'Roll and Berlin. Clubs like Culture Club and Santuario Sevilla are just around the corner in Cuesta del Rosario. In the Alameda neighbourhood, just north of the old town, along the main street of Alameda de Hercules or in one of the small streets behind you will find a wide range of vibrant places for a night out. Choose from Jazz Bar Naima Sevilla, lounge bar 1987 or rustic venue Plan B.
Seville comes alive in the Spring with many celebrations and festivities. Every Easter, people flock to the streets to celebrate the holy week of Semana Santa, and Seville is famous for having one of the best Semana Santas in the country. A religious festival with processions carrying ornate decorations around the city accompanied by large orchestras. Although it is a religious celebration, it is also a much-loved tradition and family members who live outside the city return home to see their loved ones. As there are over 60 brotherhoods (members of a specific church that coordinate the carrying of their procession) this is an event that takes part all week.
After the celebration of Semana Santa, comes the ultimate party in Seville. Rent holiday accommodation in Seville and experience first hand the culture and tradition of the city at the “Feria de Abril de Sevilla”. This celebration is held in a large area in the neighbourhood of Los Remedios, south of Triana. Here, small “casetas” are built, serving food and drink as well as a temporary fairground. Traditionally the feria was where women from the town dressed in colourful flamenco dresses, and many still do, spending hundreds of pounds on their overall look. People from all over Spain go to the Feria de Abril de Sevilla as it is one of the best in the country.
Where to stay for a romantic holiday in Seville
Seville is the ideal city for a couples getaway. Wander around the narrow streets, dip in and out of bars and enjoy romantic meals in one the little squares. Plaza de España is one of the most iconic romantic spots in the city, with many couples coming here to take pictures together. Just behind is one of Seville's most emblematic gardens, park Maria Luisa, which houses the most splendid statues and small fountains. Sit down on one of the park's many grassy areas and enjoy a picnic under the shade of impressive trees. Sit down by the statue Glorieta de Bécquer, whose three women represent the three forms of love, the dreamy, the possessed and the lost.
Flamenco is the epitome of passion and love and Seville is one of the best places in Spain to experience it. If you are intrigued by this iconic dance, take either a weekend course or a few private lessons at one of the city's flamenco schools.
Walk around the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz and get lost in the romantic vibes of the cluttered streets full of charm and legend. In 1844, author José Zorrilla used one of these buildings as the base for one of fictional character Don Juan's meetings in Seville. This building is still located in Plaza de Los Venerables in the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz. Just to the right is one of the city's most romantic streets. Its correct name is Reinoso, but it is commonly referred to as "La Calle de Los Besos," "The street of kisses". The reason behind this is because the houses are so close together that you can stand on one balcony and kiss someone on their balcony, the opposite side of the street.
Stroll along the Guadalquivir River in the evening and watch the city come alive with a great atmosphere of people out in the streets enjoying tapas and drinks. Cross the river to the charming Triana neighbourhood; with the much-needed renovation in the early 2000s, the district is one of the city's most trendy and romantic areas.
Both locals and visitors go down to the Guadalquivir river and settle in one of the many cosy bars along the river bank at Calle Betis. Watch the sunset over Seville and admire the city lights reflecting on the water. Have dinner under the stars at LEVEL 5th, a rooftop restaurant located by the river.
Safety in Seville
In general, Seville is a very safe city. You will feel safe walking around the centre and the neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz, El Arenal, Macarena and Los Remedios during the daytime. However, one should pay attention to pickpockets. As in most cities around the main tourist attractions such as the cathedral, there can be trick thieves where tourists are offered a small branch of rosemary, which at first is free, but if you accept it, the “seller” nonetheless expects to get some kind of payment, whereby their companions see where you are keeping your money. Another trick that is often used is "the helper", where a "local" make the victim aware that they have bird's excrement on their clothes. "The Helper" proceeds to help with both water and cleaning wipes, while the victim is concerned with removing the bird clad, a conspirator steals the victim's valuables.
"As in most other big cities, it is recommended to travel in illuminated and busy streets in the evening and at night, avoiding unlit and empty streets as well as city parks. If you get lost and find yourself in an area where you do not feel safe, take a taxi. They are around all the time and the prices are low." tells writer and local guide Christine Stranne.