Seville - where Flamenco dances under the Andalusian sun

Introduction

I've been fortunate enough to visit several cities in Spain – each with its own unique charm. That’s why I was especially excited to finally explore Seville, a city that had long been on my travel wish list. This trip was held meaning for me, as my partner’s maternal family is originally from Seville. It was a truly special experience to get to know his family’s hometown and gain insight into their roots. Seeing where his ancestors once lived made the journey not only fascinating, but also deeply personal.

Arrival

There is a direct flight with EasyJet from Basel to Seville, which takes a little over two hours. The airport is relatively small for the size of the city, but that makes it easy to navigate and quite pleasant. We rented a car from Avis, as our accommodation was located a bit outside the city center. The rental process was smooth and hassle-free.

In general, I prefer to explore new cities on foot or by using public transportation – but in this case, renting a car was the more practical choice.

Parking

If you're traveling by car, as we did, I can highly recommend the Magdalena parking garage. We were always able to find a spot without any issues, and its location is ideal for exploring the city on foot. While other parking garages also had available spaces, they were harder to reach due to the city's sometimes very narrow streets. In contrast, the Magdalena parking garage is easy to access, and it's also a convenient starting point if you need to leave the city quickly.

Plaza de España 

The Plaza de España is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and iconic places in Seville. This vast, semi-circular square is surrounded by magnificent architecture and lined with intricately designed benches made of brightly painted ceramics. Each bench represents one of Spain’s provinces and tells a small story through its mosaic artwork – a beautiful detail that invites you to pause and take it all in.

What fascinated me most was the almost fairytale-like atmosphere, which reminded me a bit of Venice: small bridges span narrow canals where rowboats gently glide by – right in the heart of the city! If you like, you can even rent a boat yourself and enjoy the scenery from the water. Alternatively, horse-drawn carriages offer a relaxed way to explore the area, adding a touch of old-world charm.

Without a doubt, the Plaza is a true highlight and, in my opinion, an essential part of any visit to Seville. It’s not only architecturally stunning but also full of life and atmosphere. The only downside: it can get quite crowded during peak times, which slightly takes away from the experience.

Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz district is the former Jewish quarter of Seville – and today, it's considered one of the most charming corners of the city. The neighborhood resembles a maze of winding alleys and narrow streets, perfect for aimless wandering. That’s exactly what gives it its unique appeal: as you stroll through the quiet lanes, you constantly come across hidden corners, secluded courtyards, and small squares that suddenly appear between the houses.

The atmosphere is truly one of a kind – despite visiting during peak season, it was surprisingly peaceful and pleasant. The small, colorful houses with their wrought-iron balconies and blooming plants give the area an almost picture-perfect charm. Adding to that are the many lovingly run little shops, where you can discover handcrafted goods, ceramics, and local specialties.

Catedral de Sevilla

The Sevilla Cathedral is not only the largest Gothic church in Spain, but also one of the largest churches in the world. Its construction began in 1401 and spanned several centuries until its completion in 1519. Since 1928, it has been a protected monument and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1987. Its architecture reflects various building styles, as the cathedral was constructed over several periods and by different architects – a true masterpiece of architecture.

To truly immerse ourselves in the history and significance of this impressive church, we booked a guided tour through GetYourGuide – and it was definitely the right choice. Our guide Maria was incredibly knowledgeable, and her storytelling and passion for the cathedral’s history completely captivated us. It was an exciting and educational experience that I would happily repeat. I highly recommend this tour.

The cathedral was built on the ruins of a former mosque, which makes its architectural richness and the fusion of cultures even more fascinating. A highlight of the cathedral is the Giralda – the former minaret of the mosque, now the cathedral's bell tower. The tower is easily accessible because it was designed with ramps, allowing donkeys to carry people up to call Muslims to prayer. Instead of steep steps, there is a gentle ramp, which makes the ascent particularly pleasant.

An especially fascinating fact is that Christopher Columbus is buried in the Seville Cathedral. A DNA match with the remains of Hernando Columbus, the explorer's son, has confirmed that a part of Columbus truly rests here. It is the only place in the world where we can say with certainty that a part of the famous explorer is buried – even if it's just a knee.

Real Alcázar

My absolute favorite sight in Seville was the Real Alcázar – a breathtakingly beautiful royal palace that immediately captivated me. If you're visiting Seville, you should plan at least two hours for your visit, as there is so much to discover.

The audio guided tour is absolutely worth it: it leads you informatively and entertainingly through the expansive palace grounds and offers fascinating insights into the history of this incredible place. Still, it's also worth wandering off the main paths on your own – the Real Alcázar is full of hidden corners and surprises.

One particularly fascinating fact: the palace is still used by the Spanish royal family when they are in Seville – a living testament to its enduring significance. Important: Tickets must be booked in advance. We booked ours conveniently through GetYourGuide, which I can highly recommend.

Even though the Real Alcázar is one of Seville’s most popular attractions and naturally draws many visitors, the size of the complex means that the crowds spread out nicely, allowing you to fully enjoy the magical atmosphere.

Casa de Pilatos

The palace is an impressive historic building dating back to the 16th century. Particularly fascinating are its beautiful architecture, the elegant courtyard, and the lovingly designed gardens that invite visitors to linger. It feels somewhat like a smaller version of the famous Real Alcázar, yet it retains a charm all its own.

Originally, the palace served as the residence of the governors of Andalusia, and it still radiates the splendor of the past. The number of visitors inside was also pleasantly low, allowing us to enjoy the special atmosphere in peace.

Tickets can be conveniently booked through GetYourGuide and are valid for an entire day. The standard ticket grants access to the ground floor, while those who wish to visit the magnificent upper floor can book a guided tour for an even deeper insight into the palace’s history.

A tip: It's a good idea to bring your own headphones, as you can listen to additional information about the palace via your phone or a provided device – making the visit even more engaging and informative.

Museo del Baile Flamenco

The Flamenco Museum was founded by the famous dancer Cristina Hoyos. Visitors can gain interesting insights into the history of flamenco through interactive screens. You can also book a flamenco show, which I would recommend. The museum itself is relatively small, so it’s worth booking the show as well. The combined ticket costs 29 euros and can conveniently be booked via GetYourGuide.

The number of spectators for the show is limited, which creates a very pleasant and intimate atmosphere. I would recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the performance if you want to secure a good seat. It was nice to visit the museum once and experience it, but I wouldn't go back a second time, as the exhibition is fairly limited overall.

Setas de Sevilla

Seville's new landmark, known as the largest wooden structure in the world, impresses with its remarkable dimensions: 150 meters in length, 70 meters in width, and 26 meters in height. The construction is made from high-quality Finnish wood and stands as a fascinating example of modern architecture right in the heart of the historic old town.

The entrance fee is 16 euros, which we found a bit pricey compared to other attractions. However, the Experience Sevilla film was definitely a highlight. The beautifully produced footage showcases the city from breathtaking perspectives and allows visitors to immerse themselves even deeper in the beauty of Seville.

Unfortunately, we missed the evening light and music show during our visit. A friend of mine, who visited shortly after us, spoke very enthusiastically about it and highly recommended it. On my next trip to Seville, I definitely won’t miss this experience!

Torre del Oro

The Torre del Oro is a striking landmark on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Seville. It was built by the Moors in the 13th century and originally served as a military watchtower to control access to the city's port. The name "Gold Tower" is said to derive either from the golden reflection of its original plaster or from the gold treasures that were once stored there.

In addition to its role as a defensive structure, the tower is believed to have been used to protect and temporarily store gold and other valuables arriving from the Americas. A heavy chain could even be stretched across the river from the tower to prevent enemy ships from entering the port.

Today, the Torre del Oro houses a small maritime museum that explores the history of the river and Seville’s importance as a trading hub. From the viewing platform at the top, visitors can enjoy a beautiful view over the river and the historic old town.

Shopping

Since we were in an apartment during our stay, we naturally had to do some grocery shopping ourselves. We had a consistently positive experience with El Corte Inglés. This well-known department store chain – one of the largest in all of Europe – offers a wide selection of groceries, fresh produce, and everything else you might need for everyday life.

If you enjoy strolling through beautiful shopping streets with a wide variety of stores, I can highly recommend Calle Tetuán. This shopping street impresses not only with its numerous shops catering to all price ranges, but also with its stunning architecture. A major advantage: the entire street is car-free, making it especially pleasant to wander around.

Restaurants

Casa Manolo León is a beautiful restaurant in Seville and truly a hidden gem. Although it is located slightly outside the city center, it is still easily reachable on foot. From the moment you enter, the stylish decor impresses – a perfect blend of traditional charm and elegant details. One of the highlights was our table in the idyllic courtyard, which made the dining experience even more special. The food itself was outstanding – from the quality of the ingredients to the careful preparation, everything was absolutely perfect. I would go back there again without hesitation! One important tip: make sure to reserve in advance! The restaurant was fully booked several days ahead of time.

The Alimentari Restaurant offers delicious, high-quality Italian cuisine. Particularly noteworthy are the authentic pizza, bursting with flavor, and the exceptionally tasty lasagna. The portion sizes might feel a bit small for some – I had chosen the medium option, which, in hindsight, was a bit of a mistake. I would recommend going for the large portion to fully enjoy the experience. One important tip: make sure to book a table in advance! We only managed to get a spot outside, which was unfortunately a bit chilly at this time of year.

You can enjoy a great breakfast at the restaurant MOKAMBO Alfalfa. The service was very friendly, and there is an excellent selection of various breakfast options.

Our absolute favorite spot for breakfast was the restaurant Feria83. Highly recommended is the breakfast platter for two – and it costs just 28 euros. A real bargain! It includes fresh croissants, bread, cold cuts and cheese, a selection of fruits, and freshly squeezed orange juice. A hot beverage is also included in the price. I especially recommend trying the pink latte with beetroot – it not only looks fantastic but also tastes absolutely delicious.

One thing I absolutely have to mention: Seville is full of beautiful wine and tapas bars. On practically every corner, you’ll find charming spots with tables and chairs set up outside, where people gather to enjoy the lively, open-air atmosphere.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend a specific bar just yet – maybe after my next visit – but one thing is certain: the selection is fantastic everywhere, and almost every bar invites you to sit down, relax, and soak in the vibrant spirit of the city.

Closing words

I have already visited several cities in Spain, and each one has charmed me in its own way. That’s why I’m even more excited that Seville is now on this list. The city truly captivated me – you immediately feel at ease and welcome. I was particularly impressed by the breathtaking sights, such as the majestic cathedral and the magnificent Alcázar. The architecture of these historic buildings is simply fascinating. It was a real pleasure to immerse myself in this unique world. I’m sure I’ll return one day to discover even more of Seville.