What To Do on a Weekend in Seville

Ever wondered what to do on a short trip to Seville?

I’ve been to Spain twice before: Madrid and Barcelona – so I was ready for a city in Spain a little less touristy, so to Seville I went!

In the Seville Airport!

In the Seville Airport!

Streets of Seville, Spain!

Streets of Seville, Spain!


What’s the Difference Between Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville?

Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville couldn’t be more different from one another – as Madrid has more big-city energy and Barcelona is a unique city nestled by the beach. Seville, in comparison to both, is quieter, colorful, and less busy than Madrid or Barcelona.

If you’re trying to decide between visiting Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, the table below will break down the differences between the different cities:

🌇 Madrid 🏖️ Barcelona 🍹 Seville
Population Over 3 million – Spain’s largest city with a big metro sprawl. Roughly 1.6 million – second-largest and denser near the coast. About 700,000 – smaller, more local-feeling, and traditional.
Weather & Location Inland with dry, continental weather. Hot summers, chilly winters. Coastal Mediterranean climate with beach access and breezy summers. Further south and closer to Africa – hot and dry summers are intense.
City Vibe Bustling and lively capital. Gran Vía, plazas, and endless tapas bars. Artistic, beachy, and trendy with Catalan influence and youthful energy. Charming, slower-paced, and more village-like despite the tourist appeal.
Known For Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Gran Vía, royal palaces, and late-night eats. Gaudí architecture, Park Güell, beaches, Las Ramblas, and Catalonia pride. Flamenco, orange trees, Alcázar, tapas alleyways, and colorful tiles.
Best For City lovers, museum-goers, foodies, first-timers to Spain. Architecture fans, creatives, beach lovers, those who want city + coast. Slow travelers, romantics, those chasing sunshine and tradition.

Wondering what to do when you’re in Seville?

Wandering the streets of Seville, Spain in May 2022.

Wondering around Seville Spain in May 2022

Wondering around Seville Spain in May 2022

I’ve got a list for you!

The Best Things to See and Do For a Short Trip to Seville

 

Go Up La Giralda

Everyone knows how I feel about going up the tallest viewing points in cities… and Seville in Spain is no exception.

View outside La Giralda in Seville Spain; May 2022

View from Giralda Tower in Seville; May 2022

View from Giralda Tower in Seville; May 2022

Do I Need Tickets for Giralda Tower in Seville?

Yes, you need tickets for the Giralda Tower in Seville. Beware – customer service or a real ticket booth for this really doesn’t exist. Try and book your tickets beforehand. And Seville gets hot in the summer… so the earlier, the better – which is also best considering when I went at 3:50PM, it was crowded too. 

Is It Worth Going Up the Giralda Tower in Seville?

Yes, it’s very worthwhile going up the Giralda Tower in Seville – just bear in mind that it can get hot and crowded if you travel to Seville during high season. But the views are gorgeous.

View from Giralda Tower in Seville; May 2022

View from Giralda Tower in Seville; May 2022

It doesn’t take long to get a shot from each quadrant. Totally worth the crowd. Plus – this is the first and only cathedral I’ve gone up in Europe that is handicap friendly, it’s a simple steady incline instead of your usual claustrophobic stairs!

 

Walk the City Center

Most of the beauty of Seville can be seen in a short distance.

City Center of Seville, Spain; May 2022

City Center of Seville, Spain; May 2022

Which Neighborhoods Should I Visit in Seville?

There are neighborhood like Triana and Santa Justa to walk, but the stuff near the Cathedral is the bulk of it.

View of La Giralda Tower from the Street in Seville; May 2022

View of La Giralda Tower from the Street in Seville; May 2022

Colorful Streets in Seville!

Colorful Streets in Seville!

Plaza de Pilatos in Seville, Spain.

Plaza de Pilatos in Seville, Spain; May 2022

Spanish Flags in Seville!

Absolutely beautiful photo opportunities in Seville!

Triana neighborhood in Seville, Spain; May 2022

Getting lost in Seville, Spain.

Getting lost in Seville, Spain; May 2022

I highly recommend just getting lost – and wondering down every narrow side street you can.

Tapas at La Bartola

The menu at La Bartola Tapas in Seville, Spain.

The menu at La Bartola Tapas in Seville, Spain.

A trip to Spain is never complete without tapas. I love France with all of my heart as we all know – but eating out at home in Paris gets expensive sometimes.

Tapas at La Bartola in Seville, Spain in May 2022

Tapas at La Bartola in Seville, Spain in May 2022

 

But that’s the thing about Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece…) – it’s cheaper, and you get more for your money.

Enjoying the cheaper prices in Spain!

Enjoying the cheaper prices in Spain!

Where is the Best Vegan Tapas Place in Seville?

I googled vegan tapas in Seville, and ‘La Bartola’ came up. It was fantastic. The waiter was friendly, great atmosphere, on a quiet street – with options for everyone.

I tried to eggplant, the stuffed zucchini, and the sushi. All of it was fantastic…

Vegan Sushi & Eggplant Tapas at La Bartola in Seville, Spain.

Vegan Sushi & Eggplant Tapas at La Bartola in Seville, Spain.

 … but the sushi was the best.

 

Take a La Siesta

When I go to Spain, I like to sleep… on a bench, in the sun, or in a park…

My street view while writing and taking a la siesta in Seville Spain.

My street view while writing and taking a la siesta in Seville, Spain.

 … a lot.

View of Híspalis Fountain in Puerta de Jerez Square, Seville, Spain

View of Híspalis Fountain in Puerta de Jerez Square, Seville, Spain; May 2022

 It’s really just a given. I do it in Paris, too – but it feels more fitting in Spain.

 

Plaza de Espana

It seems that every city in Spain has a Plaza de Espana!

Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain in May 2022.

Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain in May 2022.

Selfie in Seville!

Selfie in Seville!

This reminded me a lot of El Retiro park in Madrid – with the boats, guitar playing… but quitter, less peaceful, and prettier with the classic Spanish tiles.

Plaza de Espana in Sevilla, Spain.

Is Maria Lusia Park in Seville Worth Visiting?

I think it’s worth visiting Maria Lusia Park only if you’re already there to see Plaza de Espana, otherwise – it’s just an average park.

Maria Lusia Park beside it is like Seville’s Central Park: vast, with lots of benches or places to take your necessary la siesta.

 Maria Lusia Paque in Sevilla, Spain.

 

Royal Alcazar Gardens

I was walking back to my hotel, and stumbled across this garden in full bloom in late May.

Royal Alcazar Gardens in Seville, Spain.

Royal Alcazar Gardens in Seville, Spain; May 2022

Someone was having a little concert. I enjoyed a baguette (never as good as France, though!) and guacamole, and another la siesta before heading back to my room to head home to Paris.

Royal Alcazar Gardens in Seville, Spain.

Royal Alcazar Gardens in Seville, Spain

Want to see my trip to Seville in Spain in action?

Watch my vlog below!

Want to read more on Spain? Click here!

Last updated: June 23, 2025