Seville (or Sevilla) is the capital city of the Andalusia (Andalucía) region of southern Spain. With incredible architecture, delicious tapas and delightfully warm temperatures, Seville makes for the perfect city break and is one of my favourite cities to visit. There is plenty to discover, but here are some ideas of what to visit in 24 hours.
1. The Royal Alcázar of Seville
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Alcázar still has royal rooms in use today, making it the oldest active royal palace in Europe. It is one of the most important monumental complexes in the world and has been chosen by several civilisations, cultures, and dynasties as their centre of power, from the Almohads to the Christian kings, and they have all left their legacy. The peaceful gardens provide welcome shade in summer, and you can wander around to the soothing sounds of the many water features. Inside, the architecture is breathtaking and the colours and shapes are unlike any building I’ve visited. I could (and have!) spent hours here, but 1-2 hours (in the morning and better pre-booked) are sufficient.
2. Walk the Santa Cruz (la Judería) and Cathedral area
Leaving the Alcázar, you’ll find yourself in the Santa Cruz or la Judería neighbourhood, the former Jewish quarter of medieval Seville. A complex network of tiny streets, let yourself get lost (which is easy!) and discover the beautiful squares with their typical Sevillan tiles and orange trees. Each street boasts beautiful flowers hanging from balconies and little hidden shops. From here you can wonder towards the Cathedral, and both areas have plenty of restaurants offering tapas, Paella and larger meals, an ideal stop for lunch.
3. Plaza de España and María Luisa Park
Plaza de España is arguably the crown jewel of Seville. Designed by the great Seville architect Aníbal González as an emblematic space for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo, it has a total area of 50,000 square metres and is one of the most imposing plazas in Spain. The entire perimeter of the plaza is framed by 515 metres of canal, where you can hire a boat and float along for different perspective of the plaza. Along the front of the building there are tiled scenes representing each region of Spain, and the María Luisa Park which surrounds the plaza is also full of its own beautiful surprises.
4. River Walk and Triana
Leaving Plaza de España via the main exit to the park, you will emerge near the river. Lined with a cycle route as well as small patios with water features and several riverside bars, this makes for a lovely stroll and you can follow the river before crossing into Triana, the traditional and previously working class area of the city. There are shops and restaurants here and the area often has a bustling atmosphere, whilst the older, classic architecture of the city is lovely to see.
5. Las Setas at sunset (Metropol Parasol)
Walking back towards the Cathedral and on to the city centre, be sure to visit the Metropol Parasol, popularly known as the Mushrooms of the Incarnation (Las Setas de la Encarnación). The wooden and concrete structure measures 150 x 70 metres and is approximately 26 metres high, with a viewpoint and a panoramic route that covers most of the top area. It won the competition by the Seville City Council to renovate the square in which it is located (Plaza de la Encarnación), and is designed by Berlin architect Jürgen Mayer. There can be queues, but the tickets are reasonable and you get a free drink at the bar at the top. The views are spectacular and if you can time it for sunset, even better. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby for dinner later (and the Spanish style is much later!).
6. Flamenco
Seville is famous for its flamenco dancing, an art declared by UNESCO to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The dancing apparently began with the fifteenth-century arrival of the gypsies to the Cadiz countryside of Jerez and Seville. In the middle of the nineteenth century, it was popularised through the flamenco bars, which first opened in Seville around 1885. There are several flamenco bars throughout the city, as well as dancers performing in the street. The Museum of Flamenco offers scheduled performances and La Carbonería bar has some incredible flamenco dancers, making it a great place to sit with a cold cerveza and soak up the culture.
7. Bars in the Alfalfa neighbourhood
If you’re not exhausted from your busy day, head to the Alfalfa district for some lovely cocktail bars as well as more classic, bustling Spanish bars. El Garlochi is a particularly unique venue, from its heavily religious themed decor to its signature cocktail, Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ), made from grenadine, pink champagne and whiskey. Intriguing but worth a visit!
8. Las Casas de la Judería and the Cathedral area
There are plenty of hotel options in Seville with varying price ranges. The Cathedral offers some classy options with beautiful views, whilst there are also many smaller hotels tucked away in la Judería. One classic Sevillan hotel is Las Casas de la Judería in the old Jewish quarter. The hotel is set within 27 traditional Sevillan houses which are connected by passages and courtyards. It offers a rooftop swimming pool, spa and traditional Andalusian décor, with beautiful tiled patios filled with plants at the end of every corridor. If you are after the most Sevillan experience, this is the place.
