Discover Sevilla
Sevilla has all the great things Madrid and Barcelona have been trying to leave behind for decades – siestas, bullfights, tapas, flamenco – and it is incredibly sexy and beautiful for it. A city where people are united by tapas and divided by football and where the ghosts of Spain walk the streets, be it fictional, like Don Juan and Carmen or historical, like Cervantes and Columbus. Winding your way through the narrow streets gives you the feeling of being in a completely different universe; The crowds are welcoming and friendly, and bullfighting; a religion. Discover Sevilla with us and you will fall absolutely in love.
What to see and do
Monuments
One of the main attractions in Sevilla is the Giralda, the famous cathedral. With a 100m high tower and an area of 11,520 square meters it was once considered the largest church of the world. The tomb of Christopher Columbus is always of great interest to scholars and tourists alike and the climb to the top of Giralda is considered well worth the effort for the views alone.
The Alcazár is the oldest royal residence in the world with continual use. Today it remains as the official residence of the kings of Spain during their visits to Sevilla. Here you can also enjoy a nice walk through the marvelous royal gardens.
The Archivo de Indias, located right next to the cathedral, is where all the historical records of the American continent are kept. It was declared as World Heritage together with the Cathedral and the Alcazar in 1987.
Museums and Squares
Built for the EXPO in 1929 the Plaza de España is one of the nicest squares in Sevilla. Fun fact: It served as the Royal planet Naboo in a Star Wars film!
The Casa Pilatos is an archetype of a Seville manor, elegant and rich. Its architecture blends Renaissance, Moorish and Flamboyant Gothic styles and makes it one of the most interesting buildings in Sevilla.
The Barrio de Santa Cruz is the most popular and crowded neighbourhood in Sevilla. Known for its typical narrow streets, houses and yards filled with flowers, the murmur of fountains, the scent of orange blossom and all the charm and legends that surround it.
TheMetropol Parasol famous for its spectacular views of the city. Open until midnight, you can choose to check out the city by daylight or when all the yellow cosy lights are on.
You can also visit the Torre del Oro, the Bullring, the Town Hall, the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain), plus convents, parish churches and palaces.
Where to eat
The Classic Tapas Experience (Must-Try)
For the quintessential Sevilla experience, you must hop between a few traditional tapas bars.
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Specialty: Their ‘Croquetas’ (croquettes) and ‘Cola de Toro’ (Oxtail) are highly recommended.
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Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas:
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Specialty: Try the classic ‘Montaditos’ (small sandwiches), ‘Espinacas con Garbanzos’ (Spinach with Chickpeas), and their local cheese.
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Modern & Innovative Tapas
If you want a twist on the traditional, Sevilla has a growing modern gastronomy scene.
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Specialty: Don’t miss the ‘Huevo sobre bizcocho de boletus’ (Egg on a Boletus mushroom ‘cake’) or the ‘Costilla de cerdo a la miel de romero’ (Pork rib with rosemary honey).
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Specialty: Known for excellent seafood and a more elevated presentation of classic dishes.
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Flamenco & Food (Dinner & Show)
For a memorable evening combining two of Seville’s biggest draws.
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Tip: If you are prioritizing the show, it is often better to eat a light meal beforehand and just have drinks here.
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Market Dining & Lunch
A great way to try different local vendors in one spot.
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Specialty: Grab fresh oysters, enjoy a cold beer and some Iberico ham, or try one of the small gourmet tapas counters inside.
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Must-Try Dishes in Seville
When you are out exploring, keep an eye out for these local favorites:
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Pescaito Frito (Fried Fish)
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Jamon Iberico de Bellota (Acorn-fed Iberian Ham)
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Salmorejo (Thicker, richer version of Gazpacho, often topped with ham and egg)
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Carrillada de Cerdo (Slow-cooked Pork Cheeks)
Pro Tip: The local custom is to stand at the bar and graze on tapas, moving to a new spot after one or two drinks and dishes. This is the best way to experience Seville’s culinary scene!
Where to stay
Tired after a long day exploring while following our guide to discover Sevilla? Then the place to rest your weary head is, of course, Joy Plaza de Armas! Joy sits in an old palace and features an always happening bar, coworking areas, and a busy schedule of activities.
Where to party
If you’re looking to party this is where you should go:
- Alfalfa, where Pérez Galdós gets so packed with people on Friday and Saturday nights that cars can’t drive down it;
- Alameda, which has a more alternative scene, with lots of gay bars and clubs;
- Calle Betis, by the river in Triana, which is wall-to-wall with venues, from quiet bars to all-night clubs.
In the summer, when the temperature is still around 30º at night, there’s a big bar scene along the river as well as outdoor bars in some of the parks. Clubbing moves to the Isla de la Cartuja, where young people pack the many seasonal outdoor venues. A Cubano (double measure of spirit with mixer) will normally cost you between 4€ and 5€, while a small glass of beer (Caña) is about 1,20€.
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