[views from various rooftop bars in Sevilla]

What better way to finish a great day in Sevilla than with a cocktail (or two) at a rooftop bar, looking out over the most beautiful city in Spain and contemplating the stars. Time was when rooftop bars were something of a rarity, or for guests only, but over the last few years a lot of hotels have cottoned on to the attractions of “drinks with a view” in comfortable surroundings, so now you have plenty of choice of where to go. Here are some of the best…

 

Hotel Doña Maria
Don Remondo 19

The oldest rooftop bar in Seville, and still one of the best, the Doña Maria has a split-level bar area next to a swimming pool with a great view across the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes to the Giralda tower. It has a more formal feel than some places, but drink prices are reasonable and it’s definitely worth a visit. Recently added clear railings have really opened up the view.
Doña Maria Hotel Website

 

Hotel Eme
Alemanes 27

The multi-level rooftop bar at Hotel Eme is certainly swish, and has the most “in your face” view of the cathedral in Sevilla. For my money it’s a bit pricey, and the service is slow and impersonal, but it’s popular with the “in-crowd”, and once you’ve settled down on a sofa or at one of the tables with your drink it’s a very pleasant spot.
EME Hotel Website

 

Hotel Casa Romana
Trajano 15

The split level rooftop terrace at Hotel Casa Romana, aptly named ‘Roof’, is a welcome addition to Seville’s “highlife”, with a cocktail and tapas bar, and even little binoculars on every table. Roof is something of an odd-man-out in this selection, because it’s the only one that doesn’t have a view of the cathedral. Instead you can look out over the Metropol Parasol (aka”The Mushrooms”) or at the view towards the Cartuja.
Hotel Casa Romana Website

Restaurante Cuna 2
Cuna 2

Another odd-man-out selection as this is the only of my choices that isn’t in a hotel. It’s the rooftop bar of a beautifully restored 4-storey mansion that was designed by the great Ánibal Gonzalez, and which now houses the latest addition to the successful small chain of restaurants run by the Baco Group. Wonderful blend of traditional and ultra-chic décor.
Baco Group Website

 

Palacio Alcázar
Plaza de la Alianza 11

A very nice little rooftop bar with a cosy atmosphere, plenty of greenery, and the obligatory view of the Giralda tower can be found in the recently opened Hotel Palacio Alcázar in the Plaza de la Alianza. The building has an interesting history, having once been the home and studio of John Fulton, an American matador and painter.
Palacio Alcázar Website

 

Hotel Inglaterra
Plaza Nueva 7

Only recently opened, the rooftop bar at the Inglaterra looks out over spacious Plaza Nueva to the Town Hall, the El Salvador church, and of course, the Cathedral and Giralda tower. The decor is “cleanline modern”, but comfortable, and the clear balcony railings add to its open feel and to the view.
Hotel Inglaterra Website

 

Hotel Fontecruz
Abades 41

Despite the increasing competition this is still my own personal favourite, with a fabulous panoramic view of the Cathedral and Giralda tower, comfy sofas, reasonable prices and good service, all tucked away in a quiet street in the Barrio Santa Cruz. What more could you possibly ask for? The only drawback is that it is closed during the winter months, so enjoy it while you can from May through October.
Hotel Fontecruz Website

 

[comfy sofas at the Fontecruz Hotel rooftop bar]