Photo by David Cogswell
The first time I heard about Seville, Spain was in my high school Spanish class. We were discussing La Feria de Abril, a week-long celebration full of parades, dancing and traditional Spanish costumes. I was instantly hooked. So when it came time for me to choose a location for my study abroad semester, there was no doubt about it: I was headed to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia.
Luckily my impulsive decision was not one I regretted, as I instantly fell in love with the southern Spanish city. And you know what? Everyone else I know who has traveled to Seville has loved it just as much as I did.
Ready to learn more? Immerse yourself in this brief snapshot of Seville, Spain. Just get ready to book a plane ticket when you're done!
Explore The Maria Luisa Park
Photo by Elliott Brown via Flickr
Maria Luisa Park is Seville's largest park. Its beautiful green lawns stretch parallel to the Guadalquivir River, and it's common to see tourists taking in the lush views and aromatic orange trees of the park via romantic horse and carriage.
The park is also popular amongst bikers, runners and those wishing to soak in a bit of Seville's history. On one end of the park you'll find Plaza de las Palomes, otherwise known as Plaza of the Doves. It's appropriately named after the many doves that call the square home. At the other end of the park is the grand Plaza de Espana, which is so impressive it gets its own bullet below.
Photograph The Plaza de Espana
This stunning renaissance plaza was built in 1928 right before the Ibero-American Exposition World's Fair. The plaza is a half circle, consisting of numerous buildings running around the edge and decorated in gorgeous tiles. The iconic moat in front of the plaza is a popular spot for taking photos and mingling.
Visit The Alcazar de Sevilla
Photo by Tomasz via Flickr
It would be a shame to take a trip to Seville and not witness the Alcazar. This 14th-century royal palace (previously a Moorish fort) is a stunning portrayal of the fusion of Islamic, Spanish, and Moorish cultures - a unique cultural element of Southern Spain. If on a time crunch it can be tempting to only admire the palace from the outside, but I recommend taking a moment to enter the Alcazar and tour the entire interior. Not only will you learn more about the Moorish Dynasty, you'll also get to experience the spectacular inner gardens.
Witness The Seville Cathedral
Photo by Arthur Chapman via Flickr
This majestic Catholic cathedral is one of the largest in the world, and in my opinion, is best admired at night. Additionally, a climb to the top of the Giralda, or the bell tower, affords astounding views of the city.
The Giralda was originally the minaret of the mosque that previously stood under Muslim rule. When the Spanish re-conquered Seville, they incorporated the minaret into the Seville Cathedral. History buffs will also be interested to know that the gothic-style cathedral holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Gorge On Tapas
Tapas is a Spanish tradition that has recently started to gain traction internationally. To best experience the culture of tapas, head to downtown Seville around 8 p.m. and get ready for some restaurant hopping. Typically you'll order one or two tapas for a group to share. The tapas should of course be accompanied by a local wine, sherry or beer.
Personal favorite tapas of mine were the eggplant with honey and Spanish tortilla. Sometimes tapas come complimentary with a drink. Consequently, as you order more drinks, your tapas become more elaborate. This style depends entirely upon the restaurant and is not to be expected everywhere.
Watch Free Flamenco at La Carboneira
Although it's just a 10-minute walk from the Seville Cathedral, La Carboneira isn't the easiest place to find. But one you arrive at the big red door, a large two-tiered bar packed full with mostly locals waits inside. The entrance to La Carboneira and the flamenco shows are free, although you are expected to buy something to drink once inside. The sangria comes highly recommended. As with many things in Spain, the show starts late, around 10 or 10:30 p.m. once the locals have finished dinner.
Get Lost
Photo by Maya Reyes via Flickr
The small alleyways and cobbled streets of Seville are perfect for spending a day just wandering around and seeing what you stumble upon. Allow yourself to put down the map and get wonderfully lost through Seville's picture-perfect neighborhoods. Spanish language skills are appreciated but not necessarily required.
Have you been to Seville? What was your favorite part of the city?
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