Seville in autumn: 7 things to do for a memorable trip

Seville is Europe’s warmest city by far and you’d be mad to try to visit it in the summer. But, as autumn arrives and the scorching summer heat fades, you’ll find that on most days it’s the perfect temperature for wandering through its cobbled streets and courtyards. The tourist ‘season’ in Seville actually starts in September or October and runs through until May. So, you’ll find that unlike most places where the crowds thin out a bit in autumn, Seville can get a little busier than in the height of summer. 

Anyone visiting Seville has to think about the Alcázar, the Cathedral, Plaza España and the Giralda (all well worth it, even though they are very busy attractions), but, true to form, we’re going to take you off the main trail to explore some of the city’s more surprising delights. From peaceful gardens and hidden palaces to intimate flamenco shows, here are seven places that will immerse you in the true spirit of the city.

The 7 places you must experience in Seville

1 | Explore the Alcázar Gardens

Credit: Lucy Liu, CC BY-SA 3.0

Autumn is the perfect time to explore the Alcázar’s lush gardens, when the air is cooler and the trees are bursting with rich colours. Wander through maze-like paths lined with orange trees, their citrus scent filling the air, and take your time uncovering the hidden corners. You might even spot a peacock strutting about as you pause to admire the architecture around you. This time of year adds a golden glow to the gardens, making it a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

2 | Take a stroll along the Guadalquivir River

Credit: Tim Adams CC BY 2.0

As the afternoon light turns golden, there’s nothing quite like a walk along the Guadalquivir River. Starting at the iconic Torre del Oro, make your way towards the Triana Bridge. The riverside is lively but not overcrowded, with locals taking their evening paseo. You’ll pass by colourful riverboats, small parks, and perhaps even catch a live flamenco performance from one of the many buskers. The view across the river, with Seville bathed in the soft light of autumn, is simply stunning.

3 | Discover the Barrio Santa Cruz by night

There’s something undeniably romantic about Seville’s old Jewish quarter at night. The winding streets of Barrio Santa Cruz are particularly atmospheric in autumn, as the narrow alleys and small plazas come alive with the sound of clinking glasses and soft laughter from cosy tapas bars. Stop in at El Librero for a true Andalusian experience — jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and a glass of sherry will set you right for a night of exploring. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different era as you get lost in the labyrinth of streets.

4 | Sunset at Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)

Credit: Anual, CC BY-SA 4.0

If modern architecture is your thing, then head to the top of the Metropol Parasol at sunset. Known locally as “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms), this massive wooden structure offers spectacular views (from the roof-top walkway) of Seville’s skyline, especially in autumn when the sky is painted in soft hues of pink and orange.

5 | Visit Casa de Pilatos or Palacio de las Dueñas

Palacio de la Dueñas (Credit: Jl FilpoC, CC BY-SA 4.0)

While the Alcázar might steal the spotlight, Seville has plenty of lesser-known palaces that are equally enchanting (and a lot less busy). Casa de Pilatos is a hidden gem with its mix of Italian Renaissance and Mudéjar architecture. In autumn, the soft light filtering through its arches and courtyards gives it an almost mystical feel. If you’re after a quieter spot, head to the Palacio de las Dueñas, a peaceful palace that belonged to the Duchess of Alba. With its beautiful courtyards and rich history, it feels like stepping into a secret slice of Seville’s aristocratic past.

6 | Flamenco show at La Carbonería

Flamenco de La Carboneria (Credit: Luis Eduardo P Tavares CC BY-SA 2.0)

Seville is one of the best places in the whole of Spain to see a flamenco show. La Carbonería is an intimate venue where you can experience the raw emotion of authentic flamenco up close. The atmosphere is perfect for an evening filled with passionate music and dance, away from the large touristy shows. Grab a drink, settle in, and let the rhythm of Andalusia take over your senses.

7 | Attend a football match at Seville FC or Real Betis

Cerveza outside Sevilla FC's stadium (Credit: DMR)

Football is a way of life in Seville, and the autumn season is perfect for catching a live match. Whether you choose Seville FC or Real Betis, the energy inside each stadium is electric, with passionate fans creating a roaring atmosphere (hey, if you are in town for when Betis play Seville, then you will have hit the jackpot as that local derby is out of this world). The weather in autumn is still warm enough to enjoy an evening match, and there’s no better way to get a real taste of local life than by joining the crowds at one of these iconic clubs.

Your Seville Challenge: Eat fried sea anemones at Triana Market

Fried sea anemones (Credit: Javier Lastras, CC BY 2.0)

For every city we feature, we like to set a challenge for the more adventurous traveller. Are you ready to push your culinary boundaries? Head to Triana Market and order “ortiguillas” — fried sea anemones. Their briny flavour and soft texture might be a bit of a challenge for some, but they’re a true Andalusian delicacy. Pair them with a glass of sherry or a cold beer, and if you’re feeling adventurous, dive right in. If not, there are plenty of other Andalusian favourites to enjoy, like jamón ibérico and fried fish.
Challenge level: 2/3 – It’s not for everyone, but worth a try if you’re looking to experience local flavours!

Travel Essentials

Seville is a very walkable city, especially in the cooler autumn months. Most of the major sights, like the Alcázar and the Cathedral, are within easy reach of each other, and the local buses and trams are great for getting around further afield. If you’re flying in, Seville Airport is only about a 20-minute taxi ride from the city centre. There are more flights to Malaga though, so if you fly in there, you can then take a bus (around 2h30) or a train (around 2h) to Seville. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases can go a long way when interacting with locals. 

One of the best autumn sun cities in Europe

Seville’s scorching summers can be overwhelming, but in autumn, the city becomes a delight to explore. The temperatures are comfortable and the autumn light gives everything a golden glow. There is so much to see and do in Seville, you’ll need a week (minimum). But if your time is limited, we hope the seven recommendations we have given you here will delight you. Either way, let us know whether you have some better ones by following us on Instagram. Have a great trip!