From the moment you enter many of Seville's hotels, with their imposing wooden doors that lead to a pretty internal courtyard or thoroughfare before you even reach the main door, the city's beauty is inescapable. Wander the streets for only a few moments, and you're pretty likely to stumble across (maybe literally - hello, cobblestones) sweeping arches, intricate architecture and bold colours, shaded by pretty palm and orange trees. One of the most beautiful cities I've been to for sure, with striking elements reminiscent of Cuba and Morocco. The architecture is predominantly Moorish and Gothic, with a strong Christian and Islamic influences, so those similarities make a lot of sense.
Royal Alcazar
If you've got a long weekend upcoming, or just want a little mini-break, Seville is the one. We spent just two full days in the city, and got loads done - everything is within an easy walking distance of one another, especially if you stay near the centre; in fact, the only transport you need is an airport transfer (we used Welcome Pick Ups; their drivers were so friendly and very punctual). We stayed at El Escondite de Maria (its decor, service and location was unbeatable), near the Metropol Parasol, and the furthest out we walked to a landmark was 40 minutes. So, grab your flight and hotel, and tick these beauties off your list:
Cathedrals
Of course, a visit to the city's eponymous cathedral is essential. UNESCO-listed Seville Cathedral is like a signpost when walking in the city; we passed it countless times in our 48 hours. Upon arrival to the first landmark of our visit, we queued, drinking in its beautiful, intricate exterior while we waited. Once inside, it was just as impressive - so huge and beautiful with impressive pillars, and ceiling architecture. It is also home to the Giralda Tower, which boasts fantastic views of the city. Unfortunately, the tower, and roof tour, was sold out in English by the time we arrived (midday) and you can't do it without a guide, so it's best to buy tickets beforehand.
Area outside the cathedral
Along one side of the cathedral is the Patio de las Naranjas, which is a beautiful area lined with the city's famous orange trees, fruitful even in November. We tried some vino de naranja - orange wine - at a tapas bar-restaurant called La Moderna, a four-minute walk from this area. Boyyyyy, was it sweet! The portion sizes of the tapas at this spot were generous, especially the patatas bravas and seafood, and so tasty.
Your cathedral ticket also affords you a free trip to Iglesia del Salvador - do NOT skip this one. Formally a mosque, now a church, personally, I thought it was more gorgeous than Seville Cathedral. A bright pink exterior leads to the most breathtaking gold, intricate pieces of artwork and sculptures on the inside, stretching high up into the fantastic frescoed ceilings. Maybe it was just because of the time of day we visited, but the light streams through the stained glass, showering rainbows all over the place - I was awestruck.
Palaces
The Royal Alcazar, the oldest used palace in Europe, built in the 14th century, is one of the city’s main attractions. It's opposite the cathedral and this is one I definitely recommend pre-booking as the queues can be long, however, sooo worth it. Get ready to get lost amidst sprawling gardens, with landscaped, maze-style bushes, palm trees and fountains, fantastic bold colours in the walls and stone, intricate ceramics and mosaics, breathtaking artwork, stunning frescos, and so much more. My Morocco comparison is even more valid here, as there was an area literally the spitting image of my hotel in Chefchaouen.
Now, not really a palace but I've put it under this category because, MY GOD, it deserves it: Plaza de España was like being in another world. It’s like a little Venice, with pretty bridges and boats sailing down the water, mixed with Montmartre-Paris vibes, thanks to the pretty streetlights, each adorned with unique ceramic tiles, and, also, classically Spanish with live music and outdoor flamenco shows peppering the area - an elite take on our street performers, if you will. It was my favourite spot in the whole city.
Modern structures
While Seville is steeped in historical architecture, there are more modern gems, too, namely the Metropol Parasol. The highest wooden structure in the world, it is also a sight to behold from street level. However, its criss-cross design truly unveils itself when you get to the top: it’s like a mini-city of intertwining walkways, with stunning city views to boot. After you're done wandering this marvel and getting selfies galore, treat yourself to sangria and tapas (we went for Spanish omelette, and started what ended up being an intense nine-egg day for us both) - both were delicious here, and served with a side of cool rooftop views.
Other buildings
Some buildings here aren't about what they look like - though a stroll through the colourful Santa Cruz area (Jewish Quarter) by the cathedral and Alcazar defo is - it's what you can do inside them: eat and drink! On our first night, we went to a traditional local tapas bar, Los Coloniales, where we ate like the locals - standing and eating, and chatting at the bar, like we may have a pint in an English pub. It was so fast-paced, and we were surrounded by Spanish speakers. We learned you don't need to form an orderly queue and press your stomach or chest against the bar to get served either, which is great.
Another dining spot we visited was Taberna La Subasta, where we dined alfresco in the middle of November, thanks to the heaters; there's just something about eating outside that reinforces holiday vibes, amiright? The paella here was so tasty, and the sangria more so. However, the most lethal sangria of the lot was the one we had at The Second Room - there were at least four different types of alcohol along with the fruit and wine, including Cointreau and vodka. Also, if you get the time, check out El Rinconillo, the oldest tapas bar in Seville. However, it's best to go in the day and it is teeming with people come evening.
Have you stayed longer in Seville? What other recommendations do you have?