Your Seville Travel Guide - International Traveller

In the heart of Andalusia, expect time to slow down and the flamenco beat to pick up.

While it might not get the number of visitors that Barcelona or Madrid receives, Seville has to be one of the best – and most stunning – cities to visit on the Iberian Peninsula.

Visigoth, Muslim and Spanish-Christian cultures have all made their mark on this city, contributing to the renowned Seville’s unique aesthetic. And with fame among travellers for sunny days spent sipping sangria and nights in crowded flamenco and tapas bars, what’s there not to like?

From streets perfumed with bitter orange trees to endless, untroubled gardens, here is what to see, do and eat in Seville.

Getting to Seville

Seville is in southern Spain in the Andalusian region. The closest airport is Seville (SVQ) Airport. From there, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride, or a short bus ride, to the city centre.

If you are coming from Madrid, the train takes you around three hours and the bus around six hours. From Barcelona, the train is six hours.

the city skyline of Seville, Spain — Seville is one of the most stunning cities to visit on the Iberian Peninsula. (Image: Sean Pavone via Getty Images)

While in Seville, you can also spend a day or two in the nearby town of Córdoba to check out its Moorish architecture, in particular the red and white arches of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.

Stare in awe at the Moorish architecture of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. (Image: @girlwithredhat)

Further afield, Granada – home to the Alhambra palace – is three hours by car or three-and-a-half hours by high-speed train.

the columns of Alhambra palace in Granada — The Alhambra overlooks the city of Granada. (Image: MarcoRof via Getty Images)

Top tips for visiting Seville

A top Seville travel tip is to book your trip here off-peak in spring, late autumn or winter, and consider spending at least four days here to appreciate the sights while taking a chance to slow down in this relaxed city. Events like Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Feria de Abril (April Fair) might see prices rise.

Another tip before you arrive is to learn a few Spanish phrases or download Spanish on your Google Translate app, as English is not spoken by everyone – particularly by waiters running to take your tapas order during the lunch rush hour.

Also, go with the flow. One resident bocadillo shop owner gave me this underrated insider tip as he spread mouth-wateringly fatty and salty morcilla onto fresh bread: “Sit and enjoy your lunch instead of eating on the go – it’s not Madrid! Here people relax, enjoy and take it slow."

a bocadillo and jamon shop in Seville, Spain — Make a pitstop at a bocadillo shop. (Image: Thomas Vogel)

Things to do in Seville

The best way to explore Seville is a stroll as the city is very walkable. Otherwise, ride-sharing apps like Uber, tram, bus and bicycle rental, are available.

a bicycle parked on the side of a post in Seville, Spain — Explore Seville on a bicycle. (Image: Arslan Ahmed)

Royal Alcázar of Seville

On your first day in Seville, you will see the winding queue for those who have booked – or are looking to book – the Royal Alcázar of Seville. You might think, as I did, is a visit to these Moorish gardens worth it?

One thousand per cent. Minimise the wait to get into these unfolding, serene gardens and Mudéjar-style (Gothic-meets-Islamic aesthetic style) rooms by booking a time slot for Alcázar ahead of time. Make sure to bring your ID (I didn’t make the rules).

the external garden view of the Royal Alcázar of Seville — Stroll along the manicured gardens in the Royal Alcázar of Seville. (Image: biriberg via Getty Images)

Seville Cathedral

It isn’t hard to spot the Seville Cathedral, or Catedral de Sevilla, from here. If it wasn’t literally opposite the gardens, the Giralda bell tower – once a minaret when the Christian place of worship was a mosque – is over 100m tall.

the Giralda of Sevilla Cathedral — The Giralda is the bell tower of Catedral de Sevilla. (Image: MEDITERRANEAN via Getty Images)

Again, if you want to visit this grand mosque turned gothic cathedral, it is best to book ahead.

the Seville Cathedral and Triumph Square — Seville Cathedral is a mosque turned gothic cathedral. (Image: Vladislav Zolotov via Getty Images)

Barrio de Santa Cruz

Along with the outside of the Cathedral and the Royal Alcázar, most Seville walking tours will take you into the narrow streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter.

the orange tree-lined street in the Barrio Santa Cruz district of Seville, Spain — Orange trees are lined along the streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz. (Image: Kirk Fisher via Getty Images)

Plaza de España

From here, you may make your way past the opulent 1920s King Alfonso XIII Hotel, the old Royal Tobacco Factory, where Carmen from the opera ‘Carmen’ was supposed to be a cigarrera girl and end at the Plaza de España.

You undoubtedly will find the square, with the sun-sparkled moats lining the pavements spotted with honeymooners on boats sailing under the bridges, fountains and its wonderful pastiche of Neo-Mudéjar, Art-Deco and Spanish Baroque and Renaissance-style grand buildings.

the Plaza de España in Seville — While away the hours at the Plaza de España. (Image: alvarez via Getty Images)

But the Plaza de España is still a place of civic interaction, be that locals spending the morning relaxing with their families or protesting local laws.

the colourful ceramics in Plaza de España — The Plaza de España is decorated with colourful ceramics. (Image: Yassine Nacif)

Parque de María Luisa

Afterwards, take a break from the heat at the seriously underrated and under-visited Parque de María Luisa a few minutes’ walk away. It is a true paradise, with Mudejár-style archways, glowing tiled benches, whimsical fountains shaped from everything from frogs to birds, and afternoons spent on soft grass underneath orange trees.

Setas de Sevilla

At sunset, make your way to the Setas de Sevilla – commonly known as Las Setas or The Mushrooms.

Las Setas or The Mushrooms in Seville, Spain — Las Setas is one of the world’s largest wooden sculptures. (Image: Darwin Vegher)

While you can drop cash to ascend one of the world’s largest wooden sculptures and watch the sunset from the top, one of my favourite things to do here was to sit with a beer and watch the twisting sails turn nectarine shades of orange-pink from below.

an aerial view of Setas de Sevilla — Setas de Sevilla is stunning from above. (Image: Marcelo Kunze)

Watch a flamenco show

Now, it’s time for flamenco. Originally a tradition that emerged from the gitano or Romani-Andalusian culture, it has become inseparable from Seville. Today, watching a flamenco show at one of the city’s tablaos (flamenco bars) is the top cultural and nightlife experience in Seville and the wider Andalusia region.

These experiences range from tablaos like the hidden away La Carbonería bar, where entry to the old coal warehouse is simply a promise to buy a drink and not take photos, to ticketed flamenco venues.

flamenco dancers behind bars — You can’t skip a flamenco show in Seville. (Image: Stephan Valentin)

Best places to eat in Seville

Oftentimes, the best thing to do on a Seville itinerary is chill in a square to eat and drink with new friends you’ve met in this warm city.

What to eat and drink in Seville?

Any Seville food guide will stress the importance of trying out gazpacho and salmorejo (cold tomato soups), plates of rabo de toro (bull’s tail) and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas).

a fresh tomato soup in white ceramic bowl — Dig into a gazpacho or salmorejo. (Image: Rixipix via Getty Images)

There is also tapas: including cured Jamón ibérico, the egg-based huevos a la flamenca, fried and marinated fish, ensaladilla rusa (potato salad), the ever-popular croquetas and many more dishes than you could ever possibly try.

For a sweet treat, you have to try pestiños, a deep-fried dough flavoured with orange, lemon and aniseed-flavoured olive oil, which is thought to be related to Moorish cuisine.

a close-up shot of pestiños — Deep-fried pestiños are delicious. (Image: nito100 via Getty Images)

If you’re on the go, there are plenty of bocadillo (sandwich) shops. Try to get one that is made fresh in front of you, rather than stacked up in the window.

To drink there is the sherry-based manzanilla, which is often mixed with lemonade, becoming rebujito. Alternatively, tinto de verano is a popular mix of red wine and lemonade – as opposed to the world-famous sangría: a jug of fruity wine, lemons, oranges and seasonal fruits, as well as a soft drink and a touch of liquor.

For something a little different, try the strong and sweet vino de Naranja or orange wine.

a close-up shot of ham and tortilla bocadillo — Grab a freshly-made sandwich. (Image: CrisRG via Getty Images)

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Where to eat and drink in Seville?

Dating back to 1670, El Rinconcillo is well worth the hype. This tapas bar meets restaurant is the oldest in the city, with tables and standing room available.

a person riding a bicycle passing by El Rinconcillo, Seville — El Rinconcillo is the oldest tapas bar in Seville.

Around a minute’s walk from the Catedral de Seville and the Alcázar Gardens, is Bar Casa Morales. Close to major attractions, the crowded bar, fast service of the dozens and dozens of different tapas, and fast turnover of old men patrons being enthusiastically greeted with cheek kisses by the staff before settling in with a lunchtime feed, is a total vibe.

For something a bit calmer and more intimate, Bar Alfalfa restaurant is one of the top-rated in the city. It can be hard to get in though: its compact nature means limited seating.

Note, Sevillenas eat late, with tapas places heaving up until around 11pm and often closing an hour or two later.

If you want to cook for yourself – or just have a coffee in a truly southern Spanish environment – stop by Mercado de Triana or Mercado Feria. The former is across the bridge in the up-and-coming, more local-neighbourhood Triana neighbourhood, while the Mercado Feria is near Las Setas.

a fruit stall in a mercado in Seville — Shop for fresh produce in one of the famous mercados in Seville. (Image: adisa via Getty Images)

For drinks, pick up and throw a Seville orange blindfolded, and you’ll hit a good bar. The best thing to do is take a stroll, perhaps ending up somewhere like the club and bar-spotted Alameda de Hércules square and pick what takes your fancy.

If you’re determined to have an impressively upmarket drink, the pricey-per-night Hotel Alfonso XIII – a luxury accommodation popular with celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Madonna – serves less pricey drinks.

the banquet hall at Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville — Step into the luxe and opulent Hotel Alfonso XIII.

Where to stay in Seville

Seville is home to some of the most romantic and historical accommodations around, with palatial architecture centring on Mudejár-style marble courtyards, complete with water fountains and tropical-looking potted plants.

the top view of the courtyard at Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, Seville — Mudejár-style marble courtyards with water fountains are classic in Seville.

Take Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. The once 18th-century palace, where the shield of the former family impresses on you the building’s long history as you climb the marble-like staircase to the upper floors.

the rooftop pool at Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, Seville — Cool down at Hotel Palacio de Villapanes’ rooftop pool.

When it comes to kicking back at the luxury hotel, there are plenty of delicately rendered options, and you will need at least a two-night stay to appreciate them all with the respect they deserve.

the Puerta Bar at Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, Seville — The hotel stands out with its palatial architecture.

First, there is the intimate and unusual courtyard downstairs, where a whole wall is embedded with whorls of soft pink and white shells. Tables for two – or one with a good book – are scattered underneath.

the Patio delos Naranjos in Hotel Palacio de Villapanes — Hotel Palacio de Villapanes has an intimate courtyard.

Next to the bar – with its 18th-century polished wood floors, deep pink walls, velvety cushions, and distressed mirror-lined alcove room – is a larger outdoor space for bigger groups, and a rooftop pool with views over the entire city.

the elegant interior of Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, Seville — Soak in Spanish elegance at Hotel Palacio de Villapanes.

The boutique hotel has 50 rooms that range from deluxe to palace and luxury. And if you’re lucky enough to be here during Holy Week, some rooms even look over the celebrations at Plaza Jesús de la Redención, right underneath their windows.

one of the suites in Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, Seville — Settle into one of its elegant rooms.

The writer was hosted by Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Tourism Spain.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

The ultimate Seville travel guide