48 hours in Seville: escape the crowds and explore this Spanish city in Autumn

Explore Seville in 48 hours:

One of the highlights of Seville, the Giralda Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the city. Designed in the 12th century and the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral, it was originally built as the minaret for the mosque and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its Moorish architecture and beautiful design. Around 97.5m in height, visitors can climb the many stairs to the top, which is well worth it for the incredible panoramic views across the city.

We also recommend visiting the Royal Alcazar Palace, a stunning example of Mudéjar architecture in Seville’s Jewish Quarter and a place to relax and soak up the sunshine. Nearby, is the Dona Elvira Square in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, and arguably the most beautiful square in Seville, with its restaurant, flower beds and orange trees. Also in the square is the famous ‘Fountain of the Lions’, also known as the Fountain of Doña Elvira, which dates back to the 14th century and has been the subject of various interesting myths throughout the city’s history.

Additionally, the Plaza de España in the Parque de María Luisa is a must-visit, with its mix of architectural styles, brightly-coloured tiles and semicircle stretch of water, which you can navigate by boat. Built in the early 20th century, this site is now mainly used as offices, although eagle-eyed film fans may recognise this setting from Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia and The Dictator.

When in Seville, it’s a must to try some local tapas bars, and there are many to choose from! Discover El Rincóncillo, the oldest tapas bar in Seville, as well as the popular restaurant of La Azotea Vinos y Tapaswhich is situated in the centre of the city.

Even if you only have time for one flamenco show, we would recommend Museo Del Baile Flamenco, in Calle Manuel Rojas Marcos 3, which is not only a unique setting for shows, but also the perfect place to come to learn more about the art form of flamenco.

It is also worth a visit at sunset to a more modern structure in Seville, the ‘Metropol Parasol’, a huge structure in the shape of interconnected mushrooms. Rising up above the entire square, these mushroom-shaped shades are almost 30m (100ft) tall, and support a skywalk that offers some of the best views of Seville.

If you are short of time and want to learn more about Seville’s culture and enjoy an experience that combines food, wine and local culture, we recommend booking with Devour Tours. Their Tapas, Taverns and History tour involves visiting four very traditional tapas bars over the course of 3 ½ hours, and while it’s an interesting guided walk through historic Seville, the tapas bars you visit along the way (many with inconspicuous doorways), are not ones that you would necessarily be able to find on your own. 

Moreover, after the grape harvest, wineries are not as busy as they were in September, and November is also a prime season for tasting both wine and olive oil!

Some Recommended Apartments to Rent:

Calle Adriano, 2 bedrooms, 3 guests

Calle Adriano is situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and in the heart of the Barrio del Arenal, next to the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza and five minutes from the Giralda. Owned and designed by one of the most renowned interior designers in Seville, the apartment exudes light, serenity and space, as well as a large terrace with wonderful views of the Giralda and the city skyline. The decor is minimalist, with a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the liveliness of the neighbourhood, and there is also a sun terrace with remarkable views over the city.  

Calle San Tomas l, 2 bedrooms, 4 guests

This apartment is situated in the very centre of the historic city, just steps away from the Cathedral, the Giralda, the Royal Palace and the Archive of the Indies. Both quiet and spacious, the apartment also has a large furnished terrace with breathtaking views over the city. Accessed by private lift, the interiors feature simple white lines, marble floors and are tastefully furnished. The heart of the apartment is the living area opens to the city views via three French windows, leading onto the terrace, with its stunning views over the historical city.

Calle San Jose 2, 3 bedrooms, 6 guests

This apartment is in a 17th century stately Sevillian palace, a unique building right in the heart of the city, just 5 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral and the Giralda, and next to the Madre de Dios convent. The Palace has been beautifully restored throughout by a renowned and award-winning classical architect who was responsible for the conservation of Seville’s Royal Palace complex. 

The building houses five separate, independent apartments, which can be rented independently or together for larger groups of up to 22 guests. Entrance to the building is accessed via an impressive front gate and a short open hallway, leading to a pretty arcaded patio and a covered sitting area, then leads to a hall with a fabulous staircase and lift leading to the large rooftop terraces, shared by all the apartments. An oasis of greenery, the terraces are ideal for having breakfast, an evening al fresco with friends, or just relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying the impressive views over the city.

Calle Manuel Vázquez, 4 bedrooms, 8 guests

This apartment is situated on the first floor of a stately building (with lift) at the very heart of the old city. It has been beautifully restored throughout to create a sense of the city’s past magnificence. The owners’ passion for antiques and the classical luxury is evident from the moment you enter the apartment, with rich details everywhere – in the plasterwork, mouldings and cornices which decorate the rooms, the stuccoed walls, the magnificent wooden floors, the elaborate woodwork and the mix of furniture encompassing traditional Spanish-style pieces, antiques, rich textiles, select tapestries and stunning carpets. The large terrace is furnished with contemporary-style outdoor furniture of the highest quality.