A guide to Seville in Winter to have a wonderful winter holiday in Southern Spain
Whether you’re planning to spend Christmas in Seville or are visiting Seville in February, you’re sure to find that Seville in Winter offers magical experiences for everyone.
If you’re planning to spend the Winter in Seville, you may want to know the best things to do in Spain in Winter.
Here, we take a look at the top things to do in Seville in February, January, and December, so you can start planning an unforgettable trip.
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Top Things To Do In Seville in Winter
- Visit Seville’s Cathedral – Check the guided tour here
- Museum Tours – Get a guided tour here
- Explore the Ruins of Italica – Book a tour here
- See the floats of Reyes in January
- Royal Alcazar of Seville – Check the guided tour here
- Watch a Flamenco Show – Book a show here
Seville in Winter
Although many people tend to think of this part of Spain as being only a summer destination Southern Spain in Winter is no less beautiful, and some people even believe it’s the best time of year to visit Seville.
The climate here is mild all year round Seville weather in January sees temperatures of around 16 degrees Celsius and there are plenty of things to do in Seville in Winter to enjoy.
With that in mind, it’s clear to see that there are many reasons to visit Seville, regardless of the time of year.
1. Enjoy a less crowded Royal Alcazar of Seville
One of the reasons why so many tourists think that winter is the best time to visit Sevilla is because you have the opportunity to explore the city’s top sights without dealing with the Summer crowds.
The Royal Alcazar is the most recognizable building in Seville, once an 8th-century fort, and extended over the years to create an unusual mix of Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, and Moorish styles. – Check out the guided tour here.
Its highlights include its Courtyard of the Maidens. Built in a Moroccan style, it features intricate carvings and traditional arched doorways.
The Carlos V halls are Gothic in style, with painted tiles and tapestries decorating the walls, while the Lady Maria de Padilla underground baths offer visitors the opportunity to see their own reflection in the still waters.
Perhaps the best feature of the Royal Alcazar is its stunning gardens. Fountains and pools merge with terraces, hidden grottoes, sculptures, and even a maze.
Opening times:
Daily from 9.30 am – 5 pm.
2. Visit Seville’s Cathedral
If you’re asking, “Why visit Seville?” your answer could well be to see its stunning cathedral.
The world’s third-biggest church was constructed during the 1400s to show the wealth of the city.
It features no less than 80 chapels and a nave measuring 42 meters in height.
You’ll find the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus here as well as the famous Giralda, a bell tower rising up above the structure.
This tower was once a minaret, taken from a mosque that dates back to the time when Seville was under the rule of Muslims.
It was originally modeled after Marrakech’s Koutoubia Mosque and you can ascend the 90-metre-long twisting ramp that takes you to the top where you can enjoy panoramic views.
Take the audio tour of the cathedral, and you’ll learn about the building’s long history as well as discover all the highlights of the exterior and interior. – Get the guided tour here
Opening times:
10:45am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, 2:30pm – 6:30pm Sunday
3. Do not miss out on Christmas Festivities
If you’ll be in Seville at Christmas you’ll be spoiled by all the amazing festivities. There are festive events to enjoy right over the holiday period until 6th January.
Sparkling lights adorn the shopping streets of the city center, and you can experience parades, street musicians, and concerts.
If you’re still in the city on New Year’s Eve, you should certainly experience the Nochevieja celebrations.
Party all night close to the river, or watch the fireworks to welcome in the new year from a rooftop bar.
One of the key Spanish Christmas traditions in Seville is to eat 12 grapes in the Plaza Nuevo when the clock chimes at midnight.
At each stroke, you eat one grape to ensure good luck in the year to come. A lot of the hotels in Seville have their own celebration parties too with delicious food and drink.
4. Lunch in MareaViva
If you want to enjoy a truly local lunch, MareaViva is an ideal spot to eat some traditional Spanish food.
At mid-range prices, the food here is delicious and highlights the local hospitality.
Boasting plenty of character, this is the ideal spot to sample the great value tasting menu which serves up some unusual dishes that you may never have tried before.
From grilled octopus to paella, the lunch menu at MareaViva boasts an array of tempting options, allowing diners to savor the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
Whether you opt for the seafood paella or indulge in their exquisite seafood platter, MareaViva promises a memorable culinary journey in the vibrant setting of Seville.
5. Wander around Christmas Markets in December
One of the reasons you may find December is the best time to visit Seville is the city’s Christmas markets.
It’s a truly atmospheric experience, with carol singing, dancing, shop windows filled with decorations, Nativity scenes, and illuminations throughout the historic center.
There are two outdoor markets that you should certainly visit – the Feria de Artesania and the Feria de Belen.
The first of these is in Seville’s Plaza Nueva. Here, you’ll find traditional crafts and artworks from Andalusia.
It’s the perfect place to pick up a handcrafted gift for a loved one, or even a unique souvenir for yourself!
Close to Seville Cathedral, you’ll find the Feria de Belen. Here, you’ll discover more than 20 stalls selling Belen figurines amongst other handcrafted festive items.
Opening times:
14th December – 5th January, 11am – 3pm and 5pm – 9pm. 11am-3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
6. Go on food tours
Whether you’re visiting Seville in the Winter or the Summer, going on a food tour is a perfect activity for any gourmet.
There are plenty of options to choose from, including tapas crawls, tours that include wine tasting, and tours that include entertainment like Flamenco dancing.
Since the Seville weather in Winter can be unpredictable, you might prefer to take a food tour undercover, that way you won’t need to worry about what to wear in Seville in December! – Check food tours here.
There are boat tours that offer dining as part of the package, allowing you to see the city from the unique vantage point of the water.
Alternatively, since the Winter in Andalucia is relatively mild, you could join one of the history walking tours in the historic center that also take in taverns that serve delicious tapas along the route.
7. See the floats of Reyes in January
If you’re in Seville in January, you should definitely make a beeline for the city center to celebrate the day of the three kings.
On the 6th of January or Epiphany, the Spanish commemorate the arrival of the Kings to see the baby Jesus by giving gifts.
There is also a parade held on 5th January to mark their arrival.
La Cabalgata de Los Reyes is a parade that winds through Seville’s streets with thousands in attendance.
The carriages and floats pass by for hours, while dancers and musicians perform. Meanwhile, the kings throw sweets to the crowds.
Opening times:4:30pm – 10pm
8. Museum Tours
When you’re in Seville in Winter, you may, occasionally, need to get indoors out of the rain.
If that happens, there are plenty of museums in Seville you can visit.
Some of the best are the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Seville. – Get a guided tour of the Museum de Bella Artes here.
The Museo de Bellas Artes is a top art museum in Spain boasting an extensive collection of artworks. You’ll find many 17th-century masterpieces from Seville’s golden age of painting.
Seville’s archaeological museum is inside Maria Luisa Park and is home to many ancient finds and artifacts including the Treasure of Carambolo, dating to 650BC.
You’ll also see old jewelry, ceramics, and coins.
The Arts and Traditions museum boasts a stunning façade as well as a beautiful water feature.
Inside, there are items showcasing how Andalusians lived in days gone by, with household items, textiles, porcelain, and tools.
Opening times:
Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 8pm, Sunday 9am – 3pm, closed Mondays.
9. Enjoy tapas in El Rinconcillo
Seville’s oldest tapas bar, El Rinconcillo, dates back to the 17th century is a great place to enjoy luxurious and elegant food in a traditional environment.
The food here in incredible and authentic, making it an ideal spot to sample the best tapas in Seville in Winter.
This is a very popular restaurant, so you should certainly book before arriving, or you could be in for a long wait, although the food is worth waiting for!
The garbanzo beans, Spanish ham croquettes, and Spanish oxtail stew are particular highlights.
Address: Calle Gerona 40, Iglesia de Santa Catalina
Opening Hours: 1pm-5.30pm and 8pm-12 midnight Sunday to Friday, Saturday open 1pm-5:30am.
10. Watch a Flamenco Show
Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco, a dance art form originating from the gypsies. Today, it’s a form of dance loved and admired worldwide.
If you’re visiting Seville in Winter, you should attend Flamenco shows in Seville to experience local culture at its best. – Check out a guided tour here.
Guitars, song, and dance come together to create an emotional and intense performance.
You’ll find that the winter time sees even more performance than during the summer since the weather is cooler for the performers.
One of the best places to experience authentic flamenco in a venue that is intimate and small is Casa de la Memoria. This cultural center dates back to the 1400s and hosts performances nightly.
Opening times:
Shows at 7:30pm and 9pm
11. Take a walk around Plaza de España
While all of the architecture in Seville is impressive, you’re sure to be wowed by the Plaza de Espana.
In the heart of Maria Luisa Park, this Plaza boasts stunning buildings built out of rose-gold stone, a central fountain, and a canal with bridges.
While it looks historic, in fact, this square was built during the 1920s. If you look carefully, you’ll see touches of Art Deco style hidden among the Moorish and Renaissance styles.
Yellow and blue painted tiles cover everything from the balconies to the benches too, making the Plaza even more spectacular.
The Alcoves of the Provinces are particularly fascinating. There are 48 alcoves, each one representing one of Spain’s provinces and decorated with paintings and maps of it.
While during the summer you can find the Plaza de Espana very crowded, if you’re in Seville in Winter, you’ll have no difficulty in seeing everything to its best advantage.
Opening times:
24 hours, daily.
12. Dinner in La Chala restaurant
You’ll love La Chala restaurant if you enjoy vivid and creative food.
There’s something for everyone here, so whether you fancy something traditional like Spanish pastries, or something more up-to-date like curried chicken pastries, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Even better, the pricing is very affordable, with meals costing between 10 and 25 Euros on average.
The friendly staff and simple but appealing décor only add to the quality of the experience.
Address: Plaza de la Puerta Real 6
Opening times: 1pm – 5pm, 9pm – 12 midnight daily.
13. A day trip to the white villages in Andalucia
A stay in Seville in Winter is a great time to take a day trip to the famous white villages in Andalucia.
Without the searing heat of the summer months, you can explore these fascinating places, such as Grazalema, Moron de la Frontera, and Zahara de la Sierra.
These lovely villages, with their picture-postcard white buildings, are iconic of the Andalucia region.
They are a must-visit when you’re in the area, each one with its own unique character. Take a stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in their history.
14. Explore the Ruins of Italica
One of Spain’s first Roman settlements, Italica was originally established back in 206 BC. It’s said to have been both Hadrian and Trajan’s birthplace.
The archaeological site is beautifully preserved and located just 6 miles (10km) from the city’s center in Santiponce.
If you’re in Seville in Winter, you’ll appreciate the milder temperature when you’re visiting this site since it’s very exposed to the elements and can be uncomfortably hot in summer. – Check out the guided tour here.
You’re sure to be impressed by the gigantic amphitheater as well as the beautiful mosaic floors. If you wish, you can visit Italica on your own, or if you’d prefer, there are guided tours too.
Opening times:
9am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-3pm Sunday, closed Monday
15. Maria Louisa Park
Seville in Winter is ripe for sightseeing and taking a stroll in the park is a great pastime since the temperature won’t be too high.
The Maria Louisa Park is the city’s largest and most impressive. Close to the Plaza de Espana, it boasts Moorish remains, Roman statues, and old fountains.
Why not sit down on a bench for a while to take a well-deserved break from your explorations and do some people-watching?
It’s an ideal spot to relax for a while with some delicious grilled chestnuts!
Opening times:
8am – midnight daily
Best Hotels in Seville, Southern Spain
Discover three of the best hotels in Seville to suit any budget.
1. Hotel Alfonso XIII – Luxury
One of the very best hotels in Spain, the Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of the top places to stay in Seville in Winter since you can enjoy its luxurious environment at a far lower price than in the summer high season.
Located close to the Real Alcazar, it also enjoys an excellent spot near all the main attractions.
You’ll find the guestrooms elegant and comfortable. Meanwhile, the courtyard and its public areas are truly stunning.
You can dine on Andalusian cuisine in the onsite restaurant or, if the weather is pleasant, head to the outdoor terrace where you can sample some tapas with a drink.
2. Hotel Giralda Center – Mid-Range
When it comes to finding the best places to stay in Seville, Hotel Giralda Center is a must-visit. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and outstanding service from the friendly staff who are fluent in English, Spanish, and French.
The hotel’s proximity to popular landmarks, such as Plaza de España, Santa María La Blanca Church, and Alcazar Palace, made exploring downtown Seville a breeze.
The 4-star hotel also boasts a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, and a fitness center, providing guests with all the amenities they need for a comfortable stay.
You’ll love the restaurant’s Mediterranean and Spanish dishes, while the bar is perfect for a relaxing nightcap. The rooms were spacious and well-appointed, with a flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, and free Wi-Fi.
After a long day of sightseeing, what could be better than relaxing on the terrace with a view of the city?
3. Hotel Simon – Budget
Located inside a mansion dating back to the 1700s near the cathedral, the Simon Hotel is in the perfect spot for sightseeing without compromising on noise.
The guest rooms are comfortable and tastefully furnished. Some even have Andalusian-style traditional decor.
Breakfast is served in a central courtyard which is especially picturesque.
Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi while a convenient drinks vending machine ensures you can refresh yourself before or after your busy day.
Getting Around Seville in Winter
Getting around Seville in Winter is very simple. It’ll only take you around 45 minutes to walk from one side to the other.
If you’d prefer not to walk or have mobility issues, there’s a metro system that will transport you effortlessly around, as well as local buses and trams. – Get a ticket here
You can even opt into the bike-sharing scheme.
You can buy tram or bus tickets for less than 2 Euros either on the vehicle itself or at a tram stop ticket machine. Alternatively, buy a Tarjeta Multiviaje which you can recharge.
There are also tourist travel cards for 1 – 3 days which you can purchase at one of the TUSSAM information points.
Seville also has a City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus which takes in 14 different tourist spots around the city. You can buy tickets online or from the booth. – Check out a guided tour here.
Short FAQ about Seville in Winter
What Do I Pack For Seville In Winter?
Don’t forget to bring some travel adapters, a secure backpack or money belt, a portable phone charger, sunscreen for sunny days, and a compact umbrella in case it rains.
What Do I Wear In Seville In Winter?
It makes sense to wear layers of clothing in Seville in Winter since the weather can be unpredictable.
If you’ll be out early or late, it’s a good idea to wear a thick jumper or jacket. A long-sleeved top is probably find for daytime, but you may want a scarf and beanie hat too.
Should I Visit Seville In December?
Seville in December is especially beautiful because of the festive decorations and the special events over the holiday period.
The weather is also mild with sunny, warm days. All of the top attractions are open too, making this a great time to see the city without huge crowds.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!