Sevilla is chocked full of amazing sights, bites, and sips! The following are our must-see tourist attractions:
1. Catedral de Sevilla & La Giralda - Climb La Giralda for breathtaking city views; visit the Cathedral to marvel at its grandeur and pay your respects to Christopher Columbus’s tomb. (Spoiler: he’s probably only 90% there.) Tip: Hit it in the afternoon to skip the crowds and soak in some serious gothic vibes.
2. Plaza de España - Think epic semi-circular palace, colorful tilework, and swan-filled canals. Personal Insight: Some of our favorite engagement photos were taken here.
3. Parque de Maria Luisa - Seville’s green escape, where palm trees, fountains, and flocks of pigeons live their best lives.
4. Real Alcázar de Sevilla - A royal palace so stunning it’s a literal Game of Thrones set. Lose yourself in its Moorish design and dreamy gardens. Or like us you can spend an hour watching the groundskeepers trying to wrangle the ducklings to the right mother. Tip: Morning reservations save you from the midday heat and grumpy tourists.
5. Torre del Oro - Seville’s golden riverside sentinel, once guarding the city with medieval flair. These days, it’s more about selfies than sieges, though its name still makes it sound like it’s hoarding treasure.
6. Metropol Parasol - A giant wooden mushroom with a panoramic walkway. Yep, you read that right. The world's largest wooden structure
7. Barrio Santa Cruz - Sevilla’s maze-like Jewish Quarter is filled with narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and cafes. Getting lost here and wandering into random tapas bars is the whole point. Pro Tip: Stop for gelato. You’ll deserve it.
8. Calle Betis & Triana - Stroll along the river, then cross into Triana, a neighborhood with pottery shops, flamenco vibes, and sangria on tap.
Restaurants & Tapas Recommendations
1. Mariatrifulca - Dinner along the river with incredible views and even better food. Note: Book ahead unless you like dining on regret.
2. Bar Alfalfa - Tiny corner bar with big tapas energy. Perfect for grazing on jamón and soaking in the charm.
3. Bodeguita Romero - Home of the legendary pringa montadito sandwich. Small but mighty
4. Cien Montaditos - Cheap, cheerful, and one of Caitlin's frequent lunch spots during her time in Sevilla. Think mini-sandwich heaven. Try not to order all 100 in one go.
5. Los Coloniales - A classic Spanish tapas bar popular. The vibe is bustling lively, and unapologetically local.
6. Bar Ajo&Agua - A cozy tapas bar in the heart of Sevilla, offering a blend of traditional Andalusian flavor and modern flair. One of our favorites from our trip to Sevilla in 2024.
Iconic Dishes to Try
Salmorejo: Chilled tomato soup that’s basically summer in a bowl.
Tortilla de Camarones: Crispy shrimp fritters—seafood pancakes, if you will.
Pringá Montadito: A sandwich stuffed with slow-cooked meats. Warning: it’s addictive.
Espinacas con Garbanzos: Spinach and chickpeas seasoned to perfection. Healthy-ish, but who’s counting?
Churros con Chocolate: Fried dough sticks dipped in liquid gold (aka chocolate). Breakfast, dessert, or whenever you need a life pick-me-up.
Caracoles: Snails in a flavorful broth of garlic, herbs, and spices, a seasonal delicacy popular in May for the adventurous.
Signature Drinks to Cool You Off
Tinto de Verano: Like sangria, but cooler and lighter.
Cruzcampo: Sevilla’s local beer, best served colder than water from a glacier.
Rebujito: Sherry meets soda.
Vino de Naranja (Orange Wine): sweet, fortified wine, infused with Sevilla orange peel, offers a balance of sweetness and citrusy bitterness.
Agua de Sevilla - a true Sevillian cocktail with cava (sparkling wine), pineapple juice, whiskey, and cream.
Kalimotxo: A combination of red wine and cola that is better than it sounds. You'll see countless students sitting along the Guadalquivir River sipping this.
Sevilla Neighborhoods
1. Santa Cruz - The historic heart of Sevilla, where getting lost in the labyrinth of cobblestone streets is practically a local sport. But don’t worry—every wrong turn leads to a cozy plaza or a picturesque courtyard that looks like it fell out of a postcard. Bonus: You’re never far from tapas or an Instagram-worthy shot of the Giralda.
2. Triana - Triana’s motto: “We’re cooler across the river.” Known for its flamenco, pottery, and locals with the strongest Sevillian pride, this neighborhood practically shouts authenticity. Pop into a bar, and there’s a 50/50 chance someone will start clapping out flamenco rhythms—or just ask if you’re a tourist.
3. El Arenal - Bullfighting, boats, and bars—El Arenal is Sevilla’s old-school cool kid. It's where you can sip a fancy cocktail by the river while casually pretending you understand the art of bullfighting (or just admire the outfits).
4. La Alameda de Hercules - Think of La Alameda as Sevilla’s hipster cousin: full of quirky bars, vegan cafes, and people who swear by their vintage bikes. It's the only place where you can find a punk rock concert happening next to a yoga class, and somehow it works.
5. Los Remedios - The posh part of town where the streets are wide, the boutiques are fancy, and the Feria de Abril dresses are more elaborate than wedding gowns. If you like your life a little polished and your wine always chilled, this is your spot.