How To Spend A Weekend In Seville
Where To Stay
Corral del Ray
In the old quarter of Barrio Alfalfa five minutes from Seville Cathedral, Corral del Ray is a luxury boutique hotel set in a stylishly renovated 17th-century building. With a mix of ancient and modern styles, the bedrooms include original features such as wooden shutters, stucco walls and oak beams. doubles come with stylish en-suite marble bathrooms and beautiful views of the hotel garden. Junior suites have ample space and freestanding baths. Head up to the roof terrace to see the cathedral at night, and enjoy delicious Sevillian dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Rooms from £276 per night.
Visit CorralDelRay.com
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Commissioned by the King of Spain to host international dignitaries during the 1929 Expo, Hotel Alfonso XIII remains a cultural landmark. Following an extensive renovation, its distinguished architecture with Moorish detailing showcases native Andalusian design – the interiors are chic and simple. Our favourite spots include the art-deco Bar Americano, the suntrap courtyard of the San Fernando restaurant and the large tree-lined pool.
Rooms from £440 per night.
Visit Marriott.com
Triana House
This luxury hotel is right in the centre of the historic Triana area and counts the cathedral and Tower of Gold as its neighbours. It doesn’t get much more boutique than this – there are only three bedrooms and each of them is beautifully designed with plenty of local details, from the tiling to the plants on the terrace – which is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine.
Visit TrianaHouse.com
Unuk Soho
Around the corner from the historic Plaza de La Encarnación, this modern hotel is a great choice for a girls’ holiday thanks to its proximity to the nightlife in Alfalfa. The hotel is spread across two buildings: a traditional Sevillian house and an industrial style property, both of which now have sleek interiors and excellent facilities. Guests can swim on the rooftop pool, relax in the solarium (the suntrap terrace) and try traditional Andalusian recipes at the restaurant. There are 39 rooms, including junior suites and Experience rooms with outdoor hot tubs.
Rooms from £200 per night.
Visit UnukHotel.com
Hotel Palacio de Villapanés
Palacio de Villapanés recently underwent a multimillion-euro renovation, easing the once stone palace out of the 18th century and into the 21st. Plenty of original property features remain – including marble columns, iron gates, wooden doors and vaulted ceilings – but the rest of the property has been updated with impressive tech and a wellness spa. Elsewhere, suites and rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows and freestanding baths in marble en-suites. Guests can make use of the outdoor plunge pool and roof terrace, and enjoy drinks and tapas at the bar.
Rooms from £250 per night.
Visit MrAndMrsSmith.com
Palacio Bucarelli
If you’d rather have a bit more space for a longer trip, Palacio Bucarelli houses a group of apartments in Seville's trendy San Lorenzo district. The building itself dates back the 17th century and was once home to the Bucarelli family. After a slick update, it now has 15 spacious apartments full of antique furniture, four-poster beds and bright Sevillian-inspired interiors. Ideal for small groups or families, apartments have a small kitchenette and sofa bed for little ones. During the summer months, guests can take a dip in the courtyard plunge pool, and enjoy tapas at the nearby restaurant Eslava.
From £125 per night.
Visit I-Escape.com
Hotel Casa De Indias
This new boutique hotel is one of the most affordable options on this list, and it’s in an excellent location. On the old quarter’s Plaza de las Setas, Medinaceli Palace, the Palace of Dueñas and the Santa Cruz district are all within walking distance. Rooms are bright and airy with modern interiors, crisp bedlinen and exposed brick walls. The hotel also has two terraces, one with breakfast service and a cafeteria, the other on the rooftop with a bar, sundeck, swimming pool, relaxation area and spectacular views of the Plaza de las Setas.
Rooms from €74 per night.
Visit Intur.com
Hospes Las Casas Del Rey de Baeza
This boutique hotel is tucked away in the narrow streets of Seville’s old town. The building itself dates back to the 18th century and many of the original features are intact, including its terracotta, white and ochre exterior. Inside, the interiors are cool and contemporary with white-washed walls, marble bathrooms and modern furniture. Guests can help themselves to baskets of Seville’s famous oranges in the courtyard, bask in the sunshine on the rooftop and swim in the pool. There’s also a small on-site spa and restaurant serving classic Andalusian cuisine.
Rooms from £155 per night.
Visit MrAndMrsSmith.com
Where To Eat & Drink
Petit Comite
This stylish family bistro is where locals gather for hearty meals, served in a traditional Sevillian dining room. Filled with interesting artwork and original floor tiles, it’s a cosy restaurant with friendly staff. Diners can choose from the tapas menu or order larger plates like pumpkin and duck risotto, braised pork cheeks, octopus with truffle and egg yolk, and beef meatballs.
Visit PetitComiteSevilla.es
ConTenedor
This traditional Sevillian establishment calls itself a ‘slow food restaurant’, meaning it uses local, seasonal ingredients and diners are encouraged to settle in for hours with jugs of sangria. You can watch tapas and larger sharing dishes being prepared in the open kitchen – menu highlights include duck rice with crispy salad, lamb chops will grilled figs, and baby octopus with avocado and grilled veg.
Visit RestauranteContenedor.com
The Corner House
One of the most stylish rooftop bars in the city, this hidden spot is at the top of the Corner House hotel in Plaza Alameda de Hércules. Guests can sit on rattan chairs, comfy sofas or beanbags to watch the goings on in the buzzing square below. Choose from classic cocktails, cava, spritzers and an extensive selection of wine.
Visit TheCornerHouseVilla.com
Las Teresas
Seville is all about sharing tapas with friends in the sunshine, and Las Teresas is a perfect example of this. Dishes are flavoursome and unfussy with generous portions of traditional fare, including charcuterie boards, grilled meats, salads and fried fish. Make like the locals and sit outside on the wonky street-side tables.
Visit LasTeresas.es
La Terraza at Hotel Doña María
This chic rooftop terrace has stunning views of La Giralda and beyond. Part of the historic Hotel Doña María, there’s a buzzy atmosphere in the evenings when tourists and locals flock to the bar for cocktails and sangria, as well as tasty bar snacks. From Wednesday to Saturday evenings, jazz, blues, flamenco and DJ sessions start at around 10pm.
Visit HDMaria.com
Seis
Easily one of the best restaurants in the city, Seis is on the ground floor of Hotel Inglaterra, on the corner of Plaza Nueva. Ideal if you want to enjoy tapas in a more sophisticated venue, it serves small plates and experimental cocktails against a backdrop of live music. Expect dishes like patatas bravas, chicken yakitori with sautéed bulgur wheat, ham croquettes with garlic aioli, and Mexican tostadas with octopus and shrimp.
Visit TuhogarFueraDeCasa.com
El Rinconcillo
El Rinconcillo is Seville’s oldest bar and has been serving tapas and wine since 1670. Inside, there are hanging hams, dark ceilings and ceramic tiles with a few tables for diners. One of the best tapas bars in the city, diners can choose from an authentic selection of dishes including homemade croquettes, Iberian tenderloin, gazpacho, and soft tortillas stuffed with fillings like manchego cheese, mushrooms, chorizo and wild asparagus. The bar also hosts regular tastings in its cellar where you can try a range of Spanish and world wines.
Visit ElRinconcillo.es
Bar La Cantina
For a quick pitstop in between sightseeing, make a beeline for Bar La Cantina in Plaza de Abasto. Here, you can relax with a glass of wine and some seafood – including calamari, fresh tuna and squid for a leisurely lunch. The staff write the daily menu on the tiles beside the wall, so there’s always something new to try.
Casa Cuesta
This neighbourhood restaurant was once frequented by local bullfighters, writers and artists. Inside, there are large plate-glass windows, flamenco memorabilia and ceramic tiles. Much like the décor, the food is traditional, spanning a range of authentic Andalusian dishes like battered fried hake, grilled seafood platters, salmon with black olives, and Iberian pork presa. You can also buy Spanish wines from the wine cellar.
Visit CasaCuesta.net
La Azotea
For something more upmarket, this stylish restaurant serves delicious seafood and Andalusian meat dishes in a contemporary Scandi-inspired dining room. Book a seat at the chef’s table to watch your meal being prepared, or sit in the main dining room to enjoy dishes like ibérico ham with pan tumaca, spicy blue fin tuna tacos with guacamole, steak tartare with carasau bread, baby clams sautéed with fried artichokes, and cod cheeks in pil pil sauce.
Visit LaAzoteaSevilla.com
Where To Shop
Wabi Sabi Shop & Gallery
This contemporary art gallery stocks works from local and Spanish artists. Expect to browse framed prints, ornaments and a selection of gifts and homeware. The gallery also hosts regular events and exhibitions. Look out for the ceramic plates and Murano glasses.
Rafa García Forcada
Rafa García Forcada is a contemporary womenswear designer who creates bohemian-inspired pieces. On Pérez Galdós in the city centre, his store offers everything from dresses and skirts to shoes and accessories. There are also pieces of artwork on sale, which Federico made himself.
Visit GarciaForcada.com
Cerámica Triana
Seville is famous for its ceramics, so if you’re after beautiful pieces for your home, make a beeline for Cerámica Triana. Instantly recognisable, the shop front is made from an impressive ceramic mosaic. Inside, you’ll find crockery, vases, custom-made pieces and one-off coffee sets you won’t find elsewhere. We love the pretty tapas plates and bowls.
Visit CeramicaTriana.com
Caotica Bookshop
This multilevel bookshop sells thousands of books, including non-fiction, novels, comics, travel guides and architecture guides. If you have little ones in tow, they can browse the children’s gallery above a wooden tree, while you look through the quirky gifts below. Downstairs there’s a small coffee shop selling hot drinks, juices and breakfast bites.
Visit Caotica.es
Libélula
Just a short walk from Plaza Nueva, this fashion emporium has a great selection for both men and women. With more than 20 Spanish designers to choose from, as well as unique fashion pieces from local Sevillian designers, it’s a great spot for souvenirs.
Visit LibelulaShop.com
Triana Market
This indoor bazaar is the place to pick up souvenirs and trinkets. On Plaza del Altozano, next to the Triana Bridge, the site was the castle of San Jorge during the 15th century. Today, visitors can find fresh fruit and veg, cheeses, charcuterie meats, flowers and street food.
Isadora
This womenswear shop has something for everyone. Browse new-season items from European brands like FKF, Soaked, Pepaloves, Nümph, Malahierba, PAN, Closca, Hilvah, then find vintage items in the pre-loved section. There’s also a small coffee shop if you want to stop while you shop.
Visit IsadoraShop.com
LOTHAR BORIS PILTZ/UNSPLASH
EDDY BOOM/ UNSPLASH
What To Do
Seville Cathedral
One of Seville’s most famous landmarks, its cathedral dates back to the early 15th century and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. It has an impressive bell tower, known as the Giralda, which houses the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus. Visitors can pay €3 for a guided tour of the cathedral or take a self-guided walk to learn about the history of the stained-glass windows.
Visit CatedraldeSevilla.es
Aire Ancient Baths
Walk a few steps from the cathedral to find the Aire Ancient Baths in Santa Cruz, a majestic Mudéjar-style palace with various underground baths with water at different temperatures. Ideal if you want a couple hours of rest and relaxation during a weekend, visitors can bathe in one of the thermal baths or book a massage. There are several packages to choose from, tailored for solo travellers and couples.
Visit BeAire.com
Monasterio de Santa Paula
This beautiful church has been home to Hieronymite nuns for over five centuries. Visitors can take tours of the church and see the permanent art exhibition, through which part of the cloisters can also be seen.
Metropol Parasol
Known locally as Las Setas (the Mushrooms), Metropol Parasol is one of Seville’s most famous landmarks. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, it was built in 2011 as a colossal sunshade for the city. Take a lift to the top to see beautiful city views then walk back down the winding walkway.
Visit SetasDeSevilla.com
Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza
This historic yellow and red site is Seville’s old bullfighting stadium. It’s the oldest ring in Spain and one of the biggest, with capacity for up to 14,000. Visitors can also learn about Spain’s deep-rooted bullfighting traditions without witnessing a fight.
Visit RealMaestranza.com
Parque de María Luisa
Parque de María Luisa is one the few public parks in the city, so it’s well worth a visit. Ideal for a long scenic walk, it stretches along the Guadalquivir River in the city’s green area and is full of tropical plants, palm trees and grand water features.
Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo Museum
Seville’s contemporary art museum hosts exhibitions by Andalusian and international artists, and also houses some unique permanent pieces. Visitors can see an extensive selection of porcelain objects and ceramics, as well as paintings and sculptures. Look out for Alicia by Cristina Lucas – a huge head and arm poking through two windows inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Visit Caac.es
Alcázar of Seville
This is the royal palace of Seville, but it was originally a fort back in 913 AD. A marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture, it’s been reimagined over 11 centuries and was most recently used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Book a guided tour to see the stunning palace interiors including Pedro I’s grand bedroom – just make sure to skip the queues by pre-booking tickets online.
Visit AlcazarSevilla.org
Barrio Santa Cruz
The Jewish quarter of the city is steeped in history. Home to several important sights, such as the Alcazar Palace and the Giralda Tower of the Cathedral (which you can climb to the top for fantastic city views) the neighbourhood is a maze of narrow streets and alleys.
Casa de la Guitarra
No trip to Seville is complete without a traditional flamenco show. Casa de la Guitarra is a small bar set in a historic 18th-century building in the Jewish quarter. Run by the award-winning guitarist José Luis Postigo, guests can experience a trio of highlights during one of the evening shows: dance, singing and guitar. It lasts around an hour, with three to four flamenco dancers each night.
Visit SevillaFlamenco.org
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