One of our favorite life hacks here at Secret Berlin is booking a vacation in September. It’s the perfect way to extend summer while avoiding the high-season crowds. And if you travel to the right places, you can count on gorgeous weather, even as summer draws to a close. How about a last-minute getaway to Seville?
Seville is located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula and is the capital of the mountainous region of Andalusia. With blue skies and beautiful weather (even in the winter months!), it’s truly one of the best cities in Europe and ideal for a city break in September.
With fascinating culture, breathtaking architecture, historic gin distilleries, and delicious tapas around every corner, you’ll find all the ingredients here for a wonderful September vacation.
Admire the Plaza de España
This remarkable semicircular square is hard to miss when strolling through the picturesque Parque de María Luisa . The Baroque/Renaissance-style government building stands on a beautiful mosaic floor made of Andalusian tiles. In front of it lies a waterway with charming little bridges—and rental boats gliding through the canal, as well as a fountain splashing in the center. The whole scene could be straight out of a fairy tale.
Just a short walk from the Plaza de España (and perfectly in keeping with the fairy-tale theme!) is the Royal Alcázar of Seville in the city center, right next to the equally beautiful cathedral. Parts of this magnificent Renaissance- and Gothic-style palace are open to the public, while the upper floors are still occasionally occupied by the royal family. But whether or not you decide to take a guided tour of the palace itself, the grounds—with their exotic plants, roaming peacocks, orange trees, and perfectly manicured hedges —are like a Spanish version of the Queen of Hearts’ garden.
In Seville, you’re never more than a few meters away from top-notch tapas. From affordable and cozy taverns to more modern fusion restaurants—the possibilities are literally endless. Listing all our favorite spots would be an impossible task—but we’re happy to give you a few recommendations to give you a taste of what’s in store. For the rest of the way, just let your nose be your guide!
Although it’s tucked away on a small cobblestone side street, that doesn’t stop people from flocking to Espacio Eslava for its exceptional tapas. You can dine indoors or at a bar table on the street and sample classic dishes with a modern twist. If you really want to rub shoulders with the Sevillians, Casa Ricardo Antiguo is an authentic, traditional taberna. It’s teeming with locals, and if you’re traveling in a small group, you can simply take a seat at the bar, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the delicacies served by the bartender. Here you’ll find many more recommendations for the best restaurants in Seville.
Your vacation in Seville is sure to be a culinary extravaganza—and there’s no reason to limit yourself to just the food. Puerto de Indias is the region’s oldest distillery (since 1880!) and home to the world’s first natural strawberry gin.
The centuries-old distillery offers a range of multisensory tours where you can learn about the history behind its world-famous spiritsand discover more about the fascinating production process—with plenty of opportunities for tasting. Choose the 1.5-hour tour with a tasting if you’ve planned a full day of sightseeing, or opt for the longer tour with a premium tasting or the distillation workshop for a particularly immersive experience, where you can witness the distillation process up close and sample even more Puerto de Indias gin.
Right across from the Puente de Triana (which takes its name from the neighboring district) you’ll find the Mercado de Triana. In this bustling market hall, you’ll discover a wealth of exquisite local products, from the finest Ibérico ham and cheese to juicy olives. There are also plenty of spots where you can grab a barstool and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat—such as steaming hot paella and freshly fried croquettes.
Las Setas, or “The Mushrooms,” are located right in the middle of the Plaza de la Encarnación —it’s a gigantic, futuristic-looking wooden structure that you can climb for just a few euros. Once you reach the top, you’ll have a panoramic view of the city— the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Take a day trip to Carmona
If you’re staying in Seville a little longer and still have time for a short day trip, we recommend Carmona. Just 37 km from the city, this peaceful town (one of the oldest in Andalusia!) sits on a ridge overlooking the region’s central plain and is full of natural beauty. Here you’ll discover charming restaurants, historic architecture, and breathtaking views—the ultimate place to relax at the end of your Andalusian adventure.
Experience Seville as the peak summer heat slowly subsides
September is ideal if you want to experience Seville with that authentic summer vibe without necessarily having to deal with the extreme heat of midsummer . The days are still warm and sunny—perfect for strolling through the narrow streets of Santa Cruz, sitting outside late into the evening, or enjoying the sunset over the Guadalquivir. At the same time, after the quieter summer months, the city comes back to life. This makes September a particularly lovely transitional month between summer vacations and fall city breaks.
