Seville, the capital of southern Spain's Andalusia region, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. If you're planning a weekend away with friends, Seville is the perfect destination to explore.
Our journey to Seville began with a swift two-and-a-half-hour flight from Stansted. On arrival, we effortlessly transitioned to city life, thanks to a pre-arranged transfer via Talixo. Our residence, the Vincci Molviedro, was a delight with its subtle blend of history and modernity, nestled conveniently just a six-minute stroll from the monumental Cathedral and Real Alcazar.
Having mapped out our itinerary meticulously before arrival, we secured online tickets for major attractions, ensuring our days were queued only with excitement, not lines.
Day 1: Culinary Indulgences
We were welcomed by the hotel around 1 PM and soon found ourselves on the rooftop terrace, absorbing the vistas with refreshing drinks in hand. Lunch at La Brunilda Tapas offered a sensory feast—each dish a testament to Sevillian flavour and flair. Post-lunch, a brief retreat to our rooms rejuvenated us for the evening. Dinner at Mechela Arenal showcased sophisticated cuisine in an equally refined setting, marking a perfect close to our first day.
Day 2: Historic Heartbeats
Our day kicked off with a hearty buffet breakfast before we ventured to the historic bullring, a mere 10-minute walk away. The timing of our visit at 10.30am allowed us to enjoy the site before the crowds peaked. The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, is a bullring with a seating capacity of 12,000. It becomes a central venue during the Seville Fair, hosting one of the world’s most famous bullfighting festivals. This arena is associated with the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, a historic noble guild dedicated to preserving traditional cavalry skills.
Next, we stumbled upon El Postigo, an arts and crafts haven that captivated our artistic senses. A picturesque horse and cart ride later, we found ourselves at Maria Luisa Park and the Plaza de España, each site echoing stories of Seville's rich past. This is a standard price of 45 euros for about an hours tour and would highly recommend.
Lunch was a local affair at Casa Morales, where authenticity reigned supreme. Established in 1850 by Reyes Morales' great grandfather, this family-owned bar offers a superb selection of wines and traditional tapas. Enjoy top-notch cheeses, cured meats, tapas, the city's best tortilla de patatas, and various stews. Daily specials are available, and if unsure, ask chef Óscar for a recommended selection with house sherry or vermouth. The bar features a street-facing window and a side entrance leading to the former winery, complete with large clay tinajas. Step into a Sevilla-like ambiance, outstanding value, exceptional food, and friendly staff. Truly a standout venue in the city.
Later, the majestic Cathedral and Giralda beckoned. Seville Cathedral, one of the world's largest churches and the biggest Gothic cathedral, features the iconic Giralda bell tower, offering stunning city views and housing Columbus' tomb. Completed in the early 16th century, it surpassed Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral, a title held by the Byzantine church for a millennium. The Giralda, originally a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville during the Almohad dynasty's reign, was transformed into a bell tower with a Renaissance-style belfry by the Catholics post the Muslims' expulsion.
We wrapped up our afternoon with cocktails at La Terraza del EME, enjoying panoramic views before a sumptuous dinner at Dona Rufina. We enjoyed a delightful seafood paella and seared tuna, which were absolutely delicious. The staff was incredibly friendly, the ambiance was relaxed, and the food was excellent. We would definitely visit again! Note: Reservations are only by phone.
Day 3: Regal and Rhythmic
The Real Alcazar was our morning highlight, where history unfolded among stunning gardens and peacocks. The Real Alcazar of Seville holds the distinction of being the oldest active royal palace in Europe and serves as the second official residence of the Kings of Spain. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic palace dates back to the 11th century, originally constructed as a fortress by Muslim authorities. Today, the Alcazar continues to be a testament to Seville's rich history, characterised by its lush gardens, flowing waters, and the ongoing revitalization of its spaces, maintaining its vibrant role in contemporary life.
We then wandered through Barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of Seville. The neighbourhood is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, where you can wander around the independent shops, bars, restaurants and attractive squares. Nowadays, this district and old town, with its many white houses, is the tourist centre of Seville. We had a delicious lunch of fried fish at La Sacristia—a local favourite.
The evening was reserved for a flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Las Setas, an immersive experience of passion and dance. We settled into an intimate, dimly-lit venue with sherry cocktails in hand, just as a captivating flamenco show began. The performance kicked off with an impressive guitarist setting the tone. As each performer took the stage, they introduced themselves, showcasing their passion, emotion, and strength. The vocals were raw and poignant, the flamenco guitarist was exceptional, and the dancers were absolutely breathtaking. Experiencing this flamenco show is undoubtedly a must-do when visiting the enchanting city of Seville. Click on the above image for a video taster!
Dinner at El Rinconcillo embraced us with historical charm and delectable cuisine. Located in the historic center of Seville, this bar, established in 1670, exudes an old-world charm that is both rare and captivating. The tapas here are not only delicious but also offer a taste of authentic Sevillian cuisine. Visiting El Rinconcillo is an enchanting experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the history and flavors of Seville.
Day 4: Relaxed Revelry
Our last day unfolded at a relaxed pace as we set out to explore various historical sites, gardens, and bars. However, we were completely taken by just one gem—the Palacio de las Dueñas. Part of the House of Alba, this quaint palace is a collection of courtyards and buildings showcasing a blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance styles, with a distinctly local touch in the bricks, tiles, whitewashed walls, and pottery. It quickly became one of our favourite spots, offering a tranquil experience without the crowds or vastness of larger sites.
Recommendations for a relaxed drink and tapas led us to Gran Café España, a perfect spot to conclude our exploration.
Parting Thoughts and Tips
Seville left us with not just memories but also travel insights:
Passport-free attractions: Enjoy seamless entry to most sights.
Optimal timing: Late April offers comfortable weather and lighter crowds.
Evening life: Most local restaurants come alive post-8 PM.
Relaxed Sundays: Plan around many shops being closed.
Accessibility: Many attractions cater well to those needing pram or wheelchair access.
Clean and safe: The city maintains high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Good value for money: We didnt feel ripped off and prices were reasonable.
Seville proved to be a perfect tapestry of old friends, new memories, and timeless experiences, making every moment of our short stay a chapter worth reliving.
Ensure your journey matches the elegance of your destination with our luxurious leather travel accessories. Travel with flair and explore our beautifully handcrafted collection of Gladstone holdalls, wash bags, travel wallets, accessory boxes, and valet trays.
See the full Travel Collection here.