Before Covid sent the world into disarray, I spent a long weekend in Seville celebrating my sister’s 50th birthday. Discounting travel days, we had two full days to experience the best that Seville had to offer.
My real highlight of the trip was spending so much time with my sisters and their spouses. However, the things below are regularly mentioned on “must do” lists for the city. We did them all and I would recommend them to anyone going to Seville.
Things to See
Real Alcazar
The Alcazar is a royal palace (the Spanish royal family still use the upstairs apartments when they’re in Seville) with more than 1000 years of history. Building began in the 10th century under the Moors and continued under different rulers in several different styles.
The buildings are gorgeous (if a bit empty), but the gardens are particularly lovely. Even in winter the trees are covered in bright green leaves. There are fountains and tiled benches tucked around every corner. It’s so pretty.
Cathedral de Sevilla
Next door to the Alcazar is this massive cathedral. It claims to be the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world (but if it’s not, it’s pretty close to it). When construction started, it was going to be a mosque, but after the Reconquista it was turned into a cathedral.
Multiple construction phases have resulted in a gorgeous building showing both Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. The cavernous insides house a wealth of religious art. It is also home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb, if you’re into that kind of thing. Honestly, seeing the building itself and its various chapels and altars are worth the entrance fee.
Plaza de Espana
This beautiful public square in the middle of the Parque de Maria Luisa was created for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. The Plaza de Espana consists of a grand semi-circular building surrounding a beautiful paved area and canal. It is absolutely gorgeous in the sunset.
You can rent a small boat and paddle along the canal, or maybe wander the galleries of the renaissance-style building. Alternatively, the plaza is the perfect place for some people watching; just settle yourself in one of the tiled alcoves (each alcove represents a different Spanish province).
Las Setas
Las Setas means “the mushrooms,” an apt name given the structure’s physical appearance. It is a canopy of interlocking birch wood panels that provide shade to the public square beneath. At the top, there is a lovely walkway with the best views of Seville available.
On the entry level there is a small museum displaying the (mostly roman) ruins that were uncovered prior to construction. It’s good, and I highly enjoyed it, but unless you are totally obsessed with Ancient Rome, it can be easily skipped for time.
Things to Do
Eat Tapa
Originally the appetizers before the main meal, tapas are small portions of food eaten together as a full meal. Just keep ordering (and eating) until you’re full.
Sometimes tapas are served at the bar; sometimes they’re eaten seated at a table. Some people will share a variety of dishes amongst themselves. It’s also acceptable to move from bar to bar during the meal, and tapas bars can often be found alongside other tapas bars. It really depends on exactly where you are.
Have Churros for breakfast
Apparently, it is normal for people in Seville to eat churros for breakfast on the weekend. They eat them dipped in a thick, rich hot chocolate drink. I did this on a Saturday morning, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to find anyplace that sold churros open the next day so we could repeat the experience.
Once you have had fresh Spanish churros, you will never be able to enjoy the inferior churros served anywhere else ever again. They’re that good!
Watch Flamenco
Seville is the capital of the Spanish region of Andalucia, the heartland of flamenco dancing. Perhaps starting in the 18th century, or maybe with gypsies in the 15th century, Flamenco is a high-paced, foot-stomping dance full of spirit.
If you wander around the larger streets and plazas you may be able to watch someone practice/perform flamenco for free (great for those on a budget). However, there are dedicated flamenco bars where you can see quality flamenco for a price. I can’t recommend any flamenco bars myself, but I suggest you check out this post from Miss Travel Clogs.
These are just the highlights of what to do in Seville. There is much more to see and do there. If you only have two days or a weekend in this gorgeous city, you’ll want to prioritise these highlights. Let me know how it goes in the comments (you know, once it’s safe to travel again).
This post made me go back and look at our pictures of the trip (I’d forgotten how gorgeous it all was, including the accommodation) – thanks for writing this, Em.
Thanks for taking me with you. 🙂