What to Do in Seville When It’s Hot? Discover 11 Refreshing Activities!

Today, I'm offering you some tips on how to cope with the heat in Seville! This city in the south of Spain, in Andalusia, is a magnificent destination to explore. However, the temperatures can soar, especially if you visit between June and September, right in the middle of the tourist season. During the summer, it's not uncommon for the temperature to reach 104°F, and during my stay, it hit 113°F under the sun.

But what to do in Seville when it's hot and you wish to escape the stifling heat? Here are some suggestions!

1. Choose a Hotel with a Pool

In some places, having a hotel with a pool is a luxury. In Seville, when the mercury rises, it's almost a necessity! Imagine the joy of dipping into cool water when it's 104°F outside. A pool is also the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

Some recommended and conveniently located hotels with pools include:

• Hotel Fernando III - Located a stone's throw from Seville's cathedral, boasting a rooftop pool overlooking the Giralda.
• Hotel Monte Triana - Situated in the flamenco district of Triana, a bit further from the city center, offering a more budget-friendly option.
• Hotel Becquer - Nestled in Seville's old town, providing a pool view of the cathedral.
• The Joya del Casco - Where I stayed during my Seville journey, featuring a rooftop pool and stunning views of Seville's cathedral and its iconic tower, the Giralda.

2. Seek Refuge in Seville's Cathedral

Religious edifices often provide a respite from the heat. Seville's cathedral, a must-visit site, is no exception.

Constructed in the 15th century on the remnants of a previous mosque, it retains the minaret, now transformed into a bell tower known as the "Giralda". Ascend to its peak for a breathtaking city panorama.

Unlike many steep bell tower staircases, here, you'll find a gentle incline, making the ascent more manageable. When the structure served as a mosque, the muezzin, often an elderly man, would ascend the minaret five times daily for Muslim prayers. This design allowed him to ride a mule instead of climbing by foot.

If you're pondering what to do in Seville when it's hot, this visit is a top pick.

You can purchase a ticket in advance to minimize entrance wait times.

Consider an English-guided cathedral tour, or even a combined cathedral and Alcazar tour.

Cathedral Address - Avenida de la Constitución. Typically open from 10:45 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 2:30 pm to 6 pm on Sundays.

3. Explore the Alcazar of Seville

One must-see spot when the weather warms up in Seville is the Alcazar. This magnificent edifice, complete with its sprawling gardens, was originally constructed by the Umayyads of Spain starting from the 9th century. Over time, it has seen numerous renovations, reflecting both its Muslim origins and later Christian influences.

Furthermore, the Alcazar of Seville suffered significant damage due to an earthquake in the 14th century, prompting a series of restorations. Today, the monument stands as a striking blend of Muslim, Gothic, and Mudejar architectural styles.

Visitors can meander through its cool corridors and then indulge in the partially shaded gardens. Among its features is a captivating body of water known as the Basin of Mercury. Conveniently, the entrance is mere steps away from the cathedral, which is why tours often combine the two. Personally, I immersed myself for over 3 hours exploring the Alcazar!

To save time, you can purchase a ticket online in advance, or even opt for a guided tour of the Alcazar.

Address - Patio de Banderas. Generally open from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily.

4. Seek Coolness at the Seville Aquarium

I never imagined I'd endorse such a spot, but after hearing so many positive reviews about the Seville Aquarium, I decided to pay a visit. It was a delightful experience, and I'd recommend it for anyone seeking refuge from the Seville heat!

The entire aquarium is air-conditioned, but what truly stands out is its magnificence! Though not vast (expect a 1.5-hour tour), it showcases a diverse array of fish, expansive viewing tanks, an immersive shark tunnel, and comprehensive exhibits. It's impeccably maintained.

You can purchase tickets online ahead of time. Considering the quality, its pricing is competitive with other major city aquariums.

Address - Conveniently located near the Plaza de España at Muelle de las Delicias.

• From September to June: Open 10 am - 6 pm on weekdays and 10 am - 7 pm on weekends.
• In July and August: Open 10 am - 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am - 8 pm on weekends.

The ticket counter closes 1 hour before the aquarium shuts its doors to visitors.

5. The Serenity of the Museum of Fine Arts

Seville boasts an illustrious Museum of Fine Arts, housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Zurbarán, Murillo, Francisco de Herrera the Elder, Cranach, and numerous other maestros. Situated in a historically significant 17th-century convent, it offers a captivating voyage through Spanish art history!

Address - Located at 9 Plaza del Museo. Typically open from 9 am to 9 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and 9 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Closed on Mondays.

6. Explore the Palacio de las Dueñas

Seville is home to many palaces, typically centered around a central patio and gardens. The Palacio de las Dueñas stands out as one of the most remarkable palaces open to visitors. Constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries, it later became a property of the House of Alba, a notable part of the Castilian aristocracy.

Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour using an application that functions as an audio guide. Wandering through the gardens, patios, and rooms of the palace is a delightful experience, typically lasting around 1:30 hours. Especially on scorching days, the coolness of the garden and the serene ambiance of the palace rooms are appreciated.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance.

Address and Opening Hours - The palace is located at 5 Calle Dueñas. It's generally open from 10am to 7:15pm from Tuesday to Sunday and 10am to 3:55pm on Mondays.

7. Discover the Hospital de los Venerables

If you're seeking a blend of art and history in Seville, especially during hot weather, consider the Hospital de los Venerables. This Baroque architectural gem was built in the 17th century as a residence for retired priests without means for private housing. Today, it's transformed into a museum celebrating the renowned Sevillian painter, Velázquez.

I spent nearly two hours there, captivated not just by the art but also the structure itself, which features a stunning church.

Address and Opening Hours - The Hospice of the Venerables is at 8 Plaza Venerables. It typically opens daily from 10am to 7pm, closing at 4pm on Sundays. You can check out prices and purchase tickets online here.

8. Relax on a Terrace in a Shaded Park

In response to the city's warm climate, Seville offers numerous adaptations. Large white awnings are extended over sun-exposed streets, beautiful parks such as Parque de María Luisa and Jardines de las Delicias provide shade, and many cafes and restaurants have equipped their terraces with misting fans.

For those pondering how to beat the heat in Seville, perhaps the best answer is to settle down on a shady or mist-cooled terrace, engrossed in a book or sharing tapas and chilled beverages with friends.

A few spots I particularly enjoyed include the Premier Garden Cocktail Bar, nestled in the Jardin del Prado de San Sebastián beneath tree canopies; La Terraza-Bar at the EME Catedral Mercer hotel, boasting awe-inspiring cathedral views; and the Hotel Doña Maria's terrace which combines stunning cathedral vistas with refreshing misters.

9. Escape Seville's Heat at Guadalpark

Seville boasts a water park named Guadalpark. Situated roughly 30 minutes by car from downtown Seville, it's an hour's journey using public transport (bus 27, heading to "Sevilla Este").

Open from mid-June to early September, its doors welcome visitors from 12 pm to 7 pm. The park features numerous water slides, a zip line, a "black hole" slide (a darkened slide you take on an inflatable ring), a wave pool, a lagoon, jacuzzis, and a kids' water zone with slides tailored for younger visitors.

While it's not the most modern or standout water park, Guadalpark provides a refreshing escape on sweltering days. It's a bit on the pricier side, and it might be wise to bring your own picnic rather than relying on the on-site food offerings.

Address - Guadalpark, 8 Avenida del Deporte, Seville. Visit their official site for more details.

10. Take a Seaside Retreat

The intense heat in Seville is partly due to its inland location. A great way to cool down? Simply leave the city for a seaside escape.

Nearby beaches, like Matalascañas, can be paired with a trip to the Doñana National Park — a wetland habitat teeming with migratory birds and, if you're lucky, sightings of the elusive lynx. A 1 hour 15 minute drive on the A49 will get you there from Seville. If driving isn't an option, the Naturanda Turismo Ambiental travel agency offers day excursions combining park explorations with beach outings.

Another option is to explore the picturesque city of Cádiz, accessible by a direct train or a roughly 1.5-hour drive on the E-5.

11. Venture Out During Cooler Hours

If you find Seville's heat oppressive, consider planning your outings during the cooler times of day. Evenings in Seville offer milder temperatures, making them perfect for admiring illuminated monuments, strolling the streets, or catching a flamenco performance (like this one that includes a visit to the flamenco museum).

Embrace the local culture by enjoying tapas at a nearby restaurant, or witness a picturesque sunset while stand-up paddleboarding on the Guadalquivir River.

Seville, nestled in Andalusia, ranks among Spain's most enchanting cities. Its sultry summer climate can be challenging, and some attractions, like the Seville bullring, are sun-drenched, potentially complicating visits on scorching days. Nonetheless, exploring alternative activities can offer relief. If you're planning a trip during a hot spell, I hope this guide equips you with strategies to make the most of your time in Seville!