The 8 Most Festive Ways to Explore Seville

You will find many of the concepts most widely attributed to Spain in Seville – among them, toros, tapas and Flamenco. The capital city of the Andalusia region is replete with Moorish characteristics including lobed arches at the palaces there and painted tiles on a significant number of buildings in the city. Narrowing down the places to go and things to see can be tricky given the wealth of options. Here are a few destinations you’ll certainly want to explore:

1. Steep Yourself in Gothic Architecture

• Seville Cathedral
  No less than 80 different chapels are housed on this World Heritage site, making it the world’s largest cathedral by volume. The tomb of Christopher Columbus is the largest tourist draw, with sights such as the Court of the Orange Trees close on its heels.

2. Walk the Same Halls as Royalty

• Real Alcázar
  It is difficult to pinpoint the most alluring aspect of this UNESCO-listed palace complex. In this corner, you have lush courtyards and gardens, along with architectural marvels like carved coffered ceilings. And in that corner, you have chambers, halls and state rooms the Spanish royal family still frequents.

3. Tour a Garden of Glorious Surprises

• Maria Luisa Park
  Dating back to the 1500s, the largest green space in central Seville are replete with surprises. Amble down any path and you could discover a sculpture, ornamental pond, tiled fountain or pavilion. Plant lovers will be thrilled with the collection of unusual species from around the world housed in the sizeable botanical garden.

4. Go for a Stroll with the Locals

• Right Bank of the Guadalquivir
  Seville residents flock to the right bank in droves on nice days. You can get a glimpse inside of the day-to-day life of a local just by taking a walk down this route, which gives you access to landmarks including Plaza de Toros, Torre del Oro and a sweeping view of Triana across the river.

5. View Ancient Treasures

• Archeological Museum
  You can find rare artifacts from the Bronze Age – such as the Treasure of El Carombolo – at this museum built for the Ibero-American Exposition. The Carombolo collection consists of 21 pieces of gold jewelry that belonged to either the Phoenicians or the Tartessos Culture that called the banks of the Guadalquivir River home.

6. Get up Close and Personal with Local Culture

• Museum of Arts and Traditions
  Like an anthropology textbook come to life, this is a museum that focuses less on history and more on the customs, industries and households of Seville. History is a part of it, yes, but it is really about the daily life of locals. On display are 16-century ceramics, as well as weapons forged in Seville. You can also get a glimpse at workshops depicting Seville’s various trades.

7. Pick up Souvenirs or Gifts

• Calle Sierpes
  Considered the heart of shopping in Seville, Calle Sierpes provides plenty of shopping opportunities (plus many unique food options.)  At the top of Seville’s best souvenirs and gifts to bring home include: ceramics, jamón, manchego cheese, turrón, yemas, wines or craft beers, olive oil, or a flamenco dress.

8. Go on a Tapas Crawl

• Streets and alleyways along the riverside
  A trip to Seville would not be complete without going on a tapas crawl to the wealth of tapas bars that line the area. The specialties at these venues make it easy to make an afternoon or evening out of sampling tapas at each one. Varieties include queso manchego, oxtail stew, prawns with garlic, chipirones, cured ham and patatas bravas.

Seville has many treats to offers those who are fortunate enough to experience it. From castles, shopping to green spaces, you will not be disappointed.

Planning a travel incentive or corporate meeting in Seville? Contact Gavel International for more information about our programs.