Seville is a city that oozes magic. From Moorish palaces to sun-drenched plazas, every corner feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. Over four nights, we soaked up its beauty, indulged in its food, and even managed a quick trip to Córdoba (more on that in another post). Here’s how we made the most of our time in the Andalusian gem.
Day 1: First Impressions and Tapas by Twilight
Arrival: Santa Cruz Charm
Flying from Manchester, we arrived in Seville ready to embrace the sun and explore. Our base for the trip was the Hotel Fernando III in the Santa Cruz district. If you’re looking for a place with charm and convenience, this area ticks all the boxes. Cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies, and orange trees everywhere—it felt like we’d stepped into a postcard.
After checking in, we wandered through Santa Cruz, taking in the maze-like streets and pretty squares. But the real showstopper came when we reached the Plaza de España.
Evening: Plaza de España and a Taste of Andalusia
The Plaza de España is the place to fall in love with Seville. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, this vast semi-circular plaza is framed by intricate tile work, fountains, and a canal that snakes around its edge. The late afternoon light made everything glow, and we spent ages just soaking it all in.
For dinner, we found a traditional tapas spot decked out with bulls’ heads mounted on the walls—an unmistakably Andalusian touch. Between bites of jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and garlicky prawns, we toasted our first night with glasses of local sherry.
Day 2: Cathedrals, Palaces, and Panoramic Views
Morning: The Cathedral and the Giralda
We kicked off our second day with Seville’s most iconic landmark, the Cathedral of Seville. It’s one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and walking inside feels like stepping into a piece of history. From the soaring ceilings to Christopher Columbus’ tomb, there’s something awe-inspiring at every turn.
We climbed the Giralda tower, a former minaret that offers panoramic views of the city. Pro tip: the climb is a gentle ramp instead of stairs, making it surprisingly easy. The view from the top? Worth every step.
Midday: The Real Alcázar
Next, we crossed over to the Real Alcázar, entering through the stunning Lion Gate. This Moorish palace is pure magic, with its intricately tiled walls, lush courtyards, and ornate ceilings. Wandering through its gardens, we half-expected to stumble into a Game of Thrones scene (it was, after all, a filming location!).
Lunch: Mercado Lonja del Barranco
For lunch, we headed to Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a sleek food market in the Arenal district. Think tapas stalls, fresh seafood, and lots of local wine. We grabbed a mix of small plates, found a sunny spot, and people-watched to our hearts’ content.
Evening: Mushrooms of Seville
That evening, we visited the Metropol Parasol, better known as the Mushrooms of Seville. This ultra-modern wooden structure is unlike anything else in the city. We took the lift up to the rooftop walkway, where we enjoyed sweeping views of Seville by night. It was the perfect way to cap off a day packed with history.
Day 3: A Day in Córdoba
We spent the third day on a day trip to Córdoba, which deserves its own blog post (spoiler: it involved stunning patios, the iconic Mezquita, and lots of tapas!). By the time we got back to Seville, we were happily exhausted but still buzzing from the day’s adventures.
Day 4: Rowing, Art, and an Enchanted Evening
Morning: Rowing at the Plaza de España
We couldn’t resist returning to the Plaza de España for one last look. This time, we hired a rowboat and paddled around the square’s canal. It was a fun, slightly chaotic experience (turns out steering isn’t our strong suit), but we couldn’t stop laughing.
Midday: Art and Gardens
After our rowing adventure, we visited the Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, an art and cultural museum near the plaza. It gave us a fascinating glimpse into Andalusian traditions, from ceramics to flamenco costumes.
We then wandered through the nearby gardens, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peacefulness. The orange blossoms were in full bloom, and the scent lingered in the air—it was pure bliss.
Evening: A Magical Light Show at the Alcázar
Our final evening was unforgettable. We attended a light show in the gardens of the Real Alcázar, where the historic setting was brought to life with projections and music. Wandering through the illuminated gardens under the stars felt like stepping into another world. It was the perfect farewell to Seville.
Why We’ll Be Back
Seville is a city that’s hard to leave. Between its jaw-dropping landmarks, relaxed vibe, and ridiculously good food, it stole our hearts. Staying in Santa Cruz made it easy to explore, and every day brought something new to fall in love with.
Next time, we’re planning to dive deeper into the flamenco scene, explore more hidden corners of the city, and (hopefully) get better at rowing. But for now, we’ll be dreaming of tapas, tile work, and that magical evening in the Alcázar gardens.
Hasta luego, Seville—you’ve been incredible.
