Digital Nomad Trip Report: Seville

Quick Facts about Seville for Digital Nomads

Introduction

Ah, Seville. Land of flamenco, orange trees and absolutely brutal afternoon heat.

Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest city (after Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia) and is the beating heart of Andalucía. A city that’s both fast and slow at the same time; fast because there’s always something going on from festivals to processions to markets and slow… well, because it’s Spain. “Mañana, mañana…”

I wanted to spend a couple of months in Spain whilst I was back in Europe handling paperwork, I looked at Valencia again but Airbnbs were through the roof and I don’t find Madrid or Barcelona appealing.

I had been to Seville a couple of years ago and I had a great time and I knew that the city was really walkable, great for keeping active and easy to traverse by bike, so it seemed like the perfect base for a couple of months and not as extortionately priced as Valencia (editor’s note: Which I later discovered is because it’s as hot as the surface of the sun).

The city is beautiful, packed with grand colonial architecture, parks, squares and it’s very liveable with some caveats about the weather.

As always, my priorities for liveable cities are: green space, cycling connectivity, public transport, walkability, a strong café culture and being near to a body of water. Tick, tick and tick.

The café scene is brilliant too, I even found two cafés that specifically cater to remote workers (more on that below). It’s not Mexico City levels, which in my book is a good thing, but you won’t struggle to find good flat whites and decent Wi-Fi., plus plenty of co-working spaces too.

And for those of you who like to stay active, Seville is a dream. It’s flat, it’s scenic, and the riverside paths are perfect for long runs or bike rides. Running clubs, fitness classes, rowing, padel, it’s all here. Oh, and the weather? Mostly sunny. Sometimes aggressively so. So just don’t do what I did and make sure visit outside of peak summer 🥵

Seville might not have the reputation of Lisbon or Barcelona for digital nomads, but maybe that’s a good thing. It’s liveable, friendly and beautifully Spanish in all the best ways.

So, shall we?

How to Travel to Seville

Getting to Seville is refreshingly straightforward compared to other nomad destinations I’ve reviewed – especially if you’re already in Europe.

✈️ Fly to Seville Airport FASTEST
Seville’s airport (Aeropuerto de Sevilla – SVQ) is just 10km from the city centre and has direct connections to a host of European cities. If you’re coming from the UK, there are direct flights from London, Manchester, Bristol and probably a few more, typically with Ryanair, easyJet or Vueling. If you’re already in Spain, you can also fly from Madrid, Barcelona or Mallorca – although high-speed train is often a better shout (see below). From the airport, a taxi into the city centre takes 15–20 minutes and can cost up to €25 – fear not, taxis are much cheaper once you’re in the city. Or take the EA bus (Especial Aeropuerto), which runs every 20–30 minutes, 20 hours a day and only costs €5.

🚄 Take the train BEST OVERLAND OPTION
Spain’s high-speed trains are world-class and Seville is one of the best-connected cities in the country. From Madrid, you can be in Seville in just under 3 hours. From Barcelona, the trip is considerably longer – around 6 hours – but still an easy and comfortable journey. And whilst it might seem long compared to a flight, don’t forget the faff of security and checking-in. Trains arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa station, a 20-minute walk or short cab ride from the city centre. Book tickets through Renfe or, for an easier interface, use my personal fav, Trainline.

🚌 Take a coach CHEAPEST
If you’re on a tighter budget and time isn’t a factor, long-distance buses also serve Seville well. ALSA and FlixBus operate routes from across Spain and even international cities like Lisbon or Paris. Expect longer journeys (Madrid to Seville is 6–7 hours), but ticket prices can be significantly cheaper than trains or flights. Buses arrive at Prado de San Sebastián or Plaza de Armas stations, depending on the operator.

🚘 Rent a car BEST FOR FLEXIBILITY
If you’re keen to explore more of Andalucía, driving is a great option. Roads are in excellent condition and signage is clear. Parking in Seville itself can be a pain – and expensive – but there are a few underground car parks in the centre if you need them. Keep an eye out for the unofficial parking attendants on the streets known locally as “Los Gorrillas”, just give them a euro and be done with it or find parking elsewhere. Once you’re in Seville, don’t expect to make much use of the car, the streets are tight and most are one way, it’s simply easier to walk or cycle from A to B.

If you’re coming from southern Portugal or other parts of Andalucía like Granada, Córdoba, or Cádiz, renting a car gives you total freedom – but factor in one-way drop-off fees if you’re not returning to your starting point.

Can I work remotely from Spain?

Spain has long been a favourite for digital nomads, and for good reason. There’s a strong café culture, reliable infrastructure, decent public transport, and a lower cost of living than northern Europe — especially if you venture outside the big cities. Plus, as part of the Schengen Zone, British citizens (and many others) can visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Just note: you can’t work for a Spanish company on this visa-free entry. And while there’s nothing in the visa rules that explicitly permits remote work, try telling that to the 15 million people across Europe who do it every year. It’s a classic grey area — the rules were written before remote work was even a thing (and in some cases, before the internet existed), and it’ll likely be years before they’re updated.

That said, there’s a well-trodden workaround: as long as your primary reason for being in Spain isn’t work, you’re unlikely to run into trouble. So, officially, you’re purpose for visiting is a holiday… you just happen to be catching up on a bit of work while you’re here.

What does the 90/180 rule mean?

It’s a rolling allowance across the whole Schengen Area. So for example:

You enter Spain on 1 May 2025

You can spend up to 90 days within the Schengen Zone (including Spain) before 30 July 2025

Leaving the Schengen Area doesn’t reset your 90 days. You must wait until earlier days “drop off” your rolling 180-day window

This applies whether you’re entering Spain for the first time or returning after a previous stay — the 90/180 rule is strictly enforced. Do not mess about here, you do not get a slap on the wrist and a little fine, it’s a straight up ban often for years. A British citizen did this recently, overstaying by a week or two and received a three-year ban, and not just for Spain, all of the Schengen area.

This Schengen Visa calculator is a life-saver, if you’re going back and forth a lot.

Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?

Yes — and if you’re planning a longer stay or want to make Spain a semi-permanent base, this is worth looking into.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is available to non-EU nationals who work remotely for a company or client outside Spain. You can be employed or self-employed, but if you’re self-employed you can have Spanish clients but they cannot make up more than 20% of your income.

🧠 You’ll need one of the following:

• A degree from a recognised university or business school; or
• At least 3 years of professional experience in your field.

Key rules for UK applicants (2025):

• You must prove you’ve been working for your client or company for at least 3 months prior to applying.
• You need proof of income: at least 200% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage (around €2,268/month in 2025), plus additional funds if applying with dependents.
• You’ll also need health insurance, a clean criminal record, and an A1 form from HMRC confirming you’ll pay UK National Insurance while abroad (CA3822 for employees or CA3837 for the self-employed).
• A NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) must be obtained before applying.
• The visa is usually valid for up to 1 year and can be extended while in Spain.
• Family members can apply too — including your partner, children, and dependent parents — but you’ll need to show proof of the relationship and financial support.

📍 Where to apply (UK):

Applications are submitted through BLS Spain Visa Application Centre in London. A personal visit or authorised representative is required. You’ll receive a code to track your application status online.

📝 Important note:
These requirements are specific to UK-based applicants. If you live elsewhere, check the rules for your country of residence via the Spanish embassy or consulate in your area — some documents and social security arrangements may differ.

Also, if you are considering it, get a lawyer. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is the most in-demand DNV out there and also one of the hardest to get, with the amount of time and effort and false information online, it’s just worth it for peace of mind – I’m speaking from experience, here!

What are the best neighbourhoods in Seville?

Seville is surprisingly liveable for a mid-size European city, with most nomads sticking to a few popular barrios near the centre. There’s a strong café culture throughout, but some areas are better suited to long stays than others. Here’s the breakdown:

Is Seville safe?

Seville is generally a very safe city by European standards. You’ll see solo travellers walking around late at night, kids playing in the squares, and plenty of locals and tourists happily glued to their phones in the street — which is always a good unofficial safety metric.

Violent crime is extremely rare here. The biggest issue, like in most popular cities, is petty theft — particularly pickpocketing in busy areas like El Centro, Plaza de España, or on public transport. Keep an eye on your bag, don’t leave your phone on the table at cafés, and you’ll most likely be absolutely fine. It’s certainly a far cry from Barcelona, if that’s what you’re wondering.

While Spain has its fair share of economic hardship, Seville doesn’t carry the same tension you might feel in larger cities like Barcelona or Madrid. The vibe is slower, more relaxed, and locals are generally warm and welcoming. That said, certain parts of the outer suburbs can feel rougher — but as a visitor or nomad, you’re unlikely to end up there anyway.

One odd quirk you might notice: men loitering around street parking spaces, offering to help you park in exchange for a euro or two. Known locally as “los gorrillas”, they’re not official, and while it looks sketchy, they’re generally harmless — a pain in the arse yes, but just part of the local ecosystem.

Overall? Seville is safe, walkable, and relaxed. Just keep your wits about you in crowds and don’t do anything daft, and you’ll have no issues.

Where to work in Seville

Seville has a fantastic café culture, and while co-working cafés aren’t as widespread as in Valencia or Barcelona, there are still some brilliant spots to work from. You’ll see plenty of laptops out, and most places won’t mind you staying a few hours, just be a good egg and order something. For more formal setups, there are also a handful of decent coworking offices.

Feria 83 Top Pick

This is hands down my favourite spot to work from in Seville. It’s a laid-back brunch café with great coffee, super friendly service and some laptop-friendly tables right in the window — perfect for a morning session. It gets busy at weekends, but during the week it’s a great place to work for a few hours. Wi-Fi is solid but a bit slow, the music isn’t too loud, and the food is sooooo good. Bonus points for the location on Calle Feria, one of Seville’s liveliest local areas.

LATE café Café + Coworking

LATE is another gem — a sleek specialty coffee spot with a hidden co-working space tucked away at the back, which includes proper desks and a quieter vibe. Great coffee, stylish interiors and lightening-fast Wi-Fi. If you’re looking for a hybrid café/office vibe, this one’s ideal.

Arcadia Coworking

If you’re after a more formal setup, Arcadia is one of Seville’s better-known coworking spaces. It’s centrally located, has all the amenities you’d expect (desks, meeting rooms, coffee etc.) and is popular with local freelancers and nomads. Day passes are available, and the monthly options are reasonably priced by European standards.

workINcompany

Another solid coworking option with a minimalist feel and a reputation for reliability. It’s been around for a while and tends to attract more established professionals and startups. The space is a bit more corporate than trendy, but it’s a dependable choice if you’re looking to knuckle down. Located in the central Alfalfa neighbourhood.

Things to see & do in Seville

Seville is packed with things to see and do but it’s a city best enjoyed slowly, on foot, preferably with a coffee or ice cream in hand. So if you’re looking for sky-diving or something a bit more hyper, this won’t be the city for you. That said, these are the unmissable spots that Seville has to offer:

🏛️ Visit the Royal Alcázar

Arguably Seville’s most impressive site, this royal palace complex is a Moorish–Christian architectural masterpiece, still used by the Spanish royal family when they’re in town. It’s easy to spend hours wandering through the intricate tilework, lush gardens and jaw-dropping rooms. Book a ticket online (it often sells out days in advance) and make sure to arrive 20-30 minutes before your time slot, so you’re not at the back of the queue. Top tip: get the first slot of the day at 9:30am and get there for around 9am to beat the queues. The entrance is called “Puerta del Leon” or “Lion’s Gate” on Google Maps, if you search for the Alcazar, GMaps will send you to the wrong entrance.

⛪ Climb La Giralda tower

The bell tower of Seville’s cathedral (originally a minaret) offers panoramic views of the city — and best of all, no stairs. It’s a long ramp all the way to the top, built that way so guards could ride up on horseback. The cathedral itself is enormous, and worth exploring while you’re there.

Bonus fact The cathedral is the largest Gothic building in the world, the fourth largest cathedral in the world, the largest by total area and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. (Although scientists argue part of him is still in the Caribbean.)

🌳 Chill at Parque de María Luisa & Plaza de España

One of the best spots in Seville to relax, run, or take a slow walk. The Plaza de España is outrageously photogenic, with tiled alcoves representing each Spanish province, plus rowboats outside of peak summer if you’re feeling touristy. Right next to it, the Parque de María Luisa is full of shaded walkways and fountains. Bring snacks and park up. Bonus fact Plaza de España is the filming location for Naboo in Star Wars Episode II 🤓

💃 Catch a Flamenco show

Even if you’re not usually into dance, flamenco in Seville is something else. The most atmospheric venues are smaller, referred to as “tablaos” where you’re right up close to the performance. Casa de la Memoria is a great choice for first-timers, or try La Carbonería for a more informal, local vibe.

🚲 Cycle along the Guadalquivir River

Seville has one of the best bike lane networks in Spain, and the riverside cycle paths are ideal for a morning ride. You can easily rent a bike for a few euros a day and pedal past parks, bridges and riverside cafés. The route from Triana to Parque del Alamillo is a personal fave.

🖼️ Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes)

This underrated museum is housed in a beautiful former convent and showcases Spanish art from medieval times through to the early 20th century. It’s not overwhelming and a perfect way to spend a slower afternoon.

🛍️ Wander the Feria Street Market

Feria is one of Seville’s oldest streets and home to a local street market on Thursdays. It’s part junk sale, part antique market, part flea market — and 100% chaotic. Great for people-watching or picking up something random. Nearby, you’ll find loads of indie shops and cafés too (including my fave, Feria 83).

There’s way more too; kayaking, paddleboarding, food tours, walking tours, enough architecture to keep you busy for weeks and all the typical things you’d expect from a major city; an aquarium, a waterpark, shopping malls, ample parks and way more. Seville isn’t particularly big, but it’s impressive at how much they’ve managed to cram into such a small footprint.

Food & Drink in Seville

Seville has one of the strongest food scenes in Spain. It’s everything you’d want that’s typical of southern Spain like long lunches, cold drinks and tiny tapas bars tucked down sun-bleached alleyways. Brunch culture is alive and well too, thanks to the ever-growing number of remote workers and creative locals fuelling a good coffee scene.

Local Cuisine

• Salmorejo – A thick, cold tomato soup topped with hard-boiled egg and jamón. Kind of like gazpacho’s richer, creamier cousin.
• Espinacas con garbanzos – A local Sevillano dish of spinach and chickpeas, often with garlic and paprika. Great veggie option, especially at traditional spots like El Rinconcillo.
• Jamón ibérico – No introduction needed. Go for the acorn-fed stuff if you want to see the best of it. Most bars will serve it with a cold beer or vermut. There’s also a little farm tour, about a 30-min drive from Seville, where you can see where it all comes from too, look it up on Airbnb Experiences.
• Churros con chocolate – A classic breakfast treat or late-night indulgence. Head to Bar El Comercio for the proper old-school version.
• Pan con tomate – Ah, the Spanish classic. Bread. Tomato. Job done. The staple breakfast of Spain and if you want to do it right, don’t forget an espresso and a fresh Marlboro Gold 😂

The best cafés in Seville

Seville isn’t short on cafés, and unlike some parts of Spain, remote working from cafés is pretty common here. If you’re after a good coffee and a comfy window seat, these are the ones worth a detour:

• Feria 83 – My personal favourite. Great brunch, relaxed vibe, and perfect little co-working nooks in the front windows. Not too loud, not too quiet. Just right.
• LATE – Stylish café in the centre with excellent coffee and a co-working space tucked out the back. Great Wi-Fi, bangin’ cookies and a solid remote work spot.
• MOKAMBO – Cool little brunch spot in the Alfalfa neighbourhood, and another one a few minutes away in Plaza Nueva. It’s pricy but we’re in peak gringo territory now.
• Parcería Café – If you’re into specialty coffee and cool interiors, this little café is great, but it’s a tight squeeze.
• Restaurante Moya Brunch – If you love bright pink cafés with loaded pancakes and killer coffee—and this Basic B of an author does—then you’re in for a treat.

You won’t struggle to find good coffee here, there’s plenty of choice, just double check on their laptop policy before assuming—don’t ruin it for the rest of us 😉

🍽️ Best restaurants in Seville

Tapas is the name of the game, and Seville does it well. Whether you’re into hole-in-the-wall joints or more refined options, here are a few standouts:

• Espacio Eslava – The one everyone talks about, and for good reason. Slightly more modern tapas, beautifully executed, but still accessible and relaxed. Book ahead.
• Bodega Santa Cruz (Las Columnas) – A proper Sevillano bar experience. No nonsense, no frills, just classic tapas done right in a packed, standing-room-only spot near the cathedral.
• Islamorada Tapas – Damn I still dream about their Korean chicken most nights. Make sure you book a table here, fantastic.

My favourite spot in Seville

In case you hadn’t guessed, it’s Feria 83, which takes the crown for best brunch and remote work combo. But special mention has to go to Rio Grande Sevilla—it’s on the west side of the river in Triana and offers uninterrupted views over the historic centre, fantastic food and service, highly recommended for dinner or a boozy lunch.

As advice: I would say to use Google Maps religiously, I’ve always found that GMaps is great for accurate reviews of places in Spain (and much of Europe, too). There are a lot of blogs that will tell you to go to the latest hot spot but in reality the place is crap: the perfect example is Casa Ozama which every blog and influencer will tell you to go to; take one look at Google Maps reviews and save yourself the money.

Life as a nomad in Seville with your dog

Now that I’ve got my dog with me (yippee!), I’ll be adding a little section to each destination guide covering what it’s like to travel and live there as a nomad with your pup. The good news? Like much of Spain, Seville is incredibly dog-friendly.

You’ll find dogs pretty much everywhere; on terraces, in cafés, trotting alongside their owners through the old town. There’s no weird stigma about having a dog with you and locals seem to really love them, or at least they love my dog hehe. You’ll even spot water bowls outside most shops and restaurants, which is a lovely touch.

Getting around with your dog

• Flights: You can fly with a small dog in the cabin (under 8kg including carrier) on Iberia, which makes Spain an excellent base for nomads with pets. Iberia also offers decent connections to much of Europe and Latin America.
• Trains: Spain’s train network is generally pet-friendly. Both Renfe and other operators allow dogs on board, though you may need to pay a small fee (usually €10–15). Whether that gets enforced is another matter…
• Buses: Alsa allows dogs, but they must go in the hold — which isn’t ideal. The local buses for getting around the city are fine however.

My favourite spots with my dog

There are so many cafés in Seville that happily welcome dogs, especially if you’re sitting outside. Most places will bring a bowl of water over without even being asked.

My favourite green space was Parque de los Perdigones, just north of the Alameda. It has a big open area and great views if you head up the nearby Torre de los Perdigones. Of course, my regularly mentioned haunt, Feria 83, is dog-friendly and they treated my dog like the queen she is. If you’re visiting, tell them Bella the little pug says hello 👋

Other dog-friendly spots worth checking out:
Parque de María Luisa – great for shady strolls, though officially dogs should be on leads.

Alameda de Hércules – not a park, but a lively social hub where you’ll find loads of bars and cafés with plentiful outdoor seating for you to chill with your pup.

Helpful dog-friendly travel resources
🐾 SrPerro.com – a handy site for finding dog-friendly places across Spain
🐶 Pipper on Tour – Spain’s most famous travelling dog and a fun resource for pet travel inspo
🩺 The Dogtor (vet in Spain) – If you’re planning onward travel from Spain (i.e. not returning home) then these are your guys, they’ll do all of your paperwork and are super helpful. Ask for Fernando.
🧑‍⚕️ Heathrow Vet Services (vet in the UK) – If you’re heading to Spain (or elsewhere) from the UK, these guys based in Windsor just 20 mins from Heathrow are the bees knees and are specialists in travel paperwork for dogs. Ask for Bruno.

When To Visit Seville

Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe, and I mean that literally. It regularly tops Spain’s temperature charts and can get properly scorching in summer. That said, it’s also one of the most atmospheric places in the country, with each season offering something different. Just pack appropriately and don’t visit in July and August like I did 🫠 at the time of writing, the weather right now is 43°C (110°F).

Best Time to Visit Seville

The sweet spot is spring, between March and May, when the weather is warm but bearable and the city comes alive with local festivals. This includes Semana Santa (Easter Week) and Feria de Abril (April Fair) — two of the biggest cultural events in the Spanish calendar.

Other Times to Visit Seville

October and early November are brilliant shoulder months too. You’ll get slightly fewer tourists, warm evenings and everything’s still open, just with a little more breathing room. December to February is cooler and wetter, but still very doable compared to most of Europe. Expect mild days and the odd rainy spell.

Avoid July and August unless you love the feeling of walking into an oven. Locals leave, tourists melt and aircon becomes your only saviour. That said, if you can handle it, prices drop and you’ll have more space to yourself.

Climate by Month in Seville

How to Keep Fit in Seville

Seville is a brilliant city for staying active, especially if you’re not a fan of traditional gyms. The flat landscape, warm weather and great infrastructure make it easy to build exercise into your day, often without even thinking about it.

Running in Seville

There are loads of great running routes, with the most popular being the riverside paths along the Guadalquivir. Expect long, wide, tree-lined stretches that are ideal for both casual joggers and long-distance runners. Parque de María Luisa also has shaded loops for softer ground, and the massive Alamillo Park is popular in the evenings.

Cycling in Seville

Seville is one of Spain’s most bike-friendly cities. The network of dedicated cycle paths is extensive, and much of the centre is flat and well-connected. There’s also a public bike scheme called SEVICI, which is handy for short journeys or commuting between cafés. You can buy a day pass for about €3 or a weekly pass for around €12 and all rides under 30-minutes are free. Given how narrow and congested the centre can be, it’s often faster to cycle than take a car. Definitely avoid Uber unless you’re desperate, it’s wildly expensive and subject to constant surge pricing. Local taxis or bikes are usually a better bet – and, if weather permits, just take a stroll.

Gyms in Seville

If you’re after a more traditional workout, Seville has plenty of gyms, from international chains like VivaGym and Basic-Fit to independent options. A lot of them offer day passes or flexible pricing for visitors, so you won’t need a long-term commitment.

Other ways to stay active

From paddleboarding on the river to dance classes in the old town, Seville has a wealth of alternative fitness options. Salsa and flamenco classes are easy to find, and yoga studios are scattered all over the city. For something a bit different, check out the climbing gyms on the outskirts or take a paddleboard tour at sunset.

Want to see more? View my postcards from Seville, here.