3 Design Days in Seville in Winter; What to See, Eat & Stay

January in the UK can feel… long. Grey. Slightly soul-destroying. Which is why this team design trip felt like such a win.

Who Should Visit Seville?

You’ll love Seville if you:

• Get overexcited about tiled façades and balconies (guilty)

• Love the grandeur of Rome but prefer something more walkable

• Enjoy cities that feel beautiful without being exhausting

It’s wonderfully compact. We saw an incredible amount in just three days in Seville without feeling like we needed a holiday after the trip.

We booked a free walking tour on the first morning (always my top tip for any city). Our group ranged from London to Singapore, mostly mid-twenties, and the guide managed to make centuries of history genuinely engaging without tipping into medieval facts coma. It lasted 1.5 hours and gave us instant bearings, perfect.

The weather hovered around 14°C. Winter coat, yes. Gloves and hats no. Sunglasses are absolutely non-negotiable. Much of Seville is experienced outdoors, which also explains why the architecture is so clever… these buildings were designed to cope with serious heat. I can fully understand why Seville becomes a slow-roasted city in summer.

Would I visit Seville in July or August? Absolutely not. 

Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and the nickname “frying pan of Europe” is not an exaggeration.

What to See in Seville (Without Losing Your Mind)

My approach to city breaks is simple: Screenshot everything you like, plot it on a map, then accept that you are not, a superhero and choose what’s realistic. Some highlights from our Seville itinerary:

Plaza de España & Jardines de María Luisa

You can hire little boats here, but honestly, I was too busy staring at the ceramic detailing like a magpie with a design degree. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Seville.

Triana

Wandering through Triana’s historic ceramics district in Seville felt like stepping into a living design scrapbook (the dream, honestly). For centuries, this neighbourhood has been the heart of Spanish hand-painted tile making, with its ceramics shaping churches, courtyards.

Seeing the old workshops up close was a timely reminder that great interiors aren’t born from trends, they’re built on craftsmanship, material knowledge and a lot of very talented hands. It’s exactly this kind of real-world inspiration that feeds into our projects: celebrating authenticity, embracing character, and creating homes that feel layered, soulful and built to last.

Universidad de Sevilla

Former tobacco factory, stunning courtyard, and the architectural inspiration behind traditional flamenco silhouettes. Once you see it, it all clicks.

Barrio de Santa Cruz

Narrow streets, orange trees, hidden squares, and the sort of wandering that feels accidental but is actually deeply satisfying.

We stayed at Abreu Suites, beautiful serviced apartments right in the heart of the city. Calm, spotless, thoughtfully designed interiors (always appreciated), plus a small kitchen and living space so you can properly collapse at the end of the day. There’s also a MAS supermarket five minutes away for snacks, breakfast bits and emergency chocolate.

Our three-night break cost around £250 per person, including flights and accommodation, which frankly feels like a small miracle with the cost of everything in the UK!

Where to Eat, Shop & Find Design Inspiration in Seville

Yes, I know this is the section you scrolled for.

Rue 8

The tiniest, loveliest little jewellery and leather accessories shop. No website, blink, and you’ll miss it — but genuinely worth tracking down.📍 Pl. de S. Francisco, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla

Paris/64

If you love Spanish leather goods with that new Loewe-esque energy (but without needing to remortgage), this brand is beautiful. I’ve already ordered a few pieces,s which I’ll be sharing in spring.https://paris64.com

Triana district

The ceramics capital of the city is home to a brilliant covered food market. Go before 3 pm for an easy, delicious lunch situation. The Borough market of Sevilla!

Best Restaurants in Seville (Where We Ate and Loved)

We ate at both of these for dinner and would happily return tomorrow. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent value — around €40 for two, including drinks and tapas.

• Casa Marciano https://www.instagram.com/casamarcianosevilla/

• La Brunilda Tapashttps://www.instagram.com/labrunildatapas/

The Borough market of Sevilla can be found at -

• Triana Mercado - https://mercadodetrianasevilla.com/

  
  

Merry rules: anything rated 4.7+ on Google with over 1,500 reviews is a safe bet.

Where to Find the Best Churros in Seville

If you want proper, authentic churros:

Look for a café on a street corner with:

• A tiny inside bar

• A few outdoor tables

• Lots of locals

• Zero aesthetic branding

That’s where you’ll get churros, coffee and thick hot chocolate for dipping — for about €6. Simple. Perfect. No notes.

Why Travel Matters as an Interior Designer

As an interior designer, I really believe inspiration shouldn’t come solely from screens, trends or saved folders on Instagram. Our most valuable creative education still comes from experiencing real spaces, historic architecture and traditional craftsmanship first-hand.

Travel allows you to study proportion, materiality and longevity in a way no digital reference ever can. When you stand inside centuries-old buildings, walk through historic neighbourhoods, or observe how materials have aged beautifully over time, you begin to understand what truly makes a space feel timeless rather than trendy.

One of the most inspiring experiences in Seville was visiting Triana, long considered the ceramic heart of the city. The historic ceramics factories offered a fascinating insight into Spanish craftsmanship, where tiles were once hand-painted with extraordinary skill, often used to create large-scale advertisements, murals and architectural features across the city.

Seeing this level of artistry up close the brushwork, the depth of colour, the subtle imperfections that signal true handcraft felt like a masterclass in design integrity. These weren’t decorative tiles made for fleeting fashion; they were crafted with intention, durability and pride.

It’s exactly this kind of real-world inspiration that feeds directly into my own interior design work: an appreciation for authentic materials, a respect for craftsmanship, and a desire to create homes that feel layered, characterful and timeless, not overly polished or trend-led.

Because the best design doesn’t come from copying what already exists, it's about understanding the foundations that shaped it.

It’s exactly this kind of real-world inspiration that feeds into my own work: celebrating authenticity, embracing European character in our home designs.

Final Thoughts

Seville genuinely surprised me. It’s beautiful without trying too hard, inspiring without being overwhelming, and ideal for a winter escape when you need light, warmth and a little creative recharge.

If you’re planning a trip and have any questions, pop over to Instagram and message me. I’m always happy to share recommendations.

Emma & Team x