Is it your first time at Seville’s Feria de Abril and you’re not quite sure where to start? Does everything sound like rebujito, private casetas, and dances you don’t know how to dance?
Don’t worry! we’ve all been there.
To help you make the most of it, We’ve put together this guide with the best tips for navigating the April Fair, especially if you’re visiting from out of town or aren’t very familiar with the tradition.
From what to wear to how to get around el Real or how to get into a caseta, this article will help you avoid common mistakes…. and enjoy the fair the way it deserves to be experienced.
When Is the Feria de Abril Held?
The April Fair doesn’t have fixed dates each year, as it always takes place two weeks after Easter.
It lasts a full week, from Saturday to Saturday, although in recent years it officially kicks off on Saturday night with the alumbrado, when the thousands of lights across the fairgrounds are switched on.
10 + 1 Tips to Enjoy Seville’s April Fair Without Stress
If you want to experience it like a local, not just as a tourist, here are our top tips:
1. Learn a few basic sevillana steps
You don’t need to be a dance expert to enjoy the Feria de Abril, but knowing the basics of sevillanas will definitely help.
You’ll see everyone dancing in the casetas, and sooner or later, someone will invite you to join in.
And believe me, you don’t need to be perfect, just keep the rhythm, do a few graceful turns, and you’re set.
Watch a quick YouTube video before coming or ask someone to show you the simple steps.
The key is to have fun, not to impress.
And if you mess up the steps? Just smile and keep going, here, it’s all about joy and good vibes.
2. Dress with style but keep it fair-appropriate
If you’re a woman and have the chance to wear a flamenco dress, go for it. But if not, a nice colorful dress will do just fine.
For men, long pants, a shirt, and decent shoes are the way to go. No flip-flops, sports gear, or beachwear.
It’s not about being fancy. It’s about respecting the tradition. Looking your best is part of the experience and adds to the festive atmosphere.
Extra tip: wear something light and breathable. April in Seville can get very hot. And yes, a fan is a good idea, for everyone, not just the ladies.
3. Always carry some cash
While more places now accept cards, many casetas still operate on a cash-only basis.
Also, there aren’t many ATMs in el Real, and the few that exist often have long lines—or might not work at all.
So it’s best to bring some small bills from the start.
You don’t need to carry large amounts; some €5 and €10 notes will get you through most situations.
It’s also handy to have coins for public restrooms or tipping if you get great service at a caseta.
A little preparation goes a long way.
4. Go with a local if you can
One of the most confusing things for first-timers is that many casetas are private. You can’t just walk in unless you’re invited.
So if you have a friend or acquaintance from Seville, go with them. It makes all the difference.
If you don’t know anyone, no worries: there are also public casetas hosted by districts and organizations that are open to everyone.
Still, it’s not quite the same.
So if you do have a chance to attend with a local, don’t think twice. The experience will feel much more authentic, and you’ll be welcomed like one of their own.
5. Use public transport or a taxi to get there
Driving to the fair is a bad idea, plain and simple. Parking near el Real is nearly impossible, and if you do find a spot, it’ll likely be far away or expensive.
Traffic in the area is chaotic, especially at night and on weekends.
The easiest way to get there is by public transport.
During the fair, special bus lines drop you off near the entrance, and the metro is a convenient option if your accommodation is well connected.
Taxis and rideshare apps are another alternative, though wait times can be longer during peak hours.
If you’re staying nearby, walking is great but remember you’ll have to walk back… and tired feet feel even heavier on the way home.
6. Eat something before and during the fair
One of the most common mistakes first-timers make is drinking without eating.
And with that cold rebujito and the festive atmosphere, things can quickly get out of hand.
So before heading to the fair, have something solid a sandwich, some tortilla, whatever you have on hand.
Once inside el Real, take the chance to enjoy some typical tapas like Spanish omelet, cured ham, cheese, montaditos, or a plate of pescaíto frito (fried fish).
Food isn’t just about “soaking up the drinks” it’s a big part of the Feria experience. Don’t go on an empty stomach and take your time to enjoy it.
You’ll thank yourself later and your body will too. Because let’s be honest, it’s hard to dance on an empty stomach.
7. Be polite in the casetas
If you’re lucky enough to be invited into a private caseta, remember that you’re stepping into a space someone has put together with care and effort.
It’s not just another bar. It’s more like being invited into someone’s home.
So first things first: greet everyone, say thank you, and behave respectfully.
Don’t just walk in like it’s a public venue or start asking for things without being offered. If you see people already eating or gathered in a group, wait to be introduced.
And if someone offers you something even just a glass of rebujito, accept it politely.
Good manners go a long way at the Feria.
Sometimes a simple “gracias” or “this place looks amazing!” opens more doors than anything else.
And if you’re respectful and kind, there’s a good chance you’ll be invited back.
8. Don’t rush and don’t try to see it all
One of the most common mistakes? Trying to do everything in one day: every caseta, every dance, every corner.
But the Feria isn’t about that.
This is a place to enjoy at your own pace, to soak in the atmosphere, not check things off a list.
What makes the Feria de Abril so special is that it’s okay to spend an hour in one caseta just chatting, laughing, or watching others dance.
Every moment has its own charm, and there’s no “perfect plan” to follow.
If you stress about seeing everything, you’ll end up exhausted and miss the joy of the moment. So focus on having fun with the people you’re with, enjoy the food, dance a bit, and let the day unfold naturally.
Because at the Feria, like in life, the best moments happen when you stop rushing.
9. Wear comfortable shoes even if you’re dressing up
You’ll be walking, dancing, standing for hours, and moving across albero, that yellow sand that gets everywhere. So no matter how stylish you want to look, don’t sacrifice your feet for fashion.
If you’re a woman wearing a flamenco dress, go for shoes with a thick heel and comfort.
Otherwise, you’ll be barefoot before sunset.
If you’re a man, skip the brand-new shoes that pinch. Choose a pair that’s already broken in and can handle a long day on your feet.
The ground is uneven, the distances are longer than they seem, and bad footwear can ruin your day (and your week).
Find a balance: dress well, yes but think of your feet too.
10. Enjoy the Feria your own way, don’t compare yourself to others
There’s no single “right” way to enjoy the Feria de Abril.
Some people dance until sunrise, others just go for lunch with friends. Some spend the whole week at el Real, others pop in for a couple of hours here and there. All of it is valid.
The key is to have fun at your own pace, without pressure and without trying to copy what everyone else is doing.
If you feel like dancing! dance.
If you’d rather sit and chat in a caseta, that’s great too.
If you’re tired! go home.
Simple as that.
Trying to keep up with everyone else or comparing yourself will only leave you burnt out.
Bonus tip: if you’re going with kids, the Feria is for them too
The Feria isn’t just for adults.
There are areas designed with children in mind, and with a bit of planning, it can feel like a magical celebration for them too:
- Go in the morning or around midday: there are fewer people, it’s not as hot, and the vibe is calmer. It’s the best time to go as a family.
- Walk through Calle del Infierno: this is the funfair zone. You’ll find everything from Ferris wheels to bounce houses and rides for all ages. It can be noisy and a bit pricey, so it’s a good idea to set limits.
- Bring water, snacks, and sun protection: it can get very hot, and with so much going on, it’s easy for kids to get dehydrated or tired.
- Look for family-friendly or public casetas: some offer kids’ activities or simply have a more relaxed environment.
- Don’t stretch the day too long: if you’d like to stay longer, bring a stroller or arrange for someone to take the little ones home when they start to get tired.
With a little preparation, the Feria can become a wonderful memory for your children, too.
And watching them take in the lanterns, the colors, and the music? Priceless.
Make the Most of Seville with Sazón The Folk Cook
Now you know how to enjoy the Feria like a true local, but if you really want to taste Seville the way locals do, Sazón The Folk Cook makes it easy.
Discover unique culinary experiences in Seville inside the homes of local hosts who cook with heart, with heritage, and that homemade flavor you just won’t find in a restaurant.
Enjoy an authentic Andalusian menu, a dinner in a historic patio in the city center, or cool off with lunch in a house with a pool.
Because a great Feria is all about dancing, but also about eating well. And if it’s around a table, surrounded by genuine people… even better.
Book your experience and savor Seville with real soul.
