Sevilla Essentials: A Guide to Spain's Most Charming City

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Advisor - Maria Carolina
Curated By

Maria Carolina

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Couples Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Seville

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Sevilla Essentials: A Guide to Spain's Most Charming City
Curator’s statement

I first visited Sevilla a couple of years ago and honestly, every time I’m in southern Spain I find myself pulled back to this city. There’s something almost magical about it, whether you’re tucked into a tiny family-run tapas bar or standing in awe before the cathedral at sunset. There’s the perfume of orange blossoms in the air, and you hear flamenco from unexpected corners. Every time I return there’s another layer to discover, because Sevilla doesn’t just preserve its history, it lives it passionately and proudly. To know Sevilla is to understand the soul of Andalusia, and it will undoubtedly steal your heart.

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Where to stay in Sevilla

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Things to do in Sevilla

The intricate tilework of Plaza de España, one of Sevilla's most breathtaking landmarks, blending Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance influences.

  • Visit the Sevilla Cathedral and Giralda Tower: This is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and it’s every bit as magnificent as that sounds. Wear comfortable shoes for the upward climb of the Giralda—the views will be worth it.

  • Explore the Real Alcázar: This Moorish palace is pure enchantment, and a guided tour brings the history to life, but honestly, just wandering through the halls and gardens is enough to leave you in awe.

  • Stroll through Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa: There’s no better way to start your day than a morning walk through this romantic corner of Sevilla, where grand architecture meets peaceful gardens, making a picture-perfect backdrop.

  • Catch a Flamenco Performance: Skip the tourist traps and seek out the intimate neighborhood tablaos where locals gather, the raw emotion of a spontaneous flamenco performance is something to witness.

  • Visit Las Setas at Sunset: Head up during golden hour for the best sunset views, then stay as dusk falls and the Setas themselves transform into a luminous sculpture.

  • Wander the Barrio de Santa Cruz: Get delightfully lost in the old Jewish quarter’s labyrinth of narrow whitewashed streets and hidden plazas.

  • Cross the Guadalquivir River into Triana: Enjoy the promenade with views of Torre del Oro, and across the river, find a more local side of Sevilla in the vibrant Triana neighborhood where performers, artists, and artisans reside.

Places to eat & drink in Sevilla

Drinks at Terraza del Eme. this is the view that makes every evening in Sevilla feel like a dream.

Tapas

  • El Rinconcillo: Sevilla’s oldest bar (since 1670) with a timeless atmosphere, essential for traditional tapas and a taste of history.

  • Bodega Dos de Mayo: A beloved local bodega with fantastic montaditos and an authentic vibe, perfect for people-watching.

  • Catalina La Barra: A chic spot in Santa Cruz serving tapas with a modern twist, perfect for an elevated small plates experience but still totally unpretentious.

  • Seis Tapas: Inventive tapas that play with Andalusian flavors in unexpected ways, great for adventurous eaters looking for a modern take on classics.

Drinks

  • Terraza EME: The rooftop bar with the best view in Sevilla, overlooking the cathedral at sunset, come for cocktails and stay until dark to see the Cathedral glow.

  • Hotel Inglaterra: The rooftop terrace offers sweeping cathedral views and excellent cocktails, a sophisticated spot for sunset drinks before dinner.

Dinner

  • La Quinta Brasería: Contemporary Spanish cuisine in a stylish setting, ideal for a proper sit-down dinner.

  • Río Grande: Right on the river with stunning views of Triana and the Torre del Oro—come for the paella and romantic waterfront views!

  • El Pintón: A trendy, eclectic space with globally-inspired small plates and natural wines, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner with refined cooking.

  • Casa Ozama: An elegant spot for signature cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in one of Sevilla’s most beautiful settings, a stunning 1912 modernist villa, with a lively atmosphere in the evenings.

Need to know

  • Timing is everything: Sevilla is magical year-round, but summers are brutally hot. Spring and fall offer perfect weather, though spring brings the spectacular Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. Book well in advance if visiting during these times.

  • Embrace the Spanish schedule: Lunch happens around 2–3 pm. Dinner rarely starts before 9 pm, and many shops close for siesta in the afternoon. You can’t fight it, so just adapt to the rhythm.

  • Walk everywhere: The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes for those cobblestone streets, and don’t be afraid to get lost in the narrow lanes.

  • Book ahead for major sites: Buy tickets online in advance for the Alcázar and Cathedral to skip the long lines, and choose early morning or late afternoon slots when possible.

Advisor - Maria Carolina

Travel Advisor

Maria Carolina

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