Exploring Vivacious and Historic Sevilla, the Gem of Andalucía
Stepping into Seville (spelled “Sevilla” in Spanish and pronounced suh-vee-uh), you're bound to fall for its cozy narrow streets, sweet-smelling orange trees, and stunning mix of architecture influenced by numerous civilizations over the 2,200 years of its history. For our foodies, it may not get better than Sevilla—and that’s saying something when you’re talking about a major cuisine powerhouse like Spain.
Ready to plan your visit to Sevilla? We’re sharing our actual itinerary from our own visit, many parts of which you won’t find on any popular tourist site.
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So what’s Sevilla’s deal, anyway?
Sevilla is a captivating jewel in the heart of Andalucía, beckoning visitors from around the world with a tapestry of history, culture, and modern allure. Nestled along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, this enchanting city seamlessly intertwines ancient charm with a vibrant, contemporary spirit.
Step into the pages of history as you wander through Seville's narrow streets adorned with architectural marvels that bear witness to centuries of influence. The iconic Catedral de Sevilla, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the exquisite Real Alcázar (royal palace) unveil a tale of opulence and regal splendor. The Setas de Sevilla is also an outstanding sight and a marvel of modern architecture that has been inspiring visitors for just over a decade. Make sure not to miss these indescribably beautiful sights. Sure, there may be crowds, but it is absolutely worth it.
Immerse yourself in the rhythmic heartbeat of Seville, where flamenco echoes through intimate venues, inviting you to join a dance of passion and emotion. Delight your senses with the tantalizing aroma of orange blossoms, a fragrant testament to the city's rich Moorish heritage.
Seville, a culinary haven, tempts your taste buds with an array of tapas, showcasing the region's gastronomic prowess. From lively markets to charming cafes, each bite is a celebration of the city's love affair with food and wine.
Indulge in shopping along stylish boulevards or explore hidden treasures in the historic neighborhoods. Seville's vibrant street life and warm hospitality create an atmosphere that embraces every traveler as a cherished guest.
As the sun sets over the Guadalquivir, Seville transforms into a magical wonderland. Rooftop terraces and riverside promenades invite you to savor the city's nightlife, where the laughter of locals and the melody of flamenco guitars weave an unforgettable symphony.
Seville awaits, where every moment unfolds as a story, and every corner reveals a new chapter in a tale of timeless beauty and modern allure. Immerse yourself in Sevilla – where history meets contemporary charm in an everlasting dance.
Food & Wine Walking Tour with Baptiste
— we think there is no better way of getting to know this delicious city!
This just might be the best foodie experience I’ve ever had. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough!
We had an unforgettable time wandering small streets and intimate bars, sampling guide Baptiste’s favorite selection of wines, tapas, and more.
Guests will start with traditional tapas and drinks at a couple of local bars, followed by an elegant restaurant experience featuring a delectable tasting menu paired with wines. This four-hour showcase of Sevillian cuisine spans from basic to elaborate dishes, creating a warm and delightful experience. Baptiste himself is an incredible guide and the quality of food we ate was out of this world.
While their tours are not suitable for vegetarians, we recommend checking out SevillA Vegan Tours for a more plant-diet friendly option!
Loft Apartment minutes from Alameda
Comfy, cozy, and cute, PLUS the perfect rooftop view for your pre-day café
Wondering where to stay? Sure, you certainly can’t go wrong finding one of the many charming hotels in the Centro Histórico, but we particularly loved staying in the less touristic neighborhood of Feria, which borders the bohemian and lively Alameda de Hércules.
This beautiful Airbnb apartment is within short walking distance to the bustling square as well as countless vintage shops, cafes, and restaurants, while still being on a quieter street. Bonus points: If you did last night’s tapas tour with Baptiste, this airbnb is within easy walking (or stumbling) distance afterwards!
Now that you’ve tasted the flavors of Sevilla, learn how to prepare them!
Check me out—getting my chef on!
We loved our Spanish Cooking Class and Market TouR with Taller Andaluz de Cocina, a cooking school located inside the famous Mercado de Triana. This market is bursting with local flavors, offering fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and more. During your tour you’ll get to chat with the vibrant stall-owners showcasing their region's agricultural bounty and introducing you to artisanal products and traditional Spanish specialties. Your guide will also spend this time collecting ingredients for the fabulous trio of tapas you’re about to prepare!
Your professionally trained chef will welcome you back to the kitchen with libations (aka fresh sangria) and get you set up to work side by side with them, discovering how to combine various ingredients and spices to achieve the special zest that sets Spanish food apart from the rest. Once all the food is prepared you finally get to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Chow down on tapas and paella, accompanied by Spanish wine shared with your new classmates-turned-friends.
After class, walk off that hearty meal by wandering the charming streets of Triana. This neighborhood has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. In antiquity, it was known as "La Isla" due to its location between two branches of the Guadalquivir River. During the Islamic rule of the Iberian Peninsula, Triana became a flourishing suburb of Sevilla, benefiting from its strategic position along the river.
The Christian Reconquista in the mid-13th century led to Triana's incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile. The neighborhood continued to thrive, becoming a notable center for ceramics and tile-making. Triana experienced a golden age during the 16th and 17th centuries, characterized by economic prosperity and cultural vibrancy.
During this period, Triana gained a reputation for its sailors, potters, and a vibrant working class. The neighborhood's proximity to the river contributed to its economic importance, and it became known for its bustling markets and artisanal activities.
Today, Triana stands as a testament to its rich history, with its streets, architecture, and cultural heritage reflecting the layers of influence from Roman, Islamic, and Christian periods. The neighborhood's enduring legacy as a center of trade, craftsmanship, and community makes it a captivating destination for both locals and visitors alike.
So nice we visited twice.
This Bar Antojo checked every box for us. Phenomenal flavors, fantastic wines, funky fresh vibes, attentive (and attractive) servers. Try the cáscara, or “egg in its shell” as seen in the photo above. Light, flaky, creamy, salty—amazing and unique. We had this item both times we went and my only regret is not getting it a third time. We also loved the croquettas, which are something you’ll find on every tapas menu, though if you’re like us (ordering and comparing them at every single tapas stop), you’ll quickly learn that quality on these typicos can vary greatly. Bar Antojo had some of the best.
The perfect breakfast stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Need a break from typical Spanish breakfasts or just want something a little different? The quality of the options here at La Cacharreria is off the chain, as you can tell from the large crowd of locals it attracts. Our suggestion? Take a seat outside and order everything you see in the photo above. From top to bottom, that would be:
The “Serrano” Sandwich on Poppyseed brioche bun (Aged cheese, Serrano ham, Sliced tomato rodaja, Green leaves, Garlic oil)
The “Cabrito” Gourmet Toast (Hokkaido brioche, Goat cheese, caramelized pear, Honey, Pecans, & Raisins)
The “Mascarpone” Waffle (Mascarpone cream, almond, cocoa, blackberries and whipped cream)
and of course, zumo de naranja (fresh squeezed orange juice)
This is the perfect halfway stop if you decide to take the 25ish minute walk to the Centro Historico. In other words, a perfect day would involve leaving the Airbnb we mentioned, walking the 10 minutes to this breakfast spot, enjoying something scrumptious, and then walking the remaining 15 minutes to the Catedral. Boom.
Need a magic hangover cure? Come here and order the…
Full English breakfast. I hear you, “who the heck goes to Spain for a full English?!” Just hear me out though! After a night of too many Spanish wines, nothing is going to take care of you quite the way a breakfast designed by the English will, and that’s just a fact. Billy Brunch’s English brekkie comes with two scrambled eggs with beans, tomato, sausages, bacon, mushrooms and potatoes PLUS a good strong coffee and you’ll be on your way, we promise!
Calling all coffee connoisseurs, don’t miss this shop owned by a charming trio of brothers
This sweet neighborhood coffee shop is warm and welcoming in all the right ways. No stuffy coffee-snob energy at Muy Coffee, all you’ll find is quality coffee and friendly locals. Best part? This place is only a 6 minute walk from that apartment we suggested. Perfect for that daily “feeling-like-a-local” morning walk.
Family-run for 50 years, and it shows
There are plenty of churro shops to choose from, but Churreria la Esperanza stole our hearts. This little window of a shop has been family-run for generations and you can just taste the love and history in every bite. Pair your churros (or a thicker, curled version called a calentito de rueda or a porra) with a nice hot chocolate for a heavenly and decadent treat.
And guess what? 2 minute walk to the Airbnb. You’re welcome.
Did you visit Sevilla? Reach out and let us know if you enjoyed any of our recommendations!