Frommers.com Community
By Jeremy Head
Sevillians will tell you there's no need to go anywhere else -- their city has it all. And, you know, after going back time and again, I completely agree with them. Whatever you're looking for -- delicious dining to suit all pockets, jaw-dropping cultural treasures, funky and stylish shopping, non-stop nightlife -- Seville has it in abundance. Here are just a few of my favorites. It was a real struggle to keep the list to a manageable size.
Photo Caption: Seville, Spain
Seville's largest park (parque) is an unrushed tree-, ornament- and shrub-filled space. There are wide, smooth paths too, perfect for a relaxed pedal. Hire a bike in the park or use one of the Seville city bikes.
Photo Caption: Visitors can thank the 1929 Spanish-American Exposition for the verdant paths and pavilions of the Parque de María Luisa.
Seville's Alcázar royal palace is a feast of romantic Moorish archways and patios, beguiling and beautiful. The gardens are delightfully cool and colorful too.
Photo Caption: The Palacio Mudéjar at Sevilla's Real Alcázar, on par with Granada's Alhambra for its Nasrid craftsmanship.
Many of the carriages pulled along by the splendid horses here date back to the 18th century. An idyllic way to see the city.
Photo Caption: A horse-drawn carriage in Seville, Spain
The Seville cathedral's ornate bell tower is one of the city's signature sights, but it also offers some of the widest views across Seville from the top.
Photo Caption: La Giralda once called Sevilla's Muslims to prayer.
The Hotel Doña María is a great spot to end the day. Enjoy a sundowner drink and take in the views of the cathedral.
Photo Caption: A view of La Giralda from the rooftop terrace at Hotel Doña María in Seville, Spain
The old Jewish quarter is the heart of the tourist district, a warren of whitewashed houses, cobbled squares, and tinkling fountains. Best enjoyed early evening or early morning when it's not too busy or hot.
Photo Caption: It may be worth getting lost in the charming Barrio Santa Cruz, Sevilla's former Jewish quarter.
The essence of romantic Seville, good flamenco is enthralling, almost engulfing with its charged emotion and rhythm. Casa de la Memoria's intimate patio is an authentic setting.
Photo Caption: At night, the Museo del Baile Flamenco is filled with the sounds of clapping and flamenco guitar.
Aire de Sevilla's ornate plunge pools, steam rooms, and massages are a great way to get seriously relaxed. Morning or early afternoon is best, as it can get quite busy.
Photo Caption: The Alcázar Baths in Seville, Spain.
Tapas are the quintessential Sevillian lunch experience, and Casa Morales, an old corner bar, is a classic spot to try some. Stand at the bar so it's easy to order and enjoy the hubbub around you, which peaks at around 1:30pm.
Photo Caption: A table tull of tapas at a tapas bar in Seville, Spain.
The Catholic desire to overwhelm the believer reaches its zenith in the phantasmagoric gold-leaf swirls, eerily lifelike statues, and huge dimensions of the altarpieces in many churches -- even in smaller places of worship like Capillita de San José.
Photo Caption: Capilla de San Jose in Seville, Spain.
The paseo, or evening stroll, is an institution here. Locals love to promenade the classy shopping streets in the cool of the evening, seeing and being seen -- and shopping a little if the mood takes them.
Photo Caption: La Calle Sierpes in Seville, Spain.
The 17th-century Sevillian greats Murillo, Valdés Leal, and Zurbarán are all well represented in the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts), one of Spain's best-stocked fine-arts museums.
Photo Caption: La Visita de San Bruno al Papa Urbano II (1630-1635) in a Zurbarán gallery at Sevilla's Museo de Bellas Artes.
Sevillians will tell you there's no need to go anywhere else -- their city has it all. And, you know, after going back time and again, I completely agree with them. Whatever you're looking for -- delicious dining to suit all pockets, jaw-dropping cultural treasures, funky and stylish shopping, non-stop nightlife -- Seville has it in abundance. Here are just a few of my favorites. It was a real struggle to keep the list to a manageable size.
Photo Caption: Seville, Spain
Photo Caption: Visitors can thank the 1929 Spanish-American Exposition for the verdant paths and pavilions of the Parque de María Luisa.
Photo Caption: The Palacio Mudéjar at Sevilla's Real Alcázar, on par with Granada's Alhambra for its Nasrid craftsmanship.
Photo Caption: A horse-drawn carriage in Seville, Spain
Photo Caption: La Giralda once called Sevilla's Muslims to prayer.
Photo Caption: A view of La Giralda from the rooftop terrace at Hotel Doña María in Seville, Spain
Photo Caption: It may be worth getting lost in the charming Barrio Santa Cruz, Sevilla's former Jewish quarter.
Photo Caption: At night, the Museo del Baile Flamenco is filled with the sounds of clapping and flamenco guitar.
Photo Caption: The Alcázar Baths in Seville, Spain.
Photo Caption: A table tull of tapas at a tapas bar in Seville, Spain.
Photo Caption: Capilla de San Jose in Seville, Spain.
Photo Caption: La Calle Sierpes in Seville, Spain.
Photo Caption: La Visita de San Bruno al Papa Urbano II (1630-1635) in a Zurbarán gallery at Sevilla's Museo de Bellas Artes.