Ramblings of a New Yorker in Seville – A Beautiful City to Get Lost In

The historic city of Seville in Andalusia, Spain, has been on my travel bucket list for some time now. I’ve heard great things about it from friends and colleagues who have visited in the past, so I decided to add it to my own bucket list this year and finally make the trip over. The trip was definitely worth it and I’m thrilled that I decided to visit one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe! If you are visiting Seville or are thinking about visiting Seville, then you should consider checking out some of these rambling suggestions while you’re here!

The story of Seville

I’ve only been in Seville for a day and a half, but I feel like I’ve already seen so much. The city is full of art and architecture, and there are so many different destinations to explore. I love that there are always things to do here, and that even though it’s a big city, it doesn’t feel too overwhelming.

My favorite thing about the city so far has been seeing all the beautiful architecture and art. It’s incredible how much history the city has! There are countless churches, palaces, and plazas to visit – and don’t forget about the museums! I’ve been able to explore some pretty cool destinations, such as the Royal Alcázar of Seville and the Plaza de España. As someone who loves exploring new cities, this place was made for me!

Tapas Bars

Seville is a beautiful city with so many things to do. One of my favorite things to do is go to tapas bars. I love trying new foods and the tapas bars here have some of the best food I’ve ever had. The atmosphere in the tapas bars is also really great.

Everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. If you’re ever in Seville, be sure to check out some of the amazing tapas bars! Seville has so much to offer for someone looking for an adventure. There are cathedrals all over the city and markets full of delicious foods that can only be found in Andalusia. I’m going to end this post by sharing one last picture from my most recent trip to Sevilla, which was taken at night when we were walking back from dinner near Plaza Espana.

Plaza Espana

As I wandered around the Plaza Espana, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the architecture. The plaza is enormous, and the buildings are beautifully decorated with tiles. I especially loved the fountain in the center of the plaza. It was so peaceful and serene.
I could have spent hours exploring the plaza, but there was so much more to see in Seville. I definitely recommend getting lost in this beautiful city – you never know what you’ll find!
Another place that is well worth visiting is Barrio Santa Cruz. This quaint neighborhood is located next to the Alcazar Palace and has tons of historic charm. There are lots of shops and restaurants, as well as one of my favorite museums: Museo Arqueologico y Etnografico de Sevilla.

Walk along La Cartuja

I had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Seville recently, and one of my favorite things to do was simply walk around and explore. The city is beautiful, and it’s easy to get lost in its winding streets and hidden alleyways. I particularly enjoyed wandering through La Cartuja, an area on the outskirts of town that has been used for various purposes over the centuries – from a military fortress to an artist’s colony.
I recommend getting yourself lost as much as possible while visiting this unique Spanish city!
To get started, start off by walking south along Avenida de la Constitución towards Plaza Nueva. Take a right onto Carrera del Darro, then left onto Calle San Francisco. Follow it all the way through La Cartuja until you reach Plaza Espana, where you can admire all of Seville’s famous sites from one single point.

Real Alcazar (not touristy)

I’m not one for tourist traps, so when I visited the Real Alcazar in Seville, I made sure to go early and avoid the crowds. I’m glad I did, because it ended up being one of my favorite places in the city. The Alcazar is a beautiful palace with gardens that are perfect for getting lost in. I wandered around for hours, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

It was still bustling with locals going about their day, enjoying tapas and sipping on Sangria by the water. From there, I took a quick walk to the Royal Palace, which is quite similar. Afterward, I ate at Mercado de la Bretxa – some of the best food I’ve ever had. Finally, I capped off my evening at Plaza Nueva – all the life of downtown Seville right outside your doorstep.

Cathedral de Sevilla

The first stop on my list was the Cathedral de Sevilla. This imposing structure is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and took over a century to build. The inside is just as breathtaking as the outside, with intricate golden altars and stained glass windows. I could have spent hours admiring the architecture, but there was still more to see.

I headed back into the city center and made my way to Plaza Santa Cruz, where I admired some fantastic examples of Spanish colonial buildings. One that stood out in particular was the Alcázar Palace which had an elaborate patio surrounded by columns covered in hieroglyphics and brightly painted peacocks. There are so many other sites to explore that it’s hard to know where to start! It’s worth exploring this fascinating city at your own pace though because you’ll never get bored.

Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla (Bullring)

I’m not much of a bullfighting fan, but the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla is definitely worth a visit. This huge arena was built in the 18th century and is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Even if you’re not interested in bullfighting, the architecture and history of this place are fascinating.

The arena has seen its share of both good and bad events: it’s been home to over 5,000 bullfights; served as the location for Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon (1932), one of his more famous works; and hosted many other cultural events. Admission is €10, with reduced rates for students and seniors. There’s also an incredible museum inside the building with tons of information about bullfighting and related memorabilia.

Museo del Baile Flamenco (Flamenco Dance Museum)

I had the pleasure of stumbling upon the Museo del Baile Flamenco on one of my many meandering walks around Seville. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was immediately entranced by the passionate displays of Flamenco dancing. The museum offers a great introduction to this traditional Andalusian art form. You can watch videos of famous Flamenco dancers, learn about the history and costumes, and even try your hand at clapping along with the music.

I would highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in Spanish culture, or is just looking for something different to do while visiting Seville. It’s also free! So go check it out if you’re in town. For those of you not visiting, here are some photos that I took while exploring the museum.

Fabulous riverfront drive along Guadalquivir River

I was rambling around the beautiful city of Seville when I came across the Guadalquivir River. The riverfront drive was gorgeous and I felt like I could have spent hours there just taking in the view. The river itself is huge and it’s hard to believe that such a place exists in the heart of a city. If you’re ever in Seville, be sure to check out this drive!

It has plenty of spots where you can stop and take pictures or just enjoy the scenery. The park is lined with trees on one side and tall buildings on the other. It was an oasis right in the middle of busy Seville so don’t miss it! I’ll also never forget the ferry ride I took along the banks of Guadalquivir River – you should definitely try it too if you want to see another side of Seville.