15 Must-Know Tips Before You Travel to Seville

Planning a trip to Seville? There are a few things that are helpful to know before you arrive – especially if it’s your first time in Spain. From local customs to the way the city runs on its own schedule, a little insider info can go a long way.

So what should you expect during your vacation to Sevilla – and how can you avoid common travel mistakes?

Here’s what to know before traveling to Seville, so you’re ready to enjoy the city from the moment you arrive.

1. Meal Times Are Later Than You Might Expect

Spaniards follow a unique dining schedule that may throw off your typical eating routine. Breakfast typically happens between 8am-10am, but lunch isn’t served until 2pm-4pm, much later than in many other countries.

And from there, dinner in Spain starts even later than you’re probably used to, with most locals not eating until 9pm-10:30pm. Many restaurants in Seville won’t even open for dinner service until 8pm or later, leaving hungry tourists waiting outside closed doors.

Plan accordingly by having snacks on hand or adapting to the local eating schedule (tapas between meals helps!). This shift can be tough at first, but it matches the city’s rhythm where people are active well into the evening hours.

2. Book Major Attractions in Advance

Seville’s popular sites like the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral and La Giralda often have long lines that can eat up your valuable vacation time. Smart travelers reserve tickets online at least a week before their trip. This simple step can save you hours of waiting in the hot Andalusian sun.

Seville’s Royal Alcázar allows a limited number of visitors each day, and spots frequently sell out, especially during peak seasons (March-May and September-October). The same applies to flamenco shows at famous venues.

Another great part of buying your ticket in advance is that you’ll get the option to skip the line past all those visitors who weren’t as smart as you and are lining up in the hope of grabbing a ticket somehow. This is definitely worth it in my view, especially when you have limited time in the city.

3. You Can Walk Basically Everywhere

Seville’s compact historical center makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Most major attractions sit within a 20-30 minute walking distance from each other, meaning there’s basically no need for public transportation in many cases.

The city’s flat terrain adds to its walkability, unlike other Spanish cities with hills. Walking also allows you to discover hidden plazas, small shops, and local cafés you might miss otherwise.

That said, when packing for your trip to Seville, comfortable shoes are essential for the city’s cobblestone streets. During summer heat, plan indoor breaks or switch to early morning and evening walks when temperatures drop.

However, if needed for accessibility reasons or when tired, don’t worry – the city offers good public transit options and abundant taxis.

4. Flamenco is From Seville (So Take Advantage of It!)

Seville stands as the birthplace of flamenco, one of Spain’s most famous cultural expressions. This passionate art form combines guitar music, singing, hand clapping, and dancing – all telling stories of joy, pain, and life.

5. It Gets Extremely Hot in Summer

Seville holds the record for the hottest city in Europe, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F). July and August are particularly harsh, with heat that can feel overwhelming to visitors not used to such extreme conditions.

The locals have adapted to this climate by taking siestas during the hottest part of the day, typically between 2-5 PM. Many businesses close during this time as the heat makes outdoor activities nearly unbearable.

Consider planning your visit to Seville during spring (March-May) or fall (September-October) for more comfortable weather. If you must visit in summer, pack light clothing, stay hydrated, and plan indoor activities during midday hours.

6. Things Close During the Day (But It’s Not Necessarily for Siesta!)

When wandering through Seville, you might notice many shops and small businesses shutting their doors in the afternoon. This typically happens between 2:00pm and 5:00pm.

This closure isn’t actually because everyone is taking a siesta. This old stereotype doesn’t hold true for most modern Sevillians.

The real reason is practical economics – there are fewer customers during the hot afternoon hours. By closing during the day, owners can extend their business hours into the evening when more people are out shopping.

Plan your day around these closures to avoid disappointment. Major tourist attractions and larger stores in shopping centers usually remain open throughout the day.

7. Embrace the Tapas Culture

Tapas are small plates meant for sharing and represent the heart of Sevillian food culture. Many locals eat dinner by hopping between bars and ordering different small dishes at each stop.

Some bars offer free tapas with your drink purchase – this tradition varies by establishment. Popular options include jamón ibérico, croquetas, and tortilla española.

The best tapas experiences happen standing at the bar rather than sitting at tables. Try visiting Triana or Alameda neighborhoods for authentic spots away from tourist centers.

Remember to pace yourself – meals in Seville typically start late, around 9-10pm, and can continue well into the night.

8. Tipping Is Modest

Tipping in Seville follows a more relaxed approach than you might be used to in countries like the United States. Most locals will leave a euro or two (if that) or may round up the bill to the nearest 5 or 10.

In restaurants, this is considered more than adequate – if anything, going to the nearest 10 would be downright generous in Spain! Similarly, for taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest euro is common practice.

Bar service typically doesn’t require a tip, but leaving small change is appreciated. The same can be said for hotel staff, like porters and housekeeping.

Remember that service charges are often included in your bill, so check before adding extra.

9. Sundays Are Quiet

Most stores and businesses in Seville close on Sundays, giving the city a much more relaxed atmosphere. This is a cultural tradition deeply rooted in Spanish life, where Sunday is considered a day for family and rest.

Restaurants and tourist attractions typically remain open, but with limited hours. This means that you should plan your shopping for weekdays or Saturdays to avoid disappointment.

The quiet Sunday streets offer a perfect opportunity to experience local life. You might notice families strolling in parks or gathering for long lunches – this is an authentic glimpse of Sevillian culture that many tourists miss.

10. Don’t Count on English Everywhere

While many tourism workers in Seville speak some English, don’t assume everyone will understand you. Spanish remains the primary language, especially in smaller shops, local restaurants, and markets away from tourist areas.

Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can make a big difference in your interactions. Even simple greetings like “hola” (hello) and “gracias” (thank you) show respect for the local culture.

Consider downloading a translation app before your trip. This can help in unexpected situations where language barriers arise – such as talking with taxi drivers or asking for directions in residential neighborhoods.

11. The Airport Is Close — But Plan Ahead

Seville Airport is only about 10 km from the city center, making it one of the more convenient European airports for travelers. Most visitors can reach their hotels in 15-20 minutes by taxi or (my preferred option as it’s way cheaper) airport bus.

Despite its proximity, morning departures require extra planning. Security lines can get surprisingly long during peak travel seasons, especially in spring during festival times.

Do give yourself enough time though for international flights. The airport is compact but can become crowded quickly when multiple flights depart simultaneously.

12. The Streets Are a Bit of a Maze

Seville’s historic center features narrow, winding streets that can confuse even the most experienced travelers. These labyrinthine paths date back to medieval Moorish design, not following a grid pattern like modern cities.

Expect to get lost at least once during your visit – it’s practically a rite of passage! Many locals consider it part of the city’s charm.

It can be a good idea to download an offline map app before your trip if you’re not sure if you’ll have data the whole time. If you will have data, Google Maps works well most of the time, although I do find that little blue dot can jump around a bit in those tiny little alleys that crisscross the city.

13. Seville Loves a Festival

Seville’s calendar bursts with celebrations throughout the year. The city truly comes alive during its many festivals, showcasing local traditions and culture.

Easter in Seville (also called Holy Week or Semana Santa) transforms the streets with solemn processions and beautiful floats. April also brings the famous Feria to Seville, where locals dress in traditional clothing and dance sevillanas in colorful casetas.

The Corpus Christi celebration features flower-covered streets and religious displays. In summer, you’ll find music festivals and outdoor events taking advantage of warm evenings.

Plan your trip around these festivals for an authentic experience – but book accommodations far in advance as prices rise and availability drops during these popular times.

14. Tap Water Is Safe (and Free if You Ask)

Seville’s tap water is completely safe to drink, meeting all European Union health standards. You can confidently fill your water bottle from any tap in the city.

You’ve also got the option of asking restaurants for tap water (ask for “agua del grifo”) which they legally have to provide. Some places might try to sell you bottled water first, as it’s more profitable for them, but simply ask again for tap water and it will come.

Carrying a reusable water bottle during your explorations will save you money and reduce plastic waste. On hot summer days when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F), having water on hand is essential to stay hydrated.

15. Locals Take Their Time — You Should Too

Sevillians move at their own relaxed pace, appreciating each moment rather than rushing through life. This unhurried approach extends to meals, walks, and even business matters.

Now, if you really, truly think your patience can’t handle this, then maybe it’s a reason why you shouldn’t visit Seville (or much of Spain, to be perfectly honest).

But when you visit, why not try to adopt this mindset, just to see how it goes. Slow down your walking pace, spend extra time over meals, and don’t expect quick service at restaurants or shops.

The Spanish concept of “mañana” (tomorrow) reflects this cultural attitude – some things can simply wait until later. Embracing this slower rhythm will help you connect with the authentic spirit of the city.

And why not you stop checking your watch and start living on Seville time – you’re on vacation, after all!