The route, stop by stop
About 3.5 km, ending at the old shot tower, a short walk from where it starts. We start at the Roman columns on the Alameda de Hércules, wind through the backstreets to Calle Feria, take the canvas-covered Calle Regina down to Las Setas, then walk back up Calle Feria to the old shot tower. Tap a time to jump to that moment in the film.
- Alameda de Hércules, at the Roman columnsTwo ancient columns topped with Hercules and Julius Caesar. The promenade was laid out in 1574 and is often called the oldest public garden in Europe.▶ 0:42
- The backstreets: Calle Molino and Santa RufinaQuiet, colorful residential lanes. Look for the yellow vintage car painted on a garage door.▶ 4:06
- Calle Feria, heading southNeighborhood tapas bars, an ice cream shop and corner cafés. Stay on the shady side.▶ 6:11
- Iglesia de San Juan de la PalmaA Gothic church portal at a small square, worth stopping to look up.▶ 9:55
- Calle Regina, under the canvasA boutique lane roofed with white sun sails in summer. The coolest few minutes of the walk.▶ 10:11
- Las Setas: the elevated plazaClimb the big stone stairs to the free raised plaza and the I ♥ Sevilla sign, right under the canopy.▶ 13:01
- Plaza de la EncarnaciónThe marble fountain, palm trees and the Iglesia de la Anunciación on the south side.▶ 15:59
- Under Las Setas: the market hallStep inside the ground-floor concourse to cool down for a minute.▶ 22:46
- Back up Calle FeriaPast the Mercado de Feria and the Mudéjar church of Omnium Sanctorum.▶ 27:31
- Torre de los Perdigones and parkThe old shot tower, and a shady park with a big fountain to finish.▶ 36:56
Open this route in Google MapsWalking directions from Alameda de Hércules through the main landmarks. Our film takes a few extra turns.
What Las Setas actually is
Las Setas, “the mushrooms,” is the local nickname for the Metropol Parasol: six huge, waffle-patterned canopies rising over Plaza de la Encarnación. German architect Jürgen Mayer H. designed it, it opened in 2011, and it’s often described as the largest wooden structure in the world, roughly 150 by 70 meters across.
It works on four levels. Underground, the Antiquarium shows Roman and Moorish remains uncovered when the site was dug out. At street level there’s a market hall. Up the big stone staircase is a raised public plaza, free and open, where we filmed. On top is the paid rooftop walkway with views over the old town to the cathedral.
What the camera doesn’t tell you
We meant to be out the door at ten. We weren’t. By the time we reached the Roman columns at the bottom of the Alameda, the stone was already throwing heat back at us, and the only people moving with any purpose were the ones heading for shade.
Calle Regina saved us. In summer the street is roofed with white canvas sails, and the drop in temperature underneath is something you feel on your skin. ▶ watch at 10:11 Up on the Las Setas plaza, a man was pouring water from his bottle for a pigeon too hot to fly. ▶ watch at 14:15 Nobody stopped to watch. In Seville in August, it’s just what people do.
Midday on the steps of Las Setas. Look how short the shadows are.
Our honest tip: when it gets too much, step inside. The market hall under Las Setas is cool and quiet, and we ducked into the flamenco venue’s lobby for ten seconds of air conditioning we still talk about. ▶ watch at 20:35 Then we walked back up Calle Feria on the shady side to the old shot tower, and were indoors before the city went quiet for the afternoon.
How to walk Seville when it’s 40°C
- Go early, rest at midday, go back out late.Seville’s August highs sit near 40°C. We started late morning and could feel every minute of it. The city empties in the afternoon and comes back to life after dark.
- Walk under the canvas.Calle Regina and the main shopping streets are covered with white sun sails in summer. Plan your route through them.
- Pick the shady side of every street.Locals do it without thinking. In the film you can see almost everyone walking in a single file of shade.
- Duck inside when you need to.The market hall under Las Setas is cool and quiet, and it’s free to walk through.
- Save the rooftop for sunset.The Las Setas rooftop walkway is open until 12:30am. Late evening is cooler and the light is far better.
What it costs
| This walk: the Alameda, the streets and the Las Setas plaza | Free |
|---|---|
| Ice cream or a cold drink on Calle Feria | about €3 |
| Las Setas rooftop walkway, if you go up | from about €16 |
| Our apartment north of the old town | about €85 a night for two |
The whole filmed walk costs nothing. Ticket prices change, so check official sites before you go.
Where to stay for this walk
We rented an apartment a short walk north of the old town, for about €85 a night for two in August. That put the Alameda a few minutes away and Las Setas about twenty, close enough to get back for the midday break. Any of these works:
Summer tip: filter for air conditioning. A rooftop pool is a bonus you will use.
Tickets worth booking ahead
- Seville Cathedral and the Giralda€13 entry, plus €5 audioguide and €1 booking fee per person when we booked. Timed slots, so book online.Official site ↗
- Las Setas rooftop at sunsetSunset slots fill first. The general ticket lets you come back within 48 hours, subject to availability.Official site ↗
- Real AlcázarOne of the city’s most visited sights. Book a timed entry so you’re not waiting in the sun.Official site ↗
Questions people ask
Is Seville too hot to walk in summer?
It’s hot, close to 40°C in August, but walkable if you go early, use the shaded streets, rest in the afternoon and come back out after dark, the way locals do.
Is the Las Setas plaza free?
Yes. The big stone staircase and the raised plaza under the canopy are public and free. Only the rooftop walkway and the Antiquarium need tickets.
How long is this walk?
About 3.5 km. The film runs 41:30 from the first step to the shot tower, and you could do it in under an hour with stops.
Is the Las Setas rooftop worth it?
We stayed at plaza level this time, at the hottest hour of the day. If you go up, go near sunset: it’s cooler and the views over the old town are at their best.
Where should I stay to walk this route?
Just north of the old town, around the Alameda, puts the whole route on your doorstep. The Centro and Santa Cruz work too.
Facts and prices checked October 2026. Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check official sites before you go.
