Let’s talk about Sevilla.
Located in the south of Spain in the Andalusia region, Sevilla is a mid-size city that really surprised me—in the best way. I visited in February 2025, and it ended up being one of my favorite stops in Spain.
It’s got that classic European vibe: cozy winding streets, charming little shops, and architecture that practically whispers “take my photo. Compared to Madrid and Barcelona—the other Spanish cities I visited—Sevilla stood out as my favorite. It just had a slower, more intimate feel. Even though it’s a bit touristy, it didn’t feel overwhelming. One of the major perks? You can visit in the winter, and the weather’s still solid. We’re talking light jacket to t-shirt weather if the sun’s out. For me, it left a strong first impression—Sevilla was the first Spanish city I visited, and it definitely set the bar high.
Demographics
Sevilla has a population of around 700,000, putting it in that sweet “Tier 2” city category: big enough to have everything you need, but small enough to feel cozy and personal. The historic city center is mostly pedestrian-only—no cars in sight—which makes walking around super pleasant.
In terms of population, I’d say it felt like 90% locals and about 10% tourists. It’s definitely not as international as Barcelona or even Madrid. The local vibe is strong here, and it shows in both the pace of life and the general look of the city. Interestingly, most of the locals I saw looked more white-European than what you might expect when thinking of southern Spain—maybe fewer visible traces of Moorish influence in appearance compared to other areas. It’s a fairly homogeneous city, and honestly, that gave it a more traditional Spanish feel.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Sevilla is… not cheap. It’s a popular tourist destination year-round, so finding deals—especially last-minute—is tough. Airbnb rentals tend to skew on the higher end, especially in the city center.
That said, Sevilla has a solid hostel scene. You’ll find everything from basic backpacker spots to boutique hostels with rooftop terraces. Just make sure to book at least a week in advance—especially during spring festivals. If you try to wing it, you might end up sleeping on a bench next to a statue of Cervantes.
Price Breakdown (2025 Edition)
Here’s what you can expect to spend in Sevilla:
| Item | Estimated Price (USD / EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Monthly Airbnb (1BR) | $1,300–$1,700 / €1,200–€1,600 | Depends on location and season. Centro Histórico is top-tier pricing. |
| 🏨 Hotel (1 night, 3-star) | $90–$130 / €85–€120 | Solid mid-range hotel, centrally located. |
| 🛎️ Hostel (1 night) | $25–$45 / €23–€42 | Dorm bed in a clean, social hostel. |
| 🍽️ Cheap Meal (menu del día) | $10–$13 / €9–€12 | Includes starter, main, drink, and sometimes dessert. |
| 🍷 Mid-Range Dinner (for 1) | $20–$35 / €18–€32 | One drink, a few tapas, maybe a dessert if you’re feeling fancy. |
| 📱 SIM Card (10–15GB, prepaid) | $10–$15 / €9–€14 | Easy to grab from Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar stores. |
| 🚗 Uber/Bolt (10–15 min ride) | $7–$10 / €6–€9 | Public transport is cheaper, but this is handy late at night. |
Bonus:
- Coffee: $1.50–$2.50 (€1.30–€2.30)
- Glass of wine or beer: $2–$4 (€1.80–€3.50)
Tourism
Sevilla embraces tourism without selling its soul. You’ll find guided tours, flamenco shows, and souvenir shops—but the city still feels authentic. Top tourist draws include the Real Alcázar, the Seville Cathedral, and the epic Plaza de España. Even during peak hours, there are corners of the city where you can get lost (in a good way) and feel like you’ve discovered something no one else has.
Areas of Interest
- Real Alcázar: This palace complex is a jaw-dropping blend of Islamic and European architecture. Also known as “that place from Game of Thrones.”
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda: The largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Climb the tower for epic views.
- Plaza de España: Crescent-shaped plaza with tiled alcoves, a moat, and major photo-op energy.
- Metropol Parasol (Las Setas): Giant mushroom-shaped viewing platform. Quirky and modern.
- Triana: Across the river, this neighborhood is grittier and more local. Great for traditional flamenco and fewer tourists.
Food
Tapas are the religion here. Small, flavorful, and usually cheap—so you can try everything without blowing your budget.
Must-tries include:
- Salmorejo: A chilled tomato soup, thicker and creamier than gazpacho.
- Espinacas con garbanzos: Spinach and chickpeas. Sounds boring. Isn’t.
- Croquetas: Fried balls of creamy filling joy (usually ham or cod).
- Jamón ibérico: The Kobe beef of cured meats.
Weather (by Month)
| Month | Avg High (°F/°C) | Avg Low (°F/°C) | Notes |
| January | 60°F / 16°C | 43°F / 6°C | Chilly mornings, sunny afternoons. |
| February | 64°F / 18°C | 45°F / 7°C | Perfect shoulder season weather. |
| March | 70°F / 21°C | 48°F / 9°C | Ideal for sightseeing. |
| April | 73°F / 23°C | 51°F / 11°C | Feria de Abril kicks off. |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 57°F / 14°C | Warm and beautiful. |
| June | 91°F / 33°C | 63°F / 17°C | Starting to sizzle. |
| July | 97°F / 36°C | 68°F / 20°C | Prepare to melt. |
| August | 96°F / 36°C | 70°F / 21°C | Hottest month. Locals flee. |
| September | 89°F / 32°C | 66°F / 19°C | Cooling down again. |
| October | 79°F / 26°C | 59°F / 15°C | Awesome fall vibes. |
| November | 66°F / 19°C | 50°F / 10°C | Light jacket season. |
| December | 60°F / 16°C | 44°F / 7°C | Mild, quiet, peaceful. |
Nightlife
Sevilla isn’t a rave city—but it is a vibe city. Expect a mix of rooftop lounges, stylish bars, and a couple of underground dance spots if you know where to look.
Top spots include:
- La Terraza (Hotel EME Rooftop Bar): Killer views of the Cathedral. Fancy drinks, perfect at sunset.
- Alameda de Hércules: The go-to area for chill bars, cocktails, and live music.
- Café Tarifa: Moroccan-style bar with good energy and a mixed crowd.
- Uthopia Sevilla: Clubby vibe, house beats, and a later crowd.
- Garlochí: Church-themed bar. Yes, really. Incense and all. Order the “Blood of Christ” cocktail.
- Sala Cosmos: Underground-style dance club. Great for electronic and alt nights.
Dating
Dating in Sevilla is slower, more traditional, and more local. Tinder works, but language exchanges and meetups are better if you want something deeper than just a few swipes. The people here are flirtatious, warm, and appreciate effort—even broken Spanish.
Public Transportation
The city is super walkable, especially the old town. But if you need to get around:
- 1 Metro line (yes, just one)
- Trams and buses everywhere
- E-scooters and bikes are common
Uber and Bolt are available and fairly affordable if you’re running late or feeling lazy.
City Layout
The old town is a beautiful labyrinth of alleys, plazas, and winding streets. It’s confusing at first, but charming once you embrace the chaos. Outside the historic core, things are more modern and grid-like. The Guadalquivir River slices the city in two, with cool neighborhoods on both sides.
Safety
Very safe overall. I never felt uneasy, even at night. As always, watch for pickpockets in touristy spots—but otherwise, it’s chill.
Digital Nomad Factor
Sevilla isn’t Bali or Lisbon for remote work, but it’s got potential. Wi-Fi is solid in most cafés, and there are some nice coworking spaces sprinkled around the city. You’ll likely be one of few nomads here, which can be a plus if you’re looking to focus and soak in Spanish life.
Pollution
Air is clean. Streets are well-maintained. And the fact that so much of the city center is car-free makes walking feel like a breath of fresh air—literally.
Overall Rating
8.5/10
Sevilla is a gem. Beautiful, walkable, affordable (ish), and oozing history. It’s romantic without trying too hard, vibrant without being overwhelming, and just low-key enough to make you want to stay longer than you planned. Whether you’re there for tapas, flamenco, or just good vibes—you’ll leave with a smile and a full stomach.Let’s talk about Sevilla.
Located in the south of Spain in the Andalusia region, Sevilla is a mid-size city that really surprised me—in the best way. I visited in February 2025, and it ended up being one of my favorite stops in Spain.
It’s got that classic European vibe: cozy winding streets, charming little shops, and architecture that practically whispers “take my photo. Compared to Madrid and Barcelona—the other Spanish cities I visited—Sevilla stood out as my favorite. It just had a slower, more intimate feel. Even though it’s a bit touristy, it didn’t feel overwhelming. One of the major perks? You can visit in the winter, and the weather’s still solid. We’re talking light jacket to t-shirt weather if the sun’s out. For me, it left a strong first impression—Sevilla was the first Spanish city I visited, and it definitely set the bar high.
