How to Enjoy Seville, Spain

One of Europe’s most enchanting cities, Seville, is a sprawling metropolis of meandering streets, tempting "tapas" bars and extraordinary architecture. A fascinating history, including one-time occupations by the Romans, Moors and Christians, adds to the unique culture and atmosphere.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A camera
• Map of the city

1. Consider making your accommodations at the Hotel Doña Maria, in the city’s old quarter; a convenient locale near some major attractions and a pretty courtyard are just part of the allure. Another great choice is the Hotel Inglaterra, bordering a pretty plaza and dating back to the 1850s.
2. One of the city’s most amazing attractions is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Seville and adjoining Giralda Tower. The gothic cathedral took centuries to construct and is one of the largest in the world; the tower was one of the tallest buildings on the planet when it was constructed and still provides staggering views of the city today.
3. North of the cathedral/tower lies the city’s other not-to-be-missed attraction—the Alcázar, a marvelous palace dating back to the 1300s. Architecturally breathtaking and historically illuminating, the massive complex includes colorful cupolas, imposing hallways, serene courtyards and gorgeous gardens.
4. For one of the best meals in all of Spain, visit Egaña Oriza on Calle San Fernando, a handsome restaurant nestled within an elegant renovated mansion. Mixing fresh regional ingredients with a Basque influence, Oriza serves up unforgettable entrees that range from steak in grape sauce to a prawn gazpacho.
5. Head to Calle Sierpes for a superb Spanish shopping spree, a strip favored by local Savilleaños and filled with stores of every nature. The city’s boisterous flea markets are a delight for bargain hunters, and rotate between Plaza Magdalena, Calle Alameda and some other spots; ask your hotel concierge or a local for the market’s current locale on any given day.
6. Art lovers should set aside at least two hours for the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes (Provincial Museum of Beautiful Arts) on Plaza del Museo. Works by El Greco and other Spanish notables line the walls, and the charming setting—in a former convent—is a highlight as well.
7. To savor the nightlife and music of Seville, a visit to La Carbonería, on Calle Levíes, is in order. The one-time factory was reinvented into a bastion of local bars adjoining a marvelous concert hall that hosts numerous complimentary flamenco shows (and other concerts).

Tips & Warnings

• Tapas bars ("tascas"), serving wonderful small dishes, are plentiful; ask your concierge or a local Spaniard for a good area for a "tapas crawl."
• Find a good street map of Seville and always have the name and address of your lodging with you, as this is a very easy city to get lost in.