Think Seville is all sunshine and flamenco? Some travelers beg to differ! These 12 hilarious common complaints about Seville prove that even paradise has its critics. Prepare to laugh (and roll your eyes)!
By Liza S. | Updated 30 Jan 2025 | Seville | News |
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Ah, Seville—home of flamenco, sunshine, and enough tapas to make you wish your pants had an elastic waistband. It’s the jewel of Andalucia, but even diamonds have their rough edges.
While some travellers fall head over heels (me!), others love a good whinge. Even the most enchanting places can have their quirks—and some visitors just love to point them out.
But here’s the thing: these complaints often say more about the complainer than the city itself.
Let’s unpack 12 common gripes that make Seville so wonderfully human—and hilariously misunderstood.
Some people think Seville is a summer destination… but in reality, summers in Seville can melt asphalt and fry an egg on your forehead. 40°C (104°F) or more during midday is no fun.
➡️ Advice: Visit in spring or autumn instead, or embrace the art of siesta—shade, naps, and ice-cold drinks are your best friends.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: Someone didn’t check the weather forecast. Pro tip: don’t mess with Seville’s sun—it always wins… so if you’re visiting in summer, be prepared.
Seville’s old town is a charming labyrinth of alleys where even Google Maps throws up its virtual hands in surrender.
➡️ Advice: Enjoy the maze! These streets are part of what makes Seville so magical. Every twist leads to a hidden gem—or at least a café serving ice-cold tinto de verano.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: They were probably expecting wide boulevards. Historic charm comes with a bit of adventure!
With its pedestrian-friendly layout, Seville invites you to explore on foot. But for some, the cobblestones turn into a never-ending treadmill.
➡️ Advice: Invest in comfy shoes, stop for tapas breaks, or rent a bike for a breezy alternative. Or just accept you’ll sleep like a baby after all that walking.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: This one didn’t pack the right footwear or doesn’t walk much back home. Seville rewards wanderers and trust me, your step count is worth it here.
Tapas are like the snacky best friend who leaves you wanting more. They’re small, sure, but that’s the beauty of it—you get to try a bit of everything without needing a nap between courses.
➡️ Advice: Order more dishes. That’s the whole point—variety is the spice of life (and tapas bars). And if you’re still hungry, there’s always churros for dessert.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: Someone’s used to super-sized portions but the food culture in Andalucia is the opposite.
In Seville, the party doesn’t start until the moon’s out. Dinner at 6.00pm? Not here, amigo.
➡️ Advice: Adjust to Spanish time—grab a pre-dinner snack (hello, olives and jamón) and join the fun when the tapas bars come alive.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: They’re on early bird special time in a night owl city. When in Seville, do as the Sevillanos do and enjoy the late night vibe.
Some visitors have a preconceived idea of what flamenco is and then end up being disappointed. Sure, not all flamenco shows in Seville are equal… but the real deal exists if you know where to look.
➡️ Advice: Keep an open mind and let the music and dance move you. The best performances often take place in smaller, intimate venues. Seek out the soulful real deal! (I’ve got you - get my recommendations here)
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: They came with a Hollywood script in mind. Flamenco isn’t staged drama; it’s pure passion—and it’s even better than the movies.
Between the Alcázar, Cathedral, and Plaza de España, you’re bound to rub shoulders with a few (hundred) fellow admirers.
➡️ Advice: Visit early or late, and explore quieter neighborhoods like Triana or Alameda de Hércules.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: They forgot world-famous spots tend to attract, well, the world. Spoiler: you’re not the only one who Googled “beautiful places in Spain”. Sharing is caring, even with landmarks.
Like any bustling city, Seville has its messy moments, especially after festivals (looking at you, Feria de Abril).
➡️ Advice: Shift your gaze upward—between the orange trees, balconies, and Moorish architecture, there’s plenty to admire.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: Someone mistook Seville for Disneyland. Welcome to a real, lived-in city.
Seville hums with life, from church bells to street chatter and the occasional flamenco stomp. It’s all part of the soundtrack.
➡️ Advice: Pack earplugs if you’re sensitive, or simply embrace the city’s energy—it’s hard not to get swept up in it.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: It’s a Spanish city, not a museum. Life in Andalucia is, well, lively… so get into the groove! Seville’s buzz is what makes it so vibrant.
If it’s edible, Sevillanos will fry it—fish, croquettes, churros. It’s a crispy wonderland! But yes, it can feel like a lot.
➡️ Advice: Balance it out with fresh options like gazpacho or grilled seafood, but don’t skip the fried delights entirely.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: They weren’t ready for the glory of golden, crispy perfection. Pro tip: fried food + cold cerveza = happiness.
Meals in Seville aren’t a rush job—they’re a leisurely ritual where you linger over food, drinks, and conversation.
➡️ Advice: Relax, sip your wine, and enjoy the slower pace. You’re on holiday, no deadlines or task lists here!
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: They forgot the joy of slowing down. Dining in Andalucia is an experience, not a sprint.
Yes, the big sights draw crowds, but Seville has its secrets if you’re willing to look for them.
➡️ Advice: Venture beyond the postcards to spots like Casa de Salinas, or get lost in Alameda’s cool, local vibe.
➡️ What It Says About the Traveller: They stuck to the main trail and then complained it was crowded. The hidden gems are waiting—go find them!
Seville isn’t a flawless postcard—it’s a vibrant, noisy, sometimes messy masterpiece.
These complaints? They’re just proof the city’s alive. So pack your comfy shoes, order one more tapa, and lean into the chaos.
You might just fall in love!
Don’t be like those tourists - I want you to have an amazing time in Seville!
And you don’t have to bust your budget to see the city. Get my free ebook with 15 amazing things to see and do in Seville for FREE. Yep, they don’t cost a single cent, just like the ebook.
Get your copy of Free & Fabulous Seville here
Looking for recommendations for tours and activities in Seville? Read these guides:
Need help planning exactly what to see and do on your Seville visit? Our itineraries can help guide you:
You can also read our other articles on Seville:
Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are my favourite travel resources.
I usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!
To research transportation options around Spain, I like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, I recommend using Trainline.
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)
Looking for tours & activities in Andalucia? I usually use Get Your Guide to get tickets and book tours. Viator also has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. Our Viator Shop has my top recommendations, all in one place!
Guruwalk is my favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.
For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.
For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is my favourite borderless banking service. I love their debit card that's without fees and always use it when I travel.
Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. I personally use SafetyWing and you can get a no-obligation quote from SafetyWing here.
For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Maya Mobile. I personally use it and find it reliable. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!
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