Solo in Seville: My recs on what to see, do and eat

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Solo in Seville: My recs on what to see, do and eat


One of the primary cities I visited in Spain was Seville manner again in 2007, and immediately I used to be entranced by the colorful Southern Spanish tradition, from the intricate Moorish-inspired structure of its previous buildings to the staccato beats and fluttery attire of its flamenco scene. Since then I’ve visited many different components of Spain and it took me an entire 15 years to return to this metropolis – the primary cease in these COVID instances after 2+ years in Singapore and the place I celebrated my birthday abroad after a very long time! I put collectively this information on my solo journey in Seville together with what to see, do and eat on this pretty Andalucian metropolis.

You can learn a bit of bit about my Spain pre-trip planning, however this publish will element extra about travelling in Seville solo particularly. You also can try my time within the coastal city Cadiz or historic Cordoba.

How to get to Seville

Check out this publish for extra particulars about my journey planning to Spain

For Singaporeans, be aware that there are not any direct flights from Singapore to Seville. The Seville airport (San Pablo Airport SVQ) is definitely fairly small, so what I did was take a Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Barcelona’s El Prat Airport (which transits by Milan), after which switch to low-cost provider Vueling‘s flight from Barcelona to Seville.

SIA was running a promotion on Singapore-Barcelona flights, so I scored tickets for about $1k including checked baggage – this is a pretty decent price for typical Singapore-Europe flight promos pre-pandemic.

Singapore Airlines

  • SQ378 SIN-MXP-BCN 1130PM – 915AM (+1)
  • SQ377 BCN-MXP-SIN 1040AM – 750AM (+1)

Cost: S$1,040 (+ check-in luggage 25kg & seat selection)

Vueling

  • VX2214 SVQ-BCN 225PM – 405PM
  • VX2215 BCN-SVQ 1210PM – 115PM

Cost: 177 Euro / S$260 (+ check-in luggage, add carry-on bag & seat selection)

Flight or High Speed Rail?

From Barcelona to Seville, you can take the high speed rail between the cities which takes about 6 hours if you take the fastest option with no changes. Considering the hassle of air travel with luggage restrictions and liquids etc, it was something I considered doing because if you book quite a bit in advance (about a month), it looks like you can get 1-way Renfe tickets for something under 90 Euro, which is comparable to what I paid for my plane tickets.

I wanted to go straight to Seville so it didn’t make sense for me as a result of you would need to take a bus to the prepare station to transit (and likewise the timing of my flight was too late for the quickest prepare), but when I didn’t purchase the spherical ticket flights, I might have thought of taking the prepare again from Cordoba on to Barcelona as a substitute as a substitute of going again to Seville after which discovering my strategy to the airport to get to Barcelona. Would have saved the effort of going by customs and squeezing on a packed airplane!

If you’re reserving prepare tickets, I like to recommend shopping for them early on-line if you happen to’ve already discovered your itinerary particularly for longer distances to get good seats and good costs. The Renfe web site is infamous for being a bit not user-friendly about taking international bank cards, I made a decision to only use the Rail Europe as a substitute.

Cadiz Train Sunrise
Sunrise on the prepare going from Cadiz to Cordoba

Transport in Seville

Seville Airport to City Centre (Casco Antiguo)

Bus: For solo travellers, the best strategy to get from Seville Airport to the town centre is to take the Airport EA bus line. I took the EA bus line from Seville Airport to the ultimate cease Plaza de Armas which takes about 35 minutes, and it stops at just a few locations alongside the way in which together with the Santa Justa Train Station.

Buy your ticket from simply inside the doorway of the airport – Look for Tussam/Bus indicators. A 1-way ticket prices 4 Euro (the spherical journey 6 Euro ticket is for journey in the identical day, so not relevant to most travellers). On the return journey from Santa Justa Train Station, I paid for my ticket on the bus (the bus cease is in entrance of the primary entrance to the prepare station)

Taxi: Taxis aren’t that costly in Seville and possibly extra worthwhile if you’re in a bunch or carrying lots of baggage. I didn’t take any taxis as a result of I used to be travelling solo, however if you happen to take a taxi from the airport to metropolis centre, there’s a flat price of about 22-25 Euros relying on the time you arrive. Also, on particular holidays charges go as much as 30 Euros.

Getting Around Seville

Walk: I walked to most locations in Seville – the longest stroll I had was between the Bus Station in Plaza de Armas and my resort in Las Setas, in addition to the Santa Justa Train Station (luck would have that it’s about equidistant between the 2) and that took me about 20 minutes.

Most of the must-see sights are down in Casco Antiguo which is kind of walkable, and also you’ll need to spend time wandering across the slim alleyways significantly within the Santa Cruz space. Just put on good strolling sneakers that may deal with the cobblestone streets!

Bus: If you propose to go additional or see extra of the sights up in Macarena/San Julian, take into account taking the Tussam buses at 1.40 Euro per ticket, or you possibly can purchase a vacationer transport go for five euros/1-day or 10 euros/3-days. For information the stroll from Macarena to the Cathedral is about half-hour.

Bicycle: You can take into account renting the pink Sevici bicycles across the metropolis. The Short Term plan (7 days) prices 13-14 Euros (pay 1 euro extra for the insurance coverage) and also you get the primary half-hour free, after which they cost you 1.03 Euros for the subsequent half-hour, and a pair of.04 Euros for the next hours. You’ll additionally have to put down a deposit of 150 Euros in case of damages, so personally don’t suppose it is a nice possibility for a brief journey. Some retailers do hire bicycles so you’ll be able to take into account that as a substitute.

Things to do in Seville

Map

Here’s a map of all of the issues listed on this information that I made on Wanderlog, which can also be the journey planning platform I used to handle this journey to Spain.

General Tourist Tips

Buy your tickets on-line if potential, particularly for main points of interest: You usually want to order a time slot for entry which you are able to do on-line, and reserving your tickets on-line means you don’t must queue on the door and save lots of queuing time, so I extremely suggest this. You normally don’t must print tickets both, simply present the QR/bar code in your telephone while you enter the attraction.

Carry earphones: Some of those excursions provide free on-line audio guides or these audio units to make it simpler to listen to your information speaking. Carry your personal earphones so that you generally is a little extra hands-free and also you don’t find yourself figuring what to do with the additional low cost ones that they hand out.

Seville Cathedral Roof Selfie Mask
Listening to my information on the Seville Cathedral.

Seville Cathedral + Giralda Tower

One of the primary sights in Seville, Seville Cathedral is named the most important gothic cathedral on the planet and one of many metropolis’s UNESCO heritage websites. Like many southern Spanish buildings, it started life as a mosque constructed through the Moorish rule and was transformed right into a cathedral when the Christians took over.

The most important half is the Giralda tower that constructed a bell tower upon the previous minaret which you’ll climb up – it has ramps as a substitute of steps as a result of the muezzin used to make use of donkeys to climb up for the prayer calls. Seville Cathedral at this time is house to many treasures and artwork by Spanish masters, in addition to the tomb that will maintain (a few of) Christopher Columbus’ stays, which is an entire story in itself.

Seville Cathedral Exterior Long
Seville Cathedral. This is the view from Avenida de la Constitution
Seville Cathedral Roof Giralda View
Giralda Tower view from the rooftop tour of the Cathedral. Think the individuals within the tower had been questioning how we received to the place we had been!
Seville Cathedral Interior Hall
Inside the Seville cathedral – its nave is meant to be the most important on the planet
Seville Cathedral Interior Stained Glass Window
One of a number of stained glass home windows within the Cathedral

I undoubtedly suggest at the least getting the basic ticket that offers you entry to the cathedral and the tower, however a guided tour is likely to be helpful to offer you a great overview to each Seville’s historical past in addition to the myriad treasures within the compound. I keep in mind being distinctly awed by the sheer quantity of gold and silver you discover on show the very first time I visited.

Because I did go to earlier than, this time round I opted to do the Rooftop tour the place we climbed up slim staircases to the rooftop and loved aerial views of the town and a greater have a look at a few of the larger up options just like the stained glass home windows.

Seville Cathedral Roof Uneven Walkway
Lots of slim pathways and stairways to squeeze by, however you do get fairly an uncommon have a look at the cathedral’s lesser seen sides on the rooftop tour
Seville Cathedral Roof Arch Me
A better have a look at the buttresses and arches on the roof. There is a information main a bunch of about 25 pax, and you’ve got an audio system to listen to him even at a distance. Bring your personal headphones (although they do present if you happen to don’t)
Seville Cathedral Roof Statue
Panoramic view of Seville with one of many stone statues on the roof

You can pop into the cathedral at no cost within the mornings solely if you’re attending service, so you’ll be able to’t be all touristy taking pix throughout that point or they are going to chase you out. There can also be apparently free entry on Thursday afternoons – test the web site to e book your slot.

Book your tickets on the Seville Cathedral Website. General tickets value 11 Euros whereas the Guided Tour prices 20 Euros. The Rooftop Tour that I did additionally prices 20 Euros and there aren’t many English classes in comparison with Spanish ones so don’t go away your bookings too late, and be aware that in contrast to what others have stated, it doesn’t offer you entrance into the cathedral itself after the tour. There is a 1 Euro reserving payment for on-line bookings however belief me, it’s value it to not queue on the door.

Real Alcazar de Sevilla (Seville Royal Palace)

It would possibly shock you to know that the Real Alcazar of Seville aka the Royal Palace is technically nonetheless a functioning palace up to now for the Spanish Royals (the oldest functioning palace in Europe!), although I doubt they’d truly need to stay in a historic UNESCO web site the place a zillion individuals now stroll by daily!

Seville Real Alcazar Building
Look on the element on that constructing! This is the facade of the Palacio del Rey Don Pedro. This is only one f a number of buildings within the compound

You’ll be greeted by an actual combined bag of architectural kinds right here. First constructed by the Moors, the Mudejar design right here options very strongly and there are some completely fabulous tile work and ceilings that I spent lots of time watching, although the Christians once more got here alongside, preferred it sufficient to maintain the primary options who added to or adjusted the unique design once they took over – it is a recurring theme you’ll see all through lots of the most important Andalusian landmarks.

Seville Real Alcazar Arch Me
Me on the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) – managed to sneak in a shot regardless of the crowds!
Seville Real Alcazar Baths
Los Baños de Doña María de Padilla (The Baths of Lady Maria de Padilla) are beneath the palace

The Real Alcazar is situated proper subsequent to the Cathedral so normally individuals do these excursions in the identical day. I’ve seen guided excursions on-line that give you each locations on the identical day. I headed over after visiting the cathedral and opted to only stroll across the palace grounds by myself as a substitute of doing a tour, which is best for navigating the crowds however once more, you would possibly get extra fascinating tales on a tour as a result of there’s not lots of studying materials on web site. It would take you minimally about an hour to see the primary palace options, and undoubtedly longer if you wish to discover the gardens as properly.

Seville Real Alcazar Ambassadors Hall Dome
My favorite ceiling of all time in Seville might be this one within the Salon de Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors), an intricately carved golden dome and all that wall ornament!

If you go to the Alhambra in Granada earlier than seeing the Real Alcazar of Seville you would possibly discover the latter much less spectacular, however it is without doubt one of the grander buildings to be present in Seville. I undoubtedly take into account this one of many must-sees to see in Seville if you happen to’re quick on time.

Book your tickets on the Real Alcazar web site. Apart from the final tour ticket at 14.50 Euros (additionally offers you entry to the Antiquarium, Bellver Museum, Triana Ceramic Museum and San Jorge Museum), you may also choose to do a tour that offers you entry to the Quarto Real Alto (Upper Palace Rooms) for 20 Euros. Free entry on Mondays normally about 1-1.5 hours earlier than closing time (4/430pm in Winter, 6/630pm in summer season) the place you pay 1 Euro to order a spot on-line.

Archivo General de Indias (General Archive of the Indies)

The third part that makes up Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage web site is between the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. The Archivo de Indias was initially the consulate for retailers in Seville and afterward was became an archive documenting every part associated tot the invention of the New World (aka the Americas).

Seville Archivo de Indias Courtyard Me
This internal courtyard of the Archivo de Indias

The excellent news is that it’s free to go in and that the constructing is outwardly an important instance of Spanish Renaissance structure. The much less excellent news is that frankly isn’t that a lot to see. Perhaps it was as a result of there was an ongoing exhibition a few shipwreck after I visited so possibly that’s why I didn’t see to see the rows of recordsdata as I had anticipated (however even these are replicas, apparently the actual recordsdata are saved someplace protected). They did have a small nook with replicas of the Document of the Month however once more, not significantly wow if you happen to’re not a fan of detailed historical past.

Seville Archivo de Indias Shelves Angle
A really small part of the cabinets/archives, in addition to an space with the Document of the Month

The Archivo General de Indias is free to enter after a safety scan, however if you happen to’re very quick on time I feel you’ll be able to admire the constructing from exterior and skip this with out lacking out an excessive amount of. The on-line archive is likely to be fascinating if you’re actually into Spanish historical past!

Plaza de España (Spain Square)

To me, Plaza España is principally Naboo in Star Wars, however this pretty grand constructing advanced is definitely part of the Parque de Maria Luisa and was constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo by a Sevillian architect. It’s a type of locations that’s surprisingly expansive, 50,000 sqm in whole space and stretching 170m throughout the diameter of this semi-circle. The buildings had been restored in 2010 and at present home authorities establishment workplaces at this time.

Seville Plaza de Espana
North Tower of Plaza de España

I didn’t spend an excessive amount of time right here as I had visited beforehand, however the structure is admittedly fairly pretty and grand – numerous Renaissance model structure in addition to pretty tile work. Of be aware is the 500m+ canal within the centre which has 4 bridges (representing the 4 historic kingdoms of Spain throughout it) – you’ll be able to hire a ship and take a paddle although there actually isn’t very far to go in my view. The plaza was fairly full of life, with a busking flamenco efficiency taking place whereas I used to be there in addition to a small vogue shoot together with all of the vacationers.

Seville Plaza de Espana RIver
South Wing of the Plaza de España with a river that folks can row a ship one. There are 4 bridges throughout it

The different characteristic are the 48 tiled alcoves all alongside the curve of the buildings, 1 for every province of Spain with a consultant tableau and map displaying you the placement. It’s additionally organized alphabetically so it’s enjoyable to see the completely different tableaus and rely what number of areas you could have visited. There are technically 50 provinces in whole (I’ve been to 11!), however Seville itself just isn’t included, and the Canary Islands had 1 province when this was constructed in comparison with 2 now (information: Mapping Spain)

Seville Plaza de Espana Valencia
The tiled provincial alcoves are in alphabetical order and present you the primary provinces of Spain

The Plaza de España is free to go to and a 20-min stroll away from the Cathedral space. If I had a bit extra time, I’d pop as much as the 2nd degree balcony to soak up the view of the Plaza de España from larger up, or head to Parque de Maria Luisa which is admittedly fairly giant proper subsequent door simply to sit back out for a bit. The Southern finish of the park is the place you will discover the much less well-known Plaza de America and another pretty pavilions constructed for a similar world truthful because the Plaza de España, now house to the Archaeological Museum and Museum of Arts and Popular Customs of Seville.

Las Setas de Seville (The Mushrooms of Seville)

Las Setas / Metropol Parasol is a fairly cool trendy picket artwork sculpture with 6 picket parasol or mushroom shapes constructed by a German architect in 2011. Located at Plaza de Encarnacion, the resort I stayed in (extra on that under) was proper throughout from it so whereas I can’t say whether or not it’s value paying to go up as a result of I spent lots of time watching it from my balcony (sundown is outwardly a preferred time), it’s a fairly cool sight and a break from the previous model structure you in all probability have seen to date. 

Seville Las Setas Panorama
Las Setas is elevated above the Mercado de Encarnacion and the Antiquarium

Interesting truth: The official identify Metropol Parasol was apparently logos by the architect and he wished to cost the town to make use of that identify, in order that they ended up going with Las Setas which was what the native individuals had nicknamed it anyway.

Seville Las Setas Square Night
Las Setas at night time. The south exit is the place the doorway to the Mercado de la Encarnacion is situated

You’re free to wander round the primary plaza of Las Setas de Seville, however if you wish to climb as much as the highest, it prices 10 Euros for a basic day ticket, 12 Euros for a sundown ticket and 15 Euros if you happen to go up at night time when it’s all lit up. You can get meals from the Mercado de la Encarnacion on the bottom ground or go to the Antiquarium (free entry along with your Real Alcazar ticket) and see stays of the traditional Roman, and Visigoth civilisations in Seville.

Triana

Triana is the previous gypsy/Jewish quarter of Seville and simply throughout the Guadalquivir River from the realm the place the Cathedral/Palace are situated. It’s grow to be one of many hipper neighbourhoods to take a look at and apparently one of many extra genuine flamenco locations as properly (disclaimer that I didn’t watch my present right here). I principally explored Triana on a free strolling tour that I took, however whereas I discovered that tour informative I assumed it was fairly uninteresting so I wouldn’t suggest it personally, however I’ll simply level out just a few issues to look out for if you happen to stroll round by yourself.

Seville Triana Bridge
Triana Bridge

The waterfront stretch of Calle Betis between Triana Bridge and San Telmo bridge is kind of a picturesque stroll with many vibrant homes. Lots of eateries and bars right here as properly so it makes for a pleasant place to sit back out as you get an important view of the

Seville Triana Calle Betis Pano
Calle Betis and its vibrant homes

Calle Pureza is the road proper behind Calle Betis that runs parallel to it. additionally fairly taking place and the place you’ll be able to see the small however stunning Santa Ana Church.

Seville Triana Calle Pureza
Calle Pureza

There is a pedestrianised and extra touristy stretch with al fresco eating and retailers alongside Calle San Jacinto. Or head to Mercado de Triana proper subsequent to the Triana Bridge to get some recent meals, although there are some tapas and eateries in direction of the western finish of the market.

Seville Triana Mercado
Mercado de Triana

Seville’s structure is known for its ceramics just like that of Portugal‘s Azulejos, and apparently most of the workshops and factories used to be found in Triana, so it is recommended as the place to get authentic ceramic pieces. I did got into the Centro Ceramica Triana (A museum you can enter free if you have a Real Alcazar ticket), but it’s fairly small and consists of ruins of the previous kilns and a few exhibitions. The ceramic retailers round listed below are value trying out if you happen to want souvenirs, and I really feel that costs are cheaper right here in comparison with the vacationer retailers on the downtown Seville facet. 

Seville Triana Centro Ceramica
Centro Ceramica Triana. Cool trendy facade atop the previous kilns used to fireplace the ceramics
Seville Triana Ceramic Store
Ceramica Santa Ana is true subsequent door to the Centro Ceramica Triana museum. Lovely tiled facade, giant number of ceramics inside although in the end I didn’t purchase something.

Other issues to do in Seville

I spent 3 nights in Seville and it nonetheless looks as if I’ve much more left to do! I feel 2-3 days is sufficient to see the ‘main sights’ however having additional days will provide you with some room to stroll across the metropolis extra. Here are another issues you’ll be able to take into account.

  • There’s this factor about cloistered nuns promoting sweets by the doorways in Spain. if you happen to wanna test that out right here, my tapas information stated the nuns at Monasterio de Santa Paula have the perfect stuff, although it is likely to be a bit of extra out the way in which within the San Julian neighbourhood in direction of the north. You know their sweets are good as a result of they even have a web based internet retailer promoting their jams and nougat! Check out extra pix on the World Monument Fund web site.
  • Another barely out of the primary centre space factor to take a look at is Basilica de la Macarena – if that made you consider that earworm Macarena track, the duo Los del Rio had been initially from Seville! According to my tapas tour information, individuals wish to document themselves dancing to the track on this neighbourhood, and the churros con chocolate on the street cart in that sq. can also be presupposed to be superior 
  • The bullring constructing La Maestranza is fairly cool wanting and you’ll go watch a bullfight (Season normally round April to October) or simply see the constructing itself as it’s historic. I’ve seen bullfights earlier than and suppose they’re a bit gory so determined to skip this.
  • If you actually like fancy southern Spanish structure, Casa de Pilatos is a small sixteenth century civil palace that can also be very fairly with Renaissance and Mudejar structure and has an in depth azulejos tile assortment. I skipped it on this journey as a result of I noticed it final time however I keep in mind it being fairly fairly. Another palace you’ll be able to take into account is the Palacio de las Duenas which I haven’t seen, although each these choices are a bit of bit additional North from the Cathedral space. I’d suggest doing these on separate days from the Real Alcazar so that you don’t begin feeling prefer it all blends collectively.
  • There are free strolling excursions round Seville and they’re normally a fast straightforward strategy to be taught concerning the metropolis’s foremost sights and historical past fairly rapidly. Mine with New Europe Tours that I assumed was fascinating as a result of it lined Triana together with general Seville, however I feel it might be significantly better if it simply targeted on both path to be higher.
Seville Real Alcazar Dome Roof Selfie
So many selfies of me with roofs on this journey

Flamenco in Seville: Centro Cultural Flamenco

I watched a flamenco present at Centro Cultural Flamenco aka Casa de la Memoria. It was fairly handy to e book on-line and likewise the placement was close to my resort at Las Setas.

The venue is a small room with simply 2 rows of seats across the stage that are first come first serve so don’t be late if you happen to don’t wanna sit on the facet like I did, besides it’s such a small room you continue to get an honest view.

Seville Casa de la Memoria Stage
I used to be operating late and received in only a few minutes earlier than begin time. There had been some empty seats to the proper of me and throughout the room. The performers got here in by the primary entrance on the proper as we did

Overall it was a beautiful efficiency with the Flamenco guitarist, singers and dancers – you actually don’t want to grasp the phrases to understand the rhythm and dance. Both the singer and guitarist had been males, as was one of many dancers who carried out with a cane. The girl dancer was after all decked out in a wonderful costume. They allow you to movie simply the final act for socials – you’ll be able to see what the efficiency was like on my IG tales Highlight for Seville.

There are different flamenco choices round Seville the place you’ll be able to have a information to let you know extra concerning the historical past or have dinner along with your present so as to add to your expertise.

Seville Casa de la Memoria Exterior
Casa de la Memoria entrance

Book your flamenco tickets at Casa de la Memoria’s web site. My ticket value 22 Euros and there are normally present instances at 6pm and 730pm (There could also be later present instances throughout summer season months, test the schedule). Each present normally lasts an hour and you’ve got free cancellation till 24 hours earlier than the present.

Tapas in Seville

If it appears that I didn’t see that many sights, it’s in all probability as a result of I spent the remainder of that point consuming tapas. This part consolidates a few of the eating places and eateries I loved in addition to some recommendations on Spanish consuming habits.

Spanish mealtimes

You ought to know that Spanish individuals eat lunch and dinner very late. Surprisingly even within the touristy areas, Seville doesn’t actually cater to vacationer timing so much (in comparison with Barcelona the place there have been far more tourist-time choices for meals), so usually you’re going to get lunch at about 2pm and dinner from 8pm at earliest. I normally pop in to a spot about 10-15 minutes earlier than this timing to get a seat earlier than it will get crowded. If you miss breakfast at round 8-11am, lots of locations solely have drinks and no meals in that in between time.

When you order tapas, you usually will likely be supplied a basket of bread or a packet of plain biscuits/breadsticks (picos) to go along with your tapas. Sometimes that is free, however generally they cost 1-2 Euro for this so simply take be aware and reject it if you happen to don’t need to pay for it.

On the menu you’ll usually see a number of costs – tapas is normally for 1 individual and fairly small, 1/2 Raciones is a half portion and the total portion is normally for a bunch. For tapas sized stuff I can usually eat about 3 menu gadgets, and a pair of for 1/2 raciones, however it additionally is dependent upon what the meals is.

Tapas is supposed to be savoured slowly, so while you enter a bar, usually you discover an empty nook/desk/bar counter to tug up at, after which order a drink to get began. You don’t normally order all of your tapas directly, however dish by dish alongside the way in which.

Devour Tours: Seville Tapas, Taverns & History Review

The very very first thing I did after I reached Seville within the late afternoon was embark on a Seville Tapas, Taverns & History Tour with Devour Tours [affiliate links*]. At US$99, it was undoubtedly pricier than lots of different excursions however it was a birthday deal with to myself and I extremely suggest doing excursions like this proper firstly of your journey so what to look out for throughout the remainder of your keep in Seville.

*A be aware that whereas that is an affiliate hyperlink, I discovered this tour and paid for it by myself accord, it’s not sponsored.

There had been 7 different individuals on my tour all from the US, and our information was an area Spanish man named Mario who was actually ince and gave us numerous nice information about Seville, but additionally as a result of he was born in Cordoba, gave me a fairly good listing of issues to see there as properly. We visited 4 locations in whole on this tour – 3 tapas bars and 1 sit-down restaurant on the finish, and alongside the way in which he talked concerning the historical past of Seville and confirmed us a few of the sights as properly, so there was a little bit of a strolling tour factor in-built.

Generally we had at the least 1 drink and a pair of tapas in every tapas bar, and on the finish there have been 4 dishes and a pair of drinks. Considering I used to be fairly jet-lagged having been awake for >24 hours at that time, I used to be fairly dazed by the top haha so I’m sorry if I misremember any particulars. I additionally made some buddies on the tour that I ended up assembly within the later a part of my journey too.

You might additionally take into account Azahar Sevilla for personal tapas excursions (I used to be solo and she or he doesn’t do group excursions) and she or he has some nice Seville restaurant suggestions listed on her web site regardless – I discovered about Las Golondrinas from her web site.

Seville tapas suggestions

This listing consolidates a few of the tapas bars that I visited in Seville in addition to these locations that had been on the tapas tour. If you do the tour, you won’t find yourself in the identical locations, however I did get pleasure from all of the places and suggest you test them out too.

If you might be within the Cathedral space, you’ll in all probability discover lots of meals choices alongside Calle Mateos Gago. I ended up consuming at numerous spots round right here however it does get crowded at mealtimes.

Seville Calle Mateos Gago Cathedral
Calle Mateos Gago leads as much as the jap facet of the Seville Cathedral and has an important view of Giralda Tower. Love that it’s lined with orange timber too

Taberna Alvaro Peregil

Taberna Alvaro Peregil alongside this stretch was one of many stops on our tapas tour. It’s a cute family-run bar that has been round for a very long time and named for the son of the person who owned this bar Jose Perez Blanco aka Pepe Peregil, a well-known flamenco singer in Seville. Most individuals sit exterior to get pleasure from al fresco, however the inside is kind of cute and conventional too. The Vino de Naranja (Orange wine) is one in every of their specialty drinks to strive (like a candy port), and we washed it down with some chicharrones and cheese. [Taberna Alvaro Peregil location on Google Maps]

Seville Tapas Alvaro Peregil Entrance
Such a cute little spot, most individuals are sitting exterior to benefit from the cool spring climate

Taberna Belmonte

Further up the highway is Taberna Belmonte, a vineyard named for a well-known Sevillian bullfighter. They do serve tapas right here however I popped in for breakfast – a typical Seville breakfast includes open confronted toast with jamon (ham) and drizzled with olive oil. I washed that down with some yummy ColaCao. [Taberna Belmonte location on Google Maps]

Seville Tapas Taberna Belmonte Interior
Traditional inside with numerous callbacks to bullfighting
Seville Tapas Taberna Belmonte Food
Jamon all day daily! Jamon and Queso (cheese) on toast with further olive oil

Los Claveles

Another of the tapas excursions locations, we tried the vermouth on this family-run bar near Las Setas – vermouth is a fortified wine that’s fairly candy just like port, and historically an old-man drink in Spain, has seen a revival and grow to be the hipster alcohol of alternative. Different locations have their very own recipe, and our information really useful this one. Here we additionally ate two tapas – Pimientos Rellenos (peppers soaked in olive oil) and this wonderful Carne Mechada, which is principally pork slathered in lard on a chunk of toast. Kinda oily however tremendous yummy. It’s additionally proper subsequent to El Rinconcillo which is the oldest bar in Seville and fairly standard with vacationers too. [Los Claveles location on Google Maps]

Seville Tapas Los Claveles Food
The Carne Mechada was so good. Also I don’t even like veggies however the peppers in olive oil had been fairly first rate.

Casa Morales

Casa Morales was one other tour cease near the cathedral however this place is outwardly tremendous standard even with the locals – our information made certain we had been there early, and actually minutes inside opening all the inside seats had been taken up! Dating again to 1850, this bar has a very nice ambiance with these previous wine barrels across the room and jamon hanging on the bar and a few nice meals. We had a fairly conventional Manzanilla, a really dry sherry typical to this area, some bomb Jamon Iberico Bellota (that’s the very best grade of Jamon Iberico) and this tapas of bacalao (cod?) topped with a touch of salmorejo (chilly tomato soup) [Casa Morales location on Google Maps]

Seville Tapas Casa Morales Interior
Casa Morales inside – they’ve their menu written on the previous wine barrels

Las Teresas

On the final night time of the journey, I met up with some buddies I made on the tapas tour and we walked across the Santa Cruz space and determined to checked out Las Teresas because it seemed fairly conventional and fairly taking place. Founded in 1870, we sat within the annex space throughout the primary bar space and had numerous meals. Some of my favourites for the night time could be the Cazon en Adobo – fried dogfish that has some wonderful flavour while you chew into it and the Solomillo al Whisky (Pork Loin). [Las Teresas location on Google Maps]

Seville Tapas Las Teresas Interior
Las Teresas annex. The sherry right here is outwardly presupposed to be fairly good too.
Seville Tapas Las Teresas Food
Cazon en adobo and Solomillo al whisky

Las Golondrinas

While wandering round Triana, I used to be looking for some choices to eat and headed to Las Golondrinas, which is a cute little tapas restaurant – that is the extra conventional one as they’ve one other outlet a brief distance away. I used to be a bit of drained so I headed upstairs to sit down down – numerous pretty painted tiled typical of Triana right here! The Punta solomillo pork loin was delightfully salty and the mushrooms had been really easy to pop into your mouth. [Las Golondrinas (Antillano Campos) location on Google Maps]

Seville Tapas Las Golondrinas Interior
This is the salon downstairs the place you’ll be able to stand on the bar and eat. Upstairs is the extra sit-down space. You can see radishes and carrots on the left, apparently fairly standard tapas choices right here
Seville Tapas Las Golondrinas Food
I used to be midway by my punta solomillo and chips (pork loin) when my garlic mushrooms with aioli sauce got here!

Where to remain in Seville

Seville was the place I might have a good time my birthday, and due to COVID measures I used to be trying to have my very own personal room and toilet, so I used to be ready to splurge a bit greater than typical. I picked the Welldone Metropol [affliate link], a boutique resort which is true subsequent to Las Setas and Plaza de Encarnacion.

Seville Welldone Metropol Exterior
Welldone Metropol is a small boutique resort. My room was up on the very best degree (third storey).

Location: The resort is about 10 minutes stroll from the primary monuments space (aka the place the cathedral is) and on the northern finish of El Centro’s foremost purchasing streets. It’s equidistant from the Bus Station at Plaza de Armas and Santa Justa Train Station, about 20 minutes stroll to each these transport hubs. It’s fairly okay strolling this distance usually however generally is a bit arduous with a heavy backpack! If you propose to see extra of the points of interest in direction of Macarena/San Julian within the North, that is truly not a nasty possibility.

Given that Plaza Encarnacion is a foremost sq., count on some avenue/crowd noise through the day and evenings, which is one thing that comes up within the critiques so much. The sound proofing of the home windows is fairly first rate so that you do block lots of it out with the home windows closed. Maybe it wasn’t peak season after I visited, however I didn’t actually thoughts the noise, and it undoubtedly quieted down in direction of sleep time in order that was positive.

Room: I had the penthouse suite (Atico) which is on the 2nd ground (third ground if you happen to’re Singaporean and take into account the bottom degree 1), however there’s a raise in order that makes issues fairly handy. The room is a mini studio residence, with a big mattress, small kitchenette, hooked up bathroom and a pair of small balconies overlooking the sq..

Seville Welldone Metropol Room Bed
My mattress was comfy, although I want that stool was a bit greater. There is a window/small balconette to the proper
Seville Welldone Metropol Room Kitchenette
The Kitchenette space has a fridge (hidden), sink, microwave and occasional maker. Also one other window/balconette. I just like the double layer of curtains so I didn’t have to attract the darkish ones on a regular basis
Seville Welldone Metropol Room Toilet
The rest room had a rest room and a separate bidet which I didn’t use. There is a bathe with offered bottles of shampoo and cleaning soap, and sink with hairdryer
Seville Welldone Metropol Room Bed End Me
View from the mattress

What I actually loved about this specific room is that it had a non-public rooftop patio with an ideal view of Las Setas 24/7. This personal patio is accessed simply exterior the room by a door main up a slim spiral staircase to the rooftop (all of the doorways are accessed by a quantity code). There is an outside bathe there (it was too chilly to bathe in March, and actually manner too open to get bare, so possibly if you happen to wished to chill off after sunbathing on a scorching summer season day however not an actual bathe spot) and two chairs + deckchairs, so it was good for late afternoon drinks and chilling.

Seville Welldone Metropol Private Balcony
Seats on the patio. If every part appears to be like a tinge orangey, that’s as a result of Seville had mud storms from the earlier week so every part had a positive layer of pink mud on it.
Seville Las Setas Roof View
View of Las Setas from my personal patio!

Service: I truly by no means noticed any resort employees as a result of the reception is manned remotely. The employees communicated with me by way of whatsapp earlier than the journey to replenish the check-in types and gave me the resort/room entry pin codes earlier than arrival so I might let myself in. They left me a kind that I bodily signed and left for the cleansing crew to select up. Overall although they had been nonetheless attentive – I might shoot them questions on my water heater appearing up or ask for suggestions on locations to eat close by and so they usually would reply by way of Whatsapp fairly rapidly.

Also, they gave me a complimentary bottle of champagne on my birthday, so kudos to that. It appears to be like like they’ve added a small soaking pool up that which might make hanging on the market in the summertime much more superior.

Welldone Metropol

15 Plaza de la Encarnacion, Sevilla 41003, Spain [Google Maps]

Seville Welldone Metropol Room Bed

Other lodging choices

Most of Seville’s main vacationer points of interest are situated within the metropolis centre aka Casco Antiguo, so I feel if you happen to keep wherever in El Centro or Barrio Santa Cruz close to the cathedral, you must capable of stroll to most issues fairly simply. Triana is an possibility if you happen to don’t thoughts a little bit of a stroll.

This specific resort was undoubtedly costlier than what I’d usually spend on lodging, however I splurged a bit extra for my birthday and likewise I actually wished a non-public room/bathroom due to COVID considerations. Some different lodging choices I used to be contemplating:


Did I miss out something cool in Seville? Let me know within the feedback!

Stay tuned for extra posts about my journey to Southern Spain – I additionally visited Cadiz and Cordoba on this journey. In the meantime, try a few of my different Spain posts:



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