Seville is one of the most gorgeous, tranquil places I visited while being abroad in Europe. During my stay, I thought to myself, “how did I not know about this place earlier?”
The city is full of kind people who are interested in your life as a foreigner, your experiences in Sevilla, and your overall journey.
Below is a list of activities I partook in during my stay in Seville. Just for clarification, I visited for a weekend during the springtime (not spring break) during the off-peak season. So experiences may vary if you decide to go during the peak travel seasons such as summer, spring, and winter break, etc. However, I believe there won’t be an issue with overtourism since Seville isn’t as popular as Madrid or Barcelona (though it should be… but at least you will be away from crowds and have great photo opportunities!).
Watch my Video Diary on YouTube to see Sevilla through my eyes! ✨
1. Oldest Tapas Bar: El Rinconcillo
What’s a trip to Spain without divulging in tapas? El Rinconcillo is the oldest tapas bar in not just Seville, but all of Spain. The history of this restaurant dates back to 1670 (older than the United States of America) and is still serving delicious, tasteful Spanish cuisines.
photo credit: https://www.minube.net/place/el-rinconcillo-restaurant-a78902
2. Flamenco Show: Museo del Baile
Watch a live Flamenco show at Museo del Baile! The museum was built in the 18th century, detailing flamenco art, history, and culture. You are not allowed to record or use your phone during the performance. This is to encourage you to take in the beauty (and maybe crush on one of the dancers) and truly appreciate the art behind flamenco dancing.
After the show, you can head to the gift shop to bring back a souvenir from the trip!
Photo credit: Museo del Baile https://tickets.museodelbaileflamenco.com/
3. Royal Alcázar de Seville
The Royal Alcázars of Seville is a royal palace built for king Peter of Castile. This palace is a combination of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic art elements. You will see lots of Islamic and Christian culture in several rooms! How cool is that?
To this day, royal rooms are being used, making the Royal Alcázar the oldest active royal palace in Europe.
This destination was one of the most unforgettable. Once you enter, it feels like you’ve entered several different civilizations and dynasties. For my Mexicans out there, you can see how influential the Spanish were; from the color scheme to the decorative patterns, it will surely bring you back to your homeland.
The history of the Royal Alcazar is intriguing and I encourage you all to read more about the creation and meaning of the palace here.
You might also find some royal peacocks during your visit!
Images from my vlog on YouTube!
4. Guadalquivir River, Seville
Fun fact, the word Guadalquivir was derived from the Arabic term, وَادِي الكَبِير (wādī l-kabīr,), literally meaning “the great river.” The Guadalquivir river is the 2nd largest river in Spain and is significant to Spanish history.
On the opposite side of the bridge (refer to the image below) is the town of Triana. There you can visit more shops and restaurants where locals go to pass time.
I highly recommend a guided cruise of the river or kayak! If neither suits you, nothing beats a stroll along the riverbank (which is what I did).
5. Plaza de España
Plaza de España is definitely a place you don’t want to miss. It is the most beloved square in Seville to visit! You can see architectural styles like Baroque, Renaissance, and Moorish.
You can see benches and morals dedicated to each city in Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Andalucia, etc.,), where many locals (and tourists) take pictures to represent their town!
6. Giralda Tower
Ah, yes. A staple to Spanish cities: Cathedrals. The Giralda Tower is without a doubt the face of Sevilla.
Fun fact, the Giralda Tower used to be part of a mosque. The origin of the Giralda Tower is very interesting. During the Ahomad period, it was decided that there should be a mosque in Seville and make it the designated image of the city.
After the Arabs left the region, the mosque then turned into a church. The Christians had a bell implemented as well as a cross.
Another fun fact, there is an Arabic inscription on top of a column capital at ramp #22 saying, “In Allah’s name, Allah’s blessing for the Iman, serf of Allah, al-Hakam al-Mustansir billah, Prince of the Believers (Seville Traveler: The Giralda Tower is the Symbol of Seville). The Islamic influence still heavily remains.
I didn’t get to enter the tower, but it is highly recommended! If I could go back, I would’ve scheduled a tour to learn more about the origins and how it became to be the representation of Seville.
7. Metropol Parasol/Setas de Sevilla
Ever wanted to be under a mushroom? Well, now you can! Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden structure in the world… and it’s in Seville to see! It was designed by a German architect and was completed in 2011.
I stumbled upon the Mushrooms of Sevilla after finishing a flamenco show nearby. You can also go to the very top of the mushroom to snap to DIE for shots of Seville. At night you can see the lights turn on and change colors.
8. Barrio Santa Cruz/Jewish Quarter
The Barrio Santa Cruz is the oldest neighborhood in the city. It is formally known as the Jewish Quarter of Seville. This is a great experience to explore Jewish history in Spain.
“What? There is even Jewish history in Spain?” Yes!
There is a dark history of the Jewish Quarter in Seville. Around the mid-12th century, the Christians invited Jews with open arms after they conquered the city. The Jewish population helped by giving any sort of assistance and money. However, once the Christians realized they no longer needed the Jewish, relations were troubling. Hatred continued to foster within the walls of the neighborhood and numerous Jewish lives were lost due to constant attacks and battles.
Many fail to believe in the horrible past and history of Seville, especially in this small neighborhood. Its demeanor and charm are what bring visitors to visit the Jewish Quarter.
You can expect to see small shops and restaurants when walking through the entire community. Here is a link to learn more about the history of the Jewish Quarter in Sevilla.
9. Barrio de Triana
The time I went to go visit Mercado de Triana, many of the shops inside were closed due to COVID. However, now that it is 2022, I believe the majority of them should be open.
I still enjoyed my time at Triana which is across the bridge under the Guadalquivir river. This neighborhood is a perfect opportunity to blend in with locals and eat local! Food was fairly priced and enjoyable, and the people were extremely kind.
I recommend walking around Triana if you have time in your itinerary!
Did I leave anything out? Feel free to comment anything that you believe should have made it to the list!