Sevilla
Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. It’s a perfect mix of stunning architecture, incredible food, and relaxed Andalusian charm. There are architectural masterpieces like the Gothic cathedral, Alcázar palace with its Moorish courtyards and gardens, and the Plaza de España. Beyond the monuments, the atmosphere creates an experience that feels both grand and intimate, where you can lose yourself in centuries of history while savoring the simple pleasures of having a glass of wine and some jamon and cheese at one of the many small tapas bars.
Overview
Stay
Hotel Boutique Casa del Poeta Sevilla (luxury boutique)
Hotel Rey Alfonso X (mid-range)
- Suites Murillo Catedral (aparthotel)
Explore
Real Alcázar
The Seville Cathedral and Giralda
Plaza de España
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Metropol Parasol
Triana neighborhood
Flamenco show
Eat
Bar El Comercio – churro con chocolate
Abaceria del Postigo
Petit Comité Sevilla
Mercado de Triana
Bar Alfalfa
El Rinconcillo
Bodega Santa Cruz
Bar Postiguillo Tapas
Bodega San José 1893
Where to Stay
If it’s your first time in Sevilla, you should definitely stay in the historic city center. The neighborhood of Barrio Santa Cruz is very charming, with narrow cobblestone streets and close proximity to many restaurants and cafes. It’s also adjacent to the Cathedral and Real Alcázar de Sevilla, which makes it extremely convenient.
Depending on your budget and preference, I’ve listed three good options.
Hotel Boutique Casa del Poeta Sevilla (luxury boutique)
Hotel Rey Alfonso X (mid-range)
- Suites Murillo Catedral (*aparthotel)
Note: “Aparthotels” are common in Europe. They are basically like AirBnbs, but managed by a company and not an individual, thereby making them a more reliable option.
Things to Do
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex of palaces is in the Mudéjar style, which is an architectural style with many influences from Moorish and Christian culture. The craftsmanship is truly magnificent. A fun fact is that Game of Thrones shot their scenes of Dorne (season 5) here.
Buy your tickets in advance to skip the massive line and secure your entry time.
The Seville Cathedral and Giralda
Officially named Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, it’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on the site of a former Moorish mosque in the 15th century, it has over 80 chapels, an altarpiece that took 82 years to complete, and, most famously, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, whose remains were transported from Cuba in 898 and reportedly rest there. Climb the Giralda’s 35 ramps (no stairs — it was designed so the muezzin could ride up on donkeys or horseback). At the top is the bell tower where you can get great views of the city.
Buy your tickets in advance to skip the long line and secure your preferred entry time.
Plaza de España
Designed by Aníbal González and built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, it combines elements of Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles, showcasing intricate tilework, graceful bridges and stunning architecture. The plaza’s semi-circular shape represents Spain embracing its former colonies, with a canal symbolizing the ocean connecting Spain to the Americas. The canal has small gondola-style boats you can row yourself. The plaza is adorned with over 7,000 colorful ceramic tiles, depicting historical events, provinces of Spain, and scenes from Spanish literature and mythology. Fun fact: it served as the backdrop for in the Star Wars saga as the location of Theed on the planet Naboo.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
The old Jewish quarter is a labyrinth of whitewashed alleys, orange trees, flower-draped balconies, and hidden plazas. It’s perfect for wandering without a map — stumbling upon tapas bars and courtyards is half the pleasure. Plaza de Doña Elvira is a particular gem.
Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de Sevilla)
The largest wooden building in the world, this undulating mushroom-shaped canopy rising out of the old quarter is both bizarre and beautiful. The rooftop walkway at sunset may be the best panoramic view in Seville, with a 360-degree perspective over the old city. There’s also an archaeological museum underneath it where Roman ruins were discovered during construction.
Triana Neighborhood
Triana is across the Guadalquivir river and is historically the home of flamenco, bullfighters, and ceramics artisans. Visit the Mercado de Triana, a covered market built atop the ruins of the Castillo de San Jorge (an Inquisition prison). It’s also the best place in Seville to buy authentic local crafts.
Flamenco Show
Flamenco originated in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, with Seville widely considered its birthplace. It developed from a fusion of Gitano (Roma), Moorish, and Jewish influences.
Where to Eat
There are so many great tapas bars to choose from, so my best advice is to walk around and choose a restaurant that is busy and has a vibe you like. On our first night in Sevilla, it was a rainy weeknight, so not many people were out. As we were walking around, we noticed Abaceria del Postigo. It was full of people that seemed to be enjoying themselves, so we decided to give it a try. After waiting 10 minutes, we were seated at the counter/bar. It turned out to be a great choice — delicious tapas, great wine, lively relaxed vibe, and reasonable prices. Pictured: jamon & cheese, sausages, sardines with honey over toast, caprese, and grilled duck.
If you want a break from tapas, give Petit Comité Sevilla a try. They serve Spanish-French cuisine in a cozy intimate dining room. One of their signature dishes is the octopus, paired with truffled Parmentier and egg yolk. We also got the croquettes of shank and truffles, the burrata salad, and the beef with potatoes and barbeque butter. Everything was delicious!
The Mercado de Triana is definitely worth a visit. Not only are there produce stalls with fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats, but they also have delicious prepared foods, ceramics, and other souvenirs. It’s a nice place to grab a snack — we stopped by Jamonería Jose Luis Romero for a snack and got some fresh oysters and sangria.
.
