Discovering Sevilla: Flamenco, Architecture and Southern Spanish Charm

Plaza de España

Located in Parque de María Luisa, this plaza houses street vendors, flamenco dancers and a small canal with rentable row boats. Inside the Renaissance/neo-Moorish style, semi-circular buildings are various government offices. This is also where part of Star Wars: Episode II was filmed.

Royal Alcázar of Seville

In the heart of the city is the Royal Alcázar of Seville. Inside the beautiful palace walls, are lush gardens, palm trees and fountains. Originally built by the Moors, the palace was constructed with Islamic art features, however, following the Spanish Reconquista, elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque design were combined leading to the unique style known as Mudéjar. This is also the setting of Dorne from Game of Thrones.

Catedral de Sevilla

This cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Fun fact: Originally, thought to be his whole body, it was later discovered that only part of Columbus’s body is buried here.

La Giralda

The bell tower of the Catedral de Sevilla which was built during the reign of the Moors as a place of prayer. Due to this, there are no stairs because high officials would take horses to the top of the tower, making walking to the top of the tower a serious leg workout. The Renaissance-style top was added by Catholics after the Spanish Reconquista.

Parque de Maria Luisa

Similar to Central Park, this lush green area in the heart of Sevilla is perfect for going for a walk, run, or grabbing a bite to eat. Within the park are many notable landmarks such as Glorieta de Juanita Reina, Fuente de las Ranas, Fuente de los Leones and Monte Gurugú. The Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla and Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares de Sevilla are also located on the edge of the park.

Universidad de Sevilla

Opened in the 1500s, this university is one of the top-ranked schools in Spain and is housed in an old tobacco factory. The university is open to the public to walk through and definitely worth the stroll.

Las Setas

On the further edge of the city center, you will find large wooden structures that resemble mushrooms. With a short elevator ride, you can make your way to the top level where you are able to walk along the paths and take in the incredible views of the city. On a lower level, there is a tapas bar to enjoy refreshments and small platters.

Teatro Flamenco Sevilla

Near Las Setas is this theater, home to one of the best Flamenco shows in Spain. Sit back and be mesmerized by the incredible live performance.

Toro del Oro

Originally, a 13th-century military watchtower on the bank of the Guadalquivir River, the tower has been converted into a naval museum.

El Rinconcillo

Historic restaurant serving up tapas and traditional Spanish plates since the 17th century Bar

Casa Palacios

Small, local restaurant that serves fresh tapas and made-to-order sandwiches

Restaurante Los Cuevas

Andulasian restaurant in the heart of Seville’s Triana neighborhood

La Cantina Mexicana

Tucked behind the main storefronts on Calle Francos is this gem. With its Tex-Mex flair, La Cantina Mexicana was easily one of my favorite restaurants

Bar Alfalfa

Traditional tapas bar in the vibrant Alfalfa neighborhood La Abuela | Situated between the Cathedral and Alcazar is this gelateria with the best and cheapest gelato in the city

El Embarcadero

Cozy restaurant on the river with a perfect view of Toro del Oro and great cocktails.