Under the Seville sun

Andalusian culture is a blend of European, Arabic, and Moorish styles, creating a unique and distinctive character that is evident everywhere – from architecture to art and food.

Seville has many bike lanes in the city center, so visitors can easily rent bikes and explore the old town. Seville is even considered one of the most convenient cities for cyclists in Europe.

Where?

If you have a generous budget, you can choose the Alfonso XIII Hotel located opposite the Alcazar Royal Palace. It will give you the feeling of actually being in a palace, with elaborately decorated rooms and a landscape resembling the Dorne water gardens.

Casa del Poeta is also a beautifully designed, luxurious boutique hotel right in the heart of the city – and just try not to photograph every corner of it.

If you want to save money, you can book rooms on Airbnb or hostels. Seville is one of the cities with the most affordable options on Airbnb, with very friendly hosts. Seville also has many hostels with beautiful architecture, most of which look like old castles.

What should we eat?

From late-night tapas dinners to late breakfasts with fragrant pastries and hot espresso, from ripe, juicy oranges to smoked ham Jamon Iberico and renowned Cava sparkling wine, Seville invites diners to sample local specialties in every shop throughout the city.

Mercado De La Encarnación is a famous market in Seville that offers everything from fresh to dried food, including jamon and chorizo, Spanish cheeses, freshly baked bread and fresh tomatoes, and of course, a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.

La Cantina is a small bar and restaurant located between the Feria market and an old church. La Cantina primarily serves seafood. The bar is always packed with customers, and it's frequented by itinerant musicians playing guitar and singing Spanish songs on the patio.

El Rinconcillo is the oldest bar in Spain, built in 1670, and still retains its original architecture and interior design, with meticulously laid tiles and cured ham hanging from the beams. The atmosphere at El Rinconcillo is always lively, and the service is very prompt.

When talking about Spanish cuisine, one cannot forget tapas as a variety of appetizers. Tapas can be cold dishes like cheese mixed with olive oil, cold cuts like sausages, ham, and smoked meats, or hot dishes like fried fish and squid. Tapas are prepared with many spices such as garlic, chili peppers, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, turmeric, and plenty of olives. Some very popular tapas dishes include: mashed potatoes in spicy tomato sauce, anchovies, ham and meatballs, pork sausage, sautéed peppers, and grilled eggplant with cheese. Some restaurants serving delicious tapas in Seville are Los Coniales, Taberna Aguilas, and Lonja de Feria.

What to play?

Located in the heart of Seville's tourist district, Santa Cruz is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Spain. This neighborhood boasts numerous attractions, including the Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar Palace. You can spend hours wandering through the area, visiting tapas bars, or shopping from shop to shop.

If you are a fanGame of ThronesUpon entering, you'll immediately recognize the Alcázar Palace as the setting for the Dorne Gardens. The Alcázar Palace is often described as a pearly gem nestled within the giant oyster of Seville, though this comparison is somewhat flawed given Seville's many other beautiful architectural marvels, such as the Giralda Cathedral with its towering bell tower. However, all of these pale in comparison to the splendor of the Alcázar. The Alcázar complex, comprising the castle, palace, and park, is a prime example of the well-preserved Mudéjar architectural style in Europe. The Alcázar is open seven days a week, except for Christmas and some other holidays. It's advisable to arrive early, even queuing before the palace opens, to have a chance to admire the scenery and take photos before the crowds arrive.

Right next to the Alcázar Palace is the Seville Cathedral, also known as the Church of Saint Mary of the See, one of the city's most beloved landmarks. This Roman Catholic church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The cathedral is usually open daily, but there are variations between summer and winter opening hours.

The Giralda Tower was once a small minaret of a mosque, but now it serves as the bell tower of Seville Cathedral and is open to visitors for an interior tour. Besides the stunning views from the tower, Giralda is also a unique architectural masterpiece with influences from Moorish, Spanish, and even Roman architecture. Admission to Seville Cathedral includes a visit to the Giralda Tower.

Plaza de España and Parque de Maria Lisa are also must-see destinations. The square resembles an ancient castle (although it was actually built in 1929) and every corner is meticulously decorated. It is the most beautiful and luxurious square in Seville, a landmark blending Renaissance and Moorish Revival architectural styles. Today, it's a popular spot for sightseeing, relaxation, and socializing with locals.

Seville is also famous for its flamenco dance, and there are many tablao (traditional flamenco performers). Each tablao has its own style, but you're guaranteed a vibrant night anywhere. Casa del Flamenco is one of the most popular venues, although it doesn't serve food or drinks. If you want to have dinner while watching a flamenco performance, head to Los Gallos.

You can also learn to cook some traditional Seville dishes with Taller Andaluz De Cocina. You'll be taken to the market, learn how to choose the best Spanish ingredients, and learn how to prepare tapas and other dishes. For example, Salmorejo, a cold soup with ingredients including tomatoes, garlic, breadcrumbs, vinegar, eggs, Iberico smoked meat, and a little olive oil. This cold soup will help alleviate the heat of Seville, Spain's hottest city.

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