If you’re after rich culture, delicious eats, and a dash of that Andalusian flair, Seville’s the place to be. I just returned from a fabulous three-day adventure to this sunny Spanish gem, and I’m really stoked to share all the juiciest details with you. From its passionate flamenco rhythms to its delectable bacalao, Seville is like a complete sensory overload that lingers long after you’ve left.
So, here’s the lowdown on all the things I discovered, absolutely adored, and maybe went a little crazy for while I was in Seville. If you’re a fan of great food, neat culture, or just searching for the ideal European getaway, Seville’s got it all—and more!
Day 1: Exploring Seville’s Old Town
Morning: Secret Gems and Awesome Spots
My first day in Seville was awesome! I just stood in front of Seville Cathedral and couldn’t believe how awesome it is. I mean, it’s huge (like, it’s largest Gothic cathedral ever), and it’s got loads of history stuffed in it too. I went in and saw Christopher Columbus’s tomb, and just zoned out staring at the ceiling for 15 minutes or so.
The atmosphere was really respectful but also really energetic—like, you could definitely feel all those centuries of history in those walls.
La Giralda
So, after visiting the cathedral, I went to visit La Giralda, which is a bell tower that used to be a minaret during Moorish times. The walk to the top is a bit of a hike (like 35 ramps!) but the views of the city are well and truly worth it. Just be sure to pack your camera and some water because it gets very hot up top, particularly at noon.
Royal Alcázar
You definitely need to visit the Royal Alcázar in Seville; it’s really close and you really don’t want to miss it. Stepping into a fairy tale is what it feels like with those incredible mosaic walls, fantastic courtyards, and those gorgeous gardens that go on and on and on. Game of Thrones fans might recognize it as Dorne. I took around 200 photos and then just relaxed in the gardens for a while with an iced café con leche.
Afternoon: Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa
So after I ate some food (I’ll get more into that later!), I went over to Plaza de España. I really didn’t expect to be so blown away as I am now, but wow! It is huge, very colorful, and contains all these beautiful tiled alcoves for various Spanish provinces. And if romance is what you’re after or just want to relax and take it all in, there’s even a canal and boats!
Across from that is Parque de María Luisa, and it’s a great place to cool off from the heat. There’s shaded walkways, cooling water features, and strolling couples holding hands—totally relaxed and completely genuine. I bought an ice cream from a street seller in the grounds and just chilled under a palm tree for about 45 minutes. No regrets whatsoever.
Evening: Flamenco in Triana
So, so my first night out I completely immersed myself in flamenco. And really, where else to go but in Triana, where some of the top flamenco dancers just hang out? I strolled over Puente de Isabel II (Triana Bridge), and the river and city skyline views were just incredible, and then went to visit this small but extremely passionate tablao (flamenco club).
The performance was incredible—so full of genuine feeling, really speedy footwork, and a voice that gave me complete goosebumps. It wasn’t touristy or cheesy; I really felt like I was experiencing a genuine living tradition. Afterwards, I had a drink in a bar and talked to a few locals. They said that flamenco is best experienced late at night—perhaps one day I’ll be staying up late enough to see it!
Day 2: Great Food and Relaxing Riverside Atmosphere
Morning: Triana Market and Cooking Class
The following morning, I returned to Triana so I could get some breakfast at Mercado de Triana, this great indoor marketplace with so many colorful stands. I ate a tostada with tomato and ham, sampled some fresh olives and cheese, and got into a friendly conversation with this very nice vendor who kept prodding me to try his best local sherry (10 a.m.—you have to love Spain, don’t you?).
So I went to this fantastic cooking school later that morning and came up with a three-course Spanish meal consisting of salmorejo (essentially thicker gazpacho), seafood paella, and naturally, sangria. I am by no means some culinary mastermind or whatever, but the instructors made it all so relaxed and enjoyable—and yes, I definitely took the recipe home with me. Let’s just say my dinner party that night is going to have a theme.
Afternoon: Guadalquivir River Cruise
Feeling completely stuffed, I walked over to the river and boarded a Guadalquivir River cruise. It’s really relaxing to see the sights in that manner, particularly when your legs aching from walking (which mine certainly were). The boat glided past some cool things like the Torre del Oro, an old 13th-century watchtower, and we enjoyed some fantastic views of the Maestranza bullring and various structures along the riverside.
It was breezy and pleasant, and it wasn’t cramped at all so you could relax. Nothing particularly luxurious, but it was a great way to see Seville’s skyline from a different perspective—and definitely 18 euros well spent.
Evening: Tapas Crawl and River Walk
So I took this great tapas walk around Old Town one evening. Honestly, locals definitely get their tapas right. We went to four locations and each place was really hip in its own right. The highlight for me? Bacalao al pil-pil, incredibly rich garlic cod that melted on my tongue. We also enjoyed some killer jamón croquetas and patatas bravas as well as a glass (or two!) of manzanilla sherry.
So after dinner, I walked by the river to assist in digestion. There were musicians jamming on the promenade, twinkling lights on the water’s surface, and people dancing barefoot on cobblestones in couples. Seville at night is just magical, honestly.
Day 3: Art, Scenery, and Night Fun
Morning: Metropol Parasol and Casa de Pilatos
I started my final day with something really awesome: the Metropol Parasol or “Las Setas” as people locally call it. It’s a massive wooden structure that resembles giant mushrooms and you can walk along up top for some of Seville’s top views. I really enjoyed seeing all the old structures from this rather modern location.
So we went to Casa de Pilatos, that cool little palace with incredible tiles, pretty arches, and a peaceful little courtyard. It’s so much less crowded than the Alcázar, so it’s ideal just to wander about and absorb some tranquility. I actually thought for a moment that I had the whole site to myself—just what you need to properly appreciate it.
Afternoon: Alameda de Hércules and Shopping
For lunch, I strolled over to Alameda de Hércules, one of Seville’s hippest areas. The streets are filled with hip cafes, eclectic shops, and families relaxing in the plazas. I ate lunch at this great bistro that included avocado and shrimp in their take on salmorejo—so good I almost ordered a second bowl!
This is a fantastic neighborhood to go shopping in! I browsed a few local shops and picked up some handmade ceramics, a bottle of olive oil, and that beautiful flamenco fan now sitting on my desk. Pro tip: avoid the tourist traps near the Cathedral and go to Alameda for the authentic shopping at bargain prices.
Evening: Sunset at La Giralda and farewell dinner
As it was nearing sunset, I dropped by La Giralda again to view Seville during that golden hour. There’s something really relaxing about seeing the city shine in that soft light—another of the highlights of my trip for sure.
So for my final supper, I treated myself and went to that rooftop restaurant with fantastic views over the Alcázar and cathedral. I ordered bacalao a la vizcaína, this really tasty cod in tomato and onion sauce, cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. With a red wine in one hand and Spanish guitar music as a soundtrack in the background, I couldn’t have imagined a finer end to my holiday.
4 Must-Try Foods in Seville
If you are visiting Seville, you must try out all these fantastic Andalusian dishes while you are there.
Bacalao (Salt Cod)
You can prepare it so many different ways, as in creamy bacalao al pil-pil or tomato-based bacalao a la vizcaína. It’s just so comforting and filling, completely satisfying. I ate it three days in a row and don’t regret it for a second!
Salmorejo
It’s a more robust version of gazpacho and is served with jamón and hard-boiled egg on top. This cold tomato soup is a summer staple. So easy, so fresh, so full of flavor. Perfect for relaxing after a long hot day of sightseeing.
Espinacas con Garbanzos
Seriously, you have to try the combination of spinach, chickpeas, garlic, and spices here! Completely vegetarian, super protein-packed, and trust me, it is so good. I ordered it as a tapas but I ordered a full plate instead!
Churros con Chocolate
Okay, technically breakfast—or late-night snack—but these crispy dough sticks dipped in rich hot chocolate are an indulgent treat. Best enjoyed at a corner café with locals arguing about football.
Final Thoughts
Seville completely blew my mind. The atmosphere there, and the food and all that history—you just can’t get that combination anywhere else. Whether dancing flamenco in a small tavern, sipping on some creamy salmorejo, or just hanging out up on top of the Setas and observing people go by, Seville gets to you.
If you swing by Spain, don’t just rush through Seville—hang out for a while. Eat all the foods, see everything, and get a bit lost. For real, you’ll regret it if you leave early!