A Mini Guide: What to See, Eat + Do in Seville, Southern Spain
Seville is one of Spain's most culturally rich, colourful and lively cities. Consisting of internationally recognised architecture, brightly painted streets and a vibrant food scene there can be a lot to fit into one weekend or know where best to spend your time. During my short birthday trip in early October, we stumbled across pretty courtyards overflowing with wine bars and the sound of flamenco dancing drifting through the air. Seville has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty to see, do and eat.
To Eat
Terres Y Garcia - A contemporary restaurant serving a mixture of Spanish and Mediterranean dishes such as tapas-style starters, pizzas and grilled meats. I am not typically a massive fan of classic Spanish dishes as they tend to be meat-based but Terres Y Garcia has a wide variety of options and by far the best Patatas Bravas I have ever had in Spain. The drinks menu offers cocktails and local wines and the setting feels Scandinavian with a lively vibe.
El Pinton - The prettiest restaurant we visited during our time in Seville it has outdoor seating, an indoor courtyard area and a smaller intimate dining room at the front. The food is just as appealing with Burrata salad, grilled fish and steaming hot muscles on the menu making it the perfect spot for lunch after visiting the Cathedral.
Filo - A more casual option, if you are looking for lunch or breakfast around the Cathedral, Filo offers a freshly made selection of sandwiches, Acai bowls, smoothies and coffee with boho interiors.
Sibuya - If you are after Sushi while in Seville restaurant Sibuya it is by far the best place to go. The concept of the menu is to create sushi that is innovative and unique by mixing flavours and cooking methods not seen in traditional Japanese restaurants. I would highly recommend the butterfish flaming roll or the 'special' salmon nigiri.
Placiodo y Grata - A restaurant and concept store with a mixed menu of dishes such as Tuna Tataki, Octopus leg or Spanish cannelloni. The vibe is relaxed so you can sit in for just a drink from the wide selection of local and European wines or beers. The interiors feel Scandinavian and the ceramics, wines and glassware are available to buy from the store.
Are you looking for more European weekend breaks?
Check out 48 Hours in Tallinn Estonia + A Road Trip from Krakow to Wroclaw Poland!
To Drink
Bar La Tradicional - The ideal place for an afternoon drink on a cute traditional street close to the Cathedral. The menu focuses on local wine and beers with a small selection of Tapas to have alongside your drink of choice.
Hotel Inglatterra - With views of the city and Cathedral the rooftop bar of Hotel Inglatterra is expensive but well worth one drink while you overlook Seville.
La Revolea - A go-to bar if you are spending some time around the shopping district. There's a mixture of indoor and outdoor tables scattering the street with plenty of street performers strolling around for some live music.
To See
Watch a Flamenco Show - The highlight of my time in Seville has to be the traditional flamenco show at La Casa del Flamenco. Originally from southern Spain, there is nothing better than a pre or post-dinner show in a small courtyard venue with live music, singing and traditional dancing. Tickets are €20, the performance lasts 1 hour and seating is done on a first come first serve basis so arrive early for a front-row seat.
Ticket: €20/£17.50
The Real Alcazar - Originally built by the Islamic rulers of the region in the 10th century and later enhanced by the Catholic monarchs of Spain, the Real Alcázar de Sevilla is one of the world’s best examples of Mudéjar architecture. Consisting of a number of beautiful buildings, courtyards and large botanical gardens expect to spend at least 1.5 hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. There are plenty of guided or self-guided tours with free tickets available on Mondays.
General Admission: €14.5/£12.50
Cathedral of Seville - Set in the heart of the city the Cathedral of Seville is spectacular and dominates the skyline. The cathedral is enormous with many areas open to the public including the tower Giralda which can be climbed to get to the bells with views of the busy streets below.
General Admission From: €12/£12.5
Setas de Sevilla - While sights from the Giralda tower are good they are slightly restricted so head to Setas de Sevilla for full 360° views of the city. The structure was built in 2011 with the purpose to create a link between two areas while creating a shade to be used freely by the public.
General Admission From: €5/£4.30
Plaza de España - Also known as the Venice of Seville the Plaza de Espana was designed by Aníbal González for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 to show off Spain’s accomplishments in industry and architecture. The 48 small surrounding pavilions and dedicated to each province of Spain and decorated in brightly and delicately detailed ceramic tiles. Today some of the pavilions are dedicated to museums and rowing boats are available to hire on the canal.
Free
To Do
Maria Lucia Park - Seville's days tend to be sun-filled so make the most of this and head to Maria Lucia Park with a picnic and explore the multiple ponds, buildings and shaded grassy areas the park has to offer.
Explore the area of Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz is the former Jewish quarter of Seville and is hard to avoid if seeing the Alcazar Palace or the Cathedral. Although touristy this colourful neighbourhood is a maze of narrow streets and alleys where you can wander and enjoy one of the many restaurants or pretty squares.
Go on a bike ride - If short on time the best way to get around town between sites is by bike. The city is cyclist friendly with multiple rental places available for self-use or tour options, just be careful of the trams.
I would highly recommend a minimum three-night stay to be able to enjoy all of Seville's attractions and have time to explore outside of the city centre. Seville is lucky enough to have year-round sun with comfortable temperatures and a vast range of contemporary boutique hotels and Airbnb options.
I’m new to the world of travel blogging with more posts coming soon. In the meantime get to know me!
Planning a weekend in Seville? Pin this for later…
