Three Days in Andalusia, Spain

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Sevilla (or also known as Seville in English) has been a bucket list city for me to explore in Spain. If you have read my About Me page, you probably saw that Spain was my very first European country that I’ve visited during a study abroad trip in college. Spain was also the country that officially sparked my wanderlust, which is why it holds a special place in my heart.

During my study abroad trip to Salamanca, I traveled through all of North and Western Spain, but didn’t get a chance to travel South and East. As much as Barcelona is high on my Spanish bucket list, Sevilla definitely made its way to the top since I knew it was very authentic and also famous for flamenco dancing!

My trip to Sevilla was an addition onto another trip I had done during spring 2019. I started my journey in Morocco for a week and then made my way up into Europe where I spent 3 and half days in Sevilla with a day trip to Granada.  In this blog post, discover the top 10 things to do in the capital of Southern Spain’s Andalusia region that also includes my day trip to Granada to see the Alhambra. Discover the best 14 day itinerary for Spain and Portugal.

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Getting to and Around Sevilla:

As I mention above, I traveled from Morocco to Sevilla. I found a short and cheap flights that was less than two hours through Skyscanner. I flew from Marrakech Menara Airport to Seville Airport. From there, I just hopped in a taxi that took me straight to my hotel in downtown Sevilla.

During my time in Sevilla, I was able to walk everywhere. There are a lot of taxis around and you could also take advantage of the public transportation systems in the city such as the tram, bus and metro. You could also rent a bike or scooter as well. In regards to how I got to Granada from Sevilla, I booked a private tour that offered transportation. Click here to discover the best ways to get around Andalusia. In addition, you could also rent a car if you are looking to travel around the country and beyond. (A lot of people like to add Portugal onto their Southern Spain itinerary.)

Where to Stay in Sevilla:

During my time in Andalusia, I based myself in Sevilla where I stayed at the lovely boutique hotel Casona de San Andres located in the heart of the city. What I loved about staying at Casona de San Andres is that it was conveniently located. It was a short walk from the Plaza de España, Catedral de Sevilla, Alcázar de Sevilla, the famous Santa Cruz and Triana neighborhoods as well as plenty of amazing restaurants and cafés.

At Casona de San Andres, I stayed in their Interior Single Room that included a full sized bed, en-suite bathroom and basic amenities. It was perfect for a solo traveler like myself who adores staying in authentic hotels where I am able to get a good night’s sleep and receive privacy. What I also loved about Casona de San Andres is that they have a rooftop that overlooks the beautiful tiled roofs of Sevilla and they also serve breakfast every morning.

Throughout Sevilla, you could find a plethora of different hotels based on your budget. There are also a wide selection of Airbnbs and hostels to choose from.

Top 10 Things to Do in and Around Sevilla:

Walk through the Catedral de Sevilla

I arrived in Sevilla late on a Saturday night, so I began my journey there early on a Sunday morning. The very first place I visited during my time in Sevilla was the Catedral de Sevilla – the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. This beautiful church was built between 1434 and 1517 over the remains of what had been a mosque back in the day.

In the Catedral de Sevilla, you could walk up to the bell tower (La Giralda), which unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to do since it was closed that day and see the mosque’s original minaret; visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus and admire the architecture and beauty of the entire cathedral. Since I visited on a Sunday, mass was going on, so it made the experience even more beautiful!

Admire the Plaza de España

A trip to Sevilla would not be complete without strolling around the Plaza de España – an icon within the city. Even though the Plaza de España is rather different than other plazas in Spain since there are no restaurants, cafés, stores, etc., it is still a breathtaking place that one must visit. Plus it is super photogenic! I came to the plaza twice – once during my first day and the second time was on my last day when I woke up early to take pictures before the crowds came.

The Plaza de España features gorgeous brick and tiles, grandiose fountains, Venetian-style bridges with mini canals and so much more. You could also see the maps and historical scenes from each Spanish province.

In addition to walking around the Plaza de España, you could also rent a row boat for a few euros and paddle around the canals. I didn’t get to do this, but next time I come to Sevilla, I totally will!

Wander through Parque de María Luisa and Stroll through the Gardens

On my first day in Sevilla, I met up with an Instagram friend, Matt of Indefinitely Lost. After wandering through the Plaza de España, we made our way through the lovely Parque de María Luisa where we admired the gardens, flowers and nature and took various photos as well as drone footage.

There are two museums you could visit in the Parque de María Luisa  – the Museo Arqueológico, where you could see Roman sculptures, mosaics and other works of art and the Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, where you could admire traditional Andalusian costumes and cultural traditions. What is nice about visiting Parque de María Luisa is that it’s also a special spot to visit during winter in Seville!

Watch the Sunset at Las Setas de Sevilla or the Metropol Parasol

One thing I love doing during my travels is watching a sunset in a different place. It’s true that I never met a sunset I didn’t like. During my time in Sevilla, Matt and I made our way up to the famous “mushroom” of the city to catch a pretty awesome Spanish sunset (otherwise known as the Metropol Parasol).

The Metropol Parasol is a unique wooden structure designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer and it was completed in 2011. For only 3 euros, you could take the elevator to the top where you could walk around, grab a drink and catch stunning views of Sevilla from every corner. I couldn’t recommend this more if you are making your way to this stunning Gothic city. The views from all around were stunning and even after the sunset there was magnificent beauty.

Get Lost in Barrio Santa Cruz

If you are looking to get lost in fairytale cobblestone streets in Sevilla, I highly recommend making your way into the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood, or otherwise known as the Jewish Quarter.

There is a lot of history that resides in this area and that is because it was where the Jewish population was confined with Ferdinand III who took over the city from the Moors in the mid 13^th Century.

Nowadays, this area boasts Sevilla’s best tapas bars and it is also where the cathedral, alcázar and various museums are situated. Plus the colorful architecture of this area is definitely something to admire.

Wander through the Royal Alcázar de Sevilla

One of the most impressive places I’ve ever been to during my travels, especially in Europe was the Royal Alcázar de Sevilla, also known as the royal palace.

During my last day in Sevilla, I had such an amazing time getting lost in the alcázar and I loved how each room led into another impressive room. The Moors (a group of Islamic and Berber Moroccans who lived in modern day Spain and Portugal) occupied this magnificent palace from 712 and beyond and it features mudéjar art all around. In the 12^th Century, construction took place and various elements were added to the palace showcasing the Islamic art of the time, including arabesques, calligraphy and geometric patterns. During the 13^th Century, however, the Catholic Kings of Spain claimed the palace as their own where elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque design were combined with the original Islamic architecture.

My favorite part of the alcázar was definitely the architecture and magical gardens all around. You could literally take hours strolling through this amazing place and admiring the gardens. (Overall, I was at the alcázar for around 3 hours! The Alhambra is the same, but I talk more about that astonishing landmark below.) Another really cool site to see at the palace is the Baños de Doña María de Padilla!

Nowadays, the Alcázar de Sevilla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest royal palace still in use, hosting state officials and dignitaries.

Savor the Best Tapas

Just like in Italy, certain Spanish foods and delicacies are more popular in specific regions. If you want to get the best paella, you definitely have to go to the Valencia region. Tapas, on the other hand, were originated in Andalusia!

If you haven’t been to Spain yet, or are unaware of what tapas are, they are small plates of both hot and cold foot items that are served in bars and bodegas that accompany an alcoholic beverage. In Spain, people will usually enjoy a larger lunch and a smaller (tapas) meal for dinner late at night. (This is opposite in the United States, where we tend to savor a small lunch and a large dinner earlier in the evening.) There is nothing I enjoy more than savoring tapas with a refreshing glass of sangria in Spain. Below is a list of tapas restaurants and cafés I visited during my time in Spain:

El Rinconcillo: If you are traveling to Sevilla, you definitely need to visit El Rinconcillo – the oldest tapas bar in the city. With more than 4 centuries of history, this wonderful tapas bar is thriving with good people, good food and good drinks! During my time at this great tapas bar, I savored a delicious tortilla de España, which is a Spanish omelette dish. It is definitely a comforting meal.

Ovejas Negras: An amazing modern Spanish tapas bar that you also must pay a visit to is Ovejas Negras. I absolutely loved the vibes of this place and the staff was super friendly to me. I enjoyed a delicious sangria with fresh rosemary bread and arugula with a tomato compote, which was absolutely amazing! I thought I was going to get more tapas, but that dish honestly filled me.

Mateos Tapas Bar: After spending a few hours at the Alcázar de Sevilla, I was craving tapas as well as paella. Even though paella isn’t huge in Andalusia, there are still some places where you could find this delicious national dish. I stumbled upon Mateos Tapas Bar right in Barrio Santa Cruz where I savored jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) with fresh bread and olive oil, sangria and seafood paella. It was absolutely amazing and definitely hit the spot!

Casa Remesal: Below, I talk about my flamenco and tapas night, where I visit the historical Barrio Triana neighborhood. During that time, I had the opportunity to visit local tapas bars with my tour guide María La Serrana. What was nice about the places María took me to was that they weren’t the typical tapas bars where tourists usually go. I loved how I was immersed by the local Sevillian food scene. Casa Remesal is a typical “family-run” restaurant and bar that everyone enjoys going to. During my time there, the bar was absolutely thriving and I enjoyed a delicious vegetable dish. It was delicious and I got to enjoy a local Spanish craft beer with it!

Patio San Eloy: Another amazing tapas bar that María took me to was Patio San Eloy. This amazing restaurant has numerous locations throughout Sevilla, but we visited the one in Triana since we were in the area for the flamenco show. During our time at Patio San Eloy, María and I savored a delicious pork dish that was served over French fries (or fried potatoes as the Spanish refer it to). I am usually not a pork eater, but this was absolutely delicious and it was served with a delicious wine/gravy sauce. One thing you will notice when you eat in Spain is that they love their food served over fried potatoes. Another delicious dish I tried at Patio San Eloy was a fried local fish that had a vinaigrette taste to it. Everything was very tasty! I savored my meals with a delicious Spanish sherry, which was also wonderful.

Side Note: Also just like in Italy, the gelato (also known as helado in Spanish) is amazing in Spain. Since the weather was very warm during my time in Sevilla, I enjoyed helado every day either after dinner or lunch. You could find so many helado stands throughout the city.

Enjoy a Flamenco Show with María La Serrana

One of the best experiences during my time in Sevilla was attending a flamenco dance show with María La Serrana who is a flamenco dancer herself. As I mention above, María took me on a special night out around Triana – the birthplace of flamenco dancing.

Many of you do not know this, but I was a competitive dancer for 13 years from ages 5 through 18. I unfortunately didn’t continue dancing into my college years and through my 20s, but I still enjoy watching various dance performances and believe it is such a beautiful art. Because dance played such a huge role in my life for many years, I loved taking part of this special night in Sevilla with María.

Prior to seeing my first flamenco show, I had no idea that it has a long and rich history to it. When I first met María in Triana, she explained to me the importance and origins of flamenco, which is deeply rooted into the gypsy culture of Andalusia, Spain.

Flamenco dance originated in the 15th Century. This was when the Gitanos (gypsies) arrived to the Iberian Peninsula after Jews and other cultural groups from India, the Middle East and Africa left their homeland and traveled to different parts of the world. During their journeys, the gypsies adopted folk dances from all over and used their talents to create their own culture, identity and art. Although flamenco has been around for a while, it didn’t gain recognition until the late 18^th Century into the early 19^th Century. When it became commercialized in the 19^th Century, it transmitted into the openings of cafés and bars where flamenco songs and dances entertained evening guests. Into the early 20^th Century, the Spanish government started to use flamenco for propaganda to attract more tourists to Spain.

What a lot of people also don’t know about flamenco is that it is not only beautiful, but it is also very sad. In 1492, the Spanish Inquisition occured where Moors, Gitanos (gypsies) and the Jews were all persecuted. The songs of flamenco reflects the spirit of desperation, struggle and hope during that time period. During a performance, you will totally feel the mood whether you understand the Spanish language or not.

María took me to an intimate theater called Casala Teatro in Triana, where I got to watch the Flamenco performance up close. As I watched the show, which was around an hour long, I definitely felt the emotional senses of both the music and dancing. It was absolutely beautiful! In addition, I got to meet the performers after the show.

I couldn’t recommend this experience more if you are traveling to Sevilla. María hosts memorable flamenco and tapas nights, like the one I did, and she also has her own private studio where she offers dance classes and private events that are perfect for everyone (including families, friend groups, children and more)! Click here for María’s website to learn more about what she offers and to also contact her yourself.

As I mention above, when I talk about the tapas I consumed in Sevilla, María took me to her favorite tapas bars that were all local and authentic. I was so thankful for this experience!

Attend La Feria de Sevilla (If You’re Visiting in Early May)

I traveled to Spain during a very special time – during the Real de la Feria. This weeklong fiesta in Sevilla takes place during the first week of May and includes fairytale tents (or casetas) where only certain individuals are invited to; stunning women are seen wearing traditional flamenco-styled dresses called traje de gitana or faralaes; men dress in traje corto (a short jacket with tight trousers and boots); children dress up and families from all over Andalusia are spotted traveling around the city in horse and carriages. It is an absolutely MAGICAL event to attend and I couldn’t have been happier to travel to this region of Spain during this time of the year.

In order to get invited into a casetas, you have to be part of a local family, specific friend group, business, club, trade association or political party. Since I was a visitor, I just enjoyed strolling around and admiring all of the beautiful dresses and tents. My friend Matt and I also found some tents that offered free entry to the public called Fiesta Mayores. Inside of the tents, you could get champagne, beer and other beverages to enjoy and they also have food and music as well. It was so fun dancing to local Spanish music! (If you don’t know me, I LOVE Spanish music!) In addition, everyone was so friendly and welcoming!

The feria goes on all day and night for a full week, so when I woke up early on certain days, there were still so many people coming back from the fiesta. Even though I am not one to party till the crack of dawn anymore, like I did when I studied abroad in Salamanca, I definitely wish I could’ve joined the late night party for the experience. Next time I go to Andalusia, I want to come back during the feria and actually purchase a traditional dress. I love them so much!

In addition to the feria in Sevilla, there are also big fiestas all around Andalusia during the spring season. You could experience a smaller and similar version of Sevilla’s feria in Malaga and Cordoba.

Take a Day Trip to Granada to see the Alhambra

A trip to Andalusia wouldn’t have been complete without visiting the Alhambra of Granada. The Alhambra is one of the very few masterpieces in the world that features breathtaking influences from Islam, Judaism and Christianity. I believe that is such a beautiful thing and everyone in this world should visit the Alhambra at some point in their life and learn something from it.

The Alhambra palace has been on my bucket list for many years and seeing it in person was such a dream for me. I was awestruck by the different types of architecture throughout the palace, the gardens were absolutely enchanting, the views were breathtaking and the history was very interesting.

In all honesty, getting tickets to the Alhambra is very difficult because they sell out quickly. People from all over the world travel to Granada to see this amazing place so it is best to book your tickets way in advance. I ended up doing a group tour to the Alhambra. A private van picked me up in Sevilla along with a few others and drove us 2-3 hours to Granada. From there, we joined with another group and took around a 4-hour tour of the Alhambra. Click here to book a tour to the Alhambra today.

The Moors who invaded Spain in the 8th Century constructed the Alhambra. It features stunning mudéjar art, which is a powerful symbol of Spain’s multicultural past. It wasn’t until the mid 13^th Century when the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar commissioned the palace’s construction, which was then turned into a royal palace under Yusuf I Sultan of Granada in the mid 14^th Century. In 1492, after the Spanish Inquisition, the Catholic Kings of Spain, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile made it the home under the Royal Court.

Just like the Alcázar de Sevilla, the Alhambra also underwent restructuring in accordance with the Renaissance style. The palace grew with the addition of more rooms, palace courtyards, chambers, gardens and so much more. It was truly a magnificent site to see!

After our amazing tour of the Alhambra, we got to walk around the streets of Granada and grab tapas in the city. Tapas in Granada are free with a meal or drink, which is awesome! Since my time in Granada wasn’t long enough and I was recommended to get the churros con chocolate (churros with a warm chocolate sauce) from Café Fútbol and I also enjoyed a delicious huevos rotos con patatas (a favorite of mine that consists of Serrano ham, fried broken eggs and fried potatoes). I enjoyed my late lunch talking to two lovely Swedish women who kindly invited me to sit with them.  

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the top things to do when you visit Sevilla, Spain and reading about my experience there. If you have any questions about my time in Andalusia or general inquiries about my travels in Spain, please send me an email at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of Spain:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Madrid, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

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