5 days in Seville with @owenwillis

If Seville isn’t on your travel wish list, it should be. The hottest city in Spain offers affordability, great food, walkable streets and impressive rooftop views. Here’s how I spent my time… 

Day 1 – arrival and first impressions 

I arrived in Seville just before 11am. With no strict plans for the afternoon, I took my time making my way to abba Sevilla hotel, located in the heart of the historic Casco Antiguo district. The 20-minute taxi ride was simple, and it picked me up right outside the terminal.  

The hotel’s staff were very helpful in recommending places to visit, but the best part? The rooftop bar, which had great views over the city and served ice-cold sangria. From the hotel’s recommendations, I visited Mercado del Barranco, which I highly recommend for any food lovers in Seville. It’s like a huge, cool food hall, with at least 10 different restaurants and bars to pick from.  

Day 2 – exploring Seville at my own pace 

I spent the second day walking around the city and quickly realised that Seville is very easy to explore on foot – I didn’t need public transport at all. I started at the Metropol Parasol, a huge wooden structure with a viewing platform. From there, I walked to the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, before heading to Barrio Santa Cruz for a relaxed tapas lunch. Eating out in Seville is surprisingly affordable – I had jamón ibérico, patatas bravas and fresh seafood for a great price.  

Later, I checked out the Alameda District, where I had a few drinks in the local LGBT+ bars. The atmosphere was fun and welcoming, so I highly recommend if that’s your vibe! Then, I headed back to my hotel for an early night before a busy day ahead.  

Day 3 – Doñana National Park  

I had an early start for a tour to Doñana National Park, one of Spain’s most important nature reserves, with First Choice Experiences. The day included a visit to El Rocío, a small village with sandy roads and whitewashed buildings, before heading to the beaches of Matalascañas.  

For a solo traveller, this tour was a great way to see more of the region while meeting other people. The landscapes and wildlife were impressive, and our guide was very knowledgeable. By the time I got back to Seville in the evening, I was exhausted, but I still made time for some tapas before heading to bed – when in Spain, right?  

Day 4 – hotel-hopping and hidden gems 

Monday was all about checking out some of Seville’s boutique hotels. First stop, H10 Casa de la Plata, which was just a short walk from my hotel. It had a classic Andalusian design and a peaceful courtyard.  

Next, I visited Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza, a more rustic-style hotel with a rooftop pool. Seville’s rooftops really give you a different view of the city! 

I spent the rest of the afternoon at Plaza de España, enjoying the sunshine and soaking up some much-needed vitamin D.  

Day 5 – a farewell to Seville 

With my flight in the afternoon, I had a few final hours to enjoy the city. I grabbed breakfast at a local café – a great coffee and croissant to start the day. Move over, France… I took one last slow walk through the streets, had a final look at the cathedral, and enjoyed one more rooftop view before heading to the airport.   

Seville was everything I’d hoped for – affordable, welcoming and full of things to see and do.  

Would I return? Absolutely – next time, I’d stay longer.  

If @owenwillis’ trip sounds like a bit of you, have a look at our Spain holidays and you can find all his picks on our Insiders Hub.   

Keep an eye out for the ‘Insider pick’ tag when you’re browsing our best deals and in your holiday search results, too.  

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Author: @owenwillis
Last updated: 03/04/2025