Valerie & César
Things To Do
Real Alcazar of Seville
If you visit one landmark in Sevilla, make it this one. This royal palace, constructed primarily in the fourteenth century, is the oldest one still used in Europe, and boasts intricate Islamic-influenced art and architecture, elegant patios, and serene gardens populated by peacocks. Note: Entrance to the Royal Bedrooms is limited and a seperate ticket, but highly recommended. Tickets sell out approximately a month in advance. General admission: €11.50.
Catedral de Sevilla
Completed in 1502, Sevilla’s cathedral is the third-largest church in Europe and the largest Gothic church anywhere. Christopher Columbus, whose famous voyage was commissioned by the Spanish monarchs Isabella I and Fernando II, is entombed inside. Other highlights include the massive altarpiece, which depicts more than 1,000 biblical figures, and the adjacent Giralda tower, which offers spectacular views of the city. General admission: €9.
Plaza España
Built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, the Plaza de España is a sprawling and stunning public space. Colorful tiles embedded throughout the plaza celebrate each Spanish province and its history.
Palacio de las Dueñas
This hidden gem is a national monument and one of major historic homes in the city of great architectural and artistic heritage. A great example of an Andalusian architecture, you can enjoy beautiful gardens and courtyards without any lines. General admission: €8
Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville
Commissioned by the King of Spain to play host to international dignitaries during the 1929 Exhibition, Hotel Alfonso XIII remains an iconic cultural landmark. The San Fernando restaurant located in the hotel's andalusian court and the Ena Tapar Bar are pricey, but pop in for a drink after visiting the Real Alcàzar to gape at the architecture and magic of this hotel.
El Rinconcillo
Established in 1670, it is the oldest restaurant in Spain. It's a classic for tapas and traditional Spanish dishes. Tapas here are best served standing here.
El Pinton
Located steps from the Seville cathedral, in a refurbished textile warehouse with an andalusian patio, El Pinton is one of those places that make you fall in love as soon as you walk in. The menu is a modern take on traditional dishes. Reservations recommended.
La Moneda
Located near the Catedral de Sevilla this tapas restaurant is known for its fresh seafood tapas
Mariatrifulca
Located on the riverfront in the Triana neighborhood, this restaurant is an excellent choice for lunch with a focus on elevated Sevillian seafood with a contemporary twist. Call in advance for reservations.
La Giralda
The 12C minaret of the former mosque, a masterpiece of Almohad art, is the emblem of Seville. In the 16C the Córdoba-born architect Hernán Ruiz was charged with its transformation. He added balustrades to the openings and perched a weather vane (giralda) on a platform on the bell tower, hence the name of this 100m-tall structure. The panoramic view over Seville makes it worth the effort of climbing up.
Restaurante Ispal | Grupo La Raza
ISPAL is the original name of the city of Seville dates back to the late 8th century A.C. meaning “flat land”. ISPAL takes you on gastronomic tour through the towns of the province of Seville through its flavors.
La Terraza de EME
With its wonderful direct views of the Cathedral and the Giralda, this panoramic rooftop bar offers a historic setting to drinks and music. Best in the evening or sunset.
Pura Vida Terraza
Inspired by Costa Rica (Valerie is 50% Costa Rican), this vibrant and relaxed wooden decked terrace comes with a mix of open-air bar stool seating and more covered lounge spots. From the rooftop bar you can order a mix of refreshing cocktails, ice cold beers and an ever changing menu of tapas.
Ovejas Negras
An intimate restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere for lunch or dinner. As well as tapas, the menu features small plates which are a fusion of local flavours and influences from other countries around the world.
Restaurante Mateos
Tapas & Slow Food with a focus on locally sourced ingredients in a casual contemporary setting.
El Garlochí
Described as crazy, strange and unusual, the lonely planet describes this bar best... "There surely can't be many weirder places to drink than this dark temple of kitsch. Decked out in ultracamp religious decor, it's dedicated entirely to the iconography, smells and sounds of the Semana Santa (Holy Week). To get into the mood, try its signature cocktail, a Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ), made from grenadine, pink champagne and whisky."
Casa Anselma
Popular among locals, Casa Anselma is a traditional Sevillan bar, where you can watch people singing and playing authentic flamenco, and you might even be treated to an impromptu flamenco dance. Anselma, the owner, won't charge you a cover charge, but will make sure you order drinks. The bar opens at 11, typically there is a line and it's standing room only inside, but well worth it
Torres y García
Looking for a bite not far from the cathedral and want something other than tapas? Housed in a series of inter-connecting, rustic-industrial rooms (called the terrace, warehouse, skylight etc), the restaurant serves simple cuisine which respects ingredients and flavours, and which is described as rustic-creative in style. There’s also a wood-fired oven, in which the restaurant’s famous (and delicious! ) pizzas are baked.
Granada & the Alhambra
The Alhambra Note: This is a full day trip. Cesar and I left at 7 am and returned at 9 pm. Please do not attempt to do it on Wednesday, May 27th or you won't be back in time for the welcome cocktail. If you want to explore more of Andalusia, we highly recommend a trip to Granada to visit the Alhambra. Note tickets to the Alhambra need to be booked 3 months in advance and sell out fast. Granada is aprox. 3 hrs away by car or train. The best part of the Alhambra is the Nasrid Palace (requires a separate ticket) and expect to stay at least 3-4 hours covering the extensive grounds. The official website for tickets is the following. https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/ Don't forget to visit the historic Albaícin neighborhood! Hammam Al-Andaluz For a unique experience visits Hammam Al-Andalus where you can bathe in traditional Arab baths and experience the Midra massage and purification ritual. Tickets : https://granada.hammamalandalus.com/en/