SEVILLE: Tapas & Architecture

PRO TIPS:

• Driving in Seville can be a bit crazy if you're not used to it. Renting a car is a good and pretty cheap way to get around, but if you're not comfortable driving in a big city, the bus and tram are cheap and probably the ways to get around the city. 
• Seville is also very walkable! This itinerary is brokem up into chunks that require less transit and can be walked (with some exceptions). 
• RyanAir and EasyJet are 2 flight options that go right into the city if you're not driving in from a nearby location. Tickets should be booked at least a bit in advance but they come cheap, depending on where you're flying in from. 
• Seville has some of the hottest summers in Europe. Many local businesses still shut down in the early afternoon and don’t open back up for a few hours when it's cooled down a bit. 

Day 1

Tapas Where It All Began

A popular legend suggests tapas was invented at a medieval tavern in Seville, when small portions of food were placed atop saucers used to keep flies out of the beer. Whether it's true or not, the city is considered the home of Spanish-style small-plate dining.

Many of today's tapas bars are centuries old, like iconic El Rinconcillo, founded in 1670 and renowned for its secreto ibérico, or marbled ham shoulder. Vintage taverns with dusty bottles on wooden shelves specialize in other meaty favorites like grilled pork loin in whisky, but you'll also find modern gastrobars serving creative vegetarian tapas.

Flamenco at La Carbonería ($$)

Although this bar does get busy in the evenings, it's popular for a reason! It's not a "traditional" Flamenco show - it's so much better. Intimate and more improvised, this Flamenco is right up close and personal. Grab a drink or some light tapas and enjoy the show! 

Day 2

Alcazar Royal Palace ($)

The upper storeys of the Alcázar are still occupied by the royal family when they are in Seville - how cool is that? The Palace has served many functions in its 11 centuries, from a Muslim fortress in 913 to its recent use as the setting of Dorne from Game of Thrones. The Alcázar is full of beautiful tile work and impressive gardens, full of oranges and fragrent smells. 

Definitely book your ticket in advance and try and go early. It gets BUSY! Online tickets go for around $15 CAD ahead of time. 

Barrio Santa Cruz (The Historic Jewish Neighbourhood)

This area is a beautiful neighborhood that buzzes with life. This must-visit part of Seville is famous for its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and colorful old buildings. You’ll find plenty of neighborhood tapas bars, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants. You’re also near most of the city’s major sights if you want to continue your tour onwards. 

Vermouth at Casa Morales ($$)

Walking in to Casa Morales is like taking a journey back in time! The main entrance leads in to a charming front bar where locals gather round small, wooden tables. But step in the side entrance to see the huge clay wine vats still in place since the bars opening as a bodega in 1850! Given its beginnings as a wine store all those years ago, Casa Morales of course has a wonderful selection of wine and sherries, but you can’t leave without trying the incredible vermouth along with a delicious selection of montaditos.

Day 3

Calle Feria (Shopping)

Every Thursday a flea market takes over, with the narrow road closed to vehicles from 10am until 3pm. Stalls sell everything from antique badges and handmade photo frames to flamenco dresses. Down the street at the Feria food market there’s local olive oil, Seville goat’s cheese, artisanal chorizo, seafood, and even empanadas. 

Catedral de Sevilla ($)

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, better known as Seville Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. It was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the adjoining Alcázar palace complex and the General Archive of the Indies. Throughout the times, the cathedral has been the subject of a number of refurbishments and extensions, each bearing the mark of the style of the time: Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-gothic, and more. 

El Rinconcillo ($$)

This is possibly the oldest bar in Seville, and maybe even in all of Spain, founded in 1670. It has maintained its quintessential Seville aesthetic and continues to operate smoothly as a restaurant, tavern, and bodega all rolled into one. More than a historical place of interest, this is also an excellent cafe and tapas bar to take in some regional and Spanish specialties, from gazpacho to local wines. 

Day 4

Museo de Bellas Artes ($$)

It's usually best to get tickets in advance, but it's not often too busy or crowded. This is one of Spain’s biggest museums of fine art, and its extensive collection includes works by the likes of El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo (whose 400th anniversary is celebrated in 2018). Take a breather in the charming courtyard with a little boxwood maze. 

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

Officially called the Metropol Parasol but universally known as Las Setas (‘the mushrooms’), this is the world’s largest wooden structure. Many people have either a strong love or hate relationship with it. Look under the huge birch parasols and you’ll find a great produce market (with a couple of cafés) and a museum of Roman and medieval finds (discovered during the construction). The biggest draw is the view from the rooftop walkways.

Visit the Guadalquivir River & Triana

Spend some time soaking up the sun by the Guadalquivir River. hether that’s strolling alongside it, kayaking, shopping, or drinking beside it at Bar Sojo. Once you're in the area, head across the Puente de Isabel II bridge to explore Triana, the former gypsy neighbourhood once famous for hardy seafarers and flamenco. 

Bar Triana ($$)

This little bar is famous for a reason! Although it can get busy, you absolutely must spend some time here while you're in Seville. This bar serves up some creative tapas plates, beer, and wine served in a cozy setting with colorful tiles and a gorgeous patio for those hot summer evenings. There are many little bars and even some with seating by the River, so I would recommend ending your trip off by bar hopping across this area and see where you end up!