Here’s our Anti-Tourist Guide Seville to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and get a feeling of what it’s like to live in the Pearl of Andalusia, better known as Seville. Explore flamenco, grand palaces and stunning architecture. Here, tradition meets vibrancy which ensures a special vibe you can’t grasp anywhere else. Follow this Anti-tourist guide to Seville to discover the countless art exhibitions, cozy cafes, and wide range of activities. By the end, you’ll be wrapped around the finger by the charm of the city.
Let’s find answers to the most important questions about traveling to Seville to have the most amazing experience there!
How many days should I save to visit Seville?
Tricky question! You could really spend weeks discovering all the restaurants, monuments, and museums in Seville, like in many European cities. However, if you’re backpacking or Interrailing with limited travel time, you can explore all the must-see attractions and most of the anti-tourist spots in Seville in just two to three days. I recommend making Joy Plaza de Armas your home base as its located right in the city centre and their amenities and social vibes are immaculate.
Now that this is covered, lets move on to our three handpicked anti-tourist gems of Seville…
Stroll around the anti-tourist district of Seville: Barrio Santa Cruz
This authentic neighborhood is full of color, life, and charm and it should be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. My tip: wander freely through the countless alleys and courtyards, and let yourself get lost. Expect nothing, but get ready to enjoy an insightful and delightful day in Barrio Santa Cruz.
For an even more unique experience, I recommend booking a night walking tour. You’ll find many famous monuments here and for some, you might need to book tickets in advance. So don’t overthink it, just go for it. Sometimes the most unexpected trips turn out to be the best ones.
Even as you enjoy yourself, remember that this area, known as the Jewish Quarter, tells a story of religious conflict. The Catholic Monarchs murdered or expelled many Jews here, so stay mindful and show respect as you explore.
Enjoy all the culture in Triana
Another neighborhood that definitely won’t disappoint you. Triana is known for its rich culture. From flamenco and pottery to tiles and festivals. It’s also home to the beautiful Puente de Isabel II, one of Seville’s most iconic bridges.
Be sure to stop by the Mercado de Triana, a vibrant market filled with food stalls and eateries offering a wide variety of tapas and the famous salmorejo soup. I highly recommend exploring this area if you’re looking for authentic souvenirsto take home. Skip the standard postcards and magnets and go for handmade ceramic mugs and bowls instead.
Or simply wander through the streets, grab a sangria, and stop by the river to watch the sunset – the perfect way to end your day in Triana.
Real Maestranza Bullring
Last but not least, my personal highlight. Spain is famous worldwide for its bullfighting tradition, so why not visit one of its most historic rings? It’s not only the oldest mass spectacle in Spain, but also among the oldest in the world.
The history of this particular bullring dates back to the 13th century, although the structure we see today was established in 1670. Tickets cost around €12 (with discounts available), and you get to see quite a lot: not only the impressive arena itself, but also several behind-the-scenes areas, such as the Patio de Caballos and the Capilla de los Toreros.
Every ticket includes a free audio guide, so don’t worry if you don’t know much about bullfighting yet; I didn’t either before my visit! But I learned so much and truly recommend paying a visit. It’s a unique cultural experience you can only have in Spain.
In bullfights, everything is combined: colour, gaiety, tragedy, bravery, talent, brutality, energy and strength, grace, emotion …It is the most complete of all spectacles. From now on, I cannot do without bullfights. – Charles Chaplin
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