A Solo Female Traveler’s Journey Through Seville: The things to do and best restaurants in Seville
Traveling solo as a woman can be both exhilarating and a little daunting. Yet, some cities seem to be made for solo adventures, where every moment becomes a personal story of exploration and discovery. For me, Seville was exactly that. The sunny Andalusian city welcomed me with open arms and left me in awe of its rich history, tantalizing food, and the warmth of its people. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my journey, offering tips and insights for solo female travelers who are looking to immerse themselves in the magic of Seville.
First Impressions of Seville
As soon as I stepped off the plane at Seville’s San Pablo Airport, I could feel a sense of adventure building inside me. I had always wanted to visit Andalusia, and Seville seemed like the perfect starting point. The vibrant colors of the city, the scent of orange blossoms in the air, and the mix of ancient Moorish architecture alongside modern touches made Seville a feast for the senses.
I decided to stay in the Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Barrio Santa Cruz. As a solo traveler, safety was my top priority, and the hotel’s location couldn’t have been better. Nestled in the quiet, winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter, it felt like a sanctuary. From my balcony, I could catch a glimpse of La Giralda and listen to the gentle hum of the city below.
Book your stay at Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla here.
Exploring Seville: Top Things to Do as a Solo Female Traveler in Seville
Seville is packed with things to do, and as a solo traveler, I was excited to set my own pace. Here are some must-see spots that made my heart skip a beat.
1. Royal Alcázar of Seville: A Journey Back in Time
My first stop was the Royal Alcázar. As I stepped through the intricately designed gates, I couldn’t help but feel like I had entered another world. The palace is a stunning mix of Moorish and Christian architecture, with colorful ceramic tiles, ornate archways, and sprawling gardens. I spent hours wandering through the rooms, losing myself in the history and beauty of this ancient royal residence. It felt surreal to stand in a place where kings and queens once walked, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the delicate carvings and lush greenery around me.
Solo Travel Tip: Be sure to book your ticket online in advance to skip the long queues, and consider joining a small group guided tour. It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers and dive deeper into the history of the palace without feeling overwhelmed.
Book your guided tour of the Royal Alcázar here.
Read more: Discovering Barcelona: 3 days Barcelona Iterinary
2. Seville Cathedral and La Giralda: Views from the Top
No visit to Seville is complete without seeing its iconic cathedral and La Giralda. I spent the better part of an afternoon here, wandering through the massive Gothic interior of the cathedral and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. As a solo traveler, I found the visit to be a great moment of reflection. The cathedral’s sheer size and grandeur left me speechless, and the climb up to the top of La Giralda provided a breathtaking view of Seville.
Solo Travel Tip: The tower climb is relatively easy since it’s a series of ramps rather than stairs. If you visit in the late afternoon, you’ll be treated to a spectacular sunset over the city.
Book your skip-the-line entry to Seville Cathedral here.
3. Barrio Santa Cruz: Getting Lost in the Charm
There’s something magical about walking through Barrio Santa Cruz as a solo traveler. This historic Jewish Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, small courtyards, and hidden gems. I spent hours wandering through its white-washed alleys, occasionally stopping at a small café for a cup of coffee or to admire the quaint plazas. One of my favorite spots was Plaza de Doña Elvira, a peaceful square filled with orange trees.
Getting lost in Barrio Santa Cruz felt like an adventure. Every corner revealed something new—whether it was a quiet garden, a small boutique, or a friendly local offering directions.
Explore Barrio Santa Cruz with a guided walking tour here.
4. Experiencing Flamenco at La Carbonería
Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, and I knew I couldn’t leave without experiencing a traditional show. I headed to Casa de la Memoria, a famous flamenco bar that came highly recommended by locals. The atmosphere was electric, with the haunting melodies of the guitar and the powerful passion of the dancers filling the room. I found a small table near the stage, ordered a glass of local wine, and lost myself in the performance.
As a solo traveler, this was one of the highlights of my trip. It was a reminder of the power of art to bring people together, and even though I didn’t know anyone in the room, I felt a connection to everyone through the music and dance.
Book your flamenco show tickets here.
Where to Stay as a Solo Female Traveler in Seville
Finding the right place to stay is essential for any solo traveler. After staying in Seville for a week, I can confidently recommend three excellent options for solo female travelers.
1. Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla: A Boutique Experience in Barrio Santa Cruz
This charming boutique hotel was my home during my stay in Seville, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Located in the heart of Barrio Santa Cruz, it offered a safe and cozy atmosphere with beautifully designed rooms. The hotel’s rooftop terrace with views of the cathedral was the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Check rates and book Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla here.
2. Hotel Alfonso XIII: Luxury in the Heart of Seville
If you’re looking to splurge a little, Hotel Alfonso XIII is the epitome of luxury. This five-star hotel, with its stunning Moorish design and luxurious amenities, is perfect for solo travelers who want to treat themselves to a memorable stay.
Book your stay at Hotel Alfonso XIII here.
Read more: San Sebastian with its magic: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
3. Black Swan Hostel: Budget-Friendly and Social
For budget-conscious travelers, Black Swan Hostel offers affordable dorm rooms in a central location. As a solo female traveler, I appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other solo travelers from around the world.
Book your stay at Black Swan Hostel here.
The Best Restaurants in Seville: A Solo Foodie’s Dream
Seville is a food lover’s paradise, and one of the joys of traveling solo is the freedom to eat whenever and wherever you please. From traditional tapas to modern takes on Andalusian cuisine, here are my top recommendations for where to eat in Seville.
1. El Rinconcillo: Seville’s Oldest Tapas Bar
As a history lover, I couldn’t resist visiting El Rinconcillo, the oldest bar in Seville, dating back to 1670. I stood at the bar and ordered a selection of tapas, including espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and jamón ibérico. The staff was incredibly friendly, and I struck up a conversation with a local couple who offered me tips for exploring the city.
Solo Travel Tip: Arrive early or be prepared to wait—it gets busy in the evenings!
2. La Azotea: Modern Tapas with a Twist
For a more modern dining experience, La Azotea was a fantastic choice. The menu offers creative twists on traditional tapas, and the tuna tataki was one of the best dishes I had in Seville. As a solo traveler, I appreciated the friendly vibe and the fact that I could sit at the bar and chat with the staff.
3. Eslava: Tapas Worth the Hype
Eslava is often touted as one of the best tapas bars in Seville, and after visiting, I can see why. Their honey-glazed ribs and slow-cooked egg on boletus cake are famous for a reason. The atmosphere was lively but not overwhelming, and it was easy to find a spot at the bar.
Final Thoughts on Solo Travel in Seville
Seville was the perfect destination for my solo adventure. The city is welcoming, safe, and packed with things to do, making it ideal for solo female travelers. Whether you’re wandering through the ancient streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, savoring delicious tapas at a local bar, or losing yourself in the rhythm of flamenco, Seville offers endless opportunities for discovery.
With this guide, I hope you’ll be inspired to explore Seville on your own terms, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Sign up for the best travel tips and adventures!