The Smartest Way to See Seville: Part 1

It’s an enormous pleasure to welcome my first guest blogger, Sandra Vallaure. As a Spaniard who’s lived in and traveled to an extensive list of countries, Sandra’s love for Seville started with a simple weekend getaway, and she’s called La Hispalense home for eight years now and is the author of the e-book Seville in Two Days. Read on for the first in a short series of tips for first-time travellers to Seville. All photos were taken by the author.

Seville is a place that you need to discover walking. Otherwise, you’ll miss the point. Seville is not only a bunch of magnificent buildings and palaces. It’s also its people and their passion.

You may ask yourself, how to explore the best of the city in two days? Piece of cake. The following walks will guide you across the city and
you won’t miss anything important. 
So, get a map from the Internet and let’s wander its dazzling streets.

Day 1. The Essentials

Why not have breakfast at Horno San Buenaventura (Avenida de la Constitución, 16)? Sevillians love to have breakfast outside. 

Once you’re done, buy a snack and take it with you. Meals tend to start
late in Spain and you won’t find any tapas bar open before 1.30pm.

From there, walk to the Plaza Virgen de los Reyes where your walk begins. You will recognize it because it’s usually full of horse-drawn carriages. The central fountain is surrounded by three buildings: The largest one is the Cathedral, with the magnificent Giralda tower dominating the city. The red baroque façade belongs to the Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal). Finally, the white building is the Convento de la Encarnación.

Walk along the Cathedral to reach the Plaza del Triunfo. Look for the Lion’s Gate – the Alcázar’s entrance.

The Alcázar is one of the most impressive monuments of Seville and a favorite of mine. This royal palace was built in the 14th century, and as time went on, more buildings were added to the complex, resulting in a mix of Arabic styles and Christian influences.

Both the palace and its gardens are worth it, so take your time and enjoy this romantic place.

Once you exit the Alcázar, you enter the Patio de Banderas. Keep walking to reach the Plaza del Triunfo again. Next, head to the Cathedral. Did you know that Seville is home to the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world? Built on the site of an old 12th Century mosque after the Christian reconquest of 1248, it took more than century (1401 – 1506) to build it.

Once you are there, it’s easier to visit following a counterclockwise circuit so you don’t miss any of its chapels. Then, go to the main altar where the altarpiece is magnificent. Don’t forget the Royal Chapel and Columbus’ tomb.

The must-see is the Giralda, originally the mosque’s minaret that was transformed into a bell tower. I recommend you climb to the top. The views from there are spectacular and you’ll get to see the whole city. Moreover, there are ramps instead of steps so you won’t find it difficult at all.

Finally, go back down and exit to the Patio de los Naranjos. This patio is full of orange trees and was the place where Muslims used to wash themselves before entering the mosque to pray. This is where your visit to the Cathedral ends.

Walk along Calle Mateos Gago to have lunch at Las Columnas (C/Rodrigo Caro, 1). They offer very good, traditional tapas (small dishes) and montaditos (small filled buns). Alternately, you could try Bodeguita Antonio Romero (C/Antonio Diaz, 19).

From either two places, the Hospital de la Caridad is a few minutes’ walk. This charity hospital was founded in 1674 and it still serves its initial purpose: taking care for the elderly and handicapped. But the real treasure is inside its walls. The church is one of the most impressive of the entire city, and it contains masterpieces from painter Murillo and sculptor Valdés Leal.

The visit won’t take you long so can now head to Puerta de Jeréz and walk along the Calle San Fernando, where the Real Fábrica de Tabacos is. Nowadays it’s Seville University´s main building and worth a quick visit.

If not, cross the Plaza de San Juan de Austria and head South to the Parque de María Luisa (don’t get confused with the Jardines de San Sebastián, which are next to it).

The Parque de María Luisa is the largest park of Seville. Inside you can find some of the most important buildings of the 1929’s Ibero-American Exposition. The impressive Plaza de España is one of them. as it was the Spanish pavilion.

The Plaza de España is one of the most remarkable constructions of the 20th century, and of the city in itself. Its size is spectacular, and it’s even been used as the backdrop for several films. Along the half-moon building, there are detailed tiles and ceramic handicraft, symbolizing Spain and its relationship with Latin and South American countries.

You can have dinner at LaBulla (c/ Dos de Mayo, 26), the best original cuisine you’ll ever taste. And if you aren’t too tired after that, go for a drink to the top roof terrace at Eme Hotel or Hotel Doña María and enjoy the gorgeous views of the Plaza del Triunfo, where your walk began.

Why not include the Barrio de Santa Cruz?

Despite guide books and city tours including Barrio Santa Cruz as a highlight, I am not a fan. Traditionally the old Jewish quarter, it was restored during the early 19th century.

It’s true that it may have some charm but the hordes of visitors crowding the narrow lanes and the touristic tapas bars offering bad quality and expensive meals spoil the neighborhood. If you want to experience a small Andalusian town, go to Carmona or Arcos de la Frontera, to name a few.

If you do go, wander around its narrow lanes and visit the Hospital de los Venerables.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandra lives in Seville and spends all her free time exploring the world. She is the editor of Seville Traveller, an online resource about the city. You can follow her on Twitter or keep posted through Facebook.
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About Cat Gaa

As a beef-loving Chicago girl living amongst pigs, bullfighters, and a whole lotta canis, Cat Gaa writes about expat life in Seville, Spain. When not cavorting with adorable Spanish grandpas or struggling with Spanish prepositions, she works in higher education at an American university in Madrid and freelances with other publications, like Rough Guides and The Spain Scoop.

Comments

  1. We loved Seville and you trip through the city was a lovely reminder of our time there. At the time I wrote a post called “I want to ilve at the Alcazar in Seville” i wiil definitely go back.

  2. Recently returned from my second visit to Sevilla, and still not seen nearly enough. I think it’s the loveliest city I know, and so easy to get around. We took a walking tour, which turned out to be a good move. I’m usually too embarrassed to be seen trailing behind a guide! But it was well worth it because of the short time we had (four days), and we learned things we wouldn’t otherwise have known, so it wasn’t just a case of admiring a nice building, but also understanding its history. Given that history seems to be on every street corner in Sevilla, I think it’s essential to try to understand what it all is. It brought the city alive and gave it more depth, and gave us ideas for how we wanted to spend the rest of our time.

    • Hi Linda,
      After 8 years in Seville, it still surprises me almost every week. Isn’t it amazing? Unfortunately, most visitors don’t get the chance to come twice or they simply assume that after 2 or 3 days here they’ve seen “everything”. Really? What’s everything? :)
      Would you mind telling who was your guide? Would you recommend it? I wonder if my readers would be interested.

  3. Wow, I just posted some photos from our vacation in Seville and I’m glad I found this post that’s from the point of view of someone who lives there. :)

    It’s a wonderful place and I really want to go back and explore more of it. These post reminds me of the Dona Maria and other places we went to (love the narrow alleys).

  4. Hi Debra,
    I just read your post about the Alcázar and I agree with you, I’d like to live there too :). It’s a very special place that most people love to visit.
    If you ever plan to come again, let me know and I’ll give you some advice!

  5. I have to get to Sevilla someday!!

  6. Love all the ceramic work in Seville. Walking is the best–so many details.

  7. Great tips! Maybe worth mentioning that you can nip in the Giralda for free on Sundays and save the entrance fee. Not had the chance to go there myself but wondered around Seville pretty much in love. With the city. Not with the company. They were a bit crap. If I’m being brutally honest.

  8. I love walking cities and places where you need to take your time. Seville sounds — and looks — terrific!
    Terry at Overnight New York recently posted..Ace Hotel: Music to Help Kids Get BetterMy Profile

  9. Lovely – esp those beautifully colored buildings! I want to go!
    wanderingeducators recently posted..American Photographer Makes Art History in Prestigious Greek MuseumMy Profile

  10. Nice walk. Seville looks wondeful!
    Penny Sadler recently posted..Postcard: South BeachMy Profile

  11. I’ve only visited Seville once but it’s one of those places I’d like to visit again. It didn’t leave me with the best of impressions the first time around — even if there was nothing to complain about. It does seem a popular destination for many, though.
    Adam recently posted..Travel Photo: International Berlin Beer FestivalMy Profile

    • Sunshine and Siestas says:

      It’s OK – I know you love London and I’m so iffy about London! You know where to find me if you ever come back.

  12. Ah, Seville! We loved the city when we visited earlier this year. It’s one of those rare places that really lives up to its (great) reputation.
    Micki at The Barefoot Nomad recently posted..Fuerteventura´s Top AttractionsMy Profile

    • Sunshine and Siestas says:

      Too bad I wasn’t able to catch up with you, but I love that Seville lived up to expectations. I get that same reaction from just about everyone who comes to visit me!

  13. This is great, I love to get all the highlights so that if you do have a short period of time you can check them out without overwhelming yourself.

    It sucks sometimes you can only get a short visit, but it’s better than nothing :)
    Marina K. Villatoro recently posted..How To Get Around New York CityMy Profile

  14. Great post filled with insider tips! I loved Seville and would love to go back someday. Definitely bring comfy walking shoes.
    Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..GO GREEN TIP #100: 40 Healing Vegetables, Nature’s MedicineMy Profile

  15. Really nice post, I love the idea of walking the same walk as someone I can trust with knowledge that I know I’m going to have a great time.
    Dale recently posted..The Slow Bus Alternative to the Laos Slow BoatMy Profile

  16. I had the honor of staying last summer with the architect who renovated the Alcazar (he also happened to live in the castle for many, many years with his family). I love Seville- great post- made me want to return to the city!
    Melissa recently posted..Teaching teens to become passionate leaders (instead of fast food workers)My Profile

    • Sunshine and Siestas says:

      Oooh, how cool! I’m so excited to try Eat With and learn a bit more about my city. And when you come back, you know where to find me!

  17. I’m in love with the city even before visiting it. Planning 2 days in Seville and 3 days in Madrid end of this month. :)
    Loving going through your blog!
    Aditi recently posted..Postcards From ParisMy Profile

  18. Jennifer Jarvis says:

    Great article, but I only saw day one and looked for part 2 but can’t find it. Anyone have the link?

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