Sevilla is undeniably one of the dreamiest destinations.
PHOTO NADIA CHOWhen people think of Spain, they think of Sevilla. Seville is undeniably one of the dreamiest destinations in the world. There’s no shortage of rich cultural offerings resulting from centuries of Moorish, Christian, Jewish and Spanish interaction. We’ve managed to narrow down our 12 favorite must-do’s in Seville that you can’t miss.
1. Visit the Real Alcázar.
The Real Alcázar was an Islamic palace constructed by the Moorish kings after the Muslim conquest of Seville in 712. Since then the palace was conquered and adapted by kings of different religions, though Islamic influences are still the most noticeable. The Real Alcázar of Seville is one of the most magnificent constructions you will ever witness. I personally even prefer the Alcázar over the Alhambra in Granada.
Walking through the palace and the grounds is like a dream. You’ll feel like you’re in a Spanish love story as you pass colorful gardens, exquisite archways and high-vaulted ceilings. It’s no wonder the Alcázar is where “Game of Thrones” was filmed to depict the hot, passionate kingdom of Dorne. If that doesn’t convince you to go see it, I don’t know what will.
Get tickets online unless you want to stand in a line that stretches for miles outside every single day.
2. Look Inside La Giralda and the Cathedral.
La Giralda is the tall beautiful bell tower with Moorish and Renaissance designs next to the cathedral. It’s the most iconic image of Seville and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Until the construction of Sevilla Tower, buildings weren’t allowed to be taller than La Giralda in order to preserve the city’s skyline.
For 9€ visitors can enter the cathedral and the tower. The cathedral is also grand and very beautiful, with a patio with an orange grove and exquisite doorways. Also try to reserve tickets online to avoid super long lines in the sweltering Sevillian heat.
PHOTO NADIA CHO3. Casa de Pilatos.
Casa de Pilatos isn’t as well-known as La Giralda or the Real Alcázar. But it’s a beautiful gem that should be on everyone’s must-do list when in Seville.
Casa Pilatos is a casa palacio, a royal palace that still serves as the residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli. It was built in the 16th century in the style of Italian Renaissance and Andalusian architecture.
It’s a lot smaller than the Alcázar, but just as pretty and historic and takes much less time to see. The mansion is very romantic and it’s interesting to see the elegance of Spanish royalty in this day and age.
PHOTO NADIA CHO4. Eat churros at Bar El Comercio.
If Seville is the only stop you’re making in Spain, then you gotta get you some churros. Luckily there’s a place that fries churros the original way with really nice, authentic Spanish ambiance. Bar El Comercio is near the shopping district so it’s perfect for stopping by for a snack and coffee.
PHOTO NADIA CHO5. Go to Mercado Lonja del Barranco.
Mercado Lonja is Seville’s classy equivalent to Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel. Set in a similar pretty glass structure with tons of yummy tapas inside, it’s a playground for foodies. Inside you’ll find stands with jamón, oysters, wine, beer, desserts and creative Andalusian tapas.
My favorite stand is Salmorejos del Autor which provides mind-blowing variations of the cold tomato soup dish with surprising garnishes. It’s impossible not to end up with a plate full of bite-sized snacks and bruschettas as you walk around!
PHOTO NADIA CHO6. Shop in Mercado de Triana.
For a more traditional, neighborhood market vibe, Mercado de Triana is a great one. It’s not as flashy and curated as Mercado Lonja across the river. But it’s livelier with more stalls and different types of products like food, flowers, fresh fish, fruits, meat and more! It’s where local Sevillanos go to bond over beers and unpretentious tapas before, during and after work.
7. Go up the Metropol Parasol “Las Setas”.
Metropol Parasol is an ultra-cool, modern building, that’s also the largest wooden structure in the world. It was completed relatively recently in 2011 and shows a more modern, metropolitan side of Seville. It has the form of 6 mushrooms which is why it’s also known as “Las Setas” and features 4 levels of fun attractions.
The ground floor is the original site of Roman and Moorish ruins available for viewing. The first floor features the outdoor plaza with many restaurants and cafes to hang out in, as well as an indoor market selling stylish food products.
PHOTO NADIA CHO8. Stay at Corral del Rey boutique hotel.
Corral del Rey is without a doubt one of the most beautiful hotels you’ll ever stay in. It’s exquisitely designed in a cool, dreamy, minimalist style. Situated in the quiet Barrio Alfalfa, Corral del Rey is the perfect place to relax and get away from the ultra-touristy bits of Seville. It’s housed in a renovated casa palacio with warm, friendly service and lots of curated cultural tour offerings. Check out our exclusive feature on Corral del Rey for more information.
Photos: Coral del Rey/Wayne Chasan9. Have a drink by the river at sunset.
Walking along the river then sitting to have a drink during sunset is my personal must-do in Seville. The views of Seville’s charming skyline becomes even more enchanting at sunset and twilight. Taking in the sunset glow with a glass of wine with some olives is the perfect way to end a day in beautiful Seville. Thankfully this is easy with the many bars with outdoor seating right next to the river.
PHOTO NADIA CHO10. Get tapas at one of Seville’s many swanky restaurants.
There’s no shortage of swanky, cool restaurants in Seville. Around the cathedral the restaurants can feel like tourist traps but there are also some good ones tucked away among them. The ones that were often recommended to me were Ovejas Negras and Mamarracha which are right across from each other on Calle Hernando Colón.
PHOTO NADIA CHO11. Take a walk in the Jewish Quarter.
The Jewish Quarter is one of the prettiest, unique places in Seville. It’s quaint with narrow, winding roads and different colors. There are lots of low-key cafes and restaurants where one can sit and eat lunch or have a drink. The quiet, romantic and slightly somber vibe transports you back to Seville from a much older time.
PHOTO NADIA CHO12. Watch flamenco at the Museo del Baile Flamenco.
Word is the museum is a place where you’ll see some of the most authentic flamenco in Seville. The museum was opened by Cristina Hoyos, one of the most famous flamenco dancers in history. The museum is a school for aspiring flamenco dancers in Spain as well as an educational center for visitors to learn about the art form. It’s a special place where visitors can see and learn about the Andalusian dance from a very authentic perspective.
At the museum there are two live flamenco shows a night which visitors can reserve tickets to in advance. There’s also exhibitions, permanent and temporary, which showcase beautiful art showing flamenco dancers in different forms. As the capital of Andalusia, experiencing flamenco in Seville is a must. And there’s no place more comprehensive and authentic to do it and at the Museo del Baile Flamenco.
Facebook/Museo del Baile Flamenco, Cristina Hoyos, Sevilla
13. Go out to the bars and clubs around Alameda de Hércules.
Alameda is where the town’s locals go out for all-night fun and parties. It’s not as glitzy as around the city center, but there are a ton of bars and clubs all over. There are bars with different themes and vibes and all of them are usually packed on Friday and Saturday night. Every weekend night you’ll see droves of young people barhopping in the streets and having a good time. Alameda is loud, cracking and rowdy, which is perfect for those looking to stay out until the sun comes up.
14. Go watch a game of fútbol.
Real Madrid and Barca aren’t the only major soccer teams in Spain. Seville actually has two immensely popular La Liga teams: Sevilla FC and Real Betis.
Sevilla FC is one of the oldest football teams in Spain and the most successful team in Andalusia. Real Madrid team captain and my future husband, Sergio Ramos, started his career playing for Sevilla FC. Real Betis seems to be the underdog and their fan base is intensely loyal whether the team wins or loses. Sevilla FC and Real Betis have an intense rivalry which makes it really exciting to watch whenever they play against each other.
Each team has its own stadium in Seville which host many matches throughout the season. Check out each team’s website to see if there are any games happening during your time in Seville.
Facebook/Sevilla FC