Seville

But Seville is also experienced in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, a labyrinth of whitewashed, cobblestone alleys. By day, you can wander there feeling almost alone in the world, amidst patios brightened by orange trees and white houses with shuttered windows. At night, tapas bars spill out onto the streets, offering a delicious experience accompanied by wine, fritters, and ham.

Seville also looks to the future. The 1992 World’s Fair marked a major leap forward. More recently, the Metropol Parasol—a colossal wooden structure crowning the Plaza de la Encarnación—has provided a unique vantage point. Across the Guadalquivir River, Triana—the historic home of bullfighters and flamenco schools—retains its charm with colorful facades and music bars.

Seville’s hot nights are no mere legend: they are lived to the fullest!

Must-see places in Seville

• The Gothic Cathedral: 130 meters long and topped by the Giralda—a former minaret adorned with arabesques that was converted into a bell tower—it houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
• Plaza de España: featuring brick and ceramic pavilions from the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, and immortalized by George Lucas in *Star Wars*.
• Metropol Parasol: a 28-meter-high wooden structure covering the Plaza de la Encarnación, offering a unique panoramic viewpoint over Seville's rooftops.
• The Bullring (Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza): one of Spain's finest bullrings, featuring whitewashed walls and ochre trim, and housing a bullfighting museum.
• Hotel Alfonso XIII: a Neo-Mudéjar palace opened for the 1929 Exposition; considered one of Spain's most beautiful hotels, its architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
• Church of El Salvador (Iglesia del Divino Salvador): a national monument housing around fifteen Baroque altarpieces with exceptional ornamentation.
• Flamenco Museum: the place to learn all about this art form—recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—featuring demonstrations and historical archives.
• Andalusian Centre for Contemporary Art: showcasing modern works within a beautifully restored former monastery on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
• Triana District: a historic stronghold for bullfighters and flamenco schools, retaining its colorful facades, music bars, and artisanal ceramic workshops.

Unique experiences to enjoy in Seville? 

• To immerse yourself in the rhythm of flamenco, visit the workshops at the celebrity-frequented boutique Lina before heading to the Flamenco Museum, where you can learn a few steps. Cap off the experience with an authentic performance—at La Carbonería, for instance.
• Located 100 kilometers from Seville, Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest cities. Surrounded by the mountains of the Serranía de Ronda, it stands like a sentinel atop a cliff that drops sheer down to the Guadalevín River. As the birthplace of bullfighting, the city is home to a famous bullring that is well worth a visit.

Seville’s Gastronomy: What to Eat and Drink?

• Tapas: Small bites invented in Andalusia (ham, meat, anchovies, cheese, etc.) meant to be shared with friends.
• Ham: Serrano (from white pigs) and Ibérico (made from acorn-fed black pigs).
• Migas: A popular dish combining breadcrumbs and garlic.
• Berenjenas fritas: Fried eggplant drizzled with honey.
• Paella: The quintessential Spanish dish, combining saffron-colored rice, chicken, pork, crayfish, etc.
• Tortilla: A type of omelet made with eggs and potatoes, sometimes with onions.
• Kidneys in Sherry: Grilled kidneys with flavors mellowed by the wine.
• Bull’s tail (rabo de toro): Served in a sauce, as a stew.
• Tocino del cielo: A caramel custard originating from Jerez, another Andalusian city.
• Turrón: A confection similar to nougat, made from egg whites, honey, sugar, and almonds.
• Beer (cerveza): Enjoyed ice-cold or as a *panaché* (mixed with lemonade).
• Sherry (Xérès): White wine from the Jerez region (100 km from Seville)—"finos" are dry and light, while "olorosos" are full-bodied and pair well with meat. Alcohol content ranges from 15% to as high as 22%! Manzanilla*: a dry white wine served as an aperitif or with tapas.
• Horchata: a milky-looking non-alcoholic drink made from yellow nutsedge, a type of local papyrus.

* Alcohol abuse is dangerous to health; consume in moderation.