Deep in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, exists a city with a contagious love of life and dance – Seville. The artistic and financial capital of southern Spain rose to power in the 16th century as Europe’s gateway to the new world. Situated north of the Atlantic Ocean, at the Guadalquivir river, Sevilla, Seville, or Hispalis is a maze of Moorish-style houses, twisted streets, and small squares. Travelers spending one day in Seville can witness the vibrant cultural beauty achieved by centuries of political power changes and the blending of cultures. In other words, you’re in for quite a treat.
GUEST POST BY ROMI R.
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Plan your trip to Seville
1. Best Time to Visit Seville
2. A Few Facts About Seville
3. One Day in Seville Itinerary
3.1. Start Your Day With The Famous Seville Orange Juice
3.2. Wander The Santa Cruz District
3.3. Admire the Royal Alcázar
3.4. Visit One of The Museums
3.5. Have Lunch At Lonja Del Barranco Market
3.6. Check Out Plaza de Toros
3.7. Enjoy The Views from Metropol Parasol
3.8. Watch the Sunset at La Terraza de EME
3.9. Have Dinner at Calle Mateos Gago
3.10. Spend The Night Dancing With Sevillians
4. Where to Stay in Seville, Spain?
5. Best Day Trips From Seville
6. Extra Tips For Visiting Seville
Best Time to Visit Seville
The best time to visit Seville is from March to May, especially during Semana Santa or the Holy Week leading up to Easter. The weather for Semana Santa in Seville will be on your side while you get to experience one of the city’s largest annual festivals in action. You will see people in traditional robes and a parade of over 50 organized processions. The tradition has been going from the 16th century! Just two weeks later you can see Feria de Abril when Sevillians come out to eat, drink and dance.
Summers get extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, and you will have to spend a large portion of your day indoors while winters can get a lot of rain. For a traveler trying to visit Seville in one day, your best option is during the aforementioned Semana Santa.
However, consider also Feria de Abril. This is another huge festival in Seville, with various rides, tents, and flamenco everywhere. A great opportunity to experience something very special and authentic.
A Few Facts About Seville
– Seville is the birthplace of tapas – the small-portion dishes of Spanish cuisine.
– Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Amerigo Vespucci all sailed into the new world from Seville.
– Sevillians a very proud. They are, first and most important from Seville; secondly, from Andalusia; and only the remote third, from Spain.
– Plenty of popular movies are filmed in Seville such as Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven.
One Day in Seville Itinerary – Things to do in Seville, Spain
Whether you’re here on a one-day tour from Madrid or have decided to come to Spain specifically for this city, Seville has its share of impressive sights. From culture to food, from history to art here is what to see in Seville, Spain in one day. Follow this itinerary to find the best things to do and see in the city!
Start Your Day With The Famous Seville Orange Juice
Whether you’re arriving from the airport or on a bus you are likely to start your day at the Plaza de Armas bus station. The first thing you want to do is find a place to stay so you can leave your stuff and explore the rest of Seville in peace. There are a number of hotels in the area, but one that stands out due to its location and beauty is Hotel Amadeus & La Musica, you can check in and continue on your one day in Seville. Walk 10 minutes to La Cacharreria de Sevilla (Carlos Cañal location) for breakfast, fresh orange juice, or a fantastic coffee!
Wander The Santa Cruz District
Next, head to the Catedral de Sevilla and Giralda. You can’t miss the massive landmark, so it’s the easiest starting point. The final resting place of Christopher Columbus and a beautiful Gothic cathedral built in the 16th century will take your breath away! Go on the rooftop tour for a wholesome experience and a lesson in history. For a guided combo tour, book tickets here.
Make sure to check their website for hours of operation. Stroll amidst the cramped, narrow streets. Note the elegant flowered balconies, the decorated facades, and the hidden garden spaces tucked away. Take wonderful photos at Plaza de España, the elegant square in the middle of the city. Sit, rest, and watch the Flamenco dancers!
Admire the Royal Alcázar
Head to Royal Alcázar of Seville, the captivating royal palace built in Moorish style, with gorgeous gardens, arches, and fountains. Dating all the way to the 10th century, the compound started as a residential fortress for the Muslim Abbadid dynasty. In the 14th century, the Castilian Christians expanded the fairytale complex and the Royal Alcázar was expanded throughout history to the vision we witness today.
Alcázar is still a residence for the Spanish Royal family! Scattered fountains spread throughout the seductive gardens. The maze of pathways, patios, and secluded corners is sprinkled with charming orange trees. Grab a route map at the entrance if you’d like to plan your route, but it’s best to simply get lost. Buy your tickets online to avoid long wait times!
Visit One of The Museums
Don’t miss a chance to visit one of the many museums Seville has to offer. Since you’re spending one day in Seville, pick a museum according to your interest. Museo del Baile Flamenco offers a detailed look into the history and culture of flamenco, and you can even enjoy a live show. Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla is a contemporary art museum where you can see some of the masterpieces by Greco and Velazquez, perfect for all art lovers. History buffs can try Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla, the archeological museum located in Plaza de España (closed on Mondays).
Have Lunch At Lonja Del Barranco Market
Now that you’ve explored the major landmarks and museums, it’s time to treat yourself to a feast. Mercado Lonja Del Barranco is a two-floor gourmet food market where even the pickiest eater can satisfy their hunger.
Facing the Guadalquivir river, the area is bustling with stalls of seafood, fried fish, meats, pies, cheeses, and whatever you can think of. Food, however, is not the only thing you can indulge in. You can try wine or cocktails or see an art exhibition, cooking demonstration or live music!
Check Out Plaza de Toros
Just a three-minute walk from the market is the famous Plaza de Toros bullring. Bullfighting is unmistakably not for the faint of heart (or stomach), but it is a well-known tradition in Spain.
If you’re not feeling the event, you should still see the Plaza for its gorgeous architecture and the sense of grandeur. The on-site Bullfighting Museum helps travelers to understand the reasoning, history and the tradition of Bullfighting in Spain. Go in with an open mind and learn something new, that’s what travel is all about!
Enjoy The Views from Metropol Parasol
Next on your one day in Seville itinerary is Plaza de la Encarnacion where you must check out Metropol Parasol, a fascinating wooden structure consisting of six mushroom-shaped parasols (folding canopies). Finished in 2011, The Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden structure in the world! See the lower level and walk around Roman ruins and then step up and take in the massive size of the Metropol Parasol!
When you go all the way to the top of this astonishing sculpture in Seville, Spain you are around eight stories high. Plenty of room to walk around and savor the views of Seville, from all angles. You can even redeem your 4€ ticket for a drink at one of the cafes on top! For a virtual tour, book a ticket here.
Watch the Sunset at La Terraza de EME
Head back towards the Cathedral of Seville where you’ll find La Terraza de EME rooftop bar. A perfect way to end your sightseeing day. Watch the sun go down as the night lights slowly take over the city from the urban rooftop bar while you sip on a Sangria, a drink originating in Spain. Reflect on your one day in Seville and relax by the rooftop pool before heading out to dinner. Take your time because the restaurants don’t open until 9!
Have Dinner at Calle Mateos Gago
Head to Mateos Gago street where you can indulge in tapas. On most menus, you’ll see these columns: tapas, media raciones (half plates) and raciones (full plates). These are simply three serving sizes of practically the same dish. Media raciones and raciones are meant to be shared, and tapas are generally individually sized, although many people share tapas among close friends or family.
Out of the many restaurants, it’s hard to pick where to go, luckily we can recommend a few. Taberna Belmonte is a fantastic choice for all seafood and wine lovers. Vegetarians will love Taberna Álvaro Peregil and if you’re looking for unique decor, try La Sacristía Tapas.
Spend The Night Dancing With Sevillians
Everywhere you go you’ll experience the city’s vibrant life and dance culture. Head to El Arenal district where you can witness live flamenco shows and explore many bars and tavernas. Check out Tablao El Arenal! If you want to extend your dancing until the early morning hours and you happen to find yourself in Seville on a weekend, head to Sala Cosmos, where you can dance until 7 am! If you’re looking for a central and comfortable hotel near the nightlife areas, check out the dazzling Hotel Fernando III.
Where to Stay in Seville, Spain?
There are a few options for accommodation near Seville Airport, but the center is so close and compact that you can get the best out of your one day in Seville with the accommodation in the center. These are the best places to stay in Seville:
Hotel Amadeus & La Musica
Farnesio, 6, Old Town, 41004 Seville
Music lovers will adore this quaint hotel with a library of CDs (the now vintage items) and a decor dedicated to the love of classical music, art, and beauty. You can relax on the rooftop terrace and stay close to the action of the Old Town. The welcome drink is a nice way to start your one day in Seville, while the proximity of all attractions is great for those looking to manage their time wisely.
Hotel Fernando III
San José, 21, Old Town, 41004 Seville
In the Santa Cruz district, Hotel Fernando III is right next to the Seville Cathedral. Tapas, wine, and sangria and a gorgeous rooftop pool make this hotel the travelers’ favorite. Lovers of luxurious comfort and gorgeous views will have the best time here! The spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the city will set a standard for all your future travels!
Hotel Derby Sevilla
Plaza del Duque, 13, Old Town, 41002 Seville
Hotel Derby Sevilla is right in the historic heart of the city, so the location couldn’t possibly be better. Great food, a wonderful interior, and very comfortable rooms guarantee plenty of rest, and the rooftop terrace provides spectacular views of the city. On top of all that, the service is impeccable. No wonder every guest who stays here leaves satisfied. Everything you need for a pleasant stay in Seville is there!
room7 Salvador Hostel
Buiza y Mensaque 2, Old Town, 41004 Seville
A budget-friendly and comfortable hostel in the center of Sevilla, room 7 Salvador Hostel, is fantastic for travelers looking to enjoy the lively atmosphere and meet new people! The rooftop terrace is a great place to meet new like-minded friends while the proximity of the Old Town is perfect for those short on time.
Best Day Trips From Seville
If you’re spending more than one day in Seville, you might want to consider setting up a day trip or two to get to know this part of Spain better. There are some truly fascinating places around, so heading there can add a whole lot to your trip and make you fall in love with Spain even more. Here are a few suggestions on where to head out.
Granada
Book a one day trip from Seville to Granada. The drive takes around two hours. The city stretches under the gorgeous mountain range of Sierra Nevada, surrounded by four rivers. Once you’re in Granada, visit the Moorish Alhambra palace complex. Tour the Medieval Moorish quarter of the Albaicín, stroll through the gorgeous streets bursting with flowers and graffiti art. Find the mysterious walled gardens called Carmens. Granada was a Muslim kingdom for 800 years but so many groups of people lived in the city. Explore the sites and try the tapas. You can never have too many tapas!
Cádiz
Just an hour south of Seville lies Cádiz, the oldest settlement in Europe! Surrounded by the sea from all sides, this port city is a gorgeous location for romantic getaways. If you happen to find yourself in Cádiz in February, you’ll witness the massive 10-day carnival! The famous poet Lord Byron was one of the notable Cádiz lovers, he lived in both Seville and Cádiz. Once you’re in Cádiz, try the fresh fish at the La Viña fishing quarter, swim on one of the beaches, or explore its ancient history. Cat lovers can check out the colony of cats that live along the waterfront. Cádiz is also famous for its watchtowers, it has around 100 of them!
Aracena
Head one hour north of Seville and visit the typical Andalusian village Aracena with whitewashed rooftops contrasting the green background. Tour the beautiful cave complex Gruta de las Maravillas where you can see the hall of diamonds, emeralds, and shells. Visit the 13th-century Aracena castle overlooking the village, the Church of Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor, or the seven-hall ham museum. You can experience the true essence of Andalusia in Aracena, so don’t miss a chance to visit this quaint little village!
Carmona
Carmona is a wonderful little town only about an hour from Seville. Not only is it incredibly picturesque, but it also has a variety of very well-preserved ruins from ancient Rome. In addition, the town also offers some pretty spectacular views. So, if you want to get away from the big city, do some exploring, and generally set up an interesting and eventful day trip from Seville, heading to Carmona is definitely one of the best decisions you could possibly make!
Extra Tips For Visiting Seville
- Siesta or “nap time” means everything shuts down in the afternoon from 2 pm to 5 pm, so plan accordingly. Restaurants open even later, around 9 or 10 pm, but everything stays open later in the night.
- To avoid crowds, try to purchase tickets to all attractions in advance. You can buy everything online!
- The city is best explored on foot, so if you’re arriving with a car, park it at your hotel and walk the rest of your one day in Seville.
- Like any other tourist city, Seville offers you the option to buy a card that makes sightseeing and public transport more affordable – Sevilla Card is worth looking into.
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Romi R.
Romi is a llama coach from Split, Croatia. This sounds made up but it’s true. She lived in Toronto, Canada for about ten years, give or take, but she wasn’t working with llamas. She was working in PR, restaurants, daycares, one yoga clothing store. She doesn't know how she got that job as she has never done yoga at that point. She taught English in Colombia and Vietnam. Traveled the world for two years. Then she got into writing. Actually, she was always writing, but then someone paid her to write. Then more people paid because they saw she was making them money. Then it became a thing she does for a living. And here we are now. Specializing in travel, real estate, and digital nomad guides, familiar with SEO, and always ready to learn something new so she can branch out and take over the world.