Sevilla
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Sevilla, also known as Seville, is the capital city of the Andalusia region of Spain. Famous for its culture, monuments, traditions, and artistic heritage, Sevilla is a city to put on your list whilst in the country. This very sunny European city’s Moorish architecture is best appreciated during the cooler months, when there are milder temperatures and fewer people.
Travel tip #1: Sevilla’s stunning architecture and laid-back vibes make it a popular tourist destination. It’s best to travel here during low season to avoid high temperatures and large crowds. If visiting in December and January, the orange trees throughout the city bear fruit—a pretty sight indeed.
Places of Interest
Real Alcázar de Sevilla: This royal palace was built for the Christian King Peter of Castile. It is historically known as al-Qasr al-Muriq and emulates Moorish influences throughout the grounds. Entrance is free if you visit on a Monday, but otherwise book tickets ahead of time via the official website. I recommend starting your day here, as the line does get long.
General Archives of the Indies: The building is an immaculate example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, which was designed by Juan de Herrera. It houses some of Spain’s most valuable documents that reflect Spanish history in the Americas and Asia. The entire museum is in Spanish.
Sevilla Cathedral and La Giralda: The Giralda is the bell tower of the Sevilla Cathedral. You can walk up the 33 floors to the top of the bell tower to see a view of the city. While it is a nice view, I cannot imagine embarking on that hike in the Spanish summer heat.
Plaza de España: My favorite area in Sevilla, this plaza is bursting with vibrant ceramic tiles and architecture. Flamenco performances can be watched here, as well as people playing the guitar. The main cities in Spain are featured along the wall.
Setas de Mirador: This huge wooden structure looks like a big mushroom. During the day, you can see the city from above. At night, the structure lights up and you can partake in an immersive experience. Purchase tickets ahead of time online to snag a time slot.
Puente de Isabel II: The Puente de Isabel II Bridge (Puente de Triana or Triana Bridge) connects the Triana neighborhood with the center of the city. It crosses the Canal de Alfonso XIII.
Travel tip #2: Catch a flamenco show or visit the Flamenco Museum while in Sevilla! Alternatively, head to Casa de Pilatos or the Ceramic Museum to learn more about Sevilla’s artistic history.
Food and Drink
Jester: Smoothies, smoothie bowls, and juices. As a Southern California native, the fruit in Spain reminded me of home in the best way. Definitely head here for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. They offer take-away, as well.
Mercado de Triana: The local public market in Sevilla—great for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Not as large as La Boqueria in Barcelona, but a good place for a coffee or snack.
La Moderna: Located along the street leading to La Giralda and the Alcazar in the Santa Cruz District, La Moderna is a super cute corner cafeteria and restaurant. I stopped here for a morning coffee, which was lovely in the Sevilla sunshine.
Los Coloniales: A very popular spot tucked away amongst cobblestone streets and quaint shops. If you put your name down for a table, it’s best to wait around until your name is called, as they will take you off the list if you’re not present when they call your party.
Taberna del Areno: Taberna del Areno is a casual restaurant for lunch, serving Spanish tapas and different wines. The mushrooms with ham were really great. Showing up before 1:30 pm is best to avoid a long wait.
Bar Pelayo: This place is pretty big in size and can accommodate larger parties. They serve Spanish cuisine, but a bit more elevated. Their octopus was yummy!
Kukuchurro: Giant, fluffy churros with chocolate! This place has great reviews online, and I found it quite tasty, too. Many people start their day off with this dish, but ending your day with churros con chocolate isn’t a bad idea, either.
Llaollao: A popular frozen yogurt chain. Although I’m not big on chain restaurants and eateries, it was nice to finally find a froyo spot rather than indulge in gelato or ice cream. The smallest size was a good portion.
Travel tip #3: Tapas bars and restaurants seem to get busy around 7:00 pm. If you’re keen on eating around then, be prepared to wait. Similarly, most eateries and businesses close between 4-7 pm in Spain, so plan accordingly.
Transportation and Accommodation
Once in the Santa Cruz District or Triana neighborhood, the city of Sevilla is fairly walkable. It can be a bit difficult to walk around due to the uneven cobblestone ground, though. Horse-drawn carriage tours are a popular option for tourists, but I don’t really support this method of transportation. There are buses and a tram which connect various parts of the city to the center. If taking a train from Madrid to Sevilla, you will arrive at Santa Justa Station where a taxi can be taken to the city center for 6-10 EUR.
I stayed in a hotel in the Santa Cruz District, which made my three nights in Sevilla really convenient! It was great to be able to pop in and out of the hotel during the day, as the Santa Cruz District is central to many sights, restaurants, and bars. I recommend staying in this area of this city. It can get a bit loud if you’re staying on a main street, but the smaller side streets are good for less noise and more privacy.
Travel tip #4: Day trips can easily be taken from Sevilla to other areas of Andalusia. Cadiz, Cordoba, and Malaga are all viable options.
Climate
The climate of Sevilla is typically defined as being Mediterranean. However, summers can be extremely hot—comparable to that of Africa. It is best to avoid the city during these months because it can be very uncomfortable. Fall and spring are best, but I visited in late December and found the weather very nice. Sevilla is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe, making it a popular destination throughout the year.
