Explore Seville and Andalusia: Our Curated Local Recommendations

Late April is one of the loveliest times to experience Seville. The city is in full spring - warm days in the low-to-mid 20s, orange blossom scenting the old streets, and the long, intense summer heat still comfortably ahead. It's an ideal moment to wander the old town, linger over tapas, and explore everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

To help you make the most of your stay, we've gathered a selection of Seville's essential sights, culinary highlights, and local experiences. Whether it's your first visit or a return to discover more, these suggestions will help you experience the best of the city and its surroundings - including a few quieter corners for those who like to wander off the main routes.

Cultural Attractions

Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Climb the Giralda - a former Almohad minaret - by gentle ramps for sweeping views over the old town.

Real Alcázar
The oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, a dazzling blend of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance design. Lose yourself in the Patio de las Doncellas and the lush, fountain-filled gardens.

Plaza de España
Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this grand tiled semicircle with its canal and rowing boats is one of the most photographed spots in Spain.

Metropol Parasol ("Las Setas")
The world's largest wooden structure, with a rooftop walkway winding above the rooftops - best at sunset - and Roman ruins preserved in the basement.

Barrio de Santa Cruz
The former Jewish quarter: a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes, orange trees, and hidden plazas, perfect for an aimless evening stroll.

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza
One of Spain's oldest and most beautiful bullrings, a Baroque landmark on the river with an absorbing museum.

Culinary Experiences

The Art of Tapas
Seville is the spiritual home of the tapeo - hopping from bar to bar, small plate by small plate. Don't look for a single big meal; graze your way across the city.

Local Specialties
Try salmorejo (a thick chilled tomato soup), espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas), pescaíto frito (lightly fried fish), solomillo al whisky, and, of course, top-quality jamón ibérico.

Iconic Spots
El Rinconcillo, founded in 1670, is said to be the oldest tapas bar in Seville and worth a visit for the setting alone. For modern, award-winning tapas, Eslava is a local favourite.

Sweet Treats & Markets
Sample convent-made sweets like yemas de San Leandro, or churros with thick chocolate. Browse the Triana Market or the riverside Lonja del Barranco food hall for local flavour.

Food & Tapas Tours
A guided tapas tour is an easy way to taste widely and learn the customs behind the food.

Unique Experiences & Hidden Gems

Flamenco
Seville is a heartland of flamenco. Seek out an intimate venue such as Casa de la Memoria for an authentic performance, or explore Triana, the genre's traditional cradle.

The Guadalquivir River
See the city from the water on a short cruise or kayak, and catch the sunset from the Triana bridge.

Casa de Pilatos
A breathtaking 16th-century Andalusian palace - arguably as beautiful as the Alcázar, with a fraction of the crowds.

Aire de Sevilla
Unwind in an Arab-style bathhouse set within a restored old-town building.

Triana Ceramics
Cross the river to Triana for its centuries-old ceramics workshops and the Centro Cerámica Triana.

Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Book the Cathedral and Alcázar for early morning - cooler, quieter, and far more atmospheric.

Beyond Seville: Easy Day Trips

Córdoba
The extraordinary Mezquita-Catedral is around 45 minutes away by high-speed AVE train - an easy and unforgettable day trip.

Itálica (Santiponce)
Roman ruins just outside the city, including one of the largest amphitheatres in the empire (and a filming location - see below).

Jerez de la Frontera
Sherry bodegas and the famous dancing horses of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.

Cádiz
One of Europe's oldest cities, with Atlantic beaches and a relaxed seafaring charm.

Ronda
A dramatic town split by a deep gorge and spanned by a spectacular bridge, home to one of Spain's oldest bullrings.

Seville on Screen

Seville has long been a favourite of filmmakers, and fans of two of the world's biggest franchises will find familiar ground here.

Game of Thrones - The Kingdom of Dorne
The Real Alcázar was chosen to bring the Water Gardens of Dorne to life - the home of House Martell - across Seasons 5 and 6. Filming took place in four parts of the palace: the Ambassadors' Hall, Mercury's Pool, the Baths of María de Padilla, and the gardens. A short trip outside the city, the Roman ruins of Itálica became the Dragonpit in Season 7, hosting the dramatic summit between Daenerys, Jon Snow, and Cersei, while the Royal Shipyards of Seville featured in the final season. 

Star Wars - The Planet of Naboo
The sweeping Plaza de España appeared as the palace of Naboo in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones - walk its semicircular gallery and you're treading the same ground as Padmé and Anakin.

Classic Cinema
The Alcázar has also stood in for grand historical epics, including Lawrence of Arabia and Kingdom of Heaven.

Guided Tours
Several local operators run dedicated Game of Thrones tours combining the Alcázar and Itálica, with guides who point out the exact filming angles.

Fun Fact: Oberyn Martell, the Dornish prince at the heart of the Alcázar's scenes, is played by Pedro Pascal.