Photo Credits: Tânia Mousinho (Unsplash)
Seville is one of those cities that wins you over at first sight. Walking through its streets means immersing yourself in a mix of Andalusian culture, Moorish architecture and traditions that have spanned centuries. You don't need to be an art history expert to appreciate what this city has to offer: just let curiosity guide you.
Must-see monuments and the historic centre
When talking about Seville, the first name that comes to mind is the Cathedral, the largest Gothic construction in the world. Inside you'll find Christopher Columbus's tomb, and climbing the Giralda offers a panoramic view that embraces the entire city. Next to the Cathedral stands the Real Alcázar, a palace that tells centuries of Arab domination through its gardens, fountains and azulejo decorations. Even though there are many tourists, the atmosphere remains magical.
A few steps away opens the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Jewish quarter where getting lost among narrow alleys, hidden squares and flowery patios is almost mandatory. Here you don't need precise maps: the beauty is precisely walking aimlessly, perhaps stopping at one of the many tapas bars to taste something local.
If you're looking for something unusual, it's worth heading towards the Casa de Pilatos, a Renaissance palace that combines Mudéjar and Italian elements, or towards the Palacio de las Dueñas, historic residence of the Alba family. Both offer a quieter experience compared to the more famous places, while maintaining the same charm.
Plaza de España is another point you can't skip. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition, this semicircular square with its canals and benches decorated with Spanish provinces has become an icon of the city. Nearby extends María Luisa Park, perfect for a break in the shade of trees or a bike ride.
For those who want to breathe the popular soul of Seville, the Triana neighbourhood is the right place. Here flamenco is at home, artisan ceramics fill shop windows and the Mercado de Triana offers an authentic taste of local gastronomy. Crossing the Puente de Triana at sunset, with the sun's reflection on the Guadalquivir, is one of those moments that stays with you.
Organizing your visit: timing and practical tips
How many days do you need to visit Seville? It depends on how deeply you want to explore. In one day you can touch the main points: Cathedral, Alcázar and a walk in Barrio de Santa Cruz. With two days you add Triana, Plaza de España and some museums. Three or four days allow you to slow down the pace, discover less touristy corners and perhaps take an excursion to the surroundings.
Getting around Seville is simple: the centre can be explored on foot, but there are also trams, buses and bike rentals for those who prefer to move faster. The city isn't huge, so in a few hours you can go from one neighbourhood to another without too much effort.
Some monuments require advance booking, especially during peak season. Real Alcázar and the Cathedral can have long queues, so it's best to organize beforehand. The same applies to any guided tours or flamenco shows in the best-known tablaos.
Seville is safe, but as in all tourist cities it's better to be careful in crowded areas and at the station. Central neighbourhoods present no problems, even in the evening. The only area that's reported more frequently is around Santa Justa station, where you just need to pay a bit more attention.
As for food, Seville offers a lot. From traditional tapas to more refined restaurants, there's plenty of choice. The advice is to try at least once the salmorejo, spinach with chickpeas, pescaíto frito and, obviously, jamón ibérico.
If you want to take home some special photographic memories, beyond the classic monuments, try to capture the details: the coloured doors of Triana, the flowery balconies of Barrio de Santa Cruz, the reflections in the Guadalquivir at blue hour. Seville is photogenic even in its most hidden corners.
For those with more time, it's worth considering some excursions to the surroundings. Córdoba with its Mezquita, the pueblos blancos of Sierra de Grazalema, or the Atlantic coast beaches are all destinations reachable in a day. Participating in organized tours can be a convenient way to discover these places without worrying about logistics, especially if you have limited time.