With more and more family and friends planning their trips to visit, I’ve been compiling a list of Sevilla touristy treasures & hidden gems to be must-sees during their time here. I thought I’d share these ideas with all of you and if you ever find yourself in the south of Spain, you’ll have my list of recommendations!
Touristy stop #1 – Plaza de España
This is one of the most breathtaking views in Sevilla and is also completely free to visit. The intricate architecture and half-elliptic shape make this structure shockingly beautiful and explain why this plaza-palace has been used as an iconic filming location (e.g. Star Wars).
Touristy stop #2 – Catedral de Sevilla
On my way to class during the week, I pass the Seville Cathedral, one of the most famous Roman Catholic cathedrals in all of Spain. The sheer size of the church is astonishing and I believe this may be one of the largest churches in the world.
Touristy stop #3 – Las Setas
These huge futuristic mushroom-looking things are located in El Centro, the downtown area of Sevilla. There is some controversy surrounding this structure as it stands in the middle of a richly historical city. I heard there’s a rooftop tapas restaurant and lookout area on the top and though I haven’t been, I plan to visit for a sunset someday soon.
Touristy stop #4 – Shopping on Calle Sierpes
This is a long, narrow street that runs through the center of Sevilla filled with different shops. Some of the favorite stores here are Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, H&M, and Mango.
To wrap up my list, I’m including below my personal recommendations for your future stay in Sevilla.
⁃ Visit Hospital de la Caridad to see one of the most beautiful, and ironically least visited, churches in Sevilla
⁃ Try fun ice cream flavors at Heladeria María Limones or La Abuela (unfortunately for me and fellow sprinkle lovers, rainbow sprinkles are not very popular here)
⁃ Read a book in María Luisa park
⁃ Buy some fresh fruit from Mercado de Triana
⁃ Cure a little homesickness with American-like breakfast at La Mala Brunch
⁃ Dance with friends at the Manhattan Bar along the Guadalquivir river
⁃ Order a chorizo+cream cheese sandwich at Patio San Eloy in Triana
⁃ Have a late-night kebab at Harina Food & Snack
These are the types of things that have started to make this place feel more like a home to me and if any of you visit Spain soon or will be studying abroad here, I hope that you’ll cherish these experiences as much as I do!