A Weekend in Sevilla
This past weekend I went on my first solo trip to Sevilla! I honestly didnt know much about Sevilla before looking into places in Spain to travel to. I think it is so underrated and should be visited more. There is just something so unique about the streets and the beautiful attractions. I was constantly busy and I was there Saturday- Monday.
WHAT TO DO & SEE
Plaza de España: This free plaza is full of amazing tile work. The grand area is perfect for enjoying some touristy entertainment aka some flamenco dancing and sitting in the sun and enjoying the view. You can also rent a row boat but I watched that activity from afar. Right behind it is the Maria Luisa park, which was beautiful to walk through
El Catedral: I am the type of person who needs to see every inch and detail of places. I was easily here for three hours just looking at all the rooms. Its actually the 4th largest cathedral in the world. You can climb Giralda, the tower, to get an amazing view of the city. On your way out you’ll pass through a beautiful orange tree courtyard. Every part of this cathedral is picture worthy. 5 with student ID.
Real Alcazar de Sevilla: This was my favorite place to see in Sevilla. Give yourself about 4 hours here and you probably won’t even feel like you’ve seen it all. It is a beautiful castle located right next to the cathedral and every single inch of this place is covered in beautiful tiling and details. Inside is just as beautiful as the gardens and there is even a cafe. 3 with student ID.
Los Setas: The setas was the first thing I saw as my taxi driver let me out right in front of them to get to my hostel. Setas is the spanish word for mushrooms and that is exactly what this unique set of structures looks like. You probably don’t need more than 10 minutes here if you don’t pay to go to the top.
Iglesia de El Salvador: This church was a lot smaller compared to the cathedral however I thought the inside was beautiful. It felt open and peaceful and even reflected some of the stain glass around the room.
Gold Tower: This was sort of anticlimactic as there wasn’t much to do other than take a picture from afar. It is right by the river though so if you have extra time and want to go for a stroll along the river this is a good thing to see along the way.
FOOD
Brunch:
Jester: Probably my favorite place I ate at this weekend. Acai bowls, fresh pastries, coffee. It is super small and seating is only outside.
Brunchit: Delicious food and large menu options. My only complaint is that it was pretty empty but I did go at 9am on a Monday.
Dinner:
Gusto: By far top five pizza I’ve ever had which, I know weird because I wasn’t in a pizza heavy city. Their menu is great and they were super busy.
Ovejas Negras: Everyone and their mother told me to go here. So glad they did because it was such an amazing meal. Go right when they open for a shorter wait or go solo and sit at the bar pretty much instantly.
NIGHTLIFE
La Carbonería: A free flamenco show in a relaxed bar scene. I went alone and felt comfortable drinking. The show goes on every 30-40 minutes so you can come throughout the night at any time. They even have a large outdoor area to enjoy a drink at.
WHERE I STAYED
Koisi Hostel: I would only recommend this place if you are coming with friends or don’t mind how quiet and isolating it can feel if you are alone. There aren’t any organized activities to meet others. I hardly saw another person but it was very quiet and clean. I paid $20 a night. The staff was friendly as well.
TRANSPORTATION
If you are coming from another part of Spain I highly recommend taking the Renfe trains. I got there from Madrid in 2 hours and while it was slightly more expensive than flying it saved me a lot of time and hassle and I was able to crank out some work.
While in the city I got from the train station to my hostel by taxi and walked around everywhere else during the weekend. They have birds and uber but the city was really meant for walking and many of the streets aren’t big enough for cars. You probably wouldn’t have more than a 15 min walk anyways.
Recommendations I didn’t have time to try…
Levies: typical Sevilla breakfast food. Good price and free wifi. They have large tables so friends went to study.
Mercado de Triana: Authentic Sevilla market in the heart of Triana, a popular neighborhood to visit. Apparently most booths only speak Spanish so be prepared. It is built over ruins.
Mercado Lonja: Modern market with food of every kind. There is a cool bar in the back that is fun to eat at.
La Chala: Friend of a friend enjoyed.
No Lugar: Mediterranean restaurant, supposed to be amazing.
San Marco: famous Italian restaurant with multiple locations
El Pinton: Modern tapas, open for lunch as well
Casaplata: Same as above.
ConTenedor: Get there when it opens otherwise it is hard to get a table. Located in the Macarena neighborhood
Arte y Sabor: This is in the Alameda neighborhood, where you can’t go wrong for cheap, trendy eats.
Vega 10: Great food and service in the heart of Triana.
Torres y Garcia: Known for modern tapas and mojitos
La Fioren Fina: Gelato
Helados Rayas: Another gelato.
RANDOM INFORMATION
Apparently it is a tradition to buy sweets from convents. You knock/ring a door bell and they will say “Ave Maria Purisima” and you respond with “Sin pecado concebida.” After this exchange you say which dessert you want and put your money on the “lazy susan” and they will spin it back with your dessert (never letting you see their faces). I was too nervous to try this but if you do please tell me!
Many of the streets aren’t car friendly which I loved but for those who can’t walk far keep this in mind when planning your trip.