After spending a week in the Andalusian countryside with my family, Ryan and I drove north to the beautiful city of Seville. Within an hour of dropping off our luggage and heading out on foot, we both had fallen absolutely head-over-heels with the city and already were talking about when we would return next. The vibrant colors, the intricate tilework, the soulful music, the relaxed ambiance – Seville has an energy that was impossible not to be drawn to. We stayed at the Hotel Palacio de Villapanes which was lovely, but we also spent some time at the Hotel Alfonso XIII which was incredible too. For all of my favorite places to eat, visit, and explore in Seville scroll down.
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RESTAURANTS:
- El Pinton: By far my favorite restaurant in Seville, this chic tapas bar had amazing modern Spanish cuisine and killer cocktails. Its decidedly hip ambiance made it the perfect location for a pre-night-out dinner.
- Casa Morales: Founded in 1850, this historic tapas bar has a great selection of inexpensive wines and traditional tapas. The original hand-carved bar is truly beautiful.
- Filo: A great little cafe with pastries, fresh juices and smoothies, and a modern twist on the traditional Spanish sandwich. The perfect place to start the day.
- ENA: Located inside of the historic and luxurious Hotel Alfonso XIII, this al fresco tapas bar is the perfect place to cool off after a long afternoon in the Andalusian sun.
- El Rinconcillo: The oldest bar in Seville, El Rinconcillo was founded in 1670 and is an absolute must-visit for wine and traditional tapas.
- EME Cathedral Rooftop Bar: The perfect place to start your night out in Seville, this rooftop bar features a stunning view of the famous cathedral and delicious cocktails. I recommend going at sunset.
SIGHTS AND MONUMENTS:
- Plaza de Espana: Truly the must-see monument of Seville, this historic plaza is one of the most beautiful and architecturally-impressive sights in all of Europe. With its unique combination of Moorish and Renaissance architecture, the Plaza de Espana somehow felt both traditional and futuristic. I was particularly amazed by the tilework – handpainted tiles covered the bridges, the fences, and even the light posts.
- Maria Luisa Park: Seville’s principal garden area, this park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring on foot or bicycle.
- Seville Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is also the third-largest cathedral in the world. Be sure to climb to the top of the Giralda tower for an amazing view of the city.
- Alcázar of Seville: The royal palace is an absolutely beautiful example of Mudéjar architecture. I recommend a minimum of three hours to be able to properly explore the palace and its extensive gardens.
ACTIVITIES:
- Flamenco Show: Seeing a traditional flamenco show is an absolute must when in Seville. The energy, the colors, the movement – it is truly unlike anything I have ever experienced. There are several throughout the city that are highly regarded – we chose the Museo del Baile Flamenco based on a recommendation and absolutely loved it.
- Hammam: As it was our first time being in a country with strong Moorish-influences, I knew that visiting a traditional Hammam was an experience that was high on my list in Seville. We chose to spend the morning at the ancient baths of Aire de Sevilla, and the second we walked into the 16th-century Mudéjar-style palace we knew we were in for a treat. The palace featured four unique baths, each of varying size, temperature, and design – all completely illuminated by candles to create the most serene experience imaginable. I recommend visiting in the early morning or evening.
- Explore Bario Santa Cruz: The utterly charming Bario Santa Cruz neighborhood features narrow, winding streets and quiet orange tree-lined squares littered with tapas bars. It’s nearly impossible not to get lost, but don’t worry, that’s half the fun of the experience. Photographers – be sure to bring your camera!
Images by Seville Wedding Photographer Molly Carr Photography | Contax 645 | Fuji 400H scanned by Richard Photo Lab
This city looks truly amazing. Putting it on my bucket list!