Seville holidays

Visit the world's biggest gothic cathedral, Renaissance architecture and regal palaces. The Alcazar of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has exquisite Moorish design and lush gardens. Adjacent to the Alcazar is the towering Giralda bell tower. Ascend its spiralling ramps for panoramic views of the city. 

For music lovers, Seville holidays offer plenty of clubs where you can move to the soul-stirring rhythms of flamenco. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic Triana neighbourhood, where flamenco's roots run deep. Intimate ‘tablaos’ (flamenco venues) feature passionate performances where dancers, guitarists and singers converge to express raw emotion through music and movement.

A city break in Seville offers plenty of opportunities to explore landscaped gardens and arboretums. If you’re craving respite from the bustle, you can wander through lush greenery and fragrant blooms along shaded paths. Visit Parque de Maria Luisa for ornate architecture and towering palms. To learn about Andalusian plant life, check out biodiversity sanctuary Arboretum El Carambolo.

Once the heart of the city’s medieval core, Santa Cruz is where to stay in Seville for all the tourist highlights. Here, you'll find cobbled alleys dotted with souvenir shops, whitewashed buildings and hidden plazas adorned with orange trees. Duck into a tapas bar for octopus and Iberian ham and explore landmarks such as the majestic Seville Cathedral and the Alcazar of Seville. 

Good for: Shopping, tapas, architecture

Alameda de Hercules is the best neighbourhood to stay in Seville for boho vibes and arty spaces. Originally laid out in the 16th century, this lively district has undergone a renaissance in recent years, attracting a creative community of artists, musicians and designers. Explore the tree-lined promenade of Alameda de Hercules for trendy cafes, boutiques and street art installations.

Good for: Street art, food, music

Cross the Puente de Isabel II bridge to discover the vibrant neighbourhood of Triana, a hub of Andalusian culture. Explore the narrow cobbled streets lined by traditional ceramic workshops and taverns serving stewed pork cheek. Stroll along the riverfront promenade for dreamy views of the Guadalquivir River and the Torre del Oro landmark tower.

Good for: Culture, food, walking

Parks, museums and wildlife offer interesting things to do with family in Seville. Dive into wave pools, ride slides and relax on a natural sand beach at Isla Magica park. Spot turtles at the Seville Aquarium and visit the Bioparc, where exotic animals roam in natural habitats. Green spaces like Parque de Maria Luisa are also ideal for picnics and playtime.

Shopping in Seville is a real highlight with its blend of shopping streets, high-end department stores and small boutiques. Calle Sierpes is one of Seville's most well-known shopping areas, packed with fashion stores and souvenir shops. Calle Tetuan is where you'll find cafes and Spanish chain stores Oysho, Stradivarius and Bershka. For ceramics and fresh produce, head to Mercado de Triana.

If you love culture, enjoy the many galleries and museums in Seville. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville, home to a vast collection of works by renowned Spanish artists such as Velasquez, Murillo and Zurbaran. The Flamenco Dance Museum offers immersive exhibits and live performances showcasing Spanish dance. Stop by the Archaeological Museum to see artefacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era.

The nightlife in Seville has an electric mix of entertainment and traditional music. Tapas bars and flamenco ‘tablaos’ line the narrow streets of the historic centre. For late-night dancing, head to Plaza de la Alameda with its trendy bars and outdoor terraces. Triana's riverside bars and cafes are where locals gather for tapas and spontaneous flamenco performances.

Many restaurants in Seville serve traditional tapas and Andalusian specialities like Iberian ham, chickpea stew and crispy fried fish. Head to Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas for ‘patatas bravas’ (fried potatoes) and grilled chorizo paired with local sherry. Try the city's signature dish ‘gazpacho’ (chilled tomato soup) and feast on succulent pork cheeks known as ‘carrillada’ at Casa Morales.

There are many free things to do in Seville if you’re on a budget. Stretch your legs along the banks of the Guadalquivir River and admire landmarks like Torre del Oro. For art lovers, Hospital de los Venerables offers free admission to its Spanish Golden Age paintings collection. Time your visit to Plaza de Espana right and you can catch free flamenco performances.