Best Things to Do:
- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is the weather like in Seville in May?
- 3. Why visit Seville in May?
- 4. Exploring Seville
- 5. The Cathedral of Seville
- 6. Climbing the Giralda
- 7. Exploring the Gardens of the Alcazar Palace
- 8. Taking a Tour of Plaza de España
- 9. Seville in May: Relaxing at Maria Luisa Park
- 10. Exploring Seville on Foot / Guided Tours
- 11. Discovering the Plaza de Toros - Bullring of Seville
- 12. Visiting the Seville Aquarium
- 13. Visiting the Museums of Seville!
- 14. Where to Stay in Seville in May? Our Favorite Hotels!
Introduction
Are you considering visiting Seville in May but still hesitating? In that case, you are in the right place because traveling to Andalusia in the spring is a fantastic idea, provided you are well-prepared!
Specifically, Seville is a wonderful destination in Spain to enjoy the sun! No matter the time of year, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of its cathedral, gardens, the Alcazar, and its typical neighborhoods to soak up the local traditions and culture...
Before you jump into your bookings, let's clarify things together right now
What is the weather like in Seville in May?
For those seeking moderate warmth, spring is an excellent season to visit Seville. If you are going in May, you're making the right choice! Are you debating between May and Seville in April? I have an article on that topic!
At this time of year, temperatures are particularly high in Spain as they rise quickly with the approach of spring. In the case of Seville, located in the south of the country, the average temperatures are estimated around 25 degrees Celsius, which is quite nice for the beginning of the season.
As I often say, Spain rarely adheres to the temperatures announced by the weather forecast, as they often reach peaks of up to 28 degrees Celsius or even 30 in some cases. Traveling in May guarantees pleasant summer warmth without reaching extremes. If you cannot tolerate high heat, consider visiting Seville between April and June.
Not sure yet what to do in Seville during your stay? One thing is certain: you won't have time to get bored I strongly recommend that you check out the activities available to determine what interests you and what you can do during your vacation! Moreover, by booking as early as possible, you ensure that you can participate in the selected activities
Why visit Seville in May?
During spring, Seville is adorned with magnificent colors as gardens bloom and trees reveal their beautiful foliage and citrus. Although this season is ideal for a lovely vacation, I still recommend you be cautious as tourists are already present.
Even though tourist traffic is lower compared to the summer season, many travelers choose May for a relatively peaceful holiday. In Spain, keep in mind that hotel, restaurant, and even fuel prices start to rise, so it's a good time.
With this in mind, book your hotel room quickly. Traveling in spring is not always guaranteed, and the best establishments are always fully booked. If you don't know where to stay in Seville, I have written a comprehensive post on the subject
I can give you the same advice for airline tickets: think about booking them as early as possible to take advantage of the best prices! Also, consider using a comparator like Ulysse, which will directly offer you the most interesting deals ✈️
Exploring Seville
Exploring the Andalusian capital means immersing yourself in architectural and historical discoveries! It will also give you the opportunity to soak up the local culture and adopt the Spanish way of life!
The Cathedral of Seville
Start your visit to Seville with the crème de la crème! The Seville Cathedral is undoubtedly the most popular monument because of its beauty and impressive dimensions!
As the third-largest cathedral in the world, its main edifice features numerous architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, including Mudejar and Baroque. Before discovering the interior, take a moment to admire its façade and even walk around the building.
Once inside, you will behold its rich and exquisite decoration, its main nave, and the tombs of notable historical figures, including Christopher Columbus.
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to properly visit the cathedral! Admission starts at €16 per person
Climbing the Giralda
After visiting the cathedral, head to the Giralda, its bell tower! Once a minaret of the old mosque, this tower stands 100 meters high and is one of the most iconic elements of Seville.
For a panoramic view of Seville and its surroundings, I suggest climbing to the top of the Giralda via a ramp and enjoying the landscape from above! Admission is included in the ticket I mentioned earlier.
Exploring the Gardens of the Alcazar Palace
Often visited in conjunction with the cathedral and the Giralda, the Alcazar palace is one of the most incredible and enchanting places in Seville!
As the main residence of the King of Spain, this palace boasts both Moorish and Arabic architecture, with lavish decorations, azulejos, and intricate motifs...
Of course, what draws the attention of all visitors are its lush gardens and blooming patios! The gardens are truly vast, featuring stunning fountains and water jets.
Plan for about two hours for a complete visit.
To save money and time, I recommend booking a combined ticket that includes a guided tour. For example, this guided tour includes the cathedral, the Giralda, and the Alcazar with skip-the-line access.
Taking a Tour of Plaza de España
After a busy morning, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll at Plaza de España! It was created for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, a true symbol of peace and tranquility.
A must-see, it is notably distinguished by its grandeur with its 200-meter diameter. Shaped like a semicircle, it is adjacent to beautiful administrative buildings that you will take the time to admire.
One of the most notable features of Plaza de España, there are certainly the 52 benches that represent the 52 Spanish provinces. You will likely see Spaniards taking photos on the bench belonging to their home province!
In the center of the plaza lies a charming fountain, surrounded by a round basin, where you can also navigate by renting a boat.
Seville in May: Relaxing at Maria Luisa Park
As one of the largest parks in Seville, Maria Luisa Park is certainly the most essential place if you need to recharge and escape the hustle and bustle of the city!
This park was created for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, just like Plaza de España, and it is a haven of peace. On-site, you can find beautiful fountains, well-maintained lawns, trees, lovely shaded paths, and stunning flowers that exude superb aromas.
When the park underwent some renovations, pavilions were added, each representing a region of the American continent. You can find a pavilion representing Guatemala, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico.
Exploring Seville on Foot / Guided Tours
Of course, deciding to go to Seville in May will truly allow you to explore the city without being too disturbed by the crowd and tourists. This is why I recommend putting on your best shoes to discover every little corner of the Andalusian capital!
The best way to immerse yourself in the city is to spend as much time there as possible. You can start with the most popular neighborhoods of Seville like Santa Cruz, which is the historic center and the old Jewish quarter, as well as the Triana district and the Arenal area, which is home to the Plaza de Toros.
Naturally, you will not miss out on discovering charming small squares, flowered patios, and even enjoy tasting delicious tapas while soaking up the sun on a terrace. Ideally, I advise choosing a guided tour to fill up on knowledge and culture about Seville!
If you're unsure about which guided tour to choose, be aware that several thematic tours are available, depending on what you're looking for! To save you some time, I've selected the best guided tours available in Seville this May:
- Visit Seville with tasting local tapas
- Guided tour of Seville by segway / by bike / on foot
Discovering the Plaza de Toros - Bullring of Seville
Although bullfighting is a highly controversial practice, it should be noted that bullfighting is part of Andalusian traditions!
To learn more about bullfighting in Seville, you can definitely visit the bullring during a guided tour only. This way, you'll discover the Real Maestranza museum to trace the history of bullfighting, with access to the arena to truly appreciate the grandeur of this place!
Furthermore, it is truly during spring that the first bullfighting events take place, some being much more renowned than others, so maybe an idea for an outing? Tickets range from €20 to €200 to see a bullfight, depending on the importance of the event.
Visiting the Seville Aquarium
Visiting the Seville Aquarium could be a super cool activity to do, especially if you're coming to explore the Andalusian capital with children. Of course, it's a great outing if you come alone too!
On-site, you can admire various marine species, from colorful exotic fish to sharks and turtles, as well as octopuses and starfish! In my opinion, it's a good idea to do this if you're feeling a bit too hot and need a little moment in the cool air.
Visiting the Museums of Seville!
Depending on the duration of your stay in Seville, it is highly recommended to include a few museums to soak up culture and history! Below, I suggest a selection of the best museums in the Andalusian capital; you just have to choose according to your interests and what you want to see:
So, if it rains in Seville in May, here are some ideas for indoor outings!
- Museum of Fine Arts of Seville
- Flamenco Museum
- Museum of Arts and Popular Customs
- Lebrija Palace Museum
- Andalusian Centre of Contemporary Art
- Archaeological Museum of Seville
- Inquisition Museum
- Ceramics Museum
Where to Stay in Seville in May? Our Favorite Hotels!
If you still don't know where to stay in Seville, I advise you to study the neighborhoods thoroughly before booking a hotel room. Ideally, sleep in central areas such as Casco Antiguo, the old town, which includes the Santa Cruz neighborhood. El Arenal and Triana are also excellent choices! In the meantime, here are a few good addresses I've set aside to save you some time in your search:
Hotel Abanico is also located in the old town, close to many museums and art galleries, as well as shops in Seville. The hotel features typical architecture, with a beautiful lush central patio and very nice rooms! For one night, you will need to pay around €135 for a double occupancy.
B&B Casa Alfareria 59 is a charming establishment that offers pleasant and comfortable rooms in the Triana district. The atmosphere is very warm, the hosts are kind, and you can enjoy the shared lounge and kitchen! For one night, budget around €109 with breakfast included.
Hotel Alcázar is a modern and elegant establishment located in the Nervion district. The Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda are all accessible in less than 10 minutes on foot, and the rooms are tastefully decorated. For €142 per night, you will stay in a double room with a garden view.
And there you go! We have reached the end of this article, hoping it helps you organize your next getaway to the Andalusian capital! Now, I can only wish you a wonderful vacation!