No visitor to Spain can escape the charms of Seville, it’s fourth-largest city and the beating heart of Andalusia. As such, it is also a popular gateway to other must-visit cities like Granada, Cadiz, Cordoba and White Villages. No visitor to Spain can escape the charms of Seville, it’s fourth-largest city and the beating heart of Andalusia. As such, it is also a popular gateway to other must-visit cities like Granada, Cadiz, Cordoba and White Villages. Most travellers though, will find themselves bewitched by Seville’s charms itself. The city has a vibrant nightlife, great walking and a compact distance with attractions packed in it. It’s little wonder, then, that Lonely Planet has decided to name this stylish Spanish as the top city to see in 2018. Here are 10 places from my visit in Seville that I wholeheartedly recommend.
1) Visit Seville’s Cathedral
You’ll probably be impressed by the cathedral from the outside itself. It is argued to be the largest church in the world after all. As with many other popular cathedrals and churches in the Andalusian region, Seville’s cathedral was built atop a mosque in the 15th century. Inside, you’ll find the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, who died nearby bitterly ruing the lie that he had found a sea route to India and not discovered America. The tomb itself is marvellous and worthy of a sailor who founded the New World with four men representing the four regions of Spain carrying his tomb. The gold-bedecked central nave of the church is a testament to the riches that Spain had after colonising South America. Take a guide and spend more than an hour admiring this great cathedral.
2) Climb the Giralda for sweeping city views
The Giralda was originally a minaret but is now converted into a bell tower at the site of Seville’s cathedral. Don’t miss a chance to climb to the top of the tower to get a sweeping view of Spain’s fourth-largest city. Take time to admire the many bells at the top and look down at the gargoyles and other architectural delights of the cathedral from the top.
3) Explore the city’s Jewish quarter
It’s sadly been reduced to a tourist trap but a well-informed guide can show you the old houses and converted hotels that retain the old architectural style of the Jewish houses that once lived near the cathedral. Called Barrio Santa Cruz, the Jewish quarter is a fun way to spend some time once you’ve visited the Alcazar and the Cathedral.
4) Don’t miss the Alcazar
Located a stone’s throw away from the Cathedral, the Real Alcazar in Seville is a stunning example of the region’s mujedar style of architecture that combines the best of Islamic and Christian motifs. From the well-manicured gardens to the intricately designed rooms and important paintings that depict epic battles previous centuries, this is a place to linger at and savour at your own sweet pace. Game of Thrones fans will find additional happiness at seeing some of the shooting locales of the HBO series in real life.
5) Walk around in Plaza Espana
Plaza Espana is a must-visit for anyone who comes to Seville. Built in 1929 for the World Fair exposition, the huge plaza showcases Spain’s contribution to the world. The upper floors of the main building are now reserved for government officials but just outside it, you will find the coat of arms of every province in Spain on ceramic tiles, including those from the islands of Canaries. Travel right and make the most of this beautiful square.
6) Get lost in the narrow old town
Not to be confused with the Jewish Quarter, Seville’s narrow streets are accessible near its historic old town. The advantage is that you’re away from the touristy Jewish Quarter and in the heart of Seville’s oldest inhabited place. In fact, I stayed in this area and had a great time just getting lost in its narrow streets.
7) Eat the local specialties
Seville is a foodie paradise. Don’t come back without trying the tapas of the region. Other popular dishes include Secreto Iberico, the best melt-in-your-mouth pork you can have in Spain, traditional chickpeas and spinach called Espinacas can Garbanzos and Solomillo al Whiskey, the best whiskey sauce I’ve ever tasted.
8) Attend a flamenco show at night
Seville is the birthplace of flamenco so not watching a show here is sacrilege. There are many places that offer shows so there’s no dearth of places to choose from. I saw the show at El Palacio Andaluz for 19 euros and had a blast.
9) Learn about the city’s bullfighting history
The most cliched expression of Spain centers around its bullfighting history. In Seville, you can visit an actual bullring and learn more about this bloody sport. If you have your ethics cleared and can stomach the gore, you can even watch a bullfight on select days. All of this happens at the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza.
10) Don’t forget Torre del Oro
You can’t miss Torre del Oro if you’re taking the Guadalquivir river cruise (Tip: Don’t take it. It’s a boring, yawn-inducing 45-minute affair). The Torre del Oro was said to have been covered in gold when it was first made in the 13th century. Today, it’s a maritime museum with fascinating details and pictures about Spain’s New World discoveries. The view from the tower’s top is also something to marvel at.
If you’re done with these places, other interesting options include the Marie Luisa Park, Universidad de Sevilla, Casa de Pilatos and Archivo General de Indias (that covers West Indies actually).
What other places would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.
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