Choosing a favorite city in Andalusia is tough because each one has its own distinct magic. However, Seville is easily the city that captured my heart the most through everything it let me discover.
While you can look up standard top attractions in Seville anywhere, I want to share my personal Seville travel guide: my candid impressions, favorite memories, and what I consider the absolute best of Seville. While iconic stops like the Royal Alcázar of Seville and the Seville Cathedral are unmissable (make sure you book tickets well in advance to skip the massive lines!), Seville really shines in its street life, from wandering the historic alleys of Santa Cruz to exploring Triana across the river.
Best Place: Plaza de España at night
Visit Plaza de España after dark to skip the blistering daytime heat and see the illuminated arches reflected quietly in the water without the crowds.
This landmark is easily one of the best things to do in Seville, but it gets packed during the day. Finding an angle without crowds can be tricky, even though the plaza is gorgeous. The best secret is to visit Plaza de España Seville at night, when you feel like you have the entire monument to yourself. Visiting after dark also lets you escape the intense midday Andalusian heat during summer.
Under the warm golden lamplight, look down at the canal to see the glowing architecture reflected in the water. I strolled around here on my very first evening in town, and it was love at first sight. Let the photos show you just how magical it is!
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Best Restaurant: Vinería San Telmo
Order the mixed tapas platter for a generous, creative feast, and remember to book your table ahead to avoid a long wait during dinner hours.
Wondering where to eat in Seville tapas? You are spoiled for choice across the city, especially around the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood. We were simply looking for a bite close to our hotel, not expecting to stumble upon one of our favorite meals in town, and found Vinería San Telmo.
From the outside, it looks modest and unpretentious. The menu had so many tantalizing options that deciding was almost impossible, so we opted for the mixed tapas selection. We had no idea what specific dishes would arrive, but we love a delicious surprise!
At around 20 euros it initially seemed a bit steep, but the generous portions easily fed two or three people with exceptional quality and presentation. Reserve a table ahead of time if you can, otherwise you might face a wait of up to an hour during peak dinner hours.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm
Phone: +34 954 41 06 00
Address: Paseo de Catalina de Ribera, 4, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
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Best Bar: La Carbonería
Skip the expensive commercial shows and head to La Carbonería for raw, intimate flamenco performances where entry is free when you buy a drink.
Catching a flamenco performance is essential when visiting Seville, but many commercial tablaos feel overly polished and pricey. La Carbonería is a rustic neighborhood bar that hosts free live flamenco and local musical performances: you just grab a drink and soak up the lively ambiance.
When the music started, a local sitting right beside me began singing along and tapping his feet to the beat. That raw, informal energy made the entire room feel like part of the show.
Taking photos during the performance is strictly forbidden, which is actually a blessing. It lets you put your phone away and experience the passion of the dance firsthand.
Address: Calle Céspedes, 21, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Phone: +34 954 22 99 45
Open hours: 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
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Don’t hesitate to share your own favorite spots, tapas bars, and viewpoints in Seville or around the world by leaving a comment below or tagging #myhidden + your destination. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram!
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