Planning a trip to Seville? Discover 7 insider tips I wish I’d known on my first visit! From timing your trip to savouring flamenco, here’s how to experience Seville like a pro.
By Liza S. | Updated 27 Nov 2024 | Seville | Cities |
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Seville is one of those cities that instantly captures your heart, and as someone who first visited solo back in 2013, I can say that this city has a way of pulling you back time and time again.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few insider tips—some learned the hard way—that can make a big difference in how you experience Seville.
In this article, I’m sharing my personal insights to help you navigate the unique rhythms of the city, from understanding the local tapas culture to planning your day trips. Whether it’s timing your visit just right or finding those hidden corners in Santa Cruz, these are the things I wish I’d known before I first set foot in this charming city.
Enjoy these seven essential tips, and get ready to fall in love with Seville!
When it comes to visiting Seville, timing really is everything.
I first visited in autumn, and it turned out to be the perfect season. The temperatures were comfortable—around 20-25°C (68-77°F)—which made wandering through the city’s charming streets and soaking up the sights so enjoyable. Autumn has this relaxed vibe, too, as the summer crowds have thinned but the city still has a warm, golden glow.
Spring is another fantastic time to visit. I always recommend it to friends because Seville truly comes to life with Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Feria de Abril.
Picture the whole city in bloom, with orange blossoms scenting the air, flamenco dancers in beautiful dresses, and a festive energy you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a time when Seville feels both vibrant and traditional—an experience you’ll never forget.
Now, summer—I’ll be honest, it’s not for the faint of heart.
With temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), it’s a challenge to enjoy sightseeing during the hottest part of the day. Locals avoid going out midday and take long siestas instead. If you’re visiting in summer, I suggest planning to sightsee in the early mornings and late evenings to avoid the intense summer heat.
And finally, winter in Seville is, in my opinion, very underrated. I’ve visited several times in winter and absolutely loved it. With average temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F), it’s mild compared to other parts of Europe.
The city takes on a cozy feel during the holiday season, with festive lights, outdoor markets, and fewer tourists—plus, you get to enjoy Seville at a more relaxed pace. Winter offers a peaceful way to experience the city’s charm without the rush.
Read more:
Tapas in Sevilla
Seville has its own rhythm when it comes to meals, and it took me a bit to adjust.
In Spain—and especially in Seville—dinner is much later than you might expect, usually around 9.00 or 10.00pm (or even later!). Some restaurants don’t even start serving until then, so if you’re used to eating earlier, it can be a bit of a surprise.
At first, I found it challenging to wait that long, but embracing the local schedule actually became one of my favourite parts of the trip.
The streets and plazas come alive in the evening, with locals heading out for a bite, meeting friends, and enjoying a leisurely pace. It’s a beautiful energy, and Seville feels even more vibrant at night.
If you’re hungry earlier, go for tapas! Many bars start serving around 7.00pm, so it’s a great way to try some local flavours while tiding yourself over until dinnertime. Plus, tapas hopping lets you sample a variety of dishes, so it’s both filling and fun.
Embrace the later dining hour, and you’ll be living like a true Sevillano in no time.
One thing I learned on my first visit to Seville: book ahead for the major sights!
I didn’t reserve tickets in advance for the Real Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, and I ended up stuck in some seriously long lines. Let’s just say standing in the sun for an hour wasn’t the best way to start exploring!
Booking your tickets online means you can skip the main lines and head straight in—especially helpful in busy seasons like spring and autumn. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and energy.
Book your tickets in advance here:
On that first visit, I also decided to DIY my sightseeing, thinking I’d just read about each place as I went.
While it was fine, I realised I was missing out on so much of the history and hidden details. In hindsight, I wish I’d booked a guided tour, especially for the Alcázar and the Cathedral. The stories and context really bring these places to life, and a guide can point out things you’d probably miss on your own.
Look for small group or skip-the-line tours, which can make a big difference in busy places. You’ll get more out of the experience and walk away with a deeper understanding of Seville’s incredible history.
Here are my top 3 tour recommendations:
If you’re new to tapas culture, Seville might throw you a curveball with its unique ordering style.
On my first Seville visit, I didn’t realise that you can order different portion sizes at many places. It’s worth knowing these terms:
On my first night, I was too shy to use my minimal Spanish to ask the waiter about the different portions and ordered only tapas portions.
Over time, I learned to mix it up—maybe a media ración of espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and a few smaller tapas like croquetas or solomillo al whisky. This way, you get a good balance and can sample more without over-ordering or under-eating.
The variety in Seville’s tapas bars is amazing, so don’t be afraid to ask the server for recommendations… even if you don’t speak Spanish! Most of the time, they’re happy to help.
And remember, tapas is all about sharing and sampling—there’s no rush, so relax and enjoy the experience!
Insider Tip: For an awesome introduction to Seville’s food scene, I recommend taking a Seville food tour! I did my first one a few years ago and it completely made me a fan of these types of tours. I went on another one recently and you can read about my experience here.
Barrio Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is, without a doubt, my favourite neighbourhood in Seville.
Every time I visit, I find myself wandering back there, just to get lost in its maze of narrow, winding streets. There’s something magical about Santa Cruz—the whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, hidden plazas, and the unmistakable scent of orange blossoms that fills the air.
The joy of exploring this barrio is truly in just letting your feet take you where they may. Put away your map and don’t worry about finding a particular spot or street or landmark. Just… wander around.
On my second visit, I joined a Santa Cruz walking tour, and it added so much depth to my experience. The guide shared fascinating stories about this former Jewish quarter, pointing out hidden details and telling tales of past residents that you’d never find in a guidebook.
It was like peeling back layers of history, and it made me appreciate the neighbourhood on a whole new level.
If you’re planning to explore Santa Cruz, I highly recommend a walking tour to discover its unique history. But don’t be afraid to wander on your own, too—getting lost in Santa Cruz is part of the magic, and you’ll stumble upon some of Seville’s most enchanting spots!
I have to admit—on my very first visit to Seville, I actually didn’t go to a flamenco show. Honestly, I’m not even sure why! Thinking back, it feels like such a huge mistake.
I ended up catching a performance in Barcelona later in my trip, which, while enjoyable, wasn’t quite the authentic experience I’d heard about in Seville.
Since then, I’ve definitely made up for it! I’ve seen flamenco several times in Seville, and every time, it’s a powerful, moving experience that goes far beyond just a “show.” There’s something about the raw emotion, passion, and energy of flamenco in Seville that makes it unforgettable.
My personal favourite is Casa del Flamenco—it’s intimate, traditional, and you can feel the dedication of the performers. Check out my top flamenco recommendations in Seville.
In my opinion, Seville is the best place to watch flamenco in Spain. Watching flamenco here is like stepping into Andalucia’s soul, and it’s one experience you’ll remember long after you leave.
Setenil de las Bodegas, a unique white village near Seville
On my first visit to Seville, I took a day trip to Córdoba—and it was incredible!
The Mezquita alone made the trip worth it, and wandering Córdoba’s streets gave me a taste of Andalucia’s layered history.
But if you have a car, my top recommendation for a day trip is to explore some of the region’s white villages.
These charming, whitewashed towns—like Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Grazalema—offer a whole different side of Andalucia.
Perched on hillsides, surrounded by olive groves or tucked into the mountains, each village has its own character and stunning scenery. Exploring them feels like stepping into another world, with cobblestone streets, traditional Andalusian architecture, and panoramic views around every corner.
I didn’t get to experience the white villages on my first trip because I don’t drive, and it’s one of the things I still wish I’d done (don’t worry, I’ve since visited a whole bunch of them on a road trip with my partner!). I wish I had known about this tour of the white villages from Seville - I totally would’ve done it!
If you’re able to rent a car, take the opportunity to explore the Andalucian countryside—you’ll get a glimpse of rural life and scenery that’s totally unique to this region. It’s an unforgettable adventure just beyond Seville’s city limits!
Read about 10 prettiest white villages and 7 hidden gem white villages.
If you’re doing car-free travel in Andalucia, then check out these Seville day trips you can do without a car.
Seville is a city that truly stays with you, and I hope these tips help make your trip as unforgettable as mine have been.
From the lively tapas bars to the enchanting streets of Santa Cruz, and from the soulful flamenco to the nearby treasures just a short trip away, Seville has so much to offer. Embracing the local rhythms, knowing a few insider tricks, and being open to a bit of spontaneous wandering will make your time here even more special.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into Seville’s magic, my "Ultimate Seville" ebook is packed with even more insights, recommendations, and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip. Click here to check it out!
Here’s to an amazing Seville adventure— buen viaje!
Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are my favourite travel resources.
I usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!
To research transportation options around Spain, I like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, I recommend using Trainline.
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)
Looking for tours & activities in Andalucia? I usually use Get Your Guide to get tickets and book tours. Viator also has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. Our Viator Shop has my top recommendations, all in one place!
Guruwalk is my favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.
For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.
For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is my favourite borderless banking service. I love their debit card that's without fees and always use it when I travel.
Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. I personally use SafetyWing and you can get a no-obligation quote from SafetyWing here.
For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Airalo. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!
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Seville 3-Day Itinerary 
Visitors Guide to Seville City
Best Things to Do in Seville 
Seville Food Tour
Best Tours in Seville 
Archivo General de Indias
Archaeological Museum
