Seville is one of those rare cities that feels like it stepped out of a dream. When I visited last August, despite the soaring 40°C heat, I found myself endlessly wandering its sun-drenched streets, mesmerized by intricate mosaic-tiled facades, fragrant orange trees, and the dazzling mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque architecture at every turn. While famous sights like the Royal Alcázar and Las Setas draw the crowds, it’s Seville’s hidden corners, its peaceful courtyards, quiet plazas, and lesser-known landmarks, that truly unveil the soul of the city. Exploring these secret spots offers a more intimate, authentic experience of Seville, one filled with beauty, history, and the timeless charm of Andalusia. So come with now and explore the best hidden gems in Seville!
Plaza del Cabildo
Just steps from the Catedral de Sevilla, yet often missed entirely, this crescent-shaped square is one of the most stunning places to take a moment to pause, soak in the serenity, and watch the sunlight dance across its elegant arches and timeworn delicate frescos.
Surrounded by elegant arches and whispering with the echoes of the past, it hides a sliver of ancient city walls and hosts a charming weekend market where antique collectors linger over coins and stamps. The mosaic tilework beneath your feet and the shadows cast by the surrounding colonnades create a peaceful ambience that feels almost suspended in time. Come here early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light softens and you can sit under the arches with a coffee and watch the city move slowly around you.
Patio de Banderas
Slip through the Alcázar’s side gate and you’ll stumble into this peaceful courtyard, framed by orange trees and washed in golden light. Most tourists rush past it en route to the Cathedral, but those who pause here are treated to one of the best views of the Giralda peeking over terracotta rooftops. The name “Patio de Banderas” (Courtyard of Flags) hints at its royal past, once used as a ceremonial entrance to the Alcázar. Today, it offers a quiet, sun-dappled space to sit and reflect. The gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional street musician lend it a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur just next door.
Iglesia de San Lorenzo
Although the Seville Cathedral often steals the spotlight, I found several lesser-known churches around the city even more captivating. One such gem is the Iglesia de San Lorenzo, nestled in a quiet residential neighbourhood north of the centre. This Gothic-Mudéjar church holds a special place in the hearts of locals, offering a peaceful, authentic glimpse into Seville’s spiritual life.
Step inside to a calm, dimly lit sanctuary where the famed statue of Jesús del Gran Poder presides, a focal point of Seville’s passionate Holy Week celebrations. The air is thick with candle wax and silence, offering a welcome moment of spiritual pause. The surrounding plaza, lined with orange trees and traditional homes, is a lovely place to sit and take in the slower rhythms of daily life in Seville.
One of the things that struck me in Seville was how many churches featured statues of saints, especially the Virgin Mary, with glass or crystal teardrops. And this church had one of the most impressive ones! These weeping figures are incredibly moving, so lifelike and full of sorrow. They’re especially significant during Semana Santa, when they’re carried through the streets in emotional processions. I learned that the tears aren’t just decorative; they’re meant to help people connect with the pain and compassion of these holy figures. It’s a beautiful blend of faith and artistry that really stays with you.
Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador
Though second in size only to the Cathedral, the Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador is baroque masterpiece that remains something of a hidden treasure. Its richly gilded altars and polychrome sculptures reveal layer upon layer of history, from Moorish roots to Catholic glory, without the tourist crush.
Originally built on the site of a mosque, traces of its Islamic past can still be seen in the columns and layout. Inside, the atmosphere is both grand and intimate, with shafts of light cutting through incense haze and casting golden reflections across the ornate ceiling. It’s a place where art and faith converge in breathtaking harmony.
Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
The Palace of the Countess of Lebrija is one of those places I can’t believe isn’t #1 on so many women’s ls isn’t just a museum, it’s a quiet act of rebellion and vision. At a time when men led archaeological endeavours, the Countess of Lebrija carved out a space entirely her own and changed history forever. She transformed her 16th-century mansion into a scholarly sanctuary, covering floors and walls with intricate Roman mosaics and artefacts gathered from her expeditions across Spain and beyond.
The grand staircase, adorned with azulejos and framed by coffered ceilings, speaks not only of wealth but of a woman asserting her intellectual and aesthetic authority. Walking through the palace feels like stepping into a story authored by a woman who refused to be a footnote in history. I’m going to write an entire post just on this incredible place so standby for that!
Casa de Pilatos
A patchwork of architectural styles unfolds inside the doors of the Casa de Pilatos. Andalusian tiles, Gothic arches, Renaissance sculptures, all orbiting a lush, jasmine-scented courtyard and garden patrios. It’s a peaceful retreat that feels like wandering through the pages of a forgotten fairytale.
As you move through its labyrinth of rooms and courtyards, you’ll notice the harmonious coexistence of different influences, from Christian iconography to Islamic geometric patterns. It’s a textbook in stone and tile, where every doorway leads to a new story and every column whispers secrets from another century.
Palacio de las Dueñas
Once the residence of the flamboyant Duchess of Alba, the Palacio de las Dueñas hums with aristocratic elegance. Its romantic gardens, sunlit cloisters, and intimate art collection feel like a world apart.
As you walk through its rooms, decorated with family portraits, vintage bullfighting posters, antique furniture, and handwritten letters, you gain a glimpse into the private lives of one of Spain’s most storied noble families. The garden, filled with palms, bougainvillea, and murmuring fountains, is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
AIRE Ancient Baths Sevilla
I had no idea what lay behind the ancient facade of these baths when I walked by, but the scent of orange blossom in the air stopped me in my tracks. Enchanted, almost spellbound, I followed my nose through the heavy wooden doors and stepped into a dream: flickering candlelight, vaulted brick ceilings, and softly bubbling pools.
The restored Arab baths at AIRE offer more than just relaxation. They are a sensory tribute to Seville’s Moorish heritage. You can soak, float, or indulge in one of their rituals, such as wine-infused baths or hot stone massages, each one more luxurious than the last. One of the most unforgettable parts of the experience is the rooftop pool. It overlooks Seville’s skyline, and even in the height of summer, it’s a cool, serene place to sip chilled cava and take in the beauty of the city.
Naturalmente
One of my favourite things to do while travelling is to seek out a local perfumery, somewhere local where I can discover a scent that becomes my memory of the city. Naturalmente was exactly that kind of place, and the experience felt truly one of a kind. It remains one of the most beautiful memories from my time in Seville.
Although the owner speaks little English, her shop speaks volumes. Lined with amber bottles and botanical sketches, it feels more like an old-world apothecary than a boutique. She creates each fragrance by hand, drawing inspiration from the spirit of Seville, the history of Andalucía, and the richness of Spain. Think orange blossom, jasmine, myrrh. These are not just perfumes, they are moments in time and space, captured in scent. You might walk out smelling like a Seville sunset or like the palacial gardens of the Alcazar.
Dulces de Convento
Buying sweets from silent nuns behind a revolving wooden door might sound surreal, but in Seville, it’s a beloved tradition. Convents like San Leandro or Santa Inés keep this custom alive. Ring the bell, and through an ancient wooden turnstile, you’ll exchange coins for homemade yemas, almond confections, or other simple delights. Most convents post signs with the names and sometimes even photos of the cookies, along with the prices. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you can simply point, say the name of the treat, place your coin, and receive a little piece of history.
These sweets are made using centuries-old recipes passed down through generations. The packaging is humble, the flavours are heavenly, and the experience is like stepping into another era, one that’s sweet in every sense.
La Fresquita
There are so many tapas bars in Seville that choosing just one can feel overwhelming. With so many now on the tourist radar, it’s a real treat to stumble upon those quieter, tucked-away spots that still feel genuinely local and full of character, places where the flavours are honest, the atmosphere unpretentious, and the experience truly Sevillano. La Fresquita is one of those spots! It’s practically standing room only with just a few small tables, but the atmosphere is buzzing and the food is more than worth the squeeze.
La Fresquita, renowned for its authentic Andalusian atmosphere and traditional fare, features classic dishes such as espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), carne con tomate (pork in tomato sauce) and seasonal specialties, like the caracoles (snails) which are a local favourite! The bar’s interior is adorned with Semana Santa (Holy Week) memorabilia, which feels delightfully unique.
Taberna Águilas
Rustic and quietly atmospheric, this tavern serves Andalusian classics with generous pours of local wine. It’s the kind of place where time slows and conversations stretch long over montaditos (small, crusty sandwiches) and pringá (a rich, savoury blend of slow-cooked meats like pork, chorizo, and morcilla, mashed together into a hearty spread).
The wooden beams, tiled walls, and softly glowing lanterns make it feel like a home kitchen dressed up for a fiesta. Whether you come for lunch or a late-night tapa, you’ll leave feeling like you belong.
Bar Garlochí
Step into a surreal world of religious kitsch, where chandeliers, velvet curtains, and saintly statues preside over a bar that serves a blood-red cocktail called “Sangre de Cristo.” It’s weird, wonderful, and unmistakably Seville. The drink is impossible sweet, but it’s also what you HAVE to order, to get into the spirit of this place.
The bar is a sensory overload, packed with holy paraphernalia and a sense of humour as rich as its drink menu. A visit here is less about the cocktails and more about immersing yourself in a uniquely Sevillano form of devotion, half sacred, half satirical.
Café Santa Marta Bar
I stumbled upon Café Santa Marta Bar one quiet morning while wandering the streets in search of a coffee. Tucked just outside Plaza San Andrés, where leafy orange trees cast dappled shade, this cafe drew me in immediately. Everyone around me was a local, and the prices made that abundantly clear. It’s a no-frills spot, but they serve freshly squeezed orange juice and some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. Sitting beneath the orange trees, listening to morning chatter, locals debating market prices or simply enjoying the slow pace of the day, felt like a perfect little slice of Sevillian life.
Bar Santa Teresa
Bar Santa Teresa is a classic Sevillian tapas bar packed with charm and history. Inside, cured hams hang from the ceiling, flamenco and Semana Santa posters cover the walls, and the bar buzzes with locals and visitors elbow-to-elbow.
Plates of jamón ibérico, olives, and montaditos are served on a well-worn marble counter, while traditional tiles and soft lantern light give the space a warm, old-world feel. It’s dishes and staff are full of Sevillian flavour, perfect for a quick bite or a long, lingering lunch, or a few too many glasses of varmouth long into the night.
La Carbonería
Flamenco has deep roots in Seville, where it evolved from a blend of Andalusian, Romani, Moorish, and Jewish musical traditions. The city became a hub for flamenco in the 18th and 19th centuries, with cafés cantantes (flamenco music cafés) flourishing as spaces for performance and improvisation. But today, many places to watch Flamenco feel more like tourist traps than authentic flamenco bars. But that isn’t the case inside La Carbonería.
It’s easy to walk past the unmarked door of this flamenco bar, but step inside and you’re in for a night of raw emotion. With creaky wooden chairs, open brick walls, and a stage lit like a sacred space, La Carbonería delivers spontaneous flamenco that hits you in the chest, in the best way. Unlike polished tourist shows, the performances here are visceral, improvised, and deeply felt.
Photos and videos are not allowed during the performance, allowing everyone to fully take in the powerful music and dance without digital distractions. Order a glass of wine (cash only), settle into the candlelit atmosphere, and let the rhythm and footwork pull you deep into the soul of Andalucía.
Seville’s hidden gems are where the city truly comes alive, not in the guidebook highlights, but in the quiet chapels, tucked-away bars, and sun-dappled courtyards that most travellers overlook. These are the places where tradition breathes, where the scent of orange blossom lingers, and where every tile and tapa tells a story.
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