Romantic, artistic, colorful, and enchanting, the Andalusian capital of Seville is a dreamy stroll through the past as you wander through its charming narrow streets dripping with thousand-plus-year-old history. The history of Seville (and Andalucia in general) is some of Spain’s most globally impactful. For 700 years the Moors ruled this southern part of Spain, leaving behind influences that have trickled down to even modern-day Latinos.

Seville is one of the best-hidden gems in Europe and as such should be a part of your southern Spain itinerary. Here are the top things to do in Seville any time of the year, but with a focus on those fiery hot summer months.

How to Prepare for Summer in Seville

First, before we get to the good stuff… Here are the not-as-fun but even-more-important things to remember for your summer trip to Seville:

Bring a UV umbrella – You can buy the compact travel size of this umbrella off Amazon for about $10. The inside is lined with a dark or thick coating so you an peruse the town with a shade over your head at all times. This is a MUST if you do one of the – You can buy the compact travel size of this umbrella off Amazon for about $10. The inside is lined with a dark or thick coating so you an peruse the town with a shade over your head at all times. This is a MUST if you do one of the Seville walking tours during the heat peak hours. Don’t forget your sunglasses – If you have light sensitivity or will be driving around Seville, sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV exposure and both direct and indirect sunlight. Sunscreen – This is essential. The sun in Seville is extra spicy, so you will want to protect your skin from the sun rays. Especially your feet which are not protected by an umbrella’s shade. Sunhat – If you don’t want to hold an umbrella around, a sunhat is the best way to protect your face from getting burnt by the Spanish sun! Avoid the high peak heat hours between 1 PM and 5 PM. This is when the city becomes scorching hot. Early mornings and late evenings are the best. Embrace the siesta culture – you’ll be surprised how conducive it is to your wellness and the weather!

Best Time to Visit Seville

Winter: The weather is chillier but it’s the perfect break from a bleak European winter! Read: Why Seville is the Best City in Europe’s to Visit during the Winter

Fall & Spring: The best times to go because the weather is not too hot or cold.

Worst Time to Visit Seville

I was in Seville during the middle of an intense heatwave in July, asking myself “What have I done?” as the sweat dripped down my back and I reached for a sliver of shade behind a skinny tree. Last year in August, the temperature in Seville reached 107 F (41 C) and it would often feel unbearable to be out in the sun for longer than 10 minutes.This is why many local Spaniards actually flee Seville in the summertime to the Spanish coastal towns, such as Cadiz. But tourists still flock over to Seville during the summer, usually due to vacation days but also because no matter what time of the year you go, Seville is still a captivating destination to visit. So what’s there to do when it’s just too hot in Seville? When you just can’t brave through the Sevillian heat waves? Well, here are 10 fun and creative things to do in Seville to stay cool and survive the heat!

20+ Summer Things to Do in Seville, Spain

Visit Museums

What better way to beat the heat than to be in an air-conditioned museum full of art and history to better contextualize your stay in Seville?! Here are the top museums to visit:

Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art) Museo de Baile Flamenco (Flamenco Museum) Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla (Archaelogical Museum) Castillo San Jorge (Inquisition Museum) – regarding the inquisition. Archivo General de Indias (General Archives of the Indies) – contains a ton of information and records regarding genealogy and other histories/research. You can also sit down with specialists regarding your query.

Explore the Alcazar Palace

If there is just one thing you can do in Seville, this should be it. Real Alcázar de Sevilla is a beautiful palace built as a fort in 913 and revamped multiple times through the 14th century. Islamic and Christian architectural influences converge into a breathtaking complex of different rooms and gardens to explore. There is also an outdoor cafe where you can enjoy food or coffee. Be sure to go during the early morning or take a night tour!

Fun fact: This was Dorne from Game of Thrones

Flamenco Shows

This is the birthplace of flamenco, so seeing a show is a must-do cultural activity while spending some of your gap year in Seville. You can catch local Flamenco shows both on a professional stage (Museo del Baile de Flamenco) or for free at a local spot (La Carboneria). There are SEVERAL flamenco shows throughout Seville every night. Remember that flamenco styles can greatly differ, so check out more than one venue/show! Here are the top 3 I recommend:

Museo del Baile Flamenco – The most beautiful, captivating, and professional one in my opinion. La Carboneria – FREE and very laid back. Casa de la Memoria – more focused on the foot rhythms

Flamenco Music & Dance Classes

While on the topic of flamenco, you can also sign up for flamenco dance or music classes in Seville. What better way to spend the extra sunny hot afternoons, than in the indoor comforts of an air-conditioned dancing studio? There are tons of instructors and classes in Sevilla for a flamenco course, such as with the instructors of La Carboneria and Museo del Baile Flamenco.

AIRE Bath Spa

This is one of my favorite ways to treat myself while in Seville. You can reserve a half or full day retreat in this hamman-style spa getting massages, soaking in a wine bath, visiting the different hot and cold baths, floating in their salt-water pool, cooling down in their rooftop pool (pictured above), and/or just… relaxing!

More information: Click here for their website

Spanish Cooking lessons

What better way to integrate yourself in the local Spaniard culture than to take some classes on the famous local cuisines? You can learn to make sangria, paella, different tapas and more in one of many group cooking classes. This was an unforgettable culturally immersive travel experience for me and I strongly recommend it! Check here for some of the different cooking classes offered in Seville.

Day Trips Around Seville

Seville is in the center of Andalucia and as such can serve as a prime launching pad to visit several nearby destinations such as:

Cadiz

Jerez

Malaga

Granada

Ronda

Huelva

Cordoba

Kayaking & Paddle Surfing

In the early morning (9 AM) or evening (5 PM), go on a tour by kayak or paddleboard with Kayak Seville. You can also simply rent the equipment and go on your own. Remember to avoid peak heat hours.

Boat Cruise Dinner or Tour

Take an enclosed boat cruise down the Guadalquivir River. You can combine this with food or drinks, or simply sit back and enjoy the air-conditioned ride. There are several tour organizers who sell these tickets, but the most affordable tickets are bought in person at the port in Seville.

Cool Off at the Swimming Pool

Swimming in Seville isn’t as common since there aren’t that many pools available for travelers. However, for 10 euros you can visit SADUS University and cool off in their beautiful outdoor pool.

So there you have it. Over twenty creative and fun things to do in Seville all year round but particularly helpful in the hot summertime! Have a few to add? Drop your ideas below in the comments 🙂

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