Throughout over two millennia of history the city was under the rule of Romans, Muslims and Christians. The city particularly flourished during the Al Andalus period and then under Castilian rule, as a trade and cultural hub over centuries. Even now you can feel this centuries-old magnificence. This rich historical legacy, as well as modern development seamlessly blend into a stylish and passionate city.

Walking around Seville you will never be bored. The cute little streets change into the crowded piazzas. You will find fiery flamenco performances at every step. You will have amazing fun filled warm evenings. Needless to say, it’s very hard to leave.

As usual, I planned a fast-paced itinerary and loved every minute of it. I actually walked 40,000 steps each day. This Seville travel guide will share my experiences and provide advice to plan your trip to Seville, including when to visit, where to stay, transport and itineraries.

How Many Days to Spend in Seville

If you are a fast-paced traveler, 2 days is the minimum amount you will need to at least get a taste of Seville and feel its vibes. A day trip whether from Madrid, Cordoba or elsewhere is possible, but staying at least one night will let you see the city come alive in the evenings. For my first visit I felt 2 days was a good balance for covering the main sites and falling in love with the city, but I am a fast paced traveler.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to venture to the less popular sites, then consider 3-4. Seville is also one of the few cities that made me immediately decide that I’d happily come back.

If you’re short on time, see my 1 day in Seville itinerary.

For a more thorough visit, check my 2 day Seville itinerary.

When to Visit Seville

The best times to visit Seville are Autumn and Spring with warm temperatures during the day, as well as pleasant evenings and nights. I visited in October and the weather was perfect. It was wonderfully warm at night and even hot during the day – perfect for me, but if you absolutely hate the heat, consider going closer to the wintertime.

That said these are understandably also very popular seasons for tourists. The city gets very crowded and you will need to arrange a lot more things in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.

There are also a few festivals during spring and autumn. Although expect higher prices and huge crowds during these periods, so plan accordingly. I personally don’t plan my first visits during the festivals, but it can be amazing if you have a longer time during the city or are visiting a second time.

Here are the major regular festivals:

• Feria de Abril or April Fair: as the name suggests, it takes place in April and is a beautiful colorful festival.
• Flamenco Festival is usually held once in two years in February-March period. The flamenco performances happen at iconic venues.
• Semana Santa or Holy Week takes place during the Easter holidays in March or April – depending when the Easter falls.
• Los Reyes Magos or Three Kings Day associated with Christmas happens on 6 January.

Summers are extremely hot. However, July and August are still very busy. Unless you don’t have another option, I would avoid this period. If you still choose summer time for your trip, be aware of the heat and plan your day incorporating breaks and indoor visits during the afternoons.

Seville has mild winters with some rain. This less popular season may be the best option for those travelers, who want to avoid heat and experience the city with less crowds. On the other hand, the evening vibes may not be as great with the weather preventing the outdoor fun.

Where to Stay in Seville: Accommodation Guide

While Seville is not a small city, most places you will be visiting are concentrated in the old city area – Centro/Casco Antiguo. If you are fit to walk, the city is very walkable. I personally walked almost everywhere. On the other hand, it can get exhausting for anyone, but especially for people with mobility issues. If you get tired, you can hop on buses that run along the edges of the old town.

Considering this, booking your accommodation anywhere in the old town is good, but the best areas are:

• Santa Cruz, Alfalfa and El Arenal – these areas are closest to the major attractions most travelers will be visiting and as such, highly popular. These areas are best for first time visitors, albeit expensive, given the very central location.
• Macarena is slightly farther, the North and East parts of the old town and beyond. This area is somewhat cheaper than the Santa Cruz and Centro areas but would require some more walking to get to main attractions.
• Triana across the river is also a great option, close to major attractions. It’s a humbler area and a birthplace of Flamenco. It’s great, if you want to experience local vibes.

Depending on the time of the year you are visiting, hotels can be rather expensive. I suggest booking as far in advance as you can and monitor prices throughout. You may be able to find some good deals at times. If you are unable to find a good deal, then you can consider checking Airbnb or VRBO for deals on apartments. While I am not a fan of staying in apartments – I prefer hotels – they can be cost efficient in Spain, especially if you are traveling in a group.

Where I stayed in Seville: I found a great deal at the H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel. It has a convenient location near Alameda de Hercules and at a walking distance to all major sites to the south. It has comfortable rooms, nice staff and all the amenities you would need. Its price can fluctuate though, like in case of other hotels, especially during the high season.

Other hotel options in Seville:

Hotel Alfonso XIII – if you don’t mind splurging, this historical hotel is gorgeous. It’s located in the heart of the city and has gorgeous interiors and courtyard.

Las Casas de la Juderia – is another historical option with a number of old houses and courtyards. However, don’t stay here if you have any mobility issues, as it can be a problem with the stairs.

How to Get to Seville

Taking a Train to Seville

Seville is well connected and easy to reach from most major cities in Spain, as well as from around Europe.

Madrid to Seville takes around 2.5 hours. It’s a comfortable trip from a city center to city center and you have a number of options throughout the day. I used Iryo for my Madrid to Seville train journey. Similarly, you can easily get to Seville from other cities in Andalusia. Cordoba is just 45 minutes away by train, with Granada and Malaga taking about 2 hours.

If you are coming from Barcelona, there are very few direct options. But you will have more options, if you make a stop in Madrid.

Santa Justa Train station is very close to the city center and is easily walkable, unless you have a lot of luggage. Alternatively, you can take an EA bus, or a taxi.

For detailed information, see my complete guide to train travel in Spain.

Flying to Seville

If you are coming from farther and prefer to fly, Seville has a small airport, which is easy to navigate.

How to get from Seville Airport to the City Center

Getting from the airport to the center takes about half an hour. The airport bus line EA runs from the airport through the Santa Justa train station, passes the major points, like Plaza de España, near Cathedral and Alcazar and ends at the Plaza de Armas. You can see the exact route of the bus at the official website.

You can buy bus tickets either on the bus itself or at the ticket office at the airport. The easiest way I find is using your bank debit or credit card to tap and pay. You can also pay by cash on the bus, but this is being discontinued in some cities (for instance, we were unable to pay cash in Toledo recently), so I would be ready with the card. Another option is purchasing Multiviaje ticket (see below).

Taxis can also be a good option, if you want a hassle-free travel and like in other Spanish cities, they are reasonably priced. If you are not traveling solo, ordering taxi via ride hailing apps, like Uber or Bolt can even be cheaper than the bus.

Hiring a Car to Get to Seville

If you are driving to Seville, it’s best to either find accommodation outside the city center so that you park there, or even better returning the car. If you still want to drive in Seville, make sure you are aware of the numerous rules of driving in city center from not being able to drive there during the day hours to very limited parking options. Plus, the historic center has very narrow streets, so driving through them can result in getting stuck and other complications.

Getting Around in Seville

Seville’s narrow streets are best explored on foot. Many of the main sights that most visitors see throughout their trip are concentrated within the old town and nearby. So you will likely need to use transport very rarely. In case you have limited mobility however, you have a few options, like taxis or buses, however inside the narrow streets of the city center, you have very limited options.

Public Transport in Seville

Seville has a reliable bus network. From the airport bus (see above) to different lines criss-crossing the city. But none of the public transport enters the old city streets – understandably so, as they are too narrow for anything else but small cars to fit through. This official map shows where the buses run.

Seville also has one metro line. However, it is not particularly useful for central sightseeing. It only runs from the center to outskirts, and most travelers never use it. I haven’t.

There’s also one tram line T1. The tram runs on a relatively short distance from Plaza Nueva to Luis de Morales – not too far from the train station.

Seville Public Transport Tickets

Paying for public transport is quite easy. You have several options:

• Debit or credit card is the easiest option for most tourists, as you won’t need to purchase anything, just tap it to pay on the transport.
• The single tickets (price 1.40 EUR) can be purchased with cash on buses, but not on the tram. For metro and tram, you will have to use the machines.
• Multiviaje card is a rechargeable card. It offers discounts if you purchase 10 trips (0.76 EUR per trip). However, unless you plan to use public transportation often, it may not be needed for you. It certainly wasn’t for me, as I took transport only a couple of times.
• Tourist card: there are 1-day and 3-day card options, which give you unlimited travel for those days.

TUSSAM – Seville transport company – also has an official app, where you can purchase tickets and find information on the routes.

Seville Taxis

Taxis are quite affordable. You can use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt. The white official taxis are metered. You hail them on the street and pay what meter says.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

The Hop-on Hop-off bus is another good option for persons with limited mobility, especially first-time visitors. There are 24-hour or 48-hour tickets. The tour also includes some free entries and discounts at the museums, walking tours at some of the stops and other perks.

These sightseeing buses are a good way to limit walking. Even though they don’t enter the city center, they bring you close to most attractions. They are also wheelchair accessible. Check working hours, as they start working at 10 am and have more limited buses after 6 pm.

What to Book in Advance for Visiting Seville

Seville’s fame comes with its advantages and disadvantages. First and foremost, it would be a mistake, if you don’t purchase some of the sightseeing tickets in advance. Winging it, especially during the most popular periods of Spring and Autumn will highly likely result in missing at least the Cathedral and Alcazar. So I recommend to book at least some attractions in advance, even if you aren’t a planner. I booked Seville attractions over a month in advance and still missed out on the Royal Apartments in Real Alcazar. So don’t make the same mistake.

Here is the list of attractions in Seville that you should book in advance:

Real Alcazar

The Real Alcazar is the attraction you truly cannot risk leaving until the last minute. Book early! This is especially true, if you want to visit the Royal Rooms.

You can purchase tickets from the official website.

If tickets are sold out, guided tours may still have availability.

Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower

The Cathedral is the second major site that frequently sells out.

I suggest booking at least a week in advance through the official website.

If standard tickets are gone, guided tours sometimes still have space and can provide a practical backup plan.

Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol)

The Setas may not always sell out entirely, but popular sunset and evening time slots often do.

I arrived around 6pm and managed to get the last ticket for the next time slot. Otherwise, I would have had to wait an hour. While this would not be a dramatic problem, it would still be inconvenient. So next time I visit, I will book online either via official website or GetYourGuide.

Flamenco Shows

Seville is the birthplace of flamenco and certainly one of the best places in Spain to experience authentic dance performance. The most popular shows, especially those that are reasonably priced and in smaller venues.

I highly recommend to book at least a week in advance for the popular shows, especially if you want front row seats – the closer you are to the performers, the more powerful the experience feels. For instance, El Arenal is one of the famous venues.

But if you want last minute tickets, the Theatre Flamenco has a larger venue and you have more chance of finding them.

For broader information on what to book in advance for visiting Spain, including hotels, transport, and peak season advice, read my full guide on what to book in advance in Spain.

Additional Practical Tips for Visiting Seville

Are Seville Passes Worth It

I won’t even go into details on each pass, because very simple calculations without even checking thoroughly showed me that they are simply more expensive than individual tickets.

The older sources suggest getting Seville Pass noting that it includes Alcazar, Cathedral and the Hop-on Hop-off bus. If this was the case, it would make the cost worth it, but it’s not. It only includes airport bus transfer, which is much cheaper than the sightseeing bus. For the Hop-on Hop-off bus you will have to add the amount that is actually higher than the bus cost.

Food and Coffee in Seville

Food in Seville is very similar to the rest of Spain, with tapas culture at its core. You’ll find everything from jamón ibérico and croquetas to seafood and stews across the city. Tapas culture involves sharing and trying multiple small dishes rather than ordering one main course.

What is specific to Spain and especially Seville, is that they eat lunch and dinner later than most tourists may be used to. Lunch is usually from around 2 pm, and dinner rarely starts before 8–9 pm. It’s easy for lunch however, as you can go to brunch places. But for dinner, you may find some restaurants and tapas bars still closed or only serving drinks.

If you don’t want to learn about Spanish food and try different things, a tapas tour can be a great option. It allows you to try several dishes in different places without having to plan everything yourself.

If you’re looking for specific recommendations, see my guide to the best brunch and coffee spots in Seville.

Costs of Visiting Seville

Overall, the visit to Seville can be considered mid-range. It’s not the cheapest city when it comes to sightseeing. The main attractions are quite expensive, and if you follow a packed itinerary, these costs will add up quickly. While I did approximately calculate in advance, I still felt the cost at the end of the visit.

Another relatively costly thing is accommodation. Especially if you stay in the Centro and at the hotels, the cost can be quite high.

On the other hand, everyday expenses are quite reasonable. Food, coffee and transportation are affordable, especially compared to other major European cities. You can cut your costs, if you eat at tapas spots.

Safety in Seville

Seville felt very safe to me. I visited solo and walked around alone at all times of the day and night without any issues.

That said, like in any tourist city, you should still stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Staying Connected in Seville: SIM and eSIM Cards

Purchasing mobile data for Spain is quite easy. Inside the EU, the roaming is free, so you will simply use your EU number with the data plan you have at home. If you are visiting from outside the EU for a short visit, the easiest option is to use an eSIM. You can install it before your trip and have internet as soon as you land, without needing to look for a physical SIM card at the airport.

On the other hand, e-SIM while convenient can be more expensive than getting a physical card. If your visit is longer, you can buy a local SIM card from providers like Orange and Vodafone. You can find offices at the airport, train station and throughout the city. I had Vodafone Sim card with a data plan for a month, as I was visiting Spain for a longer stay and this was the cheapest option.

WiFi is widely available in cafes and restaurants around the city, but I actually never even used them, as my data plan was good.

Best Seville Itineraries

Day 1 Seville Itinerary

If you have only one day in Seville, you can cover all the main highlights in a logical walking loop. Start with the Real Alcázar, then move through Iglesia del Salvador, Plaza de San Francisco, Archivo de Indias, and the Cathedral with Giralda climb, before ending in Barrio Santa Cruz and Plaza de España.

For the details, see my step-by-step one day Seville itinerary.

Day 2 Seville Itinerary

With two days, you can explore beyond the main highlights, including palaces like Casa de Pilatos and Palacio de las Dueñas, then visit the Torre del Oro and cross into Triana. Finally visit the Fine Arts Museum and finish at Setas de Sevilla in the evening.

Additional Days in Seville

With more days in Seville, you can either slow down and revisit your favorite areas, wander around the cute streets or venture outside the historical city center to explore outskirts of this amazing city – like the Italica or Cartuja. You can also consider taking a river cruise.

<p>The post Seville Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Fall in Love With It first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

The problem is you will want to stop every couple of minutes to take photos of cute streets, wonderful cafes, courtyards and every little detail on your way simply because they are too picturesque.

So if you love wandering around, one day won’t cut it. But if that’s all you’ve got, this 1-day Seville itinerary covers all of the city’s most important landmarks and is ideal if you’re visiting Seville for the first time.

How to Plan Your 1 Day in Seville

Preparation for this walking itinerary is very important. The tickets for Real Alcazar and the Seville Cathedral regularly sell out. So do the guided tours, if you wish to take them.  You will need to book them at least a couple of weeks in advance.

This post focuses purely on making the most of one day in the city. If you need other practical details about accommodation, transport, or everything you need to plan, check my full Seville Travel Guide first.

The route forms a natural walking loop. You won’t need any public transport. The itinerary is doable for most people without feeling rushed. You can adjust it according to your level of fitness and type of travel. I personally did much more than this in a day. On the other hand, if I take my mom, I would cut one or two spots, as she has limited mobility.

If you prefer having everything explained and organised, popular guided tours in Seville mostly focus on the two main sites: the Alcázar and the Cathedral. After that, you can comfortably follow the rest of this itinerary on your own, as Seville is very easy to navigate on foot. Or you can add a short tour of Barrio Santa Cruz.

A pro tip: I recommend avoiding Sunday, for your 1 day in Seville. If this day falls on Sunday, make sure to double check Cathedral and church opening times, as they normally open later after the mass. This can lead to fewer available tickets and more crowds.

Real Alcázar

Ticket price: 15.5 EUR. Tickets sell out, so book in advance.

Opening times: 9.30 am -7 pm daily.

How long do you need to visit Real Alcazar: I spent about 3 hours here, but if you are in a rush, you could see the highlights in about 2 hours. With less than that you will probably miss out on a lot.

The Real Alcázar is Seville’s crown jewel. If you only have one day, this is the one attraction you absolutely cannot miss.

For full details, see my Alcázar guide on where to book tickets in advance, what to see at Alcazar and how to avoid crowds.

Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador

Walking time from Real Alcazar: under 10 minutes and the walk is through lovely small streets.

Ticket price: Combined ticket with the Cathedral – 13 EUR. Separate ticket – 7 EUR.

Opening times: daily 10.15 am – 4.30 pm, Sundays limited hours – 2.30-7pm.

How long do you need to visit Iglesia del Divino Salvador: I would say at least half an hour to an hour should be sufficient to explore the church.

After the Alcázar, walk toward Iglesia del Divino Salvador. It’s often overshadowed by the Cathedral, but it’s still worth a visit.

I am including this before the cathedral mainly because you need to have a set time for the Cathedral visit and I recommend having a buffer in-between visiting the Alcazar and Cathedral. If by any chance you spend more time at Alcazar, you can move your visit to Iglesia Salvador to later in the day. This church also closes earlier than the cathedral, so best to visit it in the afternoon if possible.

Built on the site of a former 12^th century mosque, this Baroque church has typical Spanish ornate interior. However, it’s much simpler than the Seville Cathedral. On top of that, the exterior painted in red colors makes it feel cozier.

You won’t find crowds here. It was rather quiet on the afternoon I visited, so I could walk around in peace, unlike at the Cathedral.

Plaza de San Francisco and Plaza del Cabildo

On your way toward the Cathedral area, you’ll pass Plaza de San Francisco. This is one of Seville’s main public squares. Its atmosphere is lively.

At this square, you should note the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) facade. This is one of the finest Renaissance facades in Spain and very easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Then head to Plaza del Cabildo, which is a semi-circular plaza. It’s very easy to miss, I kept wondering, where exactly the access way was and barely found it, even though I had it noted on the map. It’s an elegant square with large arches. While it looks like an old architectural piece on photos, the plaza was actually built in the 20^th century (1950s), which explains why it feels more modern despite its classical look.

On Sundays, there’s apparently a coin and stamp market here, although I didn’t come at the right time to see it.

If you need a break along the way, see my guide to the best brunch and coffee spots in Seville.

Archivo de Indias

Walk from Iglesia del Salvador: about 10 minutes.

Ticket price: Free

Opening times: 9.30 am-4.30 pm. Closed Mondays.

How long do you need to visit Archivo de Indias: Given that you are able to see only small section of the archives, you should be able to browse within 30 minutes to an hour.

This building constructed in the 16^th century was a consulate of the merchants and only in the 18^th century it became the archive housing all documentation related to Spain’s empire in the Americas. At its height, Seville held a monopoly over trade with the New World and this archive documents the time period in detail.

The building is gorgeous. On the ground floor, you will find a few rooms with information about the archive and its purpose. But the main highlights are the wide beautiful galleries on the first floor. The long galleries are lined with wooden shelves, holding thousands of original documents. Some of the displayed pieces include maps, letters, and records related to Spanish expeditions in the Americas. Look out for documents related to Christopher Columbus and other explorers, as well as detailed maps of colonial cities.

Overall, while you won’t be able to check out more than a few of the documents on display, you will be able to appreciate the grandeur of the era.

Seville Cathedral and La Giralda

Walk from Archivo de Indias: a couple of minutes.

Ticket price: 13 EUR. Make sure to book in advance.

Opening times: 11 am-6 pm, except Sundays – 2-7pm

How long do you need to visit Seville Cathedral and Giralda: I spent about 2 hours here to explore the Cathedral thoroughly and climb La Giralda. With less than that you could probably get a general feel.

Seville Cathedral and Giralda is the second site you will absolutely have to book in advance. My recommendation is to get the timeslot of 2 or 3 pm. This will allow you a buffer after the 9.30 am Alcazar entry, in case you want to stay there longer, grab lunch in the middle, etc. This buffer was important to me, as I had time to visit other sites in the middle and wasn’t scared that I would be late for my appointed time.

On the other hand, you don’t want to leave it too much later, as you will still have to maximize your daylight to visit Plaza de Espana on this day. While some people recommend later timeslots to avoid crowds, it’s false information. I was there till 6 pm and it was crazy crowded the entire time. I could barely walk down from the Giralda with turtle pace.

For more detailed information on tickets, what to see and my experiences, see my Seville Cathedral guide.

Barrio Santa Cruz

Walking time from the Cathedral: about 5 minutes.

After visiting the Cathedral, you should still have enough daylight left to walk through Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s former Jewish quarter. The mixed history is apparent in every detail with Muslim, Jewish and Christian elements intertwined.

This area with its complete cuteness (despite the crazy crowds) is where you will feel the other side of Seville, apart from the monumental scale of the sites you are seeing on this day.

Santa Cruz’s cute streets, plazas and alleys invite anyone to wander around and enjoy. If you are visiting during the hot period, you will immediately notice the shade.

On the downside, this is one of the most popular sights in Seville and you will inevitably meet numerous people, while walking. At some points, I simply couldn’t pass through the narrow street because a group of people was standing or walking very slowly. So I had to find alternative streets instead. The baffling thing is, when one street is so crowded, another one just parallel to it can be completely empty.

Look for small hidden plazas as you walk. They often have characteristic small fountains in the middle, interesting benches, trees lined, as well as restaurants and cafes with people sitting outside and enjoying the weather, if it’s not too hot.

Plaza de Doña Elvira is one of the prettiest. It has beautiful, tiled benches, orange trees and a very quiet atmosphere despite being in the middle of everything. While the neighborhood was full of crowds and noise, once I ended up at this plaza, the air shifted. It was very peaceful and I only saw a couple of people.

Plaza Alfaro is another small but famous corner, often linked to the legend of Rosina’s balcony from The Barber of Seville. Look up to notice this balcony overlooking the gardens. Unlike Plaza de Doña Elvira however, Alfaro is a very crowded plaza. People walk through here in groups all the time, so you won’t find it quiet.

As everywhere around Andalusia, Seville also has beautiful patios. Many buildings have them hidden behind simple doors. While you probably won’t manage to access many of them, you might sometimes catch a glimpse of the tiled fountains and walls, beautiful plants and flowers and the general cool atmosphere.

By the way, parts of the old town, including barrio Santa Cruz have ceramic street signs, which are very interesting distinctive detail.

Jardines de Murillo

Walking time from the Santa Cruz: 5 minutes.

After exploring Barrio Santa Cruz and before heading toward Plaza de Espana, take a short detour into Jardines de Murillo. It’s not even a detour, as you will pass through them while walking to Plaza de Espana.

These gardens form a shaded green belt with tall palms, fountains, orange trees, and what can be very important, if you are visiting during the hot months – shade. These gardens actually used to belong to the Alcazar, before being separately opened to the public.

I grabbed coffee from Cafeteria Jester and walked around the garden to slow down and catch my breath after heavy sightseeing. A small group of flamenco performers had staged a street performance here. As is pretty common around Seville, there was no stage or tickets. While I am not an expert on flamenco, I enjoyed the show a lot, it was fiery and dynamic. It was obvious they loved what they were doing.

You may or may not encounter dancers here, it’s random like any street performances. But even without them, the gardens are a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a stroll.

Plaza de España

Walk from Jardines de Murillo: about 5-10 minutes. While from Cathedral, direct walk would take about 15-20 minutes.

Ticket price: free.

Opening times: open any time, with certain activities, like boating having limited hours.

How long do you need to visit Plaza de España: I spent about 2 hours here – I walked through a couple of times, went upstairs, took a lot of photos and watched flamenco performance. You could however have a quick visit of just half an hour, if you have very limited time.

I recommend coming here, while it’s still light and staying through the sunset to see it beautifully lit at night as well.

For detailed information on how to experience Plaza de España, check out my detailed guide.

Evening Experiences in Seville

After a full day of walking, you have two good options depending on your energy level. Choose between watching a flamenco show at one of the tablaos or join the tapas walking tour.

Flamenco Shows

You can’t visit Seville without watching a flamenco show. You can do so at various parks and squares, like Jardines Murillo, Alameda de Hercules or Plaza Espana, where you will find street performers. But you can also book a professional performance at either one of the tablaos or theatres.

Interesting fact: Tablaos are venues for flamenco performances, usually set up like a bar. They generally offer drinks and often tapas and dinner options as well.

There are dozens of venues all around the city you can choose from, but here are a few particularly popular options:

• If you want a traditional authentic performance at a tablao, El Arenal is the most famous place for that.
• Casa de la Memoria is a historical location dating back to the 15th century. It’s a very popular venue for flamenco performances.
• If you prefer theatre setting with cheaper options, I recommend Teatro Flamenco. This also doesn’t easily sell out, given its 300-seat space. So if you didn’t book in advance, you can do so last minute.
• Flamenco Las Setas at the Setas Seville became very popular lately. The venue is small and intimate.

Tapas Tours

These tours usually take place in the evenings. Choose this, if you aren’t too exhausted from the day’s sightseeing.

Essential Stops if You Are Short on Time

If you are running short on time, then skip Archivo de Indias or shorten or skip Iglesia del Salvador. The main 3 sites you absolutely don’t want to miss are Real Alcázar, the Cathedral (at least a short visit) and the Plaza Espana.

This 1-day route allows you to feel the essence of Seville with its royal history, beautiful mixed culture architecture, shaded courtyards, and vibrant evening energy. If you have more time, you can slow down and leave some sites to next day. For example, I visited Plaza Espana on my second day because I had enough time in the city. But if you only have one day, this plan ensures you don’t leave feeling like you missed out.

If you have more time in Seville, my 2-day Seville itinerary will take you around noble palaces, Triana, museums, and allow you to enjoy the city at a slower pace.

<p>The post 1 Day in Seville: The Perfect Walking Itinerary for First-Time Visitors first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Seville Cathedral from tickets, timing and what not to miss inside to climbing La Giralda and how to plan your visit properly.

For incorporating the Seville Cathedral into your itinerary, see my guide to 1 day in Seville.

The Brief History of Seville Cathedral

Like so many churches and cathedrals in Andalusia, Seville Cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque. The mosque that once stood here dated back to the 9^th century, when Seville was under Islamic rule.

After the Reconquista, when Christian forces retook the city, the decision was made to build something so grand that it would reflect power, wealth and dominance. In fact, there’s a famous phrase often quoted by Seville guides that the founders of the Cathedral wanted to build a church so magnificent that future generations would think they were mad. Whether or not those words were ever spoken, the result certainly feels ambitious.

The construction of the cathedral you see today was completed at the start of the 16th century. It was meant to demonstrate Christian power after centuries of Islamic rule. And it absolutely does just that, showcasing Spanish grandeur and, very clearly, access to the riches flowing in from overseas colonies.

What makes it even more fascinating is that the cathedral still preserves elements of the former mosque. La Giralda, for example, was originally the mosque’s minaret before being converted into a bell tower. The Patio de los Naranjos was once the mosque’s courtyard. So while the building is overwhelmingly Gothic today, its layers of history are still visible if you know what to look for.

Is Seville Cathedral Worth Visiting?

While I normally wouldn’t question, if a UNESCO site is worth visiting, depending on how long you spent in Spain, you might have already seen a number of cathedrals. So you may consider yet another one on your list daunting. But even if you aren’t a fan of visiting religious sites, Seville Cathedral is the one you shouldn’t miss.

I have seen hundreds of cathedrals during my travels, but Spanish ones are definitely another level. Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and you really feel that scale the second you step inside. It’s mind-blowingly massive and intricately decorated. The nave stretches endlessly ahead of you. It’s the kind of ceiling that makes you slightly dizzy if you stare too long.

When to Visit Seville Cathedral

Like most of Seville, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summers are extremely hot. Even though the cathedral interior is cooler than outside, climbing La Giralda in peak heat can be draining.

There’s not much you can do to avoid crowds. Given that the Cathedral opens later in the morning at 10.45 am, you could have a little bit of wiggle room, if you book the very first spot. But any other time, up to its closure, is very crowded.

Actually, I wouldn’t worry too much about crowds at the Cathedral itself. When I visited it was extremely crowded, but because of its vast space, I didn’t really feel that was a problem for me to explore everything, as I liked.

On the other hand, La Giralda can certainly be more prone to being overcrowded. So if you have the first time slot of the day, head to the tower first, before exploring the Cathedral itself.

Seville Cathedral Tickets: Book in Advance

Ticket price for the Seville Cathedral, Giralda and Iglesia San Salvador: 13 EUR.

Children, students, PWDs and people aged 65+ get discounts.

Ticket prices with audio guide: 18 EUR.

Free visit: On Sundays from 4.30 to 6 pm entries are free, if you manage to book online in time. This should be done over 2 months before the visit.

Opening times: 10.45 am -6 pm daily, Sundays 2 -6 pm.

If you’re interested in special access options like rooftop tours, those sell out even faster.

You don’t need to book quite as far ahead as the Real Alcazar, but during busy periods booking 2 weeks in advance is still a good idea. I recommend even earlier to make sure that you are getting the time slot you want.

How to Purchase Seville Cathedral Tickets

Official Website

Use the official website for tickets whenever possible. Make sure that you are on the correct website, as there are dozens of similarly named ones, which belong to possibly unreliable third parties.

Tickets via Third Parties

If you prefer booking with third parties to have all tickets in one place, make sure that you are booking with a reputable third party, like GetYourGuide or Tiqets, for instance. Note that these ticket will have a surcharge compared to the official website.

Seville Cathedral Guided Tours

If you prefer context while exploring such a vast space, a guided tour can also help structure the visit. Otherwise, you may find yourself somewhat overwhelmed. I had a map in hand and had done my research on exactly what I wanted to see and where, and still I had a hard time finding some parts.

Ticket Office

While I would not recommend leaving it to last minute, tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near Puerta del Principe.

I also cover what else you should book ahead in Seville in this guide.

How Much Time Do You Need at the Seville Cathedral

I recommend about 2 hours in order to see the main highlights and climb La Giralda without feeling too rushed.

If you are in a time crunch, you could see main highlights in an hour, but the cathedral is vast. Trust me it’s bigger than you might imagine with a maze of chapels, tombs, artworks and architectural details. Unless you have a guide, which brings you to exact spots, an hour can feel rushed.

Other Practical Tips for Visiting Seville Cathedral

How to Get to Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral sits right in the middle of the historic centre, next to the Real Alcazar. If you’re staying anywhere central, chances are you’ll simply walk there.

I stayed near Alameda de Hercules, and it took me about 20 minutes on foot. The walk itself is part of the experience with narrow streets, small plazas, little cafes and hustle and bustle.

If you’re coming from farther away, Puerta de Jerez is the closest metro and tram stop. From there, it’s only a short walk to the Cathedral.

Arriving at Sevilla Santa Justa by train? The Airport Express (EA) bus takes you toward the centre. Otherwise, you’ll need to connect to metro or tram after a bus. There have been discussions about extending the metro to the train station, but that doesn’t seem likely any time soon.

For full details on where to stay, how to get around and practical planning tips, see my complete Seville travel guide.

Don’t Be Late for Your Time Slot

You will likely have to purchase your ticket in advance, and these tickets are always for the set time slots. Entry is organised in short time windows. Once that time passes, you will likely not be allowed to enter. There may be some exceptions, but I would not count on that.

Being 5-10 minutes late might still work, as there are anyways the security queues for each time slot and they allow people to enter once that time comes.

You also can’t enter earlier than your time slot, I tried that, but had to wait until 5 minutes before my set time.

Bring Your ID

Tickets are personalized and according to the rules, you have to bring your original ID. When I visited, I wasn’t asked to show mine, and I didn’t see anyone else being checked either. However, that doesn’t mean they never ask. I’ve seen ID become an issue at other major Spanish sites, so it’s best not to risk it.

Dress Code at the Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is an active religious site, therefore, as elsewhere in churches and cathedrals you have to follow certain rules.

Technically, you have to have your shoulders and knees covered. However, enforcement of this varies. My skirts were not really covering the knees for instance and that was fine, however, some outfits may not be acceptable.

Either way, the best idea is to carry a scarf with you to quickly cover up in case of need.

Security Checks

As I mentioned all monuments have security checks. You will have to pass your bags through the scanners.

No food and drinks are allowed inside, except water.

While backpacks are allowed, large ones are not – what exactly is considered large is difficult to say. I tried to figure out what exactly isn’t allowed and it seems a backpack over 20L in size may or may not be problematic.

Photography at the Cathedral

Taking photos with any type of camera is allowed, if you don’t use flash. Tripods aren’t allowed though.

Accessibility of the Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral is largely accessible. There are ramps at the entrance and the floor is even.

However, the Giralda, while considered partially accessible, is not for wheelchairs. While you can technically go up with the wheelchair because it’s ramps, not stairs, there are a few stairs at the end. And overall the space for going up is small and the ramps uneven, so it would be highly difficult.

Toilets at the Seville Cathedral

There are toilets at the Patio de Los Naranjos. You don’t have to leave and re-enter for accessing them.

What to See at the Seville Cathedral

You will enter the Cathedral through Puerta del Principe with your tickets purchased online. and exit via Puerta del Pedron after crossing Patio de los Naranjos.

The Golden Altarpiece (Retablo Mayor)

The altarpiece is impossible to miss, it’s right in the middle of the Cathedral with dozens of people in front of it.

The Retablo Mayor is considered one of the largest altarpieces in the world. It was created with the gold that came from the colonies, including modern day Peru and Mexico.

In practice this is an enormous structure depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The details are crazy and extraordinary. I don’t see far too well, so I was not happy that I forgot my glasses to better notice all the little details. One can’t get too close to it otherwise.

After trying to make out all the small details and each and every scene that conveyed a story, my head started to spin. I had to move on and come back later to marvel at it again.

The Choir (Coro)

Right in the centre of the Cathedral, opposite the altarpiece, you’ll see the large, enclosed choir area.

The carved wooden stalls are incredibly detailed with relief carvings depicting religious scenes. Plus, if you look up, there are massive pipe organs positioned above the choir. Even if they’re not playing when you visit, their scale alone is impressive. As everything else here, they are huge and theatrical.

Christopher Columbus Tomb

The tomb is what many visitors come to the Cathedral for. It’s located not too far from the central Altarpiece and will definitely be in your eyesight soon, even if you don’t try to go looking for it.

While I have controversial feelings about Columbus and his historical role, I recognize the symbolic significance of this tomb.

Fun fact: Columbus’ remains were transferred several times between the Americas and Seville. Recently, the DNA analysis was conducted to confirm that his remains are actually in Seville Cathedral. There are still some debates that some of the bones are in Dominican Republic though.

Notwithstanding where Columbus’ actual remains are, this tomb is theatrical and depicts the country’s colonial history.

The tomb was first installed in Havana and by the end of the 19^th century moved to Seville. The stone “coffin” is held by four allegorical figures each of which represent a Spanish Kingdom: Castile, Aragon, Navarra and Leon. The figures have characteristic insignia, for instance Leon has lion insignia, while Castile has a castle on its chest.

The Chapter House

The Chapter House is one of my favorite parts of the cathedral. With walls painted red and a golden dome, it feels much more elegant than the rest of the cathedral (maybe because it doesn’t feel doomy in Gothic style), while still very impressive.

There are also paintings here, including works of Murillo.

Capilla Real (Royal Chapel)

At the far end of the cathedral, just behind the main altar, is the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real). It’s the burial place of Spanish royalty, including King Ferdinand III, who reconquered Seville in 1248. He was later called San Fernando and his remains are kept in a silver urn above the altar.

Unfortunately, the Royal Chapel was closed, due to renovation works, when I visited, which was slightly frustrating.

Note that the opening times are different from those of the Cathedral – there is an afternoon break from 2 to 4 pm, while longer on Saturday. So make sure to schedule your visit relevantly, if this is something you specifically want to see.

Chapels along the Nave and Sides

As is common in cathedrals, there are smaller chapels all around you. Each of them dedicated to a saint. Many of them are so intricately carved and gilded in gold, it’s unbelievable.

These chapels also hide some amazing art masterpieces, including Murillo’s Immaculate Conception and Goya’s Saints Justa and Rufina, as well as works of artists, like Zurbaran and Campana.

While I am usually only giving a glance to chapels at churches and cathedrals, I did explore more in depth here, because of their impressive structures. Practically either of them could have been a church altarpiece.

Orange Courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos)

The Patio de los Naranjos was originally the courtyard of the mosque that once stood here. Today, it’s an enclosed space filled with orange trees and fountains.

It’s not as visually striking as the cathedral interior, but historically it’s one of the most important surviving elements from the Islamic period. Although it didn’t stand out to me, if you think of it in that context, it becomes more interesting.

La Giralda

Once you explore the Cathedral, head to climb La Giralda.

If you have a time slot later in the day, it wouldn’t really matter, crowds are the same any time, even at 6 pm – that’s when I completed my visit.

Given that the cathedral is built over the former mosque, the tower used to be its minaret. I actually am happy that they left those minarets all around Andalusia, as the views from them are amazing.

The tower has inspired a number of replicas in Spain and in the US.

Climbing La Giralda

You will likely have to join a small or big queue, depending on the time of day you come. The passage isn’t extremely narrow, but it does get crowded.

The climb isn’t technically difficult. Instead of stairs, you ascend via ramps and the incline isn’t too steep. Original design took into account that horses could ascend.

You don’t have to be fit to climb up the tower. Just take your time and stop at the windows on the way, which have few seats. You can rest there before continuing.

Once you are at the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Seville. You will see Alcazar gardens nearby, the rooftops around the city stretching out in every direction.

How Seville Cathedral Fits into Your Itinerary

Seville Cathedral sits right in the historic centre, next to the Real Alcazar and Archivo de Indias. You can easily combine these three UNESCO sites in your 1-day itinerary and even make it to Plaza de Espana, if you plan a packed day.

For more detailed step-by-step schedule, see my 1-day Seville itinerary.

If you have more time in the city, check out my 2-day Seville itinerary.

If you prefer seeing both the Cathedral and the Alcazar with proper historical context and without managing separate ticket slots, there are combined guided tours that cover both in one go.

<p>The post Visiting Seville Cathedral: Inside the World’s Largest Gothic Church first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

If you’re planning your time in Seville, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Plaza de España from what to see and do and when to go, to whether it deserves a stop on your itinerary.

For structuring your trip including Plaza de España together with other major sites, see my full Seville travel guide or 1-day Seville itinerary.

Brief Historical Overview

Interestingly, Plaza de España isn’t an old historical site built centuries ago, like most of Seville. It’s only about a century old, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. It does sound funny saying “only a century old” but considering the history of Seville, it’s relatively young.

The plaza was designed by architect Aníbal Gonzalez in a Renaissance style, which mixes with Mudejar architecture. The result is an immense semi-circular complex with a canal, romantic bridges and beautiful ceramic tilework. After a century, it’s still impressive and grand, but somehow at the same time it feels very cozy and relatable.

Practical Tips for Visiting Plaza de España

Ticket price: free.

Opening times: open any time, with certain activities, like boating having limited hours.

Toilets at Plaza de España: Toilets are located outside the plaza at the Maria Luisa park, near the Anibal Gonzalez Alvarez-Ossorio monument. You will also find them near the Gustavo Adolfo Becquer Monument. They require a small fee.

How long do you need to visit Plaza de España

While you can get a glimpse and a few photos even in half an hour, I recommend spending at least 2 hours here. If you would like to do a lengthy photo session, take the rowboat and watch the street performers for longer, you will definitely need much more than that. It all depends on how much time you can spare.

When I visited in the afternoon, the plaza was very busy, as it’s the case practically the whole day and evening. I didn’t rush and tried to soak it all in. Street musicians were playing, people were rowing boats, and flamenco dancers were performing in front of huge crowds gathered around in the circle. It didn’t feel like a monument, but more like a vibrant space.

When to Visit Plaza de España

Like all of Seville, the best times with comfortable temperatures are Spring and Autumn. Summers are extremely hot, so it would only be bearable in the early morning and later evening hours.

In my opinion you don’t need to plan your schedule around avoiding crowds at the Plaza de España. Unlike some historic sites in Seville that can feel overwhelming with crowds – I felt it at times at the Cathedral and Alcazar particularly – Plaza de España is very spacious. So even when busy, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic.

In fact, I must say the crowds are what make it feel magical and alive. You become part of the vibrant mood.

If, on the other hand, you’d like to see the plaza less crowded, come as early as you can, preferably around 6-7 am. This early there won’t be too many people. But if you only visit once, I wouldn’t recommend this. At this time, you won’t feel the vibes, won’t see the flamenco performances and rowboats, everything that makes Plaza de España so appealing.

Also if you prefer to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays, instead of weekends.

How to Get to Plaza de España

Plaza de España can be reached on foot within 15-20 minutes from either Barrio Santa Cruz or the area near the Cathedral.

If you are coming from farther, metro stop Prado de San Sebastian is nearby.

If you are on a day trip to Seville and coming to Plaza de España from the Santa Justa train station, your best bet is to take the bus EA.

Photography at Plaza de España

As I mentioned the Plaza is famous for its photo opportunities. Every corner and every step offer amazing photo frames. If you love taking pictures, you will be stopping every other second. Here are the photo spots you shouldn’t miss (see in more detail below):

• The ceramic benches/alcoves.
• The 4 bridges.
• Views from the upper walkway.
• Views from the central fountain – this gives you the full view of the site.

Each time of the day offers different perspective. However, the plaza is especially beautiful in late afternoon and sunset light, as well as lit at night. The best strategy would be to come in the late afternoon and stay through the sunset to also see the nighttime vibrant atmosphere as well.

I visited alone, so had a hard time finding anyone to take good photos of me. I tried asking strangers several times. At least, I did get a couple of nice shots among a number of not great ones.

What to See at Plaza España

Before visiting, I didn’t expect much from Plaza de España. I thought it would be a beautiful photo location, but just a massive structure, which is somewhat overrated. I was very wrong, however. While it is picturesque and grand, what makes it special isn’t just the architecture, but the energy. The atmosphere, the people, the music, the boats, the small, beautiful details, all of these are what make the square a great experience.

The Semi-Circular Palace

While it’s not exactly a palace, the massive, curved building is what makes the plaza so recognizable. It was built to convey Spain’s history and relationship with former colonies.

Make sure to walk through the corridors on the ground level and see the beautiful carvings. Then head upstairs at either end or in the middle via the massive stairs to get the views of the whole plaza and the canal from height. The views are nice and the upper walkway can be less crowded, if you need a short break.

Take in all the details from brickwork, ceramic tiles, balconies, towers at both ends.

Military Historical Museum of Seville

Most of the building is not accessible, as it houses offices. However, when facing the plaza, on the left-hand side is the Military Historical Museum of Seville. The museum is small and free to visit. So if you are interested in the military history and weapon collections, you should visit it. I popped in briefly, but it wasn’t my cup of tea, so didn’t spend much time there.

The opening hours of the museum are limited 9.30 am – 2 pm (opens at 10 am in winter months). Therefore if your itinerary includes Plaza de España during the second half of the day, I wouldn’t change it just for this, unless you are a military history buff.

The Ceramic Tile Alcoves

One of the most charming parts of the plaza are these beautiful ceramic tile structure offering sort of separate benches, like seating areas. There are 48 such alcoves, each representing a Spanish province.

You will see the province name on each, like Barcelona, Girona, Segovia, etc. Each of them will also have a beautiful historical scene, that can include depictions of battles, marriages, historical events and more. Besides, each of them has a colorful map on the floor and coat of arms of the province.

These benches are also very popular photo ops. During the busiest time, you may have to wait at one of the most popular benches for your photo.

The Canal and Romantic Bridges

A narrow canal runs along the curve of the plaza. Sometimes, they refer to it, as the Venice of Seville. While I am very skeptical of that comparison, this canal is still cute in its own way.

Four beautifully engraved tiled bridges crossing it represent kingdoms of Spain – Castille, Aragon, Leon and Navarra. These bridges provide another memorable photo spot.

You can rent a small rowboat at the canal and paddle around it (more on this later).

Activities Around Plaza de España

Rowboats

Price: 6 EUR for 30-minute ride. However, you will have to hand over 10 EUR. If you don’t bring the boat back within the allocated time, they will keep the full amount.

Working hours: summer hours 10 am – 10 pm, winter hours 10 am – 8 pm.

Capacity: Rowboats take up to 4 people.

The rowboats are considered one of the more romantic ways to enjoy the plaza. As I was travelling solo, I skipped it. I am not exactly great at steering boats and didn’t fancy getting stuck somewhere. That said, canal is shallow and calm, so you don’t really need any rowing skills.

Flamenco Performances

If you are lucky, you will catch Flamenco performance at the Plaza. Unfortunately, there are no schedules for this. The performers show up randomly throughout the day. You will usually see advice, that it is more likely to happen in late afternoon and evening especially on weekends. But I caught one during my visit before noon on a weekday. So it’s a lottery.

Fingers crossed you will be lucky during your visit, because these performances are amazing. They liven up the whole plaza. I stood there watching for a long while, even though the crowd surrounding the performers was huge and I was standing at the not-so-great angle. Still the whole point is not seeing every step but feeling the fiery atmosphere.

If you want a proper indoor performance in the evening, see my recommended flamenco venues.

Street Musicians

During the busy times, you will also find musicians playing at one of the parts of the plaza. During my visit a violinist was performing beautiful classical music compositions, while sitting on the stairs leading to the upper walkway of the semi-circular building. I actually sat nearby for a while, watching from above at the life on the plaza go by while listening to the music.

In summer, the plaza sometimes hosts larger cultural events and concerts. For example, the Iconica Fest is usually held here in June-July, bringing open-air performances into this already lively space. These events aren’t constant, so check the official website before your visit. Keep in mind that the plaza may sometimes be inaccessible during the preparations for the events. So make sure to check any closures before visiting especially in summer.

What to Visit after Plaza de España: Maria Luisa Park

If you are not short on time, after visiting the plaza, you can head into the Maria Luisa Park, which will provide a huge contrast to the busy area you just visited. The park is usually quiet.

I was quite excited to check it out, as from the photos it looked very cute with beautiful tiled small fountains, rocky formations and symmetrical gardens. But I wasn’t impressed by it. It was October though, so maybe Spring and Summer would be a better time to visit, when the park has more color. Either way, if you want a break from the heat and the crowds, the park is a good respite.

After crossing the park, you will end up at the Plaza de America. You will see 2 museums on either side of the square: Archaeological Museum of Seville (which has been closed for a while) and Museum of Popular Arts and Customs of Seville. There’s also the Royal Pavillion, which was constructed earlier than Plaza de España by the same architect.

Either way, I only recommend walking through the park and to Plaza de America, if you have a lot of time in Seville. With limited time of 1 or 2 days, your time is better spent elsewhere in the city.

How Plaza de España Fits Into Your Seville Itinerary

Visiting Plaza de España in Seville is quite straightforward. It doesn’t require advanced booking or scheduling around crowds. It’s a gorgeous, postcard-worthy location you wander around and enjoy at your leisure.

If you are wandering how to develop your itinerary to include Plaza de España:

See my detailed 1-day Seville itinerary.

Or the 2-day Seville itinerary for a more thorough visit of the city.

<p>The post Soaking Up the Atmosphere at Plaza de España in Seville: A Visitor’s Guide first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

I was rather excited to visit it, although to be honest, not as much as I had been for the Alhambra. Somehow, like all of Seville, I expected it to be impressive, but not necessarily mind-blowing. I was completely wrong. I ended up loving the Alcazar even more.

This palace complex is a fascinating mix of Islamic and Christian influences, intricate Mudejar architecture, golden domes, courtyards, fountains and vast gardens. It’s beautiful in photos, but even more jaw-dropping in person.

Given its popularity, Seville’s Real Alcazar is not a site you can turn up to visit without preparation. In this guide, I’ll go through everything you need to know before visiting the Real Alcazar of Seville, including how to book tickets, how far in advance to plan, how to avoid the worst crowds, how much time to allocate, and what not to miss once you’re inside.

Brief Historical Overview

Originally built as a Moorish fortress from the 10^th century, it was then developed by Abbasids and Almohads, as well as the Christian kings.

The majority of Seville Alcazar we see today was developed in the 14^th century. The site is a masterpiece of Mudejar architecture, meaning the Islamic architectural elements used by the Christian rulers in Spain. That’s the reason why it so closely resembles the beautiful palaces you see in Arab countries, gilded with a lot of gold, beautiful carvings and intricate colorful details.

Interestingly, the Alcazar is depicted, as Dorne in Game of Thrones. Its halls and courtyards, as well as gardens are used as Martell residence. While I had heard of beauty of Alcazar before watching the series, seeing it in its glory beautifully filmed was definitely another incentive to see it in person.

While Game of Thrones made it even more popular for visitors, Alcazar also appeared in a lot of other movies, including Kingdom of Heaven and the classic Lawrence of Arabia.

Real Alcazar Tickets: Book in Advance

Ticket price: 15.5 EUR

Students and people aged 65+ get discounts.

Children under 13 and persons with disabilities together with their companions visit for free.

Ticket prices with the inclusion of Royal Rooms: 21 EUR. For this part even children and PWDs pay small fee.

Opening times: 9.30 am -7 pm daily, except November-March 9.30 am -5 pm.

Booking early is especially important if you want the most popular time slots, like the first time slot in the morning.

If you want to visit the Royal Rooms (the upper floor still used by Spain’s royal family), you need to book well in advance, sometimes over 2-3 months ahead. I learned this the hard way and missed out simply because I didn’t buy early enough. When I checked about 1.5 months before my visit, no tickets were available any more for that section.

How to Buy Real Alcazar Tickets

Alcazar Tickets at the Official Website

Always double-check that you are purchasing from the official website, as there are many third-party resellers that appear first in search results. In my experience, this official website is quite easy to use and not glitchy, unlike that of Alhambra for example.

Alcazar Tickets though Third Party Websites

Some travelers prefer booking with third parties to have all tickets in one place. Please, note that third party tickets will usually cost a bit more than those purchased from the official website. Also, make sure that you are booking with a reputable third party, like GetYourGuide or Tiqets, for instance.

Visiting Real Alcazar on Tour, When Tickets are Sold Out

In my experience, when the tickets are sold out for the whole next month, some of the tours can have availability even a few days before the visit. However, you still need to book them ahead of time not to miss out.

The tours can also be a great option, as the Alcazar is quite spread out and having a guide can help you understand the history behind each section, if you don’t want to research in advance.

The tours generally last about 90 minutes. Once it’s over, you will be left on site to revisit any locations you wish or see the ones not covered sufficiently.

Buying Tickets at the Ticket Office

Technically during the low season, you might be able to get your tickets in person at the ticket office. I would not rely on this any time of the year though. The ticket office is located at the Patio de Banderas.

Important note: Whenever you see tickets advertised as Skip the Line, note that all tickets purchased online are the same – they allow you to skip ticket queues, but you will still have to wait for the time slot you bought the ticket for and queue to go through the ticket check and security. No ticket, whether it says skip the line or not, will allow you to bypass this security queues.

For other things you have to book in advance, when visiting Seville, please, see my complete guide.

If you’re planning to visit both the Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral on the same day, you might want to look at a combined tour. It can make things easier, especially if you don’t want to deal with separate bookings and time slots. There are both small group and private options.

How to Avoid Crowds at the Real Alcazar

This is an important question for one of the most popular sites in Spain. Alcazar is teeming with people every day, no matter the season. So trying to avoid the crowds for at least a bit is quite difficult. However, there are a couple of things you could do:

Book tickets early: If you can’t afford the tours, book your ticket early, for the opening time of 9.30 am. Also arrive as early as you can, in order to be among the first to enter the site. I had the ticket for 9.30 and arrived about half an hour before the set time. The queue was already snaking around the corner. As time went on, it grew significantly longer. I still managed to enter quite soon after it opened and headed directly to the Hall of Ambassadors and explored the most popular areas, before the crowds became too crazy. Another strategy would be to head to the gardens first, as most people will be visiting the rooms first. So you have to prioritize one.

These are really the only strategies that actually work. You will also find other recommendations, like for instance visiting during the weekdays instead of weekends – this doesn’t really matter to be honest, as the number of tickets per day are almost always sold out, so whatever day you choose, likely number of people won’t be less.

Another thing people recommend is booking the later time slot, like at 3-4 pm, suggesting that many people will leave earlier. In my experience, this won’t work for beating crowds. I tried this for the Cathedral, but the number of people did not reduce at all even after 6 pm. So I would not rely on this strategy. Arriving early gives you the only chance really.

Best Times to Visit Real Alcazar

In general, all of Spain is much milder in Spring and Autumn periods. This is particularly true for Andalusia. I chose the mildest time of October, when temperatures were in the range of comfortable 25 degrees during the day. I was very happy with my choice. But one note – if you want the gardens to be in their full glory, spring and beginning of summer would be a better choice.

Summers are extremely hot with temperatures often soaring over 40 degrees Celsius. Winters can be mild but they often bring rains. In recent years, the weather conditions in winter have been particularly problematic with floods and more. So plan carefully.

The best time of the day for visiting is the first time slot of the day. As mentioned above, this helps managing the crowds somewhat. After a while, the site becomes unbelievably crowded, to the points of making it difficult to pass through the rooms of the Pedro I Palace.

Some travelers recommend visiting towards evening, however, in my experience, this strategy does not work. I also heard a recommendation to visit in the afternoon, during lunch time. I will try this next time to see how it works. I have used this strategy successfully in some other overly crowded sites, so it may make sense.

How Much Time Do You Need at the Real Alcazar of Seville

Are you a traveler, who likes to explore every nook and cranny of the gorgeous sites and take tons of photos? I recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours to Alcazar. I’m like that too, I spent over three hours and still could have stayed longer. But I had to skip the State Rooms because of limited tickets – they would take at least another half an hour.

Are you a very fast-paced traveler with limited time in Seville? 2 hours should be sufficient to visit the major parts of the site, including the main halls and courtyards and parts of the gardens.

With less than 2 hours, you would probably be rushing too much and have to miss a lot. So I wouldn’t recommend this.

If you are planning a tight schedule, see my 1-day Seville itinerary.

Other Practical Tips for Visiting the Real Alcazar

There are a few rules you may need to follow to visit the Real Alcazar:

How to Get to Real Alcazar

For most travelers staying in central Seville, Real Alcazar would be at a walking distance from their hotel. I stayed near Alameda de Hercules, so needed to walk about 20 minutes to the site.

If you are coming from farther, you can take metro or tram. Puerta de Jerez stop is just around the corner.

If you are on a day trip and came to Sevilla Santa Justa by train, the Airport Express bus is a direct option. Otherwise, you would have to walk to metro or a tram stop. There are plans to extend metro to the train station, but it’s unlikely to be completed any time soon.

For details on train travel in Spain, see my full guide.

Don’t be late for the assigned time slot

This is very important, as each allocated time slot is short. You may get away with being about 10 minutes late maximum, but you won’t be allowed to enter, if you miss the small timeframe.

Bring Your ID

The tickets are personalized and the information you receive after purchasing it says you need to bring your original ID along. While I wasn’t asked for one and haven’t seen anyone being asked, I recommend not to forget this. The lack of ID became an issue at the Alhambra for my travel companion, so be aware of the possibility, that you may need it anywhere in Spain.

Security Check

As I mentioned earlier, you will have to queue and go through the security check. Here are a few things you can and can’t take:

• You are allowed to take water and some snacks with you. But you can’t bring other food and drinks.
• You can bring a backpack, however, no large backpacks or suitcases. In case of need, there are free storage areas.
• Tripods and drones are not allowed at the Alcazar. In fact, drones are highly regulated and restricted in central Seville.
• Strollers are allowed, however, given the limited accessibility of the site, and the crowds, I would not recommend bringing them.

Real Alcazar Accessibility

While some parts of the site are wheelchair accessible, others are not. You can at least visit the most parts of the Pedro I Palace and parts of the gardens. The Royal Rooms have a small elevator, which may not meet the needs of all PWDs.

Toilets at Real Alcazar

The map below shows 3 locations for the toilets. I suggest not to rely on the one near the Puerta de la Alcoba in the gardens, as it wasn’t working, when I visited. In fact, that area was being renovated. The one near the entrance was operational.

What to See at the Real Alcazar: The Sightseeing Route

Seville Alcazar Map

You will enter through Puerta del Leon. You will pass through the arches of the 12^th century wall and end up at the Patio del Leon. From here you will have to choose, which section to visit first.

I recommend starting your route with the most beautiful part of the complex – Pedro I Palace. Once you complete this section, move to the Gothic Palace, then go to explore the Gardens. After returning back from the gardens you can complete your visit with the sections of Palacio del Yeso and Casa de la Contratacion. With this route, you will strategically cover all parts of the Alcazar without much backtracking.

You will exit through Patio de Banderas, which is not far from where you the Puerta del Leon. Make sure to see everything you want before exiting, as re-entry is not allowed.

Palacio Pedro I

This palace is the heart of the Alcazar. Built in the 14th century by King Pedro I with the help of craftsmen sent by the ruler of Granada, this Mudejar construction is a fascinating blend of cultures and styles. That’s why it so closely resembles the style of the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra.

Pedro I Palace has 9 halls and courtyards, as you can see on the map. The most beautiful ones you should not miss include the following.

Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens)

This is the iconic courtyard with the long reflecting pool. It’s also the biggest patio in the complex. The beautifully carved arches all around the pool create festive atmosphere, while the characteristic tiles all around on the walls bring color. I spent quite a lot of time here, as I came before the big crowds, so I was able to slowly take it all in.

Salon de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors)

This hall is perhaps the most gorgeous room in Alcazar. The square shaped hall was created to be the centerpiece of the palace. This hall was used for the meetings with the ambassadors, that’s where the name comes from. Because of this, it had to convey the magnificence of the ruler. Well, they certainly managed to impress.

Its golden dome apparently represents the universe. It is designed with pure gold and makes all visitors walk around with their eyes up. I certainly got dizzy at some points after looking at the ceiling too long. Be careful, as most people don’t look around, so bumping into others is a thing here, I myself am guilty of this.

The gateways to the hall, the beautiful arches with colorful marble columns are a site in themselves. Top this all of with gorgeous tiles on the walls and you already can become overwhelmed with the many details. I honestly didn’t know where to look – from the ceiling to the arches to the walls and the intricate carvings. I am in love with Andalusian architecture and this is a prime example of it.

Patio de las Munecas

While very small, this patio impresses with it intricate details. Its several floors of arches in white make your head spin with awe. Among the carvings, you will notice the doll faces, that’s where the name comes from.

The Gothic Hall

To come here, you will need to find stairs and walk up. This section feels completely different compared to the Pedro I Palace. The Gothic Palace was built somewhat earlier – in the 13^th century under Alfonso X. Here you’ll find vault ceilings and large tapestries depicting historical scenes. This part of Alcazar is closer to medieval European style with less intricacies and more accent on space and imposition.

The atmosphere in this section is actually calm. This has a couple of reasons. First, there are much fewer people, I maybe saw a dozen people overall compared to hundreds downstairs. I believe most people skip these parts. Second, the halls themselves don’t have as many intricate details. While colorful they are less decorative and as a result feel more spacious.

If you are coming from Pedro I Palace, the stairs will likely bring you to the Chapel first. It’s a smaller room with the altar. From here you will enter the Sala de las Bovedas.

Sala de las Bovedas

The hall also referred to as the Grand Salon is a long corridor like hall with beautiful colorful tiles along the walls. The color palette here is actually different with more oranges and yellows, compared to the more muted blues of the Pedro I Palace.

I did like this hall quite a lot, especially considering the interesting change in style after visiting Pedro Palace. I will be honest I prefer the Moorish architectural style.

Salon de los Tapices

The Tapestry Hall is my least favorite of the rooms. As the name suggest, it’s basically a large room with massive tapestries on the walls. They are the scenes of Charles V battles in Tunisia and was dedicated to his victories. I didn’t spend much time here, as I am not a fan of tapestries in general.

Los Banos de Dona Maria de Padilla

This bath located under the Gothic halls is an interesting cistern with long water basin. On the photos it looks magnificent with the arches and their beautiful reflection in water. Game of Thrones added to the fascination with this bath.

I personally was quite underwhelmed. I am not sure what I was expecting based on the photos, but it was much smaller than I imagined, the dirty water and general atmosphere didn’t add to experience either. Anyways, while this is an interesting part of the palace to have a look at, don’t have big expectations from it.

Dona Maria was the mistress of Pedro I and she used the bath, hence the name.

The Gardens of Real Alcazar

The gardens are massive and beautiful. You will find fountains, flowers, palm trees, orange trees, long walkways and more here. The gardens evolved over centuries, which led to the mix of styles, including Islamic geometry, Renaissance and later romantic landscaping.

If you want the gardens to be in bloom, best times would be Spring and Summer. I visited in October, when while some flowers were around, they of course were not in their full glory.

Parts of the gardens are often under construction. I see people complaining about this all the time. I doubt there is any time when no section is being renovated. When I visited area around Gruta de las Sultanas, as well as Jardines de los Poetas were all dug up and messy.

Most people only visit the main parts along the Galeria del Grutesco and don’t go any farther, but it can be rather interesting to wander away from the crowds.

Here are a few parts of the Real Alcazar Gardens you should pay attention to. The rest of the gardens are basically to wander around and get lost.

Estanque de Mercurio

This is probably the first thing you will see when entering the gardens. The Mercury Pond is a beautiful water basin with a bronze Mercury statue in the middle and beautiful reflections of the Galeria Grutesco. The frescoes and the stonework of the gallery behind the pond create wonderful photo opportunities.

Galeria del Grutesco

This viewing gallery is a rather interesting piece of architecture. It was built in the 17^th century and provides beautiful views over the gardens. The gallery is a sight in itself and in my opinion adds a lot of personality to the gardens.

You can access the gallery from two places – one at the start of it, at Puerta de Marchena (51 on the map above) and the second is somewhere in the middle near Fuente de la Fama.

Unfortunately, the whole gallery was full of tour groups standing around and it was quite hard to walk by the time I made it here during the late morning time. If your priority is visiting the gardens, you should visit it first thing in the morning, as soon as you enter the site.

Fuente de la Fama

You should definitely stop at this baroque orange colored construction. The Fountain of Fame is built into the Gallery Grutesco and combines the functions of a fountain and a hydraulic organ.

Jardin Ingles

Barely anyone comes to this section of the gardens. I was the only one walking around it for quite a while, and met only a couple of people during the entire time I was there. I liked it quite a lot. Its tall trees provided me with a lot of shade – I believe this was the coolest (in terms of temperature ) part of the gardens. Plus, there were a few peacocks around here peacefully walking around away from the crowds, like me.

In addition to these sections I described, the gardens have a number of small fountains, gazebos, pavilions, flower paths and more. The map shows all sections of it, so you can either follow it, if you want to explore all sections, or just get lost and discover things.

By the way, there’s also a labyrinth, but it’s inaccessible, so no fun.

Palacio del Yeso

This part of the Alcazar is not at all popular, because it’s small and not as impressive, as the main halls. But I actually enjoyed it a lot. This was especially because I absolutely didn’t expect to find such cute patio.

Patio del Yeso is actually one of the oldest surviving parts of the Alcazar, dating back to the Almohad period, 12^th century. It was a part of the larger palace construction, but only this part survived.

Before it, the Sala de la Yusticia dates back to the 14^th century. While parts of it are much damaged and painted over with white, you will still see the wooden dome and the beautifully carved parts of the walls.

Casa de la Contratacion

The House of Commerce was created in the 16^th century, with the purpose of overseeing trade with Indies. While historically important, this part is the least preserved with some walls just painted over in white. Still have a look to see the institution, which directed and regulated Spanish fleets.

The Royal Apartments

The Royal Rooms are still used by the Spanish royal family when visiting Seville. Tickets sell out months in advance. As I already mentioned, I unfortunately was too late getting these tickets, so I have a reason to visit Alcazar again – as if I need another reason other than its sheer beauty for revisiting this gorgeous place.

If you manage to secure tickets, you will need about half an hour to an hour for visiting this section. Unlike other parts of Alcazar, these rooms are actually furnished and show you daily life of their owners. The experience of seeing rooms still used by the monarchy adds a unique feel to the visit. So definitely don’t miss it, if you can.

Events at the Alcazar

During certain periods, like Christmas and in summer, Real Alcazar hosts various events and concerts. I didn’t attend myself, but if you are visiting in summer or during specific holidays, check the official website for the information.

If you’re deciding how to structure your days, see my detailed Seville 1-day itinerary to fit the Real Alcazar in properly.

You can also see my 2-day Seville itinerary if you have more time.

<p>The post Visiting the Stunning Real Alcazar of Seville: A Practical Guide first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

Traditional Spanish coffee bars are still more common across Andalusia, with the specialty coffee scene slowly growing, mostly in bigger cities.

I enjoyed sitting outside on the cute Andalusian squares with my coffee. I didn’t manage to visit every cafe on my list, but I tried most of them. So here is my list of awesome cafes and brunch spots across Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Malaga.

Tips for Visiting Coffee Shops in Andalusia

Siesta Closures

Andalusia loves its siesta. With summer and even spring/autumn afternoons being very hot, this is understandable. When looking for the coffee shops, you will likely find many closed in the afternoons.

Outdoor seating

If the weather is warm, which in Andalusia is most of the time, most cafes offer outdoor seating. It’s very enjoyable, as you can soak the warm weather and people watch. Keep in mind though, this might be a bit more expensive than if you would have your coffee at the bar/takeaway.

Coffee Types

You will probably find specialty coffee spots only in the central areas of the major cities. In more remote areas or outside city centers you can order more traditional coffee types – see the information here.

Best Cafes in Seville: Specialty Coffee and Brunch in the Old City

Delatribu Specialty Coffee

This little coffee shop is pretty elusive. It’s closed three days a week and has limited working hours during the other four days. You will have to be lucky to find it open on the days you are visiting. But if you do, they have great specialty coffee. The seating is limited, as it’s just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, so you will likely have to grab the coffee to go.

JESTER Specialty Coffee & Juice

Jester is good for both specialty coffee or brunch. But the brunch in Santa Cruz is rather small with only a couple of tables outside, so you can grab coffee to go from here. It was strong and very tasty. I grabbed one to enjoy it in the nearby Jardines de Murillo, while watching flamenco dance.

For their brunch, it’s best to go to their Triana branch, which has seats inside and outdoors as well.

FILO

This one is my favorite brunch spot in Seville. Despite being just around the corner from the Cathedral, it has very tasty brunch food. I really enjoyed their eggs benedict with salmon and the Andalusian breakfast. The downside is that it’s almost always full. I did manage to grab a seat before the busiest lunch time, at about noon.

FILO actually has two locations a couple of minutes from each other on the Hernando Colon Road. The maps may not show both, but you will see one on your right when walking up from the Cathedral and then a minute later the second one will be on your left. So if you don’t find a spot at one location, you may be lucky at the second.

Mokambo Alfalfa

I absolutely love this brunch spot and I am not the only one clearly. I managed to find the last free spot at about 10am. After this time while I was there and any time I passed it on other days, there were at least a dozen people queueing.

Not only are their brunches delicious, but they provide huge portions. I was hardly able to eat half of before I was full. Do try their pancakes. They actually have many options, including fajitas and burgers.

LATE

This very popular coffee shop is loved by the young crowd. You will actually find a lot of people sitting with their laptops here, despite its small space. Their coffee is strong and they also offer some snacks, if you are hungry.

East Crema

East Crema already has branches in several cities. While a chain though, their specialty coffee is delicious. They are open till 8pm every day, which is great for this area, as most coffee shops either close very early or close on some days. So if you are looking for specialty coffee in the afternoon, this is a wonderful option. I am speaking for experience, as I was looking for a spot at about 4pm and all other specialty coffee spots around were closed.

I loved the space – it’s modern and minimalistic. I enjoyed my break with the strong creamy flat white.

Nebbi cafe y provisiones

If you are looking for specialty coffee in Triana neighborhood, look no further. This tiny coffee shop offers delicious strong coffee. I liked their black coffee, as well as creamy flat white.

The only downside is they have very few seats and no outside seating. But their window seats are lovely. I was very happy to find a spot, as my foot was hurt on the day I visited and I really needed to sit and have some break.

Ofelia Bakery

The warmest cafe I visited in Seville. The lady running the place is very friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed their cake and coffee at the window seat. It was cozy. Plus, the cafe is very cute.

While they closed at the older location, they are planning to reopen in another spot. So by the time you are reading this, hopefully it will have found a new location.

Brunchit

If you don’t find a spot at FILO, Brunchit is further on the same road. As usual in their branches around Spain, this branch also has quite a lot of space. It’s also very beautifully decorated. Enjoy their toasts and pancakes.

La Mala Brunch

La Mala is actually popular in Seville and already has a few branches. In addition to the branch near Iglesia San Salvador, there is one just under Setas, as well as one in Santa Cruz. I tried several types of their sandwiches and was very happy with all of them. One more advantage of La Mala is that their opening time in the evening are longer than most other brunch places – till at least 7pm.

Purita – De vuelta al Origen

This small brunch spot has very quiet and cozy atmosphere. I liked their cute décor. Even their menu is cute.

Portions here are smaller than most other brunch spots I mentioned, so order accordingly. I enjoyed their toasts.

Parceria Cafe

This cafe is in the northern part of the old town – near Alameda Hercules. I really loved their modern colorful vibe, although I didn’t manage to end up in the area during their opening times to try it out. It is one of the most popular brunch and specialty coffee spot though and was very high on my list, hence I am including it. Let me know if you try.

Feria 83

Close to Alameda Hercules, come to this cafe for beautiful décor and tasty brunch food.

Looking for where to stay in Seville? Choose accommodation near the Cathedral, Santa Cruz or Triana to be within walking distance of the city’s best cafes and brunch spots. Browse hotel options in Seville.

Best Cafes in Cordoba: Where to Find Good Coffee and Brunch

Unlike Seville, you will not have many options for coffee or brunch spots in Cordoba. You will mostly find cafeterias, where I recommend ordering black coffee, as their options with milk taste too milky.

Arabiga Specialty Coffee

One of the very few specialty coffee spots in Cordoba. This cafe has only a couple of seats, so you will likely grab coffee to go, as I did. Their coffee was strong and while by far not the best in Spain, probably best in Cordoba.

They also have another tiny branch near Puerta de Almodovar.

C Coffee

This cafe offers specialty coffee and brunch. While small they have a seating area, where you can enjoy your food. Plus, most days they are open till 7, with Tuesday closing.

Atrio Cafe

Come to this cafe for the vibes. I loved their cute little yard with lovely chairs. Their coffee and food are ok, don’t expect anything special.

The Golden Stack

I came here to try their pancakes, when I was walking to the train stations after a long sightseeing day. I loved their pancakes. Portions are generous and they taste delicious. They also have fresh juices, which are great.

Cafeteria Don Pepe

While I haven’t visited this cafe, it’s one of the most popular spots in the city for food and churros. Note that they have afternoon closures every day.

Best Cafes in Granada: Specialty Coffee and Brunch Near the Alhambra

Granada’s coffee and brunch scene is expanding. You will find them mostly concentrated in and near the Centro area. Don’t expect to find specialty coffee while walking the hills of Albaicin or Sacramento. In those areas you will more likely find tapas bars and small eateries. Therefore, plan your coffee break accordingly.

La Finca Coffee

This coffee shop offers the best specialty coffee and brunch just around the corner from the Cathedral.

One very important note you should consider is that while the cafe is open until 8pm, they offer food only before certain hours in the afternoon. Once when we visited, they said they stopped serving food at 1pm, I am not sure if this is the exact timing every day, when they close the kitchen, but that seems to be the case in our experience. After this you can only order coffee and pastries. They are delicious, so you should definitely come for these, not just for the food.

Atypica Specialty Coffee

One of the best specialty coffees in Granada. We loved their flat whites. The space is lovely and staff very welcoming. Plus it has a very convenient location – a stone’s throw from the Basilica de San Juan de Dios.

Dulcimena Coffee & Go

As the name suggests, this tiny coffee shop is practically for to go coffee. They have delicious specialty coffee, which we grabbed early in the morning, while on our way uphill to Alhambra.

Kona Specialty Coffee

A small coffee shop near Centro with good specialty coffee and snacks.

Gran Cafe Bib-Rambla

Want to try churros in Granada? Then visit this century-old beautifully decorated churreria. They have inside and outside seating spaces.

Perspectives

We visited for food and coffee in mid-afternoon. While almost full, finding a spot wasn’t difficult. Their food and coffee were good, although not too big portions. The atmosphere would have been nice, if not for overly active kids at the next table, who were running all around and throwing things. Hopefully you will be luckier, when you visit.

Despiertoo Gran Via Specialty Coffee

This is a newly opened branch of a tiny to go coffee shop not too far from here. In addition to great specialty coffee, they also offer some snacks and pastries. Plus, this branch has ample seating space, which is wonderful near the Cathedral.

Epicureum Cafe & Brunch

If you are looking for a brunch spot near Cathedral, Epicureum is another great choice. The cafe has ample space, so you won’t have a hard time finding a table. You can order breakfast plates, toasts and pancakes. Don’t expect specialty coffee but you will like their black coffee if you like them bitter.

Noat Coffee

A beloved specialty coffee and brunch spot in Granada. While high on my list, I wasn’t able to check it out. But as too many people love it, and I see it mentioned very often, I am still including this one. Let me know, if you tried it, how was it?

Not Recommended in Granada

Cafetería La Tienda de los Unicornios

The vibe is nice and the staff is friendly, but their coffee and food were simply bad, and the portions were tiny. I expected far more from the cafe, which many people like but we were greatly disappointed.

Since most of these cafes are located centrally, staying nearby makes everything easier. Centro is the best base if you want to be within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and shopping. Browse hotel options in Granada.

Best Cafes in Malaga: Sunny Brunch Spots and Great Coffee in the Old Town

Sentir Cafe

This was the first cafe we tried when visiting Malaga and it didn’t disappoint. We loved sitting outside on a tiny pedestrian street. While the area was generally noisy, this one was tucked away and quiet.

We liked their wooden trays, delicious coffee, as well as all types of brunch food – toasts and bowls.

Generally, they are only open in the morning hours until noon.

Byoko Strachan

In my opinion, Byoko is the best brunch spot in Malaga. We had a very hard time choosing our food options, as they offer so many delicious treats. My pancake was amazing, filled with a lot of cheese, bacon and mushrooms. We also loved their burgers and salads. All our plates were huge and none of us were able to finish the whole portions. Coffee was also delicious, I loved my cappuccino.

We really wanted to try their sweet options but were simply not able to after this much food.

The vibe is also very nice. You can grab a seat inside or on the pedestrian street outside. We sat outside and enjoyed the warm weather and people watching.

Byoko also has a second branch in central Malaga.

Santa Soho

This tiny coffee shop has very limited seating only outside. Come here for good specialty coffee to go. They also have another branch near Cathedral, but we were unable to get a seat, when we wanted to rest, as this one also has only a few seats outside.

Julieta

Julieta is a local coffee shop in Malaga. While they don’t have the best coffee, you should try them, while visiting the city. Order only black coffee, as any milky options aren’t too great. While we visited the branch north of the Centro, they also have another one not too far.

Next Level Specialty Coffee

This cute little coffee shop offers quite limited seating. They have brunch food as well, but we only tried their specialty coffee to go, as we didn’t have time to sit at that moment.

Brunchit

As in other cities in Spain, Brunchit is consistently good food and coffee, as well as cute vibes. What’s not to love.

Traveling to other cities in Spain and looking for nice cafes? Here is my guide to coffee around Spain.

<p>The post Best Cafes in Andalusia: Specialty Coffee and Brunch Guide first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

During my previous visits to Spain, I didn’t get a chance to get into the country’s coffee culture much, as my visits were mainly educational. But my last month-long trip definitely rectified that. My sister raved about the nice little cafes all around Madrid and I didn’t miss a chance to try as many as I could.

While there are a lot of third-wave cafes with modern equipment, there are older cafes still, where, to get something similar to a flat white (my favorite), you should order cafe con leche. Or simply go for black coffee.

The Essential Spanish Coffee Types

If the cafe you are visiting doesn’t have the coffee names you are familiar with, here is the list that can help you out:

• Cafe solo – espresso. Like in Italy, if you simply ask for coffee, you will probably get a cafe solo.
• Cortado – espresso with a small splash of milk.
• Cafe con leche – half coffee, half milk. Although in our experience it’s closest to flat white with a foam.
• Cafe americano – your usual Americano.
• Cafe bombón – espresso with sweetened condensed milk.
• Carajillo – coffee with liquor (often brandy or rum).

If you are ordering traditional Spanish coffee, it’s normally darker roasted and more bitter. You will find less of the foamy milky varieties in the old style coffee bars.

While the major cities have all sorts of milk alternatives available – usually oat and soy milk, rarely almond milk, but smaller cities and rural areas definitely won’t have them.

You will also find decaf options, but again not outside the major cities.

How Spaniards Prefer to Drink Coffee

The Spanish approach coffee very much like Italians do. Many of the older style cafes are more like coffee bars where you order and drink your coffee at the counter or small standing tables. We saw this mainly in smaller cities. For example, the most popular cafe in Toledo, Il Cappuccino has a tiny bar style space. People were chatting with the barista when we arrived – well, we couldn’t understand the conversation, but at least managed to order our coffee with a few Spanish words we knew and had our coffee at the counter

Major cities of course have modern specialty cafes and comfy coffee houses where you can work on your laptops and socialize.

Besides, Spaniards love their plazas and terraces. Sitting in the square chatting and drinking coffee or often something stronger is a major part of the culture. You will hear people’s loud conversations. People sitting in the sun, chatting and watching passersby.

Keep in mind: coffee is often slightly more expensive if you sit at a table outside compared to ordering at the bar.

Breakfast and Brunch in Spain

Traditional Spanish breakfast used to be a lighter affair and include toasts and coffee. Perhaps croissants or churros.

The large and beautiful brunch you will see everywhere in Spanish cities, is more of a modern, urban phenomenon. You will find these in Madrid, Seville, Malaga or Barcelona. These brunch spots are rather popular with locals and tourists alike and you may not even find a spot especially on the weekends.

Opening Hours are Rather Limited

• Opening times: I guess it’s no surprise that cafes in Spain don’t open extremely early. You will barely find cafes opening at 7-8am. Specialty cafes may open at 9am or 10am. Brunch places more like at 10am or 11am.
• Siesta: Some cafes may close for siesta during the afternoon. I didn’t like these afternoon closures, because when sightseeing I really needed my afternoon coffee
• Closing times: Many specialty cafes close at around 5-6 pm. There are some open till 8pm, but they are rare. Some traditional bars can be open even later but they are more concentrated on serving alcohol and tapas in addition to coffee.
• Closure days: In smaller towns, closures on certain weekdays or on weekends are common. Same goes for holidays. For instance, when we traveled during the Spanish National Holiday, we barely found any cafes open.

Service Style in Spanish Cafes

Service in Spain is generally matter-of-fact rather than overly warm. Don’t expect constant check-ins or big smiles. Staff are straightforward and let you enjoy your own pace. You will either pay while ordering or will have to ask for the bill at the end yourself, it won’t be brought automatically.

While this may surprise some visitors, many people actually appreciate the low-key approach.

Prices and Tipping

Coffee prices are reasonable all around Spain, even in the most touristy locations of Barcelona and Seville.

List of the Best Cafes by City

Now that you have all the tips on coffee in Spain, I will give you recommendations of some of my favorite cafes in different cities. My lists mainly contain independent coffee shops or smaller chains, rather than well-known international chains, like Starbucks. The lists are based on my opinion and my sister’s suggestions (she lives in Madrid).

Best Cafes in Madrid

See my dedicated post to the best specialty coffee and brunch cafes in Madrid.

Best Cafes in Barcelona

La Papa – Pau Claris – This is one of our favourite brunch spots in all of Spain. We even took our parents after long sightseeing hours of Gaudi masterpieces. Their coffee is delicious. Plus, we all loved their eggs benedict, as well as acai bowls.

Right Side Coffee Bar – A small coffee bar offering specialty coffee fix and pastries.

Indigo Cafe & Brunch – This cozy cafe offers great specialty coffee and delicious brunch options. Come for their delicious toasts.

D Origen Coffee Roasters – This modern coffee shop has great specialty coffee and is located very close to Plaza Catalunya.

Amiko Brunch & Gelato – Located on Passeig de Gracia, this cafe has an interesting modern décor.

Best Cafes in Andalusia

See my dedicated post to the specialty coffee, brunch and historical cafes in Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. 

Best Cafes in Toledo

Surprisingly I had a hard time finding good coffee in Toledo. I actually expected to find more delicious options, considering how close to Madrid and how popular the city is.

Il Cappuccino Specialty Coffee – This is perhaps the best coffee in Toledo. It has a tiny space where maybe five people can squeeze at the bar to drink their coffee. But the coffee was strong and just what we needed during the early morning start. I really wanted to visit again on my second visit to Toledo, but it was a weekend day and the cafe is closed on weekends, as well as during siesta hours.

Naturalmente Italian Coffee & Bakery – This cafe has an excellent location just next to the entrance of the Monasterio de los Reyes. You can sit on the bar stools at the window and look at the gorgeous monument. I can’t say they have the best coffee though – it was decent, albeit pretty mild.

Best Cafes in Alcalá de Henares

Bartolo Cafe – We loved this small cutely decorated coffee shop. We visited during the Cervantes festival – a period when this town gets the most visitors. They have tables inside and outside as well. The coffee was great, just the right flat white, not milky tasting (that’s quite a big issue in smaller towns). I should mention that even the coffee cups were cute. They also have a second branch, but we haven’t checked that one out.

Amazonia Acai – If you want a nice brunch place, check out this cafe.

Best Cafes in Avila

CATACAFE – This cafe is very close to the train station in Avila and has been on my list for long. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try it, because of inconvenient closure times. But I will next time.

Chain Cafes in Spain

While independent coffee shops dominate modern Spanish coffee culture, you will still find cafe and bakery chains. In addition to the international ones, like Starbucks or Tim Hortons, Spain has some of its local cafe chains.

Syra Coffee – This specialty coffee chain is very popular around Spain. They have several branches in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Malaga. There might be in other cities as well, but I haven’t encountered them. Their coffee is strong, not milky tasting. Keep in mind that these cafes don’t have seating spaces. You will have to grab your coffee to go.

East Crema – This has to be my favorite coffee shop chain in Spain. It offers delicious coffee, modern cozy spaces and great locations – from what I know they are located in Seville, Zaragoza, Valencia and Bilbao in addition to Madrid, not sure about other cities. If you happen to be near one of these coffee shops, don’t hesitate to try them – they are definitely great.

Santagloria Coffee & Bakery – We ended up at one of the Santagloria branches in Avila because we didn’t find anything else with decent coffee open during the national holiday. It actually turned out to be a nice place and I can’t fault the coffee. While I don’t normally go for chain cafes, I can recommend this one, if you don’t find independent coffee shops nearby and are in need of coffee.

Granier – This is a well-known bakery chain with branches all over Spain. While their coffee may not be all that great, some of the pastries are pretty good to grab on the go.

Levaduramadre – I rather like this bakery chain. They already have a lot of brunches and expanding. No seating spaces though, you just grab bread and pastries. We quite liked the cheesy pastries for instance.

Brunchit – This chain with beautiful decor has become rather popular for Instagram photos. But it’s not only good for photo sessions. They have delicious coffee – in fact they started serving specialty coffee at their cafes. Their brunches are delicious with huge portions. We actually visited one in Madrid after a fiasco with trains being grounded. We were planning to go for a day trip and that didn’t work out. But having Brunchit food and coffee was a good consolation prize for sure

Faborit – This cafe chain is more concentrated in bigger cities. It’s honestly nothing special. But we did try it once when we were visiting Retiro area in Madrid and there were not many options for independent cafes nearby. It can be all right for a quick stop when you really need coffee.

Cheapest Coffees on the Go

If you’re on a budget, you will still have a lot of options for getting a decent coffee. This normally won’t be any elaborate coffee types, but you can get good black coffee at bakeries, small bars, even at the supermarkets – they have coffee machines.

Even trains have coffee carts with machines. For instance, Iryo trains had decent black coffee available. However, don’t attempt to get them at the train stations. For some reason everything from water to coffee is priced much higher there.

Check out my complete guide to train travel in Spain.

<p>The post Coffee in Spain: A Guide to Spanish Cafes and What to Order first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

We came up with this list of great coffee shops that I want to share with you. The list is arranged by neighborhoods to make it easier for you to stop by while exploring those areas – great coffee is never too far in Madrid.

Before we start with the list, check out my guide to coffee culture in Spain with the tips on visiting the coffee shops.

Tips for Visiting Madrid Cafes

Opening Times

• Many of the Madrid specialty coffee shops and brunch places don’t have siesta closing, which I personally love, as I like grabbing coffee whenever I feel like and afternoon is often that time. But be sure to check because some still close in the afternoons.
• Many specialty coffee shops stay open as late as 8-9 pm. However, if you are visiting the brunch spots, then expect 5-6pm closing time, as a rule.

Reservations

While you absolutely don’t normally need reservations at the cafes in Madrid, you might consider it in exceptional cases. If you really want to visit any of the popular brunch places during the hours of 11am-3pm, you might want to reserve to avoid long waits. I have never even attempted reserving – I felt it’s unnecessary with so many alternative options available, if we didn’t find a place at one particular spot.

Prices

Prices are almost always reasonable, unless you visit an extremely fancy restaurant I guess – never tried that so can’t report exactly. We didn’t even check the prices in coffee shops, because they are pretty standard depending on the type of coffee you want. I don’t remember any being over 3.50 EUR and that’s a stretch.

Service

Service in Madrid cafes is usually direct and to the point. Staff may not be overly chatty or smiley, but that doesn’t mean they’re unfriendly.

For more detailed tips on coffee culture in Spain, see my comprehensive guide.

Best Cafes in Malasaña: Trendy Specialty Coffee and Brunch

Let’s start with the trendy neighborhood Malasaña, where you will almost automatically end up at some point. It’s close to so many sites – the Royal Palace, Debod and the museums, full of little streets, and packed with cafes. If you like hopping between specialty coffee spots and relaxed brunch places, this is probably where you’ll spend quite a bit of time.

Specialty Coffee in Malasaña

Toma Cafe

We absolutely can’t talk about Malasaña coffee shops without first mentioning Toma. It’s one of the pioneers of Madrid specialty coffee scene. Not surprisingly its small space is always busy. Coffee is great – they offer strong flat white with just the right amount of milk. You can get several vegan milk and pastry options here.

Toma now has 3 branches: one in Malasaña, second and third branches northward in Chamberi area.

Masamune Speciality Coffee

I had not seen Masamune recommended on any lists, so we accidentally ended up here, when we needed coffee before the visit to the Museo del Romanticismo. So I just googled specialty coffees nearby and we blindly went to Masamune. To my great surprise, it ended up being one of the best coffees I’ve had in Madrid. My flat white was strong and creamy. So I don’t have to say that I dragged my sister there, right? I highly recommend this modern coffee shop.

Mission Cafe

This little cafe was one of my favorites. I liked their coffee and pastries. Also great vibes. We ended up here a couple of times when we needed a break while shopping. I am not a fan of shopping, so this coffee shop has a perfect location, at a stone’s throw from Gran Via. It’s often very crowded though, so you may only be able to get a takeaway during the busy times.

Ambu Coffee

This appealing coffee shop has cool window seats and generally great vibes. Their black coffee is good, but I have to admit I wasn’t a fan of the flat white, as it was too milky for my taste. If you like less strong flat whites though, you should order one.

Cafe Ajenjo

If you are looking for an old-fashioned coffee shop, instead of modern specialty scene, check out this cafe. Their historical décor, music and coffee options can help you feel Madrid in its old charm.

COFI. (cafe de especialidad)

A modern unpretentious cafe with great specialty coffee and brunch options.

Urbano Specialty Coffee

This coffee shop already looks very appealing from outside with its colorful wall graffiti. At first glance, you might think it’s tiny but it’s actually quite spacious for the area. Come to try their specialty coffee and pastries.

Best Brunch in Malasaña

Hanso Cafe

It’s difficult for me to decide whether to include Hanso among the coffee shops or the brunch places. It’s great for either. They have great specialty coffee and delicious brunch options. This was the first brunch place we came to first time I visited Madrid, but trust me I am not subjective.

La Bicicleta

This is one of the quirkiest cafes in Madrid. You should definitely visit for the interesting décor – yes, they do have a bicycle hanging on the wall and strange skull graffiti. Plus, the brunch food was good with great options for toasts, eggs benedict and bowls. Now, I wasn’t exactly a fan of coffee though, so keep this in mind and grab your coffee in the nearby specialty shops instead.

Cafe Federal

Another one of my favorite brunch places. Everything we tried was tasty from eggs benedict (I know I mention it a lot but I love it ) to pancakes and bowls.

Federal already has three branches around Madrid – in Malasaña, in Centro/La Latina and in Salamanca. All branches are rather popular, so you might have to wait for your spot, if you come during a popular brunch time, especially on the weekend. Also keep in mind that they close the kitchen at least an hour before the closing time. We actually arrived more than an hour before once, but didn’t get a chance to order food.

One more interesting note that is not like other cafes: they have two separate menus – for breakfast/brunch period and for lunch/dinner. I think they switch at about 2pm.

Brunchit

While Brunchit is already a big chain around Spain, it’s no less beautiful and delicious. So I will mention a few of their branches. We visited this branch on a particularly tiring day, when our train was delayed indefinitely and we were unable to go for our day trip. They served us specialty coffee and a generous portion of brunch.

Sweet Shops in Malasaña

Fanatica Heladeria Artesanal

While this is not a cafe as such, this gelateria is definitely not to be missed. You must try their palette or board – not sure what to call it, but you get this pretty thing with several flavours of your choice. It’s delicious.

Best Cafes in Chueca: Stylish and Colorful

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Chueca neighborhood is colors. The cute little streets are colorful and very lively. And you also have numerous cool coffee shops and brunch spots to check out.

This neighborhood is also particularly busy any day of the week. We often had to look around for a free table here, but some of the best cafes in Madrid are exactly in this area, so they are worth the hassle.

Specialty Coffee in Chueca

Osom Coffee

Did you know that Osom Coffee is awesome? Yeap, that’s how we remember this cafe with delicious coffee. It’s a small coffee shop and always very crowded, we barely got the seats a couple of times and had to move on some other times.

Osom does have more branches too. One of them is in the same neighborhood, a bit further towards del Prado. Another one is located in Anton Martin neighborhood – more on this later.

Kohi

Japanese-style cafe with specialty coffee and delicious pastries. Visit especially if you love matcha and Japanese sweets, like mochi and cheesecakes.

Faraday

One of the most popular and picturesque cafes in Chueca if not all of Madrid, Faraday has a quirky décor, jazz music and good specialty coffee. They decorate with vinyls. Plus they have various games you can play, like chess.

Cafe de la Luz

This beautiful vintage cafe  may not offer specialty coffee, but they will serve you a strong coffee with delicious cakes. Plus, the décor is amazing, you feel like you stepped into the 19^th century. Everything from the lamps, armchairs, different types of old tables, bookshelves, the wall art makes you feel cozy.

Best Brunch in Chueca

Zenith

I can’t help but start with the best brunch restaurant in Madrid. In fact, Zenith has two branches in Chueca – a bigger one on c. de Valverde and another one on c. del Desengano. Choose either of them, they are very much the same.

We have visited several times with parents, as well as alone. We tried so many things from pancakes to salads to bowls to eggs benedict and we invariably loved everything. On top of this the brunch comes with a good coffee.

Natif Coffee & Kitchen Specialty Coffee

This is one of the cafes which is very difficult to classify as either a coffee shop or a brunch place. Both coffee and food are great here. Even located next to Osom, Natif’s coffee is no less delicious. They have a lot of brunch options, like shakshuka and pancakes.

I love the modern sleek décor. But the downside is that the location is very popular, so you will highly likely have to wait for a spot to open up, unless you come at a less popular time – I am not sure there’s a lot of slots like that though.

Coco Social House

Another one of my favorite brunch spots. We tried bowls and pancakes and not only were they amazing, but also large. This cafe is also beautifully decorated. You may want to visit just to get the Instagram photos. We sat on the window seats and it was great to watch the street and the cafe.

Bucolico Cafe

As if Chueca lacked great coffee and brunch spots, another one of our favorites is also located here. It is one of the cutest cafes in Madrid hands down. The vibe is very sweet and cozy. You just want to sit there for hours and never leave – I have to admit we did spend a lot of time there. In addition to great specialty coffee and pastries, they offer nice toasts with sourdough bread.

Brunchit

While Chueca definitely has numerous options for brunch spots, I will still have to mention this beautiful Instagrammable cafe chain with huge brunch portions.

Sweet Shops in Chueca

La Duquesita

This pastry shop was founded over a century ago. It still has gorgeous vintage décor. So definitely check it out. Their pastries are also delicious – we tried the chocolate cake.

Best Cafes Near Sol: Specialty Coffee in the Heart of Madrid

Sol is technically just the very heart of Madrid, not really a proper neighborhood. It’s busy, touristy and always loud, but don’t let that put you off. There are still a few very solid specialty cafes tucked between souvenir shops and historic buildings.

Specialty Coffees around Sol

FOUR Madrid Specialty Coffee

First of all, the location of this cafe is amazing on a secluded piazza. We visited on a sunny afternoon and loved the area. The cafe has a very interesting décor with bricks. We were happy with our coffee fix in such a relaxed atmosphere during a long sightseeing day.

Brutal Specialty Coffee

I know the name is strange, isn’t it? But there’s nothing brutal about this cafe. The sleek modern cafe offers specialty coffee, as well as brunch options. I was happy with the coffee after a long day of sightseeing, but to be honest was not much impressed with the toasts. They were not bad of course, but I guess I was too spoiled with amazing brunches in Madrid.

Geisha Specialty Coffee

With its great location off Gran Via, where you don’t find too many independent specialty coffee places, Geisha is definitely a spot to check out. They also serve snacks, if you want to grab a bite.

Best Brunch around Sol

Hanso Cafe

This is a second branch of Hanso I mentioned in my Malasaña list. We visited this branch as well and loved it no less. Do try their toasts with avocado and salmon, as well as the mousse cake.

Mercado de San Miguel

You might be surprised why on earth am I including a market on the list of great brunch places. But trust me Mercado San Miguel definitely deserves a highlight, not just a spot on the list. The 1916 beautiful Art Nouveau style building offers a number of food counters, where you can buy tons of different types of lunch and eat it standing at the high bar tables. We tried a few things but kept coming back for the selection of delicious olives and for empanadas. Oh, and don’t forget the tasty cakes. If you are in the area, even if you aren’t hungry, come here for the vibes.

Ps. If you, like me, don’t like markets and can’t take the smells, you can be reassured. This is not the type of a market you imagine, it’s just a giant space with food stalls.

Federal Cafe

Another branch of Federal – we already discussed one in Malasaña. This branch is even more spacious and has great outdoor seating on the square. We really enjoyed those outdoor spaces during the warm autumn days.

As with the other branch you will find two menus – for morning and for later in the day. They have many different options you can try. But honestly we were not impressed with the pastry selection.

Sweet Shops around Sol

Chocolateria San Gines

No Madrid guide will ever be complete without mentioning this historical chocolateria. It now is a collection of several cafes all called San Gines. If you want a place to sit, there’s almost always a queue. Otherwise, you can grab the churros with hot chocolate to go if you like. That’s actually what we did and had to wait about 5 minutes in the queue even for that. I am not really a fan of oily churros, but they were pretty good with hot chocolate not overly sweet. Either way, even if you don’t like sweets, you have to visit at least once for the vibes and a century old tradition.

El Riojano

If you want to visit a beautiful 19^th century cafe with colorful walls, marble tabletops and the old-style beautiful china, then El Riojano is your vibe. We first didn’t realize that the sweet shop had a beautiful cafe inside and accidentally discovered it. I have to admit we were not fans of their sweets – but we generally don’t like old style pastries that are extremely sugary. So you have to try yourself to decide whether they are for you or not.

Best Cafes in Lavapiés: Coffee Near Prado and Antón Martín

This area is very diverse and international. It’s also right next to the Prado and Reina Sofía, so if you’re doing a museum day, this is where you’ll likely stop for coffee at some point.

Best Coffee in Lavapiés

Gosto Cafe

Located near Anton Martin station, this is one of the best coffees in Madrid. The space is beautiful and atmosphere is very welcoming. They also do offer brunch food, however, haven’t tried it yet.

Osom Coffee

This is a second branch of the awesome Osom. As we already discussed, their coffee is wonderful – strong and just right.

This branch has a great location for museum goers to get a break with great coffee and brunch. However, it’s no more spacious than its Chueca counterpart though, so it can get crowded.

Umami Specialty Coffee

This tiny quirky coffee shop is another spot to get a break during your museum exploration. Don’t forget to check out the handwritten notes on the walls. They also offer meals and pastries with the coffee, but we haven’t tried them. Coffee though is pretty good.

Etual Cafe

I really liked the vibes and décor of this cafe. It’s certainly a beautiful and cozy spot to have a break from the museums. Their coffee was good – well, not the very best, my flat white was too milky tasting for my taste, but still good.

Hola Coffee

One of the best specialty coffees in Madrid with various blends on offer. Don’t forget to grab pastries as well.

Best Brunch in Lavapiés

Nomade Cafe

One of my favorite brunch spots, which I actually managed to go to only once – somehow never made it there until a few days before I left. We absolutely loved the atmosphere – we sat at the relatively secluded table at the window. The décor is beautiful, soft and cozy. Their toasts were delicious – the options were actually nontraditional, so we tried beetroot and halloumi ones and loved them. Last but not least, coffee was well made!

NUBEL

While this gorgeous cafe at the Modern Art Museum is classified, as a restaurant, it honestly is more of a cafe. I can’t rave enough about its red-colored spacious interior, which perfectly fits the vibes of modern art.

This spot is barely ever listed among the great cafes in Madrid, which baffles me, because it’s so beautiful and Instagrammable. I actually discovered it, while looking for our morning coffee and breakfast spot before visiting the Reina Sofia. All four of us, parents included, enjoyed the vibes, coffee and the food. Interestingly, the prices were also not higher than in other cafes around, which surprised me considering the fact that it’s located at the entrance of the museum.

Pum Pum

The cafe is very cute with quirky décor. We actually came here on one afternoon and were watching girls posing for photos for half of the time we spent there. We admitted that was not surprising because the place is really attractive.

Keep in mind that while tasty, their brunch portions are pretty small – they are also accordingly priced. So if normally in brunch restaurants you get one toast, here you might need two. They are very tasty though.

Pascal Specialty Coffee & Brunch

First of all, this cafe is surprisingly spacious in an area, where brunch places have space issues. We were impressed by the brunch options – we tried the eggs benedict, toasts and granolas.

Cafe Cibeles

This cafe is more of an honorable mention. While it doesn’t offer a great specialty coffee or amazing brunch food, it is a beautiful cafe inside the Palacio de Cibeles. We ended up here, while waiting for our time slot to go to the viewpoint of the Palacio. I am not sure why the place has so many bad reviews. The staff were not all smiles, but that’s pretty normal in Spain. Coffee was good enough – well, at least the black coffee was. I wouldn’t recommend cappuccinos or lattes here, as they weren’t made particularly well. Overall, it was worth it for the décor, as a nice stop.

Best Cafes in La Latina: Great Coffee Between Tapas Stops

La Latina is mostly known for tapas and Sunday markets, but you shouldn’t overlook it for coffee and brunch. Between the old streets and buzzing terraces, you’ll find some great specialty spots and surprisingly good brunch cafes.

Specialty Coffee in La Latina

Cafe del Art

This is one of my favorite cafes. We visited the first time during the El Rastro – a weekend flea market happening in this area on the weekends. The cafe is at the square, which was full of market stalls. The cafe was very busy but we didn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for the places to sit.

The cafe is very charming. Atmosphere is lively. We enjoyed their specialty coffee, as well as pastries and can highly recommend.

Alchemy Specialty Coffee

This is one of the best specialty coffees in Madrid. They have two branches – the second branch is just around the corner from the first location.

Similar to other cafes in the area, this one is also particularly busy during the El Rastro market on the weekends. With its tiny space, I wouldn’t count on finding anywhere to sit, so you will likely only manage to get coffee to go. I have done so several times.

Pastora

A wonderful neighborhood cafe. As some other coffee shops in the area it has a tiny space, so you can’t really sit here with your laptop and work. But you can grab great specialty coffee and really tasty sweets – pastries and chocolates.

Slow Cafe

Funnily, this cafe proves to be what its name suggests. The atmosphere is very quiet and “slow”. You can easily relax in this vintage old cafe with wooden décor. It doesn’t feel like a cafe with to go coffee but more like a place to slow down. You can get great specialty coffee, as well as brunch food here.

Best Brunch in La Latina

Carmencita Brunch

As mentioned above about Carmencita’s other branch, this cafe is also very cute, with beautiful décor in pastel colors. The staff was particularly welcoming. Plus, its brunch food comes in huge portions. I have to admit I wasn’t able to eat even half of what I ordered.

One thing I have to exceptionally note – their bathrooms had free hygienic pads available for customers, which I always highly appreciate.

Ruda Cafe

Ruda Cafe offers brunch options in the heart of La Latina. You can visit during El Rastro on the weekends. With limited opportunities to find brunch spots in this tapas-focused area, Ruda offers good toasts and pastries. Also come for the good strong specialty coffee.

Ruda has a second branch not too far from the first one.

Best Cafes in Salamanca: Elegant Coffee Shops and Brunch Spots

Salamanca feels very different from the rest of the center. Instead of cute streets, narrow balconies and quirky décor, you will find wider streets, nicer buildings, more boutiques. The cafes here reflect that too with stylish interiors, good specialty coffee and calmer brunch settings.

Specialty Coffee in Salamanca

Casa OM

This specialty coffee shop looks very different from most other Madrid cafes. In fact, when we first entered we thought it was a hotel lobby rather than a specialty coffee shop. Its décor looks more upscale and spacious compared to most cafes listed in this guide. We tried their flat whites, which were great.

East Crema Coffee

While I haven’t visited the East Crema branch in Salamanca, I do love this coffee shop chain and this branch is very conveniently located. You have to try their flat whites and cappuccinos, they are made perfectly.

Hola Coffee

Hola is actually one of the well-known specialty coffee spots in Madrid. With another branch in Lavapiés, it’s famous for its strong coffee options.

Religion Coffee

I haven’t gotten a chance to try this very famous coffee, but I keep seeing it on many lists and I need some new options for my next visit, right?

Mina Specialty Coffee

Another well-known option in Salamanca that’s still on my list for next time.

Best Brunch in Salamanca

Norah Coffee & Brunch

Norah offers a beautifully decorated modern brunch space. Come for Salmon toasts and eggs benedict, as well as good coffee.

Nolita Coffee & Brunch

With much simpler décor than its counterparts in the posh Salamanca area, this brunch spot offers tasty food options.

Garden Brunch Cafe

Want beautiful Instagrammable pink décor? Coffee art with beautiful pictures on the foam? What about beautifully presented pancakes, eggs benedict, toasts and cakes, that actually taste great? Garden Brunch offers it all.

Federal Cafe

One of the three branches of this brunch cafe already mentioned above in Malasaña and Sol neighborhood guides.

Best Food Tours in Madrid

If you love discovering a city through its food, Madrid makes it very easy. Between tapas bars, markets and wine spots, you could easily spend days just eating your way through different neighborhoods.

I personally enjoy hopping between places on my own, especially when cafe hunting. But I completely understand the appeal of a guided food tour, especially if it’s your first time in the city or you want a bit more background on what you’re actually eating.

Around La Latina and near Mercado de San Miguel, you’ll find plenty of tapas and wine tours that combine traditional taverns, local specialties and a bit of history. It can also save you from the classic tourist mistake of sitting at the first place you see near Sol.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, here are a few options worth looking into:

• La Latina is especially famous for its tapas bars, so this tour focuses on classic tapas, drinks and even desserts in the area.
• If you’d rather avoid the obvious tourist spots, this tapas and drinks tour takes you to more local places.
• This one explores the Las Letras area near Antón Martín, one of my favorite parts of Madrid, combining food stops with a bit of neighborhood history.

<p>The post Best Cafes in Madrid: Specialty Coffee, Brunch and Local Favorites first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

After extensive travel around Spain and visiting multiple major tourist sites, I put together a list of major things that you should arrange before your trip, sometimes months in advance.

You can wing it if you are planning a relaxed, slow-paced vacation in one or two less touristy locations. But if your Spain itinerary includes several popular cities, securing the essentials early will save you money and disappointment.

I always book the most important attractions and transport in advance, while keeping some flexibility in my schedule. For everything else not on this list, I simply turned up and bought tickets on the spot without issues.

Train Tickets in Spain

If you are traveling in busy seasons (which is almost all year in Spain nowadays), the high-speed train tickets may sell out. In addition to this, they will become far more expensive closer to your date of travel. Therefore, I advise booking them at least 2 months and, preferably, even earlier.

This will also save you a lot of money, as high-speed trains (AVE, Iryo and Ouigo) operate on dynamic pricing, so the tickets are invariably cheaper, if bought in advance.

This advice is particularly important for the most popular major routes, like Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Toledo, etc. But also some routes that you may not even expect, like Madrid-Avila.

This rule does not apply to the local slow trains, including Cercanias trains.

Read my full guide to trains in Spain, including AVE and Iryo tickets.

Bus Tickets in Spain

While not as important to book in advance, as trains, bus tickets also best be pre-booked for long distance travel. This is to make sure that you get a seat and pay an optimal price.

I love Omio for being able to compare all train and bus tickets in one space. Busbud is also a great option for checking the prices.

Domestic Flights in Spain

Similar to the high-speed trains, domestic flights, especially on low-cost airlines can become very expensive closer to the date of travel. Therefore, it’s always best to book them at least a couple of months in advance.

Car Rental in Spain

If you plan to rent a car to explore rural areas around Spain, like in Andalusia, the Basque Country or Mallorca, book your rental car early, especially in summer.

Check out Discovercars to compare prices.

Accommodation in Spain

I do advise booking accommodation in advance as well. While you might still be able to find available options last minute, they will either not be highly reviewed or will end up rather expensive. This is especially true in high season, like July-August period, Autumn and Spring.

I usually book accommodation with free cancellation several months in advance and adjust later if needed. I did reserve all hotels about 3 months before my trip, and that was already later than was best, especially in the cities, like Seville and Barcelona.

Check out accommodation options here

Attractions in Spain that Sell Out Fast

As with trains and accommodation, popular attractions can sell out especially in high season. If you are planning an itinerary that includes the cities like Barcelona, Granada and Seville, you must prepare well not to regret afterwards.

Therefore, I came up with the list of places you will highly likely miss out on, if you don’t book in advance.

Tips for Booking Tickets in Spain

How to Avoid “Official-Sounding” Ticket Websites in Spain

While technically not scam, I think that these misleading tactics are quite dishonest. I have seen many people in travel groups confused about them and questioning if they made purchase correctly after they paid double the official price.

Therefore, use the links I provided here and in my other guides or double check any other way to make sure that you are really booking on the official website.

Official Website vs Third-Party Tours

If you are on a budget and prefer to visit without tours, then the official websites are always your best bet. I list official websites for every attraction below to make your planning easier.

On the other hand, if you are late with booking the tickets, third parties can be life savers. They usually offer guided tours with previously reserved tickets, so can have last minute availability.

What to Book in Advance in Granada

Alhambra

Alhambra is the site which you will absolutely have to book in advance. The tickets are timed and limited, especially for visiting Nasrid Palaces – the most beautiful section. It sells out earliest among the places I have been to in Spain. I booked our tickets 3 months ahead for October and I am very glad I did – all slots for Nasrid Palaces were fully sold out 2 months before our trip.

If you book later than this you may have afternoon slots still available. But already about 2 months before our visit literally all tickets for Nasrid Palaces were sold out.

Here is the official website link. There are dozens of sites that try to look official, but don’t fall for them. The actual official website is quite glitchy at times. I had to try three times to finally purchase tickets. It kept throwing me out and not accepting my card. But I did manage in the end.

Alternatively, consider checking Viator tours as well.

If all this fails, at midnight on the day of the visit, the official website may release a few more returned tickets. You may have to keep refreshing to catch the available tickets. People also say there’s a very small chance of buying tickets at 8am in person at the ticket office. But this chance is minuscule and I wouldn’t even attempt it.

What to Book in Advance in Barcelona

Barcelona is perhaps the most touristy city in Spain, which comes with its challenges. Not the least is the need to book some of the attractions in advance.

Sagrada Familia

This gorgeous cathedral created by Gaudi sees thousands of visitors a day. Each time slot has limited number of available tickets. Therefore, tickets do sell out.

In my experience the Sagrada tickets were sold out already about 10 days before our visit in October. To be sure you won’t miss out, get them 2-3 weeks before visiting. If you want to purchase tickets of one of the towers, then you will likely need to book even earlier, as the tower tickets are very limited.

Years ago, one could simply queue and get the tickets on the day. I remember about 10 years ago, I queued about an hour and was able to visit without prior reservation. But nowadays that is absolutely impossible.

If you are visiting on fixed dates and didn’t arrange tickets in advance, your main option would be to join tours, which usually still have last minute availability.

If all else fails, you might try to check at the ticket office of the Sagrada Familia for any returns. You might get lucky, but chances of this are very low.

Park Guell

Park Guell tickets are not as elusive, as Sagrada ones, as the number of visitors allowed inside at any given time is bigger. However, they still can sell out. On the day we visited, it had a huge sign “sold out”.

While writing this article, I had to open the email of my purchased tickets to copy the correct link here, because Googling gives so many similar options, you may get confused. So here is the official website link.

If you are purchasing last minute and can’t find tickets on the official website, GetYourGuide offers tours which are not much more expensive than the official ticket price and may still have availability.

Casa Batllo and Casa Milla (La Pedrera)

While perhaps not as likely to sell out, these two most popular Gaudi Casas would require quite a long queue, if you don’t purchase your tickets online.

You can purchase Casa Batllo tickets on the official website here.

While this is Casa Milla official website link.

Picasso Museum

While I am personally not a fan of Picasso, this museum in Barcelona is one of the most comprehensive museum of his works. It doesn’t always sell out but there’s a likelihood. Therefore, if you don’t want to miss out, purchase your tickets at the official website.

What to Book in Advance in Seville

Real Alcazar

The Real Alcazar is one of the two major sites in Seville that absolutely has to be booked in advance. This is especially important if you want to visit Royal Rooms – the rooms upstairs, which the current royal family still uses. These tickets sell out about two months in advance. I actually wanted to get them but forgot to buy early enough. This was my one and only mistake – I made sure to plan everything else smoothly.

If you don’t wish to visit the Royal Rooms and are buying a general admission ticket, then highly likely buying tickets 1-2 weeks in advance in high season will be fine. In winter you can even buy a couple of days before your visit.

Like many other popular sites, don’t just click the first website that comes up while searching for the Real Alcazar tickets. This is the official website.

If the tickets are sold out for the day you are visiting, guided tours are likely to still have availability, as they reserve tickets in advance.

Besides, the site is quite spread out. So unless you learn about all parts in advance, you may want to visit with a guide. If so, this small group tour will allow you to explore all parts.

Seville Cathedral and Giralda (Tower)

Another site that invariably sells out in Seville is the cathedral. Particularly, if you want to visit for the rooftops tour.

On the day I visited all tickets were sold out for the day. However, you may not have to purchase Cathedral tickets as early as Alcazar ones. A week in advance should be perfectly sufficient to be on the safe side for the time slot you want.

Make sure to purchase your tickets on the official website.

If you are trying to purchase last minute tickets, check the guided tours, which may still have availability. This GetYourGuide tour allows you to visit cathedral, as well as its Giralda.

Setas de Seville

While it may not always sell out, you may not be able to visit at the time you turn up. To avoid having to return after buying your ticket, I recommend to purchase in advance.

I visited in the evening, at about 6pm. I was lucky they only had one ticket left for that time slot. Otherwise, I would have to wait for an hour for the next time slot. Keep in mind that your ticket includes two visits – one during the daytime and another at night.

Here is the official website to purchase your tickets.

If you prefer third parties, GetYourGuide sells tickets without a surcharge.

What to Book in Advance in Cordoba

Cordoba Mezquita Cathedral

One of the most gorgeous sites in Spain. The tickets don’t usually sell out for the whole day, just certain hours most of the time. However, I would still advise purchasing in advance to avoid having to wait for the time slot that is available. Besides, the tower tickets are even more of an issue, given that the number of visitors allowed at the tower per each time slot is very limited.

I booked the tower for the 9.30am time slot and the Mezquita Cathedral entrance for 10am. I really loved being one of the first to enter the cathedral and getting some parts of it all to myself for a short while, before it started teeming with tour groups.

What to Book in Advance in Madrid

Prado Museum

Being one of the most famous museums in the world – and for a good reason – Prado Museum tickets can be sometimes difficult to get last minute. This is especially true for certain time slots, like morning tickets, weekends in high season, etc. On the other hand, you may be able to queue and get the ticket on the spot. We visited in the afternoon of the weekday, and while I had purchased tickets already, there were still some tickets available to buy on the spot.

So it’s up to you whether you want to risk it and turn up to purchase it at the ticket office. If you have enough time in Madrid to come back on another day, then you can skip purchasing online. Otherwise, it’s pretty easy to book them on the official website.

The museum is huge, we spent about 5 hours there and still didn’t manage to cover it all. If you didn’t research and learn about the art collection in advance, you may prefer to book a guided tour of the museum.

Royal Palace of Madrid

While not absolutely essential, the Royal Palace ticket queues can be quite long, especially in the morning hours and high season.

If you don’t purchase in advance, most days you should be able to queue and get tickets at the ticket office. Even if the website shows it’s sold out, they may still be available on the spot. That said, you may not get them for the exact time slot you arrive, but for later in the day. We had a lot of time, so just risked it by turning up in the afternoon. It took us about 15 minutes of queueing.

Overall, if you have a short time in Madrid, I highly recommend to book your tickets in advance to make sure that you don’t miss out or don’t waste your time queuing. Here is the official website.

Alternatively, this guided tour will give an opportunity to learn about the history of the palace and each of the rooms, if you didn’t research in advance.

Events you Need to Book in Advance

Football Game Tickets

Even if you aren’t a fan of football, you probably have heard of the fame of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. If there’s a game planned during your visit, the tickets will likely sell out months in advance. In fact, many people plan their trips around these games.

Flamenco Shows

Depending how popular the show you choose is, you may not need to book it way in advance. But at least a week is recommended. For instance, I booked the show at the Teatro Flamenco in Madrid, which was a great budget option, if you don’t want a bar atmosphere. It’s not selling out fast, unless you are visiting in high season. So book about a week in advance.

Popular Food Tours

While I haven’t joined food tours myself, the food tours are a very popular activity in Spain. And they do sell out fast. You can find the highest rated ones in the cities you are visiting here.

Certain Restaurants and Cafes

If you are a foodie and would like to visit particular popular restaurants, especially Michelin restaurants, then you will need to book them in advance.

I prefer to avoid dinner reservations, as I am never sure when will I finish my sightseeing to be committed to a certain time in the evening. Plus, there are so many amazing restaurants and tapas bars which don’t need booking that you can honestly skip the most famous restaurants.

Most cafes usually don’t need or allow booking. However, some of the popular brunch spots may be full especially during afternoon hours.

See my guide to cafes in Spain, including brunch and coffee place.

When You Don’t Need to Book in Advance in Spain

I hope I didn’t scare you by providing this huge list of things to book in advance. You can still plan a last minute trip to Spain without issues, if you are planning to visit less touristy locations. Here are things you can easily buy on the spot:

• Local train tickets: Less popular routes and slower trains don’t have to be booked way ahead. They are almost never sold out. So you can turn up and unless there’s some festival going on in the city you are visiting – wing it.
• Less popular tourist attractions: Practically most museums, palaces, cathedrals, etc, that aren’t listed in this guide can be purchased on the day of travel without any issues. I have visited a number of other cities and hundreds of other sites around Spain and I always bought my tickets on the spot.
• Accommodation in low season and small towns: You are unlikely to be out of options if you aren’t on a major tourist route.

I covered all major things you need to book in advance for visiting Spain. Do let me know if there are any other things you consider worth pre purchasing.

<p>The post What to Book in Advance for Spain first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>

Based on my experiences I have compiled detailed information on options for traveling by train around Spain, booking tickets, navigating the train stations and much more. I have taken almost all types of trains available and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Types of Trains in Spain

High-Speed Trains

Unlike Japan and China, Spain’s high-speed trains are run by several companies since 2021. Before this, the market was monopolized by the national Renfe and the prices were rather high. Nowadays, there are 4 companies in the market, which means you have several options on major routes and hence, can get cheaper tickets. I will go into details about this later.

In addition to the trains running inside Spain, there are a few international trains linking Madrid and Barcelona to Paris, Marseille and Lyon. There are currently no trains running to Portugal, although I have read about the plans to build Madrid-Lisbon link.

Iryo Trains in Spain

I will start with Iryo, because it’s my favorite train company in Spain all round. Iryo joined the market in 2022 with new sleek trains. I believe the trains are Italian made.

I have taken Iryo trains on several routes, including Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Seville and Madrid-Malaga. In my opinion, it absolutely beats all competitors in terms of price, comfort and everything else.

The Iryo trains run with up to 300 km/hour speed. In fact, we even noted 301 km/hour a couple of times, while traveling from Barcelona to Madrid. The trains have screens showing your speed time after time, which was a fun way to see, how fast the train was going at the moment. We practically made that a game – who would notice the highest speed.

Renfe AVE Trains

Renfe is the national train company and obviously has the largest train network in the country. It runs not only high-speed AVE trains, but a number of slower and regional trains all around the country. Lately it even started running international routes Madrid-Marseille and Lyon-Barcelona. Actually, Renfe’s AVE trains run for over 30 years, since 1992.

I have taken Renfe AVE trains several times, including on Madrid-Granada and Madrid-Seville routes. The trains are pretty good – in fact they are excellent for most standards. However, in my experience they are not as comfortable and modern, as Iryo ones.

AVE trains are said to run with up to 310 km/hour speed, although doubt that speed is achieved often. There were no screens showing the speed on AVE trains, like on Iryo, so I can’t say what was the fastest speed the trains we took developed.

Renfe also runs Alvia trains on some routes, which are high-speed trains but lower class and older than AVE trains. They run only on several routes, like Madrid to Santander.

Ouigo Trains

Ouigo is a low-cost company. It doesn’t run on many routes – what I have seen are only Madrid to Barcelona and Madrid to Alicante routes. The company has two storey trains. If you take it, I suggest choosing an upper deck, as the views are nicer.

The Ouigo trains aren’t as sleek and comfortable, as Iryo, or frequent and convenient, as AVE. Their main appeal is the prices – if you get your tickets far in advance, you can find a great deal. I only took it once though, as I preferred other options (did I mention Iryo? ).

Avlo Trains

Avlo is another low-cost option – a sister company to Renfe, they run the older trains with no catering options. This company covers only several major routes.

The main issue with Avlo is its limited frequency. For instance, on Barcelona-Madrid route, I only ever saw one round trip a day with Avlo. With such limited availability and knowing that Avlo trains aren’t very comfortable, I never tried taking one. If you have tried, let me know how it went.

Local and Regional Trains

If you are not traveling on a long distance and/or are going to a location, where high-speed trains don’t stop, you can take the regional trains. These are slower and stop at more stops. On the plus side, these trains will be cheaper, than high-speed ones.

Renfe runs practically all regional/local trains around Spain. There are barely any other companies, only very small ones in some districts.

Avant trains are the faster regional trains. They are obviously not as fast as AVE, but they cover quite big distances and have fewer stops than most other regional trains.

Cercanias trains are practically like metros for the surrounding towns of major cities. They run on a relatively frequent schedule. You can hop on these trains without a seat reservation.

Buying Train Tickets in Spain

You can buy your train tickets either online or in-person for intercity trains. If you are purchasing train tickets in person at the station, Renfe offices are at every major station. They can sell competitive company tickets too, but I never tried this and not sure about possible upcharges. You may find Iryo offices at some stations. However, I never noticed other company ticket offices anywhere.

I however recommend purchasing online in advance.

Purchasing Spain Train Tickets Online

Official Websites

Renfe official website has the selection of AVE, Avant and all the other Renfe trains. You can also get Avlo tickets here. It’s usually slightly cheaper than the third parties, however, it’s glitchy at times. I have had issues with on a few occasions. Besides, the difference in price is usually not too big with third parties, so I usually avoid Renfe website.

One more important note is that you can’t always select your seats, while purchasing tickets on Renfe website. You will be assigned randomly. However, if you are traveling in a group, it normally assigns tickets together or close together. For our group of 4, assigned 2 seats were together with the other 2 seats a few rows away again together. This was fine for us though, so it depends on your needs.

Iryo official website is far easier to use than that of Renfe. However, the prices are generally same, as on third parties so I prefer to book on Omio for convenience. But Iryo site is perfectly functional, if you would like to check it out.

What I don’t like about Iryo website is that it allows you to select your seats only if you pay for the selection. Otherwise, it will assign you seats, although they will normally be together or close-by.

Ouigo official website seems to be working fine. I have never purchased a ticket through it though, so can’t tell you, if it is smooth. Like other official websites, you will be assigned your seats, unless you pay for selection.

Third Party Websites

While in many other countries I suggest official train company websites, in Spain I extensively used third party ones because most of the time they were the same price or only slightly more expensive and provided far better user-friendly experience, compared to official websites. I was absolutely happy to avoid Renfe website nightmare.

My preferred options for purchasing Spain train tickets online are:

Omio: I used Omio frequently for booking my train tickets in Spain. It allows you to see all your available options from trains to buses and it’s easier to select, what you prefer. Plus, it’s certainly easier to keep track of all your tickets on the app. That said, always double check that you are getting a good price.

What I especially love about Omio is that it provides real time information on almost all high-speed trains. It tells you if your train is running a few minutes late or on time and where approximately is it at the moment. Plus, Omio provides the information about the platform your train is departing from. These features were very convenient for me, as I didn’t have to keep checking the board, when I was waiting at the station – I am shortsighted, the boards are my nightmare.

Another advantage of Omio is that it lets you select your seats free of charge on most occasions.

Trainline: Trainline also allows you to easily check and compare your options, however, it only offers trains, not buses. It’s also very easy to use. I kept all my tickets on the app.

Trainline has similar features to Omio in terms of live updates, platform numbers, as well as at times selection of seats.

Note: In my experience, booking Renfe trains is unavailable during certain hours at night (CET time). I am not sure about exact hours, but whenever I tried to look for trains during the night hours, like at 1-2 am in Spain, the Renfe trains simply didn’t show up on any of the websites, while other companies’ tickets did.

When should you buy train tickets for traveling in Spain?

Let’s start with high-speed trains. I highly recommend buying your train tickets at least two months in advance – earlier, if you can. Bookings on most of the routes with several competitive operators open at least several months (up to 11 months) in advance.

On most routes you could wait till the day of travel and still find some tickets, but they will be much more expensive. Some popular routes – like Madrid to Barcelona – do sell out though, especially during the summer season, Christmas, and other popular times.

Either way, the more you wait, it’s highly likely tickets will become more expensive. I booked our tickets 2-3 months in advance. As the dates came nearer, they only became more expensive, with a couple of exceptions, where I still was seeing cheap tickets 2 weeks before our travel dates.

For shorter distances, where only Renfe runs – like the Madrid to Toledo or Madrid to Avila route, for example – tickets are normally the same price, whenever you book them. However, I still recommend getting them a few days before your travel date on popular routes, to make sure they won’t be sold out. For instance, Madrid-Toledo tickets do sell out for the hours the day trippers usually travel – meaning morning tickets form Madrid and evening ones from Toledo.

One important note: on the routes, which are served only by Renfe, tickets open about 30 days in advance, but sometimes no earlier than even 10 days in advance. For instance, we kept checking Malaga to Granada tickets. We knew Renfe runs this route, but no tickets were showing up for a long time. Then they showed up about 12 days before our trip. So on this type of routes, check their normal schedule and wait, till the booking options open.

Some examples from my experience:

• I bought our Madrid to Barcelona train tickets about 3 months in advance. They were decently priced. I am glad I did pre-book because closer to the date they became three times more expensive.
• I had to get Madrid to Toledo tickets at least two days in advance. On the day of travel the popular times were sold out both times I went.
• While traveling from Madrid to Avila on a Sunday, we got our tickets early in the morning on the day of travel and there were only a few tickets left for the evening return tickets. If we didn’t buy them that morning and left to last minute, we would have to find alternative ways for our return trip. Interestingly, Avila is not as popular as, for instance, Toledo, so on a weekday, I am sure tickets will be easier to buy just before traveling.
• On Cordoba to Seville route tickets were sold out in the evening and I was happy I bought them in advance.
• Malaga to Granada – tickets were readily available on the day and the train was by far not full. I don’t believe this is a very popular route, so you should be fine booking just a couple of days before travel or even on the day.
• For traveling from Madrid to Segovia, you can easily get tickets on the day, however, they will be more expensive than if you bought them in advance. This route is served by several companies, so buying early pays off.

As my examples show, the availability of tickets and their prices highly depends on your dates, time of travel, day of the week, popularity of the route, etc. But as a rule of thumb, I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.

I do understand though if you prefer to leave the decision till the travel day, as you may not be sure, exactly at what times you want to travel. You could do this during the low season, or on less popular routes. Alternatively, if tickets are sold out, you will probably have an option of taking a bus.

Rail Passes in Spain

There are a couple of passes you might consider:

• Renfe Rail Pass: This pass covers only Renfe trains – neither Iryo, nor other companies are included.
• Interrail Pass/Eurail Pass: These two passes are practically the same – the only difference is that Interrail is for European residents and Eurail – for other country nationals. Otherwise, I didn’t see difference in terms of options or price for Spain. On either of them, you can purchase the pass for Spain or for multi-country adventure. They include Renfe and Iryo trains in Spain. Ouigo is not included, but that won’t be an issue.

According to my research, none of these passes are cost-effective unless you plan your trip last minute and are city hopping daily. If you purchase your tickets in advance, they will definitely end up cheaper than the Pass price. Therefore, I have never used the passes. I always purchased cheaper tickets in advance.

Discounted Train Tickets in Spain

Spanish train companies offer free tickets for very small children and some discounts for older ones. However, there are a number of different rules, therefore, you will have to check your options while purchasing a ticket.

Senior discounts for persons over the age of 65 are only available with Renfe with so called Tarjeta Dorada. The thing is this is useless for most travellers to Spain, given that you can only purchase this card while in Spain. You can only book discounted tickets with the number of Tarjeta Dorada. Considering that tickets are normally much cheaper if purchased in advance, waiting till last minute will not be a good idea.

Seat Selection

All high-speed trains have mandatory seat selection or allocation. You can’t book a ticket without either selecting one or being assigned one.

All companies have a mix of forward and back facing seats. I honestly haven’t found a reliable way to figure out which seats are facing which way. If you have tips on this, I will be happy to get your thoughts.

Names on the Train Tickets

High-speed train tickets are name specific. Tickets are not transferable. You will have to indicate name and, highly likely, a passport number when purchasing tickets.

Pro Tip: I had names and passport numbers saved on my Omio app, otherwise it was tiring to include the information of everyone in my group each time I purchased tickets

While this never happened to us, the rule is that they can check your passport to make sure it matches the purchased ticket. So you have to carry a form of ID with you. I am not sure if electronic versions are acceptable.

This does not apply to regional slower trains or to Cercanias.

Cercanias Tickets

If you are traveling on Cercanias trains, you don’t need to buy your tickets in advance. These trains run practically like metro and you can hop on one any time without reserved tickets.

You can purchase your tickets at the relevant Cercanias booths, as well as the ticket machines. I couldn’t make the ticket machines work with my non-Spanish bank card however. I am not sure, if this is a common issue, or just didn’t work that time. Otherwise I purchased tickets at the ticket booth – although it took a bit of queueing in the morning hours.

Train Ticket Changes and Cancellations

When we are traveling, things can happen and we may end up needing to cancel our pre-purchased tickets. There is no one-size-fits-all rule however, as each company and ticket fare have their own small print:

Renfe: Fare conditions aren’t always straightforward. If you purchase a discounted rate ticket, it may be non-refundable. However, the full price tickets are generally flexible and refundable. I had to cancel with Renfe Avant train once. It was a full price tickets (I doubt they have discounts for Avant trains – I haven’t seen one at any rate). I didn’t have to provide any explanations about the reasons of cancellation. I simply cancelled from Omio website, where I purchased and received a quick confirmation and then a refund in a few days. In case of delays, you may be entitled to a refund, even if you purchased a discounted fare.

Iryo: Each of the Iryo fares have their set of rules. Normally, the cheapest Inicial tickets are non-refundable. But there are also semi-flexible and flexible options, if you prefer. I thankfully never had to cancel Iryo tickets, as I generally bought non-refundable ones. None of these rules apply to the cases, if the train journey is cancelled or anything else major happens causing long delays. Iryo states they provide a refund for delays over 90 minutes and a partial refund on delays of an hour.

Ouigo: Their tickets are normally non-refundable, although can sometimes be changeable, depending on the fare. However, like Iryo, they do provide full refunds in case of over 90 minute delays. We had tickets on Ouigo for going to Segovia from Madrid. However, the train was delayed by about 7 hours, due to an accident on the tracks in the north. We simply left the train once we found out about the accident and a possibility of long delay. I actually received several emails from them explaining the delay and the reasons, as well as providing the link, where I could submit a claim for a refund. I received my money back in several days after this. Absolutely can’t fault them with anything.

Tips for Travelling by Train in Spain

Amenities on the Trains in Spain

All companies claim to have Wi-Fi available, however, in my experience it works only sporadically – in fact, it doesn’t work most of the time. Having tried a few times to connect, I stopped bothering with it.

You will find a power outlet on many trains – they definitely had them on my trips on AVE, Iryo and Avant trains. Although some older trains may not have them. For instance, I couldn’t find any on two occasions on Avant trains. I also didn’t see them on Ouigo.

All trains have trays available for you to be able to eat either the food you brought with or what you bought at the food car. Most high-speed trains have a food car, normally cars 3 or 4 in my experience. They offer coffee and some snacks, don’t expect an elaborate meal here.

All trains running on longer distances have toilets. All AVE, Iryo, Avant and Ouigo trains had them, when I travelled. The toilets are usually decently sized – they certainly aren’t as small as plane toilets They were also clean on every occasion I had to use them, which I highly appreciated.

Luggage on the Trains in Spain

As a rule of thumb, all companies allow you to take at least one cabin bag per passenger for free. However, if you are taking a bigger suitcase or several pieces per person, the conditions differ among the companies. I am listing general information below, but make sure to double check the conditions of your ticket, when purchasing:

• Renfe – the company normally allows one cabin bag and one bigger suitcase. This has been the case on AVE trains I have taken, as well as Avant trains and local slower trains.
• Iryo – the basic Inicial ticket lets you take one cabin sized bag. If you are travelling with a bigger suitcase, you need to purchase the relevant ticket to include this.
• Ouigo – similar to Iryo, it includes one cabin bag, but for a larger suitcase you need to make relevant arrangements.

All of these trains have space overhead for smaller suitcases, as well as luggage racks at the beginning of each car, so you shouldn’t have an issue finding a space for your bags.

Strikes and How to Deal

As in many other European countries, strikes happen in Spain. The plus side is that they are normally announced in advance, so you will highly likely already know before your travel. Do check official website and the press releases.

If you book with Omio, they will inform you about any strikes and related cancellations. You will highly likely be receiving a refund or will be able to rebook, if available.

Accessibility of Train Travel in Spain

The Spanish train companies provide accessibility services, much like many airlines. For this you will need to request assistance in advance. Renfe certainly does a great job with providing information on this – they even have an app and a hotline. Information with Iryo is more limited but they do provide similar services upon request.

Besides, most Renfe and Iryo trains have spaces for wheelchair users, as well as accessible toilets. You can see these options while booking your train tickets on any platform.

I couldn’t find any details on Ouigo services, however, I know that they have wheelchair accessible spaces on their trains.

Navigating the Train Stations in Spain

Security Check at the Train Stations in Spain

Now this is one of the things I dislike about train travel in Spain. All high-speed stations have the security checks. This check means that your luggage should go through the machine, you don’t go though a metal detector though. This I believe makes the checks pointless, but well nothing to be done.

The security checks are the reason, why you should get to the station with some time to spare. The train companies usually ask to turn up 30 minutes in advance. While this is a bit of an overkill, I suggest at least 15 minutes for most stations, especially in Madrid and Barcelona, where people from several trains may be queueing in the same security queue. Some stations do have security queues for every several platforms, but it still takes some time.

Gates at the Train Stations

There might be queues at the gates after the security check also. Normally, tickets say that the gates close a few minutes before departure. To be honest, I never encountered this, people were hopping on the train last minute. We did get running to the gate exactly one minute before departure and literally hopped on the train seconds before it moved. However, just in case keep in mind that they have the right to close the gate at the indicated time, so try to arrive early.

Luggage Storage at the Spanish Train Stations

Unfortunately, since COVID, Spain’s train stations no longer have lockers. This certainly makes things difficult for many travellers. I needed the storage on a number of occasions and here is what I learned.

First of all, check if there is a bus station near the train station. If yes, all bus stations I have been to have luggage lockers. Their prices are cheap and you have the safety of having the bus station staff around, in case something goes wrong and your locker doesn’t open. I used these lockers in Cordoba and in Malaga and they were easy and convenient. Also far cheaper than any other option I found. See more details about the bus station lockers here.

If a bus station is too far, your best option is the Radical Storage. I used them successfully in Granada city center. They have a number of locations available for storage and you can search on their map for one near your location.

Radical Storage connects you to hotels or shops, which means you will have actual people you can leave luggage with, not non-staffed lockers. This is very important, as I have heard of people having issues with their lockers, which made them miss their train. Knowing this, I tried to find lockers with staff. The one time I tried lockers at the Setas Seville, I was unable to get my backpack back without the staff intervening.

I hope I convinced you that train travel in Spain is not all that complicated and it by far is the best way to get around the country. I would love to hear of your tips and hacks for train travel in Spain.

<p>The post Train Travel in Spain: Complete Practical Guide first appeared on Hit the Road Ket.</p>