Seville in the Sun: What to Do and What to Wear on Your Visit

30/8/2023

This gorgeous, sun-soaked Spanish city is the perfect cozy escape.

Dramatic, ornate stone arches set against a blue sky.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

What does the perfect holiday abroad look like to you? Does it conjure up images of sun-soaked coastal spots? Maybe it involves getting in touch with your inner art connoisseur, as one can expect with a tour of Barcelona’s famed art museums. Personally, we're partial to cozy locales. And one spot we haven’t been able to stop thinking about is the charming city of Seville, Spain.

Below are a few attractions we highly recommend, especially for first-time travellers, as well as some packing tips to keep in mind.

Seville sights you can’t miss

Alcázar Real de Sevilla

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Kick off your itinerary by marvelling at the intricate beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alcázar is the Royal Palace of Seville and is one of Seville’s most famous attractions as it was often featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones as the setting for Dorne and the Water Gardens of House Martell.

Pro tip: The palace limits the hourly number of visitors, so you must book your Alcazar tickets in advance.

Plaza de España

Stately brown building with a moat and rowing boats in the foreground

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Next, you can head to the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo to soak in the architectural landmark that is the Plaza de España. The plaza was originally built in 1929 for the Ibero-American exhibition and symbolizes the peace between Spain and its former colonies. Admission is free, and we recommend timing your visit around late afternoon to witness the Plaza light up and transform into a magical nighttime spectacle.

Pro tip: If you get there before twilight, check out Maria Luisa Park, which sits adjacent to the plaza. It’s the perfect green oasis where you can relax and take shelter from the hot sun.

Casa de la Guitarra

A female flamenco dancer performs while a man plays guitar in the background in an outdoor space

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As Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, make sure you don’t miss out on witnessing at least one live show featuring nationally acclaimed artists and dancers. For this, you can check out the flamenco cultural center of Casa de la Guitarra, located in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

Pro tip: Casa de la Guitarra is a small and intimate setting, so you may want to make a reservation for this, as well.

What to pack for your trip to Seville

Man ride a bicycle while wearing a sunhat, biking between pink and brown buildings in a narrow laneway

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Seville is often considered to be the warmest city in Continental Europe. This is good news for folks looking to escape the Great White North, hoping to swap their wool coats for linen shirts and cut-off shorts. The downside is that this also means risking higher levels of sun exposure. To avoid damaging your skin and eyes, it’s vital to take extra precautions, such as minimizing sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seeking shade, and packing the following essentials.

Sunscreen

With a trip to a destination like Seville, you’re probably excited to get a tan. But do not forget to pack a tube of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply throughout the day. The sun in Spain is extremely unforgiving, with UV index readings of up to 9. For easy touch-ups, get a sunscreen like Neutrogena’s Invisible Daily Defense Body Mist with SPF 50+.

Sunglasses

To protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, do not step outside without UV-blocking sunglasses. Whether you’re sitting on a picturesque terrace sipping on a café con leche or taking a bicycle tour, you’re going to need some good quality eyewear. Opt for something sleek and travel-friendly like Michael Kors’ Karlie frames or the Clubmaster Classics from Ray-Ban. Established brands are guaranteed to provide the protection you need and will enhance your vision in very bright surroundings.

Water Bottle

The heat combined with lots of physical activity is a recipe for heat exhaustion. Your best bet against this is to stay hydrated. As most touristy areas and public places in Seville have drinking fountains, a portable water bottle will be your best friend. The Valourgo Collapsible Water Bottle has garnered good reviews for its affordability and portability, with some reviewers even adding that it was useful for their own Euro trips.

Seville is frequently overlooked in favour of Madrid and Barcelona. But it undoubtedly has its fair share of fascinating attractions, from the tiny cobblestone streets to its grand plazas. Hopefully, this guide has gotten you excited and prepared for your upcoming journey to this beautiful Andalusian city.

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