Flamboyant, feisty, and exotic, escape to Seville. The city seduces from the first glance. The romantic capital of Andalusia blends history and passion and creates an irresistible touristic destination. From its historic quarters and extravagant cultural scene to exuberant festivals and an innovative culinary scene, Seville charms with an abundance of attractions and fabulous things to do.
The streets of Seville are adorned with breathtaking examples of Renaissance, Gothic, and Mudejar architecture. At every corner, you’ll discover Baroque churches, Moorish walls, and Roman ruins that only add to Seville’s beauty and charm. Follow a tour guide on the tiny cobbled streets of Barrio Santa Cruz to picturesque plazas, museums, and historical sights, and the locals to hole-in-the-wall bars to taste local beer and pamper your taste buds with delicious tapas.
Touristy Seville
The city is a resplendent Spanish gem that exudes history through all its pores. It’s enough to witness Plaza de España’s splendor to capture the city’s spirit. The square dates back to 1929 and is an important symbol of Seville. Framed by Renaissance and neo-Moorish buildings whose windows open onto a majestic fountain, the square is the perfect starting point for an incursion into Seville’s history.
Catedral de Sevilla is a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture and the third largest Christian church in the world. A gargantuan structure, the cathedral dates back to the 15th century and impresses not only with its overwhelming presence but also with superb cloisters and mesmerizing stained glass windows. Christopher Columbus has found his eternal rest within the walls of this sumptuous cathedral. La Giralda, once the minaret of the Great Mosque that occupied this site before the cathedral, offers superb views of the city’s rooftops at the end of a 35-ramp climb.
Witness the grandeur of Moorish architecture with a visit to the Reales Alcázares (Alcazar Royal Palace). This remarkable complex houses the most extravagant gardens in Seville and superb mudéjar artistry. Dedicate a few hours to this tour or at least make sure you don’t miss Jardin de las Damas and the Moorish Patio de las Doncellas.
Add Casa de Pilatos to your itinerary, if you want to admire an architectural masterpiece that combines decadent Moorish elements with a delicate Renaissance style. While the courtyard and rooms on the first floor remind of the Alhambra’s palace grandeur, the furnishings and sculptures from the upper floors and gardens are messengers of the elegant Renaissance era.
Museums often make an appearance on travelers’ must-see things in Seville, with Museo del Baile Flamenco standing out in the crowd. The museum familiarizes visitors with the history of flamenco illustrated through vibrant displays and flamenco shows. Museo de Bella Artes houses one of the most important art collections in the country, enchanting visitors with works from medieval times to the early 20th century.
The Guadalquivir River makes its way through the heart of Seville being the only navigable river in Spain. Don’t miss your chance to admire Seville from a boat or enjoy a longer cruise to the splendid Sanlucar de Barrameda.
Authentic Seville
The charming Barrio Santa Cruz buzzes with life and is one of the most beautiful districts in Seville. Crossed by narrow cobblestone streets and enliven by colorful old buildings, Santa Cruz is the perfect place to watch the world go by while sipping a café at one of the many sidewalk cafes or eating a tapa at a neighborhood tapas bar. The streets are crowded and loud, but this is all part of authentic Seville.
The tile quarter of Triana was once a working-class neighborhood, home to gypsies, sailors, artists, and bullfighters. It is situated across the river from Seville’s historic center and offers the opportunity to discover a less touristy and glamorous Seville. Here you’ll have the chance to enjoy tapas at a family-run tapas bar and find great hotel deals. The neighborhood is now vibrant and ready to entertain with a variety of performances and flamenco clubs.
The boho Macarena neighborhood evolved from one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city into a hip and trendy destination filled with cool bars and clubs and atmospheric restaurants. This is a favorite area to hang out for locals and the younger people lured by the cheap hotels and food spots and abundance of dance clubs, cocktail bars, and tapas bars.
Tourists may be satisfied with just a cruise along the Guadalquivir River, but locals love to make a splash into its waters. Swimming, windsurfing, and canoeing make for great ways for locals to spend the afternoons or weekends, while the Aquapolis waterpark adds more fun and a refreshing note to the hot Seville summers.
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