Hotel Mercer Sevilla in Seville

SDSevilleHotels › Mercer Sevilla Review
Updated: May 16, 2022
By Santorini Dave

Essentials
• Location: Calle Castellar, 1 building down from Plaza de Molviedro.
• Hotel website: mercersevilla.com
• Hotel phone: +34 954 223 004
Check prices for Mercer Sevilla

Review of Hotel Mercer Sevilla in Seville

The luxurious Premium Deluxe rooms at Mercer Sevilla feature private terraces.

Mercer Sevilla – Intimate 5-star luxury inside a 19th-century palace.

The understated façade of a restored nineteenth-century palace on a quiet street in El Arenal hides a sumptuous five-star hotel. The staff greets guests with a welcome glass of cava in the magnificent light-filled atrium. A grand marble staircase leads up to the twelve individually-styled, high-tech, and luxurious rooms where no expenses have been spared when it comes to comfort. The restaurant serves contemporary Andalusian cuisine, while the bar is known for its inventive house cocktails. The location is ideal for exploring all of Seville’s top attractions on foot, and numerous places to dine out are close by.

See Also

Mercer Sevilla – Location

  • Address: Calle Castellar, 26.
  • Nearest Tram: The nearest tram stop is Plaza Nueva, a 2-minute walk away.
  • Area: The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street right on the edge of El Arenal and Centro neighborhoods. It’s pretty much equidistant from attractions in Centro, Barrio Santa Cruz, and El Arenal, and there are numerous places to eat out within a short walk from the hotel. The cathedral, Real Maestranza bullring, Real Alcázar palace, Museo de Flamenco, tthe riverside Torre del Oro, the Museo de Bellas Artes, and the Setas de Sevilla are all within a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
  • How to Get There: From Seville Airport, it takes around 30 minutes on the airport bus (€4). The nearest stop to the hotel is Paseo Colón, near the Torre de Oro; from here, it’s less than 10 minutes’ walk to the hotel. If traveling long-distance by train in Spain, the Sevilla Santa Justa train station is less than 25 minutes’ walk from the hotel; alternatively, take the EA airport bus line from the train station to the Paseo Colón stop (as above). Also possible to take a taxi (around €25-30) or Uber/Cabify.
  • Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €30 from Seville Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
  • Handy to: Catedral de Sevilla, Real Maestranza bull ring, Real Alcázar.

Mercer Sevilla – The Basics

  • Ages: The hotel has a romantic, adult feel to it, and guests tend to be an international crowd, mostly couples on a city/romantic break. Families with children can be accommodated but there are few facilities for them.
  • View: Rooms look out onto the street, the hotel’s vertical garden, or the inner courtyard.
  • Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools/jacuzzis.
  • Laundry: Laundry service available, as well as dry-cleaning (extra charge).
  • Parking: No private parking, but nearby parking costs €30 per day (reservation required).
  • Extras: Turn-down service, dedicated concierge service and 24-hour reception, complimentary glass of cava and mini cakes on arrival, airport shuttle transfer available (extra charge), complimentary newspapers, and a large rooftop terrace with sun loungers.
  • When to Book: Book a couple of months in advance for the March-June, September, and October high seasons, plus the Christmas/New Year period. Book at least 4 months in advance for Easter.
  • How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
  • Phone: +34 954 223 004
  • Email: reservas@mercersevilla.com
  • Website: mercersevilla.com

Mercer Sevilla – Amenities

  • Pool: Compact rooftop swimming pool with excellent views of the cathedral.
  • Spa: No spa but in-room massages can be arranged.
  • Fitness Center: No fitness center.
  • For Disabled Guests: No specially adapted rooms.
  • For Families: Baby cots available free of charge; extra beds cost €75.

Mercer Sevilla – Food and Drink

  • Restaurant: The María Louisa Restaurant serves refined Andalusian cuisine in elegant surroundings. Reservations essential. Open Thursday to Saturday, 7-11pm. Hotel guests also have their breakfast here 8-10.30am daily. $$$-$$$$.
  • Lounge/Bars: Fizz Bar – Elegant cocktails presided over by a master cocktail maker who mixes classic and original creations from top-shelf ingredients. Open 4pm till midnight daily. 18+ • The atrium doubles as the Hall Bar, where one can also enjoy cocktails as well as light meals. During the warmer months, cocktails and light bites are served on the roof terrace as well.
  • Breakfast: Not complimentary. The breakfast spread costs €28 per person and includes Spanish cheeses, homemade pastries, yogurt, fruits, plus pancakes, egg dishes, and filled bagels made to order. Served 8-11am in the restaurant area.
  • Room Service: 24-hour room service is available.

Mercer Sevilla – Rooms

  • Room Types: Deluxe Room • Premium Deluxe Room with Terrace • Junior Suite • Premium Junior Suite • Suite • List of all Rooms
  • Smoking Rooms: Hotel Mercer Sevilla is 100% smoke-free.
  • Best Room: The open-plan Suite on the 1st floor is the most spacious and luxurious of the rooms, with a particularly sizable living area, 3 balconies overlooking the street, and a large marble bathroom complete with rain shower and deep soaking tub. Alternatively, opt for the Premium Junior Suite on the 2nd floor with less living space but the advantage of a private outdoor terrace.
  • For Families: No family rooms per se. Rooms 104 (Suite) and 105 (Junior Suite) are interconnecting.

Mercer Sevilla – Local Transport

  • Walking: Central Seville is compact and wonderfully walkable and wandering the tiny medieval lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz, the neighborhoods of Centro and Feria, and the wide boulevard and riverfront promenade that stretches along the Guadalquivir River is great fun. Most main sights can be easily reached on foot from the hotel – the cathedral is a 3-minute stroll, the Real Maestranza bullring is 4 minutes, the royal palace is 5 minutes, and even attractions such as the Museo de Bellas Artes and Setas de Sevilla are a 10-minute walk away.
  • Metro/Tram: Public transport is of limited use to most visitors. The metro is only useful to go 1 stop across the river to the Triana neighborhood, or else into the eastern suburbs. The electric tram line runs between the San Bernardo train station in eastern Seville to the historical center, culminating at Plaza Nueva, a short walk from the hotel.
  • Taxis, Uber, & Cabify: A taxi from the airport is around €21-30; Uber and Cabify charge around €18-27, depending on type of vehicle. Using taxis/ride-sharing services to get around central Seville is not required due to the ease and convenience of walking; the minimum fare is €3.65.

Mercer Sevilla – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

  • Pancho Tours – Run by travelers, for travelers, these enthusiastic guides run free walking tours of Seville that last around 2.5 hours and take in the main historic sites. Tips are greatly appreciated. Departure point: Puerta Jerez.
  • Bajabikes – Highly recommended 3-hour cycling tours of the city that cover the main sights on both sides of the river, from the royal palace and cathedral to the Torre de Oro and Triana bridge. E-bikes available at extra charge. Departure point: Calle Santas Patronas 29.
  • Apie Experiencias Turisticas Guiadas – Three different small-group guided tours that focus on the Real Alcázar, cathedral, Giralda, and Barrio Santa Cruz and its Jewish history; also longer tapas tours. Knowledgeable, engaging guides; private tours also available. Departure point: Plaza del Triunfo.

Best Nearby Tapas Bars & Restaurants

  • Taberna del Alabardero – The seasonal menu at one of Seville’s finest upscale restaurants focuses on traditional dishes with a contemporary touch, such as crispy suckling pig with red cabbage and smoked venison loin. The bistro downstairs is less formal; dress up for the restaurant. The wine list features rare Spanish vintages. Bookings essential.
  • Sahumo – Meat is the star of the show here – from the tender beef entrecote and lamb with wood-grilled vegetables to presa Ibérica with mojo picón (marbled pork shoulder with spicy olive oil, garlic, and paprika sauce). Tapas tend to be a little pricier than in many other bars, but more varied and imaginative, too.
  • Torres y García – This hip bistro combines industrial-rustic decor with creative ‘rustic’ cuisine (think pig trotter casserole, beef tenderloin with mash, cod gratin). The restaurant is also justifiably famous among locals for its woodfired pizzas.
  • Casa Morales – Run by the Morales family since 1850, this classic Sevillian bar is a great place for a glass of wine, house vermouth, or sherry and tapas, with customers sitting surrounded by enormous clay tinajas (jugs). A list of full-sized raciones is chalked on one of the jugs, and there’s an extensive tapas menu, ranging from charcuterie and cheese to tiny montaditos (sandwiches).
  • L’Oca Giuliva – One of Seville’s most authentic Italian places, this pizzeria cooks up superlative Neapolitan pizza with toppings imported from the mother country. Inexpensive and popular with families.
  • Tradevo – The more central of the 2 Tradevo restaurants, this sleek bistro blends TRA-dition with EVO-lution. There’s an emphasis on ingredient-driven dishes and sharing plates; go for grilled sea bass with black pudding and artichoke, oxtail croquettes with piquillo peppers, or the chef’s take on sushi.
  • Ovejas Negras Tapas – A stone’s throw from the cathedral, this contemporary tapas bar combines vibrant, punchy, and pop art-y decor with interesting international flavors. Their specialties include the risottazzo (an expertly prepared mushroom risotto), tuna tartar, and some of the best gourmet burgers in town. It’s a casual, buzzy, mid-priced place.
  • La Brunilda Tapas – All exposed brick and inventive menu, this place is part of the recent wave of fusion, gourmet tapas bars. Perch at the bar or grab a table and order fish tiradito (Peruvian-style ceviche) with rocoto (Peruvian chilli) emulsion, duck confit, and scallops with black noodles to share. Informal, buzzy.
  • Bar Baratillo – Around the corner from the bull ring, bullfighting is the theme at this tapas bar. Expect mounted bulls’ heads on the stone walls and an extensive menu of traditional, meat-heavy tapas such as braised oxtail and slow-cooked beef cheek. Good selection of wine and beer, mixed local and international crowd, and the odd matador.
  • Bar Postiguillo – Classic Andalusian stews, charcuterie, and meat-heavy tapas (oxtail croquettes, slow-cooked pig’s cheek) served beneath bull’s heads mounted on walls at this corral-themed restaurant. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
  • Arco Tapas – Contemporary tapas bar specializing in international classics such as tuna tataki and beef tartar, as well as Mediterranean bites such as cannelloni with spinach and pine nuts and squid-ink rice. Casual, inexpensive.
  • Sibuya – Minimalist sushi spot with daily sashimi specials prepared from whatever’s fresh and in season at the market, as well as bao buns and Korean-style fried chicken. Busy at lunchtime, good for a quick bite.

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

  • Bodega Santa Cruz – A beloved local institution, this old-school, standing room only tapas bar with some outdoor tables to lean on is all about traditional Andalusian bites. Come for the charcuterie, cheese, and salmorejo (thick, savory gazpacho), along with a cold beer or glass of local wine.
  • Casa Moreno – Head for the tiny room at the back of this abacería (neighborhood grocery store) to reach the very local, standing-only tapas bar decked out with bullfighting posters. Go for hot tapas – peppers stuffed with morcilla, artichokes stuffed with seafood, and fábada (hearty bean and chorizo stew) at lunchtime, and tiny montaditos (sandwiches) the rest of the day.
  • Taberna Álvaro Peregil – Serving vino de naranja (white wine macerated with orange peel) since 1904, this tiny, rustic bar is frequented by dedicated regulars and is standing room only. Good selection of Andalusian wines, plus strawberry-infused fortified wine.
  • The Second Room – This thimble-sized bar specializes in an extensive range of well-crafted classic cocktails, ranging from superlative mojitos to strong espresso martinis. Prop up the bar or take it out onto the tiny terrace.
  • La Vermutera de Sevilla – Old-school vermouth store and bar with red, white, and rose vermouths from all over Spain, along with tapas that compliment the tipples such as smoked sardine toast and pickled mussels. One for aficionados, or else a great place to get introduced to the joys of vermouth.
  • El Garlochí – The owners of this kitschy bar opted for a Semana Santa theme and decided to run with it a few miles. Come here for the signature Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) cocktail, served in the incense-scented, religious icon-bedecked surrounds.
  • La Jerónima – This boho cultural space/craft beer bar doubles as a bookstore selling titles by Spanish authors as well as art, accessories, and clothing by independent local designers. There are 4 regularly rotating beers on tap as well as plenty more bottled options.
  • Maquila – Apart from super-fresh beer from their own microbrewery at the back, Seville’s first real brewpub serves a rotating range of 6 Spanish and international beers on tap. A firm favorite with local beer aficionados, with hipster vibes.
  • Hops & Dreams – The brainchild of 2 beer-loving Sevillians, Hops & Dreams is a chilled-out spot down a little side street off La Alameda, complete with a retro arcade machine and 8 rotating beers on tap from Spain, the UK, and beyond. There are some terrific tapas here as well.
  • Bier Kraft – Pared-down industrial chic is combined with red velvet and blue leather banquettes at this stylish American-run bar. Apart from a hundred or so bottled brews available at the attached bottle shop, there’s a healthy selection of beers on tap, including local Rio Azul, Barcelona’s Edge Brewing, and from a few US breweries. Buzzy, good mix of locals and visitors.

Best Nearby Cafes

  • Utopia Café – Excellent specialty coffee shop that roasts and sells bags of its own carefully selected beans from around the world, as well as cups of brew, cookies, and muffins.
  • Bar El Comercio – This tiny, tiled, family-run ham-hung bodega doubles as a coffee bar and is one of the best places in town for a traditional chocolate con churros breakfast. The drinking chocolate is thick and rich, while the churros (deep-fried dough tubes) are fresh and piping hot.
  • Virgen Coffee – This tiny café/microroaster was Seville’s first in 2015. Run by pioneer Pedro, it roasts 6 different types of specialty coffee, sourced from around the world and available for takeout. Find it right behind Las Setas de Sevilla.

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

  • Productos de la Sierra – This gourmet ingredient shop is a great place to pick up local charcuterie, award-winning olive oil, artisanal pates, cheese, and Andalusian wines and craft beer.
  • Padilla Crespo Ala Ancha (Calle Adriano 16) – Beautiful leather bags, accessories, and wide-brimmed hats sold here kit out revelers during the Feria de Avril. Also find espadrilles, hand-painted Andalusian fans, and locally made sombreros here.
  • Artesanía Textil – Come here for hand-embroidered shawls that Sevillian ladies wear to weddings, bullfights, or even with flamenco dresses. They make terrific gifts and the price varies widely, depending on the size and whether it’s silk or rayon, and handmade or machine-made.
  • Isadora – Located in the Soho Benita area (5 shopping streets located between Las Setas de Sevilla and Plaza Alfalfa), this store is very popular with local fashionistas. Come here for shoes and accessories by local designers, plus a wealth of women’s vintage clothing.
  • Boutique La Folie – This ultra-modern, minimalist boutique stocks smart clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories by local up-and-coming designers. Reasonably priced for the quality involved.
  • Un Gato en Bicicleta – This arty independent bookstore doubles as a gallery and a ceramics studio. The book selection is particularly strong on fashion, architecture, and cinema, and customers can also purchase local art, take part in ceramics classes, or just come to the adjoining café for a coffee.
  • La Seta Coqueta – This concept/vintage store is all about quirky, affordable women’s fashion, with pieces that are not available in the high street chains. Come here for stylish streetwear and accessories.
  • Ceramicas Sevilla 1952 – Beautiful, locally hand-made ceramic tiles and dishes – both decorative and functional.
  • Juan Foronda – Hand-embroidered shawls, mantilla headdresses, fans, castanets, and other hand-crafted Andalusian accessories.
  • Grabados y Mapas Antiguos Laurence Shand – Original antique maps and prints of Seville, Cadiz, Granada, and Cordoba from the 16th to the 19th centuries, as well antique maps of other Spanish regions, vintage botanical prints, and more.

Nearby Attractions

  • Seville Cathedral & La Giralda bell tower – Seville’s cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the world. Highlights include works by Zurbarán and Murillo in the art pavilion, the largest altarpiece ever made, and the magnificent tomb of Christopher Columbus to the right of the high altar. In the southeast corner, the Treasury displays priceless jeweled pieces, while the sacristy is decorated with intricate Plateresque silverwork. Tickets include entry to the 330-feet Giralda (bell tower) that used to be the minaret; the city views from the top are wonderful. Exit through the Court of the Orange Trees.
  • Real Alcázar – The home of Moorish rulers in the 10th century, this enormous UNESCO World Heritage palace complex is a stunning mix of Islamic and Christian elements. Don’t miss the Admiral’s Hall where Columbus reported back to Queen Isabel about his New World discoveries. Other highlights include the Courtyard of the Maidens with its rectangular pool, the Moorish dome in the king’s throne room, the Courtyard of the Dolls with its Mudejar arches and pool, and the vast palace gardens. To skip the lines, book the visit time slot online in advance.
  • Archivo de Indias – Housed inside a stunning 16th-century former merchants’ exchange across the street from the Alcázar, the archive of the Spanish Empire houses hugely valuable historical documents that illustrate the conquest of the New World, including the diary of Christopher Columbus. Head up the grand marble staircase to the vaulted galleries to check out the antique maps of different corners of the New World.
  • Centro de Interpretación Judería de Sevilla – This small museum inside an old Sephardic house is dedicated to Seville’s lost Jewish community that suffered a brutal pogrom in 1391. On display are various artifacts, and the museum offers guided walks of Seville’s Jewish sites. Pick up maps of Santa Cruz with formerly Jewish sites marked on them, including 3 synagogues converted into churches.
  • Hospital de los Venerables – This 17th-century former hospital turned art museum features a painting gallery dedicated to Diego Velásquez, one of Spain’s greatest painters (from Seville). Notable works by other artists include The Penitent St Peter by Murillo and Friar Peter of Oña by Zurbarán. The Baroque church, attached to the hospital, is well worth a look for the trompe l’oeil and the frescoes by Valdés Leal.
  • Museo del Baile Flamenco – Created by the renowned Sevillian flamenco dancer Cristina Hoyos, this museum teaches all about the passionate dance that’s synonymous with Andalusia. Check out the flamenco costumes, fans, shawls, and a large collection of posters depicting flamenco greats from bygone times, and don’t miss the screening room. Nightly live performances of flamenco take place here.
  • Plaza de Toros La Maestranza – In Andalusia, bullfighting remains a venerable part of Spanish culture. The 14,000-seat Maestranza – one of the oldest (1761) bullrings in the country – holds bullfights at Easter, on Sundays in May and June, and in late September. The corrida de toros – a deadly spectacle in 3 parts and featuring big-name matadors – sells out days in advance; ticket prices depend on the proximity to the sand and whether in the sun or shade.
  • Museo Taurino – Even if not attending a bullfight, it’s well worth visiting Seville’s venerable bullring and attached museum for a guided tour. Visitors get to see numerous etchings, lithographs, prints, paintings, and engravings of bulls and bullfighting. The most striking exhibits include the mounted heads of bulls and the trajes de luz (suits of light) worn by legendary matadors.
  • Hospital de la Caridad – This historic hospital for the poor was founded in the 17th century by the playboy nobleman Don Miguel de Mañara. The entrance leads into a courtyard with Tuscan columns, Delft tile-work from the Netherlands, and marble fountain sculptures from Genoa, Italy. The highlight is the Baroque chapel, decorated with powerful paintings on the theme of mortality by Valdés Leal.
  • Museo de Bellas Artes – This fine arts museum features mainly Spanish art from the medieval period to the early 20th century. While there are a few works by the likes of Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco, the permanent collection is particularly strong on Spanish Masters from the 17th century – the Golden Age of Sevillian painting: Murillo, Zurbarán, and Valdés Leal. Also, paintings devoted to Seville’s streetscapes and bullfighting.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

  • Carrefour Express (Calle Harinas) – Small grocery store in El Arenal.
  • Mercado de la Encarnación – This terrific produce market beneath the Metropol Parasol (giant wooden mushrooms) is the best bet in central Seville for edible goods.
  • Mercado del Arenal – Large, covered produce market that takes up almost an entire block.

Mercer Sevilla – The Hotel

The hotel is located in Centro.

The Mercer Sevilla hotel is located on a quiet street in Seville’s Centro neighborhood, a short walk both from the Plaza Nueva and the 18th-century bullring.

The atrium is magnificent.

The 12 rooms are located around a show-stopping atrium that’s flooded with plenty of natural light, with a marble staircase up to the rooms.

Fizz Bar is manned by a master cocktail maker.

Branching off from the atrium, the Fizz Bar is presided over by a master cocktail maker who mixes classic and original creations with top-shelf ingredients. Open 4pm till midnight daily.

María Louisa Restaurant offer fine dining.

The María Louisa Restaurant serves refined Andalusian cuisine in elegant surroundings. Reservations essential. Open Thursday to Saturday, 7-11pm. Hotel guests also have their breakfast here from 8am to 10.30am daily.

The hotel has a nice rooftop pool.

One of the hotel’s most appealing features is its rooftop pool and terrace.

Deluxe rooms are very spacious.

The cheapest of the room categories, the Deluxe rooms are rather palatial for Seville at 35 m². Decor varies from room to room, but all come with extra-large Poltrona Frau beds, Nespresso machines, and other creature comforts.

Some Deluxe rooms have hand-painted silk screens.

In some Deluxe rooms, the beds are separated from the rest of the room by hand-painted silk screens.

The Premium Rooms have private terraces.

Of the 12 rooms, the most compact (but still sizable) are the 2 Premium Deluxe rooms on the 2nd floor (Rooms 201 & 202).

Premium Rooms have private terraces.

Even though these 2 Premium Deluxe rooms are the smallest, some guests prefer them to the roomier Deluxe Doubles because of the added bonus of private terraces.

Junior Suites are very spacious.

The Junior Suites look out either over the street or the hotel’s vertical garden in the atrium, and feature minimalist decor, desks,…

Junior Suites feature large living areas.

…original artwork, and large sitting areas.

Bathrooms feature remote-controlled Japanese toilets.

All the bathrooms are very high-tech, with remote-controlled Japanese toilets, rain showers, and excellent lighting. Some come with deep soaking tubs and special pillows.

The Suite has 3 balconies.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, the palatial Suite features a king-sized bed with hand-painted headboard, separate living room, and 3 balconies overlooking the quiet street.

Taberna de Alabardero is a great fine dining restaurant.

Right near the hotel is the Taberna de Alabardero, one of Seville’s best fine dining restaurants.

Taberna de Alabardero serves traditional Spanish dishes.

Expect traditional Spanish dishes with a contemporary touch, such as this one.

Mercado Arenal is a large produce market.

Four blocks west of the hotel is the Mercado Arenal, a large covered produce market that takes up almost the entire block.

The river promenade is pretty.

Another block west is the river. Follow the river promenade south…

Plaza de Toros La Maestranza is a historic bullring.

…till the Plaza de Toros La Maestranza, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and still very much in use.

Museo Taurino displays corrida-related art.

Even if not attending a bullfight, it’s well worth visiting the attached Museo Taurino to check out corrida-related art…

Museo Taurino displays matador suits.

…and the trajes de luz (suits of light) worn by legendary matadors.

Bar Baratillo is a corrida-themed bar.

Just north of the bullring is Calle de Adriano and the corrida-themed Bar Baratillo…

Bar Baratillo serves meaty dishes.

…that serves meaty mains and tapas such as slow-cooked beef cheek.

Productos de la Sierra is a popular deli

Nearby is Productos de la Sierra, a deli selling gourmet olive oils, charcuterie, and more.

Padilla Crespo Ala Ancha is known for its espadrilles.

Nearby, Padilla Crespo Ala Ancha is the place to pick up espadrilles, hand-painted Andalusian fans, and locally made sombreros.

La Vermutera de Sevilla is an old vermouth store.

Around the corner, and just a block and a half from the hotel, is La Vermutera de Sevilla, an old-school vermouth store and bar where one can try tipples from all over Spain.

Casa Moreno is a tapas bar and grocery store.

One block north of the bar is Casa Moreno, an old-school neighborhood grocery store with a tiny tapas bar out back, standing room only.

Arco Tapas is a buzzy tapas bar.

Heading south from La Vermutera de Sevilla leads to Arco Tapas, a buzzy contemporary tapas bar specializing in international fare.

Hospital de la Caridad is a historic hospital

Half a block west and around the corner from Arco Tapas is the Hospital de la Caridad, a stunningly decorated 17th-century hospital for the poor.

Casa Morales is a classic 19th-century bar.

Casa Morales is a classic 19th-century bar decked out with giant clay jugs.

Avenida de la Constitución runs past the cathedral.

Just beyond is the Avenida de la Constitución, the main street with a tram line that runs north past the cathedral to Plaza Nueva.

Plaza del Triunfo is nearby.

Across the street is the Plaza del Triunfo, Seville’s main historic square, with the impressive cathedral.

Christopher Columbus' tomb is inside the cathedral.

Inside, the cathedral is rather austere, but look out for the magnificent tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Real Alcázar is an excellent palace.

South of the plaza is the Real Alcázar, the millennia-old palace complex that was once home to Moorish rulers, and one of Seville’s unmissable attractions. This is one of its elegant courtyards.

The king's throne room is opulent.

This is the king’s throne room.

The pool is in the basement.

And this is the subterranean pool near the palace gardens.

A small plaza is near Real Alcazar.

Take the tiny lane to the left of the entrance to the Real Alcázar, and then another left past this small plaza…

Hospital de los Venerables is a nice fine art museum.

…to reach the Hospital de los Venerables, a former 17th-century hospital turned fine art museum.

Archivo de Indias showcases historic documents

On the west side of the Plaza del Triunfo is the Archivo de Indias, the magnificent archive where hugely valuable historic documents regarding Spain’s conquest of the New World are kept.

Archivo de Indias' galleries are a must-visit.

The vaulted galleries upstairs are well worth a look.

Plaza Nueva is the closest tram stop.

Follow Avenida de la Constitución north to Plaza Nueva to find the tram stop closest to the hotel…

Casa Morales is a classic 19th-century bar features sculpted topiary.

…and sculpted topiary.

Utopia Café is one of Seville's best coffee roasters.

Off Calle San Eloy is Utopia Café, one of Seville’s best coffee roasters, with coffee available for takeout.

Museo de Bellas Artes is a nice fine arts museum.

A couple of blocks northwest is the Museo de Bellas Artes, Seville’s fine arts museum, its permanent collection particularly strong on Spanish Masters from the 17th century.

Museo de Bellas Artes is a must-visit.

This is the interior of the Museo de Bellas Artes.

Grabados y Mapas Antiguos Laurence Shand sells antique maps.

A block west is Grabados y Mapas Antiguos Laurence Shand, a store specializing in antique maps of Seville and other major Andalusian cities, as well as botanical prints and more.

Calle Sierpes is for pedestrians only.

Back on Plaza Nueva, take the pedestrianized Calle Sierpes that branches off its northeast corner.

Ceramicas Sevilla is known for its ceramics.

Ceramicas Sevilla 1952 sells colorful, locally made tiles and ceramic dishes.

Juan Foronda sells handcrafted Andalusian accessories.

A little further along is Juan Foronda, a traditional store where one can buy hand-embroidered shawls, mantilla headdresses, fans, castanets, and other hand-crafted Andalusian accessories.

Church processions during Easter are interesting.

During Easter, Calle Sierpes and other streets in Seville’s historic center are roped off so that processions by the brotherhoods of different churches can take part.

Isadora is renowned for women's accessories.

Just off Calle Cuna and parallel to Calle Sierpes is Isadora, great for shoes and accessories by local designers, plus a wealth of women’s vintage clothing.

Bar El Comercio is a tiny bodega.

Right nearby is Bar El Comercio, a tiny, ham-hung bodega…

Bar El Comercio is renowned for its churros.

…that doubles as a great place to try churros con chocolate.

Alameda de Hercules has a lot of bars and restaurants.

Following Calle Sierpes all the way north, and then continuing north along Calle Trojano for a few blocks leads to Alameda de Hercules, a long plaza lined with bars and restaurants.

Hops & Dreams is a great craft beer place.

Some of Seville’s best craft beer is found here: there’s Hops & Dreams, on a street parallel to the square…

BierKraft is a chic beer bar.

…and BierKraft, a couple of blocks east – an American-run, industrial chic beer bar. Check rates and availability: Mercer Sevilla

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Author Bio. Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece and recommend the best hotels, best neighborhoods, and best family hotels in top destinations around the world. We also make hotel maps and travel videos. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.