In Seville during summer, it's blisteringly hot, even at night: temperatures don't drop until the early morning. So the only way to go is up – to the hotel rooftop bars, for their small-hours breezes, creative cocktails and stunning views.
As a bonus, some of these Seville institutions serve tapas and offer entertainment for the makings of a full night out. The opening hours below are for the summer season; however, they may vary, so do check in advance.
La Terraza-Bar, EME Catedral
The roof terrace bar at EME Catedral is the one that’s closest to the 500-year-old cathedral; it's situated opposite the north side with its in-your-face gargantuan flying buttresses. Choose from areas on various levels, the smallest of which seems within touching distance of the Gothic edifice.
Cocktails are pricey at €14 (this is a five-star establishment, after all); pick from classics like a Negroni or a Cosmopolitan, or try a Spritz Veneciano (bitters, cava and soda). You can also dine on a four-course set menu, with options like prawn ceviche, tuna loin, lamb chops and an orange tart for dessert. DJs spin tunes to a glamorous crowd on Fridays and Saturdays. Open noon-1am, to 2am Fri & Sat.
Puravida, Fontecruz Sevilla Seises
A beach-bar vibe pervades the spacious terrace at the Fontecruz Sevilla Seises, with its rustic cane roof and upcycled furniture. Sit on jazzy pallet sofas with pretty cushions for couply moments by the bar, or in the larger open space watch flamenco fusion groups perform at weekends, with the Giralda as spectacular backdrop.
The corner area with long white wall sofas has a Balearic seaside feel, and is great for groups. The eponymous house cocktail is a tropical mix of rum, orange juice, coconut and cinnamon, for €9. You can nibble on tuna with mango or seafood bruschetta. Open 5-11pm Mon-Thu, 3pm-2am Fri & Sat, 3-11pm Sun.
Terraza-Bar, Doña María
Winning the 'best Giralda view' award – bang opposite the minaret-turned-bell tower – this is one of Seville's most long-standing roof terrace bars, atop the old-school Hotel Doña María. Granted, the decor may have seen better days, but focus on the sunset – you’ll gasp in awe as the medieval brickwork turns glowing pink and orange. The excellent Cuban barman will make you a damn fine mojito (€9). Open noon-1am.
The Corner House
Hip hostel The Corner House in boho Alameda has the city’s prettiest rooftop bar. Decorated more as a lounge-garden, with beanbags, handmade wooden tables and a bower with climbing plants, it overlooks the area’s broad avenue with its classical statues, lines of trees and buzzy outdoor scene. The barman will mix you a mean Manhattan for €8, or an Aperol Spritz for €5 while you soak up alternative Seville. Open 5.30pm-1am Wed-Sun.
Roof, Casa Romana
With a young crowd and clubby decor, Roof at Casa Romanais another multi-level bar. Downstairs are sofas and wall seats, with sunshades stretched overhead, while the two upstairs areas catch more breeze on sweltering nights. A bonus is the view of the Metropol Parasol, the mushroom-shaped contemporary architectural landmark in Plaza de la Encarnación, lit up in colours at night. The mojito andaluz(€9) is a tasty combination of manzanilla sherry, mint, lime and ginger ale. Open 4-10 pm Mon-Thu, to midnight Fri-Sun.
La Terraza, Inglaterra
This is one of the city's more sophisticated bars, on the roof of the 170-year-old Hotel Inglaterra on Plaza Nueva. A long space stretching along the west side of the tree-lined square, its glass wall offers crystal-clear views of the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) opposite, as well as the cathedral.
The furniture is glamorously smooth and white, with sofas next to the lounge-style covered bar area, and chairs and high tables further away. Cocktails are €12 – try the award-winning Manilva or Trinity 2002 – and you can also order traditional tapas like salmorejo (similar to gazpacho) and tortilla. Look out for Live the Roof concerts over summer. Open 4pm-midnight, to 2am Fri & Sat.
Terraza Fulton, Palacio Alcázar
The roof of Hotel Palacio Alcázar is home to the smallest of Seville's terrace bars, with just 11 tables, and its most economically priced (cocktails €6.60). It’s also verdant, with oleanders and an olive tree giving it a cosy, romantic feel. This is the only rooftop bar where you can cop an eyeful of the crenellated walls and towers of the Alcázar, Seville's fortified royal palace where scenes from Game of Throneswere filmed, as well as the cathedral’s massive sacristy dome. Open 8am-midnight.
Level 5th, Ribera de Triana
Head across the river to the old ceramics and sailors’ quarter, where the modern Ribera de Triana Hotel has a corner terrace along the edge of its fifth floor overlooking the Río Guadalquivir and Triana Bridge, which is beautifully lit up at night. Don’t miss the caipirinhas made with Capacuna, a premium brand of the Brazilian spirit cachaça aged in casks from Islay – ask to see the bottle, with its curious wooden lid. Open 4pm-2am, to 4am Fri & Sat.
Terraza Sevilla Boutique, Eurostars
The best thing about the terrace at Eurostars Sevilla Boutique is the profusion of greenery on view from its highest point – next door’s garden is beautifully wild and rambling, a delightful sight in the heart of the city. As well as the upper area with its big comfy armchairs, there’s a larger lower terrace, all with Giralda views. Cocktails, €10, are served at your table, and you can also dine on classic Andalucian tapas of cold meats and cheeses. Open 6-11pm (to 12.45am Fri & Sat).