Seville, with its Moorish influence and UNESCO World Heritage sites, makes its way to the top of the list of my favorite cities in Europe, right after Barcelona. Well known for its one-of-a-kind personality, Seville’s unique style is crafted from history; a colorful mix of Roman, Arabic and Spanish influence can be seen within its buildings. Those of you who are fans of Game of Thrones or Star Wars might even recognize some familiar settings from your favorite movies and TV shows. I, for one, was ecstatic to explore this city and I recommend anyone visiting the South of Spain to do the same. Oh, did I mention Seville was voted as the number ONE city to visit in 2018? So, walk down the steps of Seville with us and see why you should book your tickets there quickly.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Walk. Seville is not a large city and you can easily walk from the shopping arcade to the old city. If you are too tired, you can use the buses and electric trams. These trams only operate around the old city area and is quite expensive, so I suggest walking will the the best way to experience the city. This is also the city that you actually want to get lost in; alleyways and streets are all so instagrammable.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Madrid
So I am not sponsored by the hotel but in my opinion, the place we stayed in, Hotel Madrid, is much more worth it than its price. We were welcomed with a clean room and a great view of the street, Seville style. It also has top-notch service and a very gentle receptionist. Do check out this hotel when you decide to book for one. It is affordable and I highly recommend it for solo or couple trippers.
So I am not sponsored by the hotel but in my opinion, the place we stayed in, Hotel Madrid, is much more worth it than its price. We were welcomed with a clean room and a great view of the street, Seville style. It also has top-notch service and a very gentle receptionist. Do check out this hotel when you decide to book for one. It is affordable and I highly recommend it for solo or couple trippers.
WHAT TO DO
Seville Cathedral – Catedral de Sevilla
You wouldn’t believe me, but this Cathedral actual lies the late Christopher Columbus. Yes, the Spaniard voyager who set sail the open seas in search of Japan but found the New World instead, otherwise now known as America. The cathedral is huge and was actually the largest cathedral in the world back in the 16th Century. It was actually built on top of a mosque and you could still see the Muslim influence on its architecture. It also included a bell tower, La Giralda, which we had to pay extra for but was worth it to get to see the city skyline.
You wouldn’t believe me, but this Cathedral actual lies the late Christopher Columbus. Yes, the Spaniard voyager who set sail the open seas in search of Japan but found the New World instead, otherwise now known as America. The cathedral is huge and was actually the largest cathedral in the world back in the 16th Century. It was actually built on top of a mosque and you could still see the Muslim influence on its architecture. It also included a bell tower, La Giralda, which we had to pay extra for but was worth it to get to see the city skyline.
Alcázar of Seville – Real Alcázar de Sevilla
This was definitely the highlight of the whole Spanish trip for me. The Alcázar, Arabic for castle, is a whole castle complex built for King Peter of Castille. The castle was built on top of a Muslim Fortress after it was conquered during the Christian conquest of Seville. (Don’t you just love history?) The complex comprises of two sections, the palace and the gardens. The palace has one of the most unique and beautiful Mudéjar, Muslims who remained after the Reconquista) architecture in the world. I definitely took more pictures than necessary in this place alone. My advice, spend half of the day here and start at 9am when it just opened as there will be a smaller crowd for you get that awesome instragram-worthy shot. This is also where Dorne of Game of Thrones fame was set in. You will recognize it right away.
This was definitely the highlight of the whole Spanish trip for me. The Alcázar, Arabic for castle, is a whole castle complex built for King Peter of Castille. The castle was built on top of a Muslim Fortress after it was conquered during the Christian conquest of Seville. (Don’t you just love history?) The complex comprises of two sections, the palace and the gardens. The palace has one of the most unique and beautiful Mudéjar, Muslims who remained after the Reconquista) architecture in the world. I definitely took more pictures than necessary in this place alone. My advice, spend half of the day here and start at 9am when it just opened as there will be a smaller crowd for you get that awesome instragram-worthy shot. This is also where Dorne of Game of Thrones fame was set in. You will recognize it right away.
Plaza de España
Built for the Iberian Expo of 1929, this plaza now doubles as a collection of government office and a recreational area where people can rent boats or horse carriages. It is definitely photogenic, but it is much grander and more beautiful in real life. We were also fortunate to visit it during the day and night, each emitting a different vibe. My recommendation, go just before sunset so that you have time to row the boats and enjoy both times. Oh yeah, this was also the shooting location for Star Wars as the royal palace on the planet Naboo.
Built for the Iberian Expo of 1929, this plaza now doubles as a collection of government office and a recreational area where people can rent boats or horse carriages. It is definitely photogenic, but it is much grander and more beautiful in real life. We were also fortunate to visit it during the day and night, each emitting a different vibe. My recommendation, go just before sunset so that you have time to row the boats and enjoy both times. Oh yeah, this was also the shooting location for Star Wars as the royal palace on the planet Naboo.
WHAT TO EAT
Las Columnas
Just when we thought we had too much Tapas, this restaurant made us change our minds, it really blew the Tapas game out of their league. Special thanks to Jesús Ocaña, a Seville local who recommended the place. It was not just the food or price that we loved, but also the level of service the restaurant gave. This restaurant has the best service in all of our Spanish trip. Once again, thank you!
Just when we thought we had too much Tapas, this restaurant made us change our minds, it really blew the Tapas game out of their league. Special thanks to Jesús Ocaña, a Seville local who recommended the place. It was not just the food or price that we loved, but also the level of service the restaurant gave. This restaurant has the best service in all of our Spanish trip. Once again, thank you!
Best baby squids, we ordered 5 portions of this (2.80€)
Little hakes, tastes ok (3.80€)
A plate of simple Paella, the cheapest we ever had (2.80€)
Homemade croquettes, nothing special (2.80€)
