Three months in Paradise—that’s how my love affair with Sevilla and Spain in general began.
I tell everyone (literally anyone who’ll listen) to visit Seville. From the scorching heat that somehow makes everything feel alive to the stunning Andalucian architecture, Seville is just a vibe. This landlocked gem is in the Andalucian region of southern Spain, and it’s officially the hottest city in Europe, with summer temps hitting up to 45°C. Seville is a must-visit when thinking about coming to Spain.
- Location: Seville is the capital of the Andalucian region in southern Spain. It’s completely landlocked but trust me, you won’t miss the beach with so much beauty and culture surrounding you. Known for its flamenco, festivals, and jaw-dropping architecture, Seville is a place you’ll fall in love with instantly.
- Time Zone: Seville operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1, and switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2, during daylight saving time.
- Currency: The currency here is the Euro (€). Keep an eye on the exchange rate, but generally:
- 1 GBP ≈ 1.15 EUR
- 1 USD ≈ 0.90 EUR
- Pro tip: Most places accept cards, but carrying some cash for smaller cafés or local markets is always a good idea.
- Language: The official language is Spanish, and while many locals speak English (especially in touristy areas), knowing a little Spanish will go a long way. Even just a hola (hello) or gracias (thank you) can earn you a big smile.
- Population: Seville is home to around 700,000 people, giving it that perfect balance of lively energy without feeling overwhelming.
- Electricity: Spain uses type C/F sockets with a voltage of 230V, just like most of Europe. Don’t forget your universal adaptor—and if it has surge protection, even better.
Here are my top 3 places you must visit in Seville:
Plaza de España
Seville is gorgeous, but Plaza de España? It’s on a whole different level. Honestly, no words will do it justice—you have to see it for yourself. Your visit to Seville wouldn’t be complete without visiting Plaza de España! Make sure it’s at the very top of your list when you visit Seville and explore the must-visit places in Seville, Spain.
Pro tip: catch a flamenco dance there to soak up that authentic Sevillan experience. Oh, and did I mention? It’s free.
Las Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)
The Mushroom (or La Setas de Sevilla in Spanish) is the world’s largest wooden structure, offering a unique architectural experience with innovative cultural activities and a panoramic walk. The views from the top? Insane. You can see all of Seville. It’s one of those spots where you feel like you’re standing on top of the world (or at least the city).
If you’re looking for a must-visit in Seville, this iconic landmark should be high on your list. Its striking design and breathtaking views make it an unforgettable experience. Book your visit to La Setas de Sevilla on Get Your Guide
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Game of Thrones fans, this one’s for you. The palace served as the setting for the kingdom of Dorne, but even if you’ve never seen the show, you’ll be enchanted. It’s a literal palace dripping in history, beauty, and stunning architecture. Think intricate Moorish designs, peaceful courtyards, and lush gardens that seem straight out of a fairytale. You could spend hours wandering through its grand halls and tranquil patios, marvelling at centuries of craftsmanship.
Insider tip: For a lovely day trip, visit Seville on a Monday when entry to the Alcázar is free, but book ahead online to secure your spot—otherwise, you’ll have to pay or risk missing out on this unforgettable experience.
Fun fact: In 2018, Lonely Planet crowned Seville the Best City to Visit. Obviously, I agree.
Here’s a little more on why Sevilla will always be my home away from home:
The Culture
Seville is such a peaceful, beautiful and for me rehabilitating place. When I embarked on the 3 months, (Thanks to the EU and Erasmus Plus) I was convinced I wouldn’t enjoy it. Instead, I spent nights out on the Alameda drinking Lemon beer and singing at the top of my lungs, eating chicken wings at Montaditos and riding Sevici bikes along the lake and through Plaza Nueva (which you’re definitely not supposed to do, so I wouldn’t suggest it, especially if you don’t want Spanish police on your back). Seville, re-centred me and helped challenge me to become introspective. Seville is also where I founded my production company with 3 of my friends, Calle Coral, named after the road we lived on in Macarena Seville.
The Lifestyle
So each morning I would ride to work. I say each, but I mean at least 70% of the time, considering my job was a 45-minute ride from my house. But even then, I rode part way and took the bus (which are air-conditioned, by the way). Funnily enough, I would ride home in the crazy heat. But on the way home, I’d brave the heat and ride back.
Visit Seville and you’ll see why it’s one of Europe’s most cycle-friendly cities, which is good because the public transport isn’t exactly amazing. But their bike lanes? Top tier.
The Alameda was my go-to spot. It’s the heart of the city’s social life—bikes everywhere, people hanging out with friends, sipping lemon beer, and catching up. Picture families having dinner at 10 PM, dogs roaming freely (not a fan of that bit, tbh), and Nicky Jam blaring in the background.
The Food
Let me tell you about my love affair with this cute little chain called Montaditos. Their chicken wings? LIFE. I may have gone overboard with their Euromania promo—on Wednesdays and Sundays, everything’s €1 or €2. My friends and I basically cleaned out the local branch, loading up on lemon beer, Caesar Monty sandwiches, and wings. No regrets.
Visit Seville and you’ll find hidden gems everywhere. When I needed a change, I stumbled across this spot near my house called The Chicken. That’s where I discovered Arroz Chaufa – Peruvian fried rice (which began my love affair with Peru and thus spurred my mission to eventually visit). So good that I had to learn to make it myself.
The Playlist
Whenever I travel, I make a playlist of songs I played on repeat during my stay. These are the songs I would play on my bike rides on my commute home. Listening to my Seville playlist always takes me right back to those magical three months. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Visit Seville and you’ll see it’s more than a city—it’s an experience. If you ever go, trust me, you’ll leave a piece of your heart there.
