Welcome to Seville! Nowhere else in the world knows how to celebrate life quite like this passionate city. Romantic and lively, Seville’s combination of sumptuous food, breathtaking architecture and flamenco rhythm hits all the right notes. A visit to Seville is filled with the simple pleasures of life that will put a smile on even the weariest face.
When to Go
Sunny Seville is beautiful year-round, with high temperatures in the summer and mild temperatures in the winter. Travel in spring, as soon as the temperature begins to climb, for the best weather. You’ll also have the added bonus of enjoying two of the most popular fiestas in the city — the Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril.
Will the Real Alcázar Please Stand Up?
Seville is most recognizable for its collection of diverse architecture, which includes Moorish palaces, Gothic churches and ornate designs. The star of the show is the Plaza de España, an impressive brick structure featuring long, curving corridors, dizzying tile patterns and bubbling fountains. Next on the list is the Real Alcázar Palace, a royal residence that dates back to the seventh century and still occasionally hosts the Spanish royal family. Christian and Mudéjar influences decorate this stunning structure that includes open courtyards and large, ornate halls. Finally, spend a day marveling at the Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda, the largest Gothic building in Europe with more than 40 chapels on site.
Find Your Muse
Seville’s museum scene is a diverse treasure trove, with a spot for every taste and interest. For traditional art, visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, while contemporary fans should stop by the Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre. Dancers will appreciate the Flamenco Dance Museum and history buffs will satisfy their curiosity at the Museo de Castillo de San Jorge, a historical exhibit housed in the former headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. Finally, if you prefer to stay outside and enjoy the sunshine wander the Metropol Parasol, the world’s largest wooden structure, which offers five levels to explore and stunning views of the city from the top.
Feeling Shady
Seville’s many winding corridors find shade beneath palm trees and orange trees that give off an intoxicating scent. But if you need some more greenery, head to Maria Luisa Park. Here you’ll find long, shaded pathways, grassy meadows near ponds and the famed Plaza de América, flanked by museums and stunning gardens. If you need to get farther out of the city, head to the gorgeous Andalusian countryside, touring the quaint villages that dot the region, or to the coast, to seaside spots like Nerja that offer a quieter escape.
What to Eat
Tasty Tapas
If you’re a fan of flavor, you’ll love what Seville has to offer. A blend of spices come together in hearty dishes to fuel your Spanish fire. First off, let’s talk about tapas. Seville makes a strong case for having invented this small plates trend, and you’ll find yourself squeezing into many tapas bars, indulging in traditional dishes like salmorejo (cold tomato soup) and Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (Iberian ham). Stop at Casa Morales and El Rinconcillo (the oldest bar in the city) to compare plates. If you need a heartier meal, make your way to El 3 de Oro for some of the best paella in the city. Follow your meal with a good vermouth or sweet orange wine to cap off the night.
