Move Over Barcelona! Stunning Spanish City Crowned The Best In Europe

Cheap, sunny, cultural, and a rare spot in Spain with minimal headline-capturing protests. What’s not to like?

Apparently, not much.

Barcelona’s time to shine has crumbled. Even locals say so, publicly pleading for their beloved city back after an influx of digital nomads and record-breaking visitor numbers, resulting in a myriad of complaints.

Madrid sees much of the same, but Seville? Not as much…

Reuters did report on local gatherings flooding the streets, but what you don’t hear about are targeted “attacks” on tourists like the friendly(ish) water gun hosings documented in Barcelona time and time again.

Nope — Seville’s protests were focused on ‘debt cancellation, climate justice and taxing the super rich’. Sounds like another familiar country, doesn’t it?

In other words, Seville doesn’t belong in the category of unwelcoming cities, but it very well could soon, as it was awarded Europe’s top city for 2025 by The Telegraph, a highly renowned UK publication, which recently announced the winners for this year’s prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards.

Seville Is Cheaper Than Spain’s Household Names

Seville might be a name you’re familiar with, but can you locate it on a map?

Spoiler alert: Seville is not a beach city, which actually may make it more appealing right now as hordes of tourists flock to Spain’s golden shores and sun-kissed islands.

This vibrant, cultural city is situated inland in the Andalusia region and is well-connected across Europe (with no direct flights from the US), making it reasonably easy to reach, especially if you’re the type who loves to explore Europe by rail.

If that’s the case, you should definitely check out Spain’s unlimited train pass for $250, where you can see all of the country’s most notable destinations on Renfe-branded rides.

Speaking of great prices, Seville offers more bang for your buck than Madrid and Barcelona, plus you can save on melatonin from the all-night bass-thumping of Ibiza and numerous other raging beach towns.

For sample size, here are some pricing examples for common expenses in Seville:

• Empanadas – $5
• Various tapas – $5 (sometimes free with a beverage purchase)
• Beer – $5
• Hotel room – $151
• Public transit – $11 travel card

Budget Your Trip estimates travelers spend $64 per day on average. Try that in Barcelona…

Plus, Seville’s most picturesque landmark, Plaza de España, is free to enter and something out of a storybook with its meticulous ornate design and idyllic waterways, though public officials have strongly considered adding a fee in the future.

One Of Spain’s Prettiest Cities (With Some Surprising Attractions!)

One stroll through Seville’s city center and you’ll be hooked. In fact, Seville’s walkability is one of its biggest draws.

Beaming with timeless marvels and medieval alleyways, Seville is just as enjoyable during the day as it is after sundown when the strum of flamenco guitars begins to echo throughout the night.

Speaking of music that gets ya movin’, one unexpected fun fact about Seville is that the 90s hit Macarena originated here by local group Los del Río — do I sense a karaoke night brewing?

If you’re really feeling the groove, check out Seville’s Museo del Baile Flamenco ($12 admission).

Another surprise would be the stunning 2,000+ year-old Roman ruins tourists seem to overlook next to the Setas de Sevilla, a popular selfie spot that looks like God dropped the trip from his Menudo.

Hey, I call it like I see it… (tell me I’m wrong!)

Though it’s not just off-the-wall attractions that lure tourists in, there are some staggering historical landmarks well worth visiting.

According to Seville City Guide, these are the top 5:

1. Alcazar of Seville (UNESCO-protected)
2. Cathedral & La Giralda (my personal favorites!)
3. Plaza de España
4. Santa Cruz district & Historical center
5. Park ‘Maria Luisa’ (a quiet break from the city bustle)

Escape The Summer Heat In One Of Seville’s Dreamy Hotels

You probably don’t need me to put on my Al Roker hat and tell you Spain is a scorcher in summer.

Seville is no different, seeing near triple-digit days consistently until the leaves begin to change color.

That’s why it’s important to know not only that a local ice-cold beer will set you back 5 bucks, but you’ll also want to ensure you have a great stay for the ultimate comfort.

According to U.S. News & World Report, these are Seville’s top 5 hotels:

1. Hotel Casa Del Poeta
2. H10 Casa de la Plata
3. Vincci Selección Unuk
4. Hotel Palacio De Villapanes
5. Radisson Collection Hotel, Magdalena Plaza Sevilla

Travel Tip: Before jetting off to Spain, make sure you check out Travel Off Path’s new Entry Requirement Checker to avoid any hiccups!