VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
Discover flamenco, Moorish palaces, and tapas crawls, all within a two-hour drive from Portugal’s eastern Algarve. As we were in Seville for just the day we decided to take a Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour.
We crossed the border from Tavira into Spain with one goal: to pack as much of Seville’s magic as possible into a single day. After parking on the outskirts, we jumped on the red hop-on, hop-off bus, a much smarter choice with only a day to explore. From the panoramic top deck, the city unfolded like a living postcard: the Giralda tower piercing the sky, the Guadalquivir River shimmering below, and the massive Plaza de España appearing around a bend like something out of a movie. With the freedom to hop off at every major stop we tackled the top 10 things to do in Seville, Spain.
The day ended up being 33 degrees so you can imagine how desperate we were for some water and shade at one point. A tour bus view of Seville is a whole vibe. You’re up high, trying to find some cool breeze as the bus picks up speed and the city just rolls past your window:
The Cathedral + La Giralda: We duck under the trees and suddenly it’s there – massive – The Giralda tower used to be a minaret, now it’s bells.
Orange trees line every street, Seville’s basically a citrus orchard with buildings in it. You can smell the citrus in the air.
What we spotted:
Plaza de España
Half-circle of tile, bridges, and colourful benches.
Guadalquivir River
We crossed over and got that postcard view: Triana district on the other side. Tighter streets, laundry hanging between buildings, way more locals. Bus can’t fit down the little lanes, so you just roll along the edge watching shops blur past.
Maria Luisa Park
Green tunnel of trees, then boom, more plazas, fountains, plenty of benches to sit, take a moment & soak in the atmosphere.
Horse carriages clopping beside you? Only in Seville. The horses wear flower garlands, the drivers in top hats looked annoyed at the tour bus, but wave anyway.
Yet again, hop-on hop-off was the way to go.
We hopped off at a restaurant, then found a pharmacy to see about getting some Tylenol for Mr. MRT’s migraine that came on. Our spanish was lacking in that category as we didn’t know the word for ‘migraine’, so the kind pharmacist let me type what I needed into a translation app at her computer. Then we hopped back on the next bus to get back to our parked rental car so we could head back to Portugal.
Driving distance from Tavira, Portugal: ~140 km / ~ Allow 1 hour 30 minutes via A-49 highway (no border checks).
Seville from Tavira: 10 Must-Do Experiences Just a Short Drive Away
- Plaza de España – Marvel at the semi-circular brick masterpiece.
- Real Alcázar – Walk through royal Moorish gardens (book tickets ahead).
- Seville Cathedral & La Giralda – Climb the former minaret for panoramic views.
- Barrio Santa Cruz – Get lost in the old Jewish Quarter’s whitewashed alleys.
- Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) – See the modern wooden structure and underground Roman ruins.
- Flamenco show – Catch an authentic tablao in Triana or Los Remedios.
- Torre del Oro – Quick stop by the Guadalquivir River.
- Tapas crawl – Hit Calle Mateos Gago or Mercado Lonja del Barranco.
- Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza – Tour one of Spain’s oldest bullrings.
- Sunset at Setas or Río – Climb the Metropol or walk along the river.
Where to Eat in Seville (Without Breaking the Bank)
After hopping off the red bus, we worked up a serious appetite. Seville is packed with tourist traps, but we found five medium-priced spots where locals actually eat, and you can too, without spending a fortune.
- El Rinconcillo – Oldest bar in Seville (€10–30)
Dating back to 1670, this place feels like a museum you can eat in. We grabbed a spot by the barrel-aged casks and ordered espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and carrillada ibérica (Iberian pork cheek). Tapas start around €3. If the bar is too lively, head upstairs for a quieter table.
- Bodeguita Romero – Best for pringá (€3–12)
Steps from the Cathedral, this family spot has been running since 1939. Their famous pringá—a slow-cooked mix of pork, sausage, and beef—is unforgettable. Tapas from €3.80. It earned a “Solete Guía Repsol” award, which means locals approve.
- La Grulla – Mediterranean comfort (€20–30)
We needed a break from fried things, and La Grulla delivered. The roast beef with potato mash and macerated salmon were both fantastic. Quiet, cozy, and they have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Google rating: 4.2.
- Mesón Asador La Burra – For steak lovers (€27–33 USD)
If you’re craving grilled meat, this is your stop. We tried the whisky-marinated steak and fried squid. Lively vibe, outdoor seating, and solid wine by the glass.
- Al Wadi – Best non-Spanish option (€)
One block from the Cathedral, Al Wadi serves excellent Middle Eastern food. After days of jamón and manchego, their hummus, shawarma, baba ganoush, and charcoal-grilled chicken were a welcome change. Very affordable and halal.
Pro tip from our trip:
Skip the overpriced paella near the Cathedral. Instead, walk a few blocks into any of these spots. And remember—lunch is the big meal here (2:00–4:00 PM), so plan your hop-on, hop-off stops accordingly.
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
