While living in Sevilla for a year as an assistant English teacher, I had ample time to get acquainted with the beauty of a slow pace of life. Sevilla is exactly what someone would imagine when thinking of Spain--vibrant color, classic tapas, Moorish architecture. Sevilla has plenty to share when it comes to food culture, art & music, and history.
The largest free standing wooden structure in Europe that you can walk around the top of. Pro-tip: take a bottle of wine and watch the sunset over Sevilla at night from the top
A hotel located 20 km outside of Sevilla in the precious town of Carmona. This hotel group was started by the Spanish government in an attempt to preserve historical buildings
The key to enjoying Sevilla is leaning into the Spanish, slow pace of life. Begin with coffee and breakfast in the lobby of the five star luxury Hotel Alfonso XIII for stunning ceramics and Moorish architecture. From there, take a leisurely 13 minute stroll to Plaza de España for more extraordinary Spanish ceramics, free flamenco performances, and row boats. If the grandeur is not enough, continue into Parque María Luisa to step into the shoes of Spanish royalty as the park was private until 1893.
For lunch, make your way to El Librero Tapas y Quesos or calle Mateo Gago to refuel after a morning of walking. Eat slowly, enjoy a wine or beer, and take in the joy of a long slow lunch in Spain. Nowhere to be but siesta after you finish. For real, do not expect to see many open stores or Spaniards from 2pm to 5:30pm. Siesta is one of the best parts of day in Andalucía.
Not interested in siesta? This part of the afternoon is perfect to relax in the shade at the park, have a few beers in Plaza del Salvador, or indulge in churros and chocolate at Doña Carmen.
After a siesta, make your way to La Carbonería around 8pm to secure seats and tinto de verano for a real deal flamenco show. La Carbonería is a feast for the senses honoring the flamenco tradition that was born in Sevilla. For dinner, take your time exploring the robust menu at Bar Eslava where no dish disappoints.
If you still have energy for more, head to discoteca Casino near Parque María Luisa for dancing or the Lobby near the Puente Isabel II for rooftop drinks.
Day 2
Begin your day at La Mala Brunch underneath Las Setas. Las Setas provides a short video highlighting the photogenic nature of Sevilla & beautiful view of the city with a path along the roofline.
From there, head towards the Alameda de Hercules neighborhood known for being an up and coming artistic neighborhood. Full of curated vintage shops and chic coffee shops, Alameda is not to be missed.
For lunch prepare yourself for the best Lebanese meal in town at Fatouch in Alameda. Their tasting menu is generous and divine, and will again prepare you for a much needed siesta.
In the afternoon relax and restore your body at AIRE Ancient Baths for a soak and massage in a hammam style bath. This is a great way to relax and reconnect with yourself after walking and exploring for two days.
For pre-dinner drinks go to Lama la Uve for an incredible selection of Spanish wines and a sommelier to help you find exactly the glass you are looking for. This is a great place to discover a new grape or vintage.
For dinner, walk 15 minutes over to La Cochera del Abuelo for an intimate and delicious dining experience. I highly recommend their house-made vermouth.
Day 3
Begin your morning in the Santa Cruz neighborhood for a breakfast of pan con tomate y jamón and a café con leche or churros y chocolate. The area is the old Jewish Quarter surrounding the royal palace and the heart of tourism in Sevilla.
One of the greatest gifts in Andalucía is the surviving influence of the Moorish culture seen in the architecture and color all over Sevilla. The highlight of that is in the Real Alcázar which you would be remiss to leave Sevilla without seeing. Take a tour with ample time for the gardens.
After a tour of the palace and gardens of the Real Alcázar, head across the Guadalquivir river to the Triana market. Sample the cured meats and cheeses or fresh fruits and vegetables in the sensational space that will inspire even the least confident cook. There is a stall to participate or watch a Spanish cooking class. Whether eating or learning, the Triana market is a very special place.
If you find yourself here on a Sunday morning, make your way below the Puente Isabel II (bridge) for the Paseo del Arte for handmade goods & beautiful art to bring home as a souvenir. For more shopping, head down Calle Asuncion & the Los Remedios neighborhood. A more residential area and full of hidden gem boutiques.
To finish your Sevilla adventure, end your trip with a meal at Abacería el Mercader de Triana tucked into the Triana neighborhood by the river.
Best times to visit Sevilla
NOT June through September. Sevilla is notoriously hot & affectionately nicknamed "the frying pan of Europe". Sevilla's sunshine is endless meaning fall, winter, & spring are prime times of the year to visit. In the winter, the sour orange trees are harvested meaning the iconic tree lined streets are a picturesque orange and green. In the spring, the blooming flowers around the city are a feast for the senses.
I am a part-time English teacher, part-time traveler currently based in Northern Spain. As I am in my second year living in Spain, I am attempting to see as much as possible with a focus on budget-friendly, outdoor destinations. My guides are built for anyone looking to fill a long weekend in Western Europe with a balance of good food and great views!
