At the end of 2022, I was lucky enough to live in beautiful Seville for the first part of my year abroad, where I got to experience the best of quintessential Spanish culture.
A historical, yet bustling city, Seville is sure to have something for everyone, whether you’re into vibrant nightlife or the cultural side of things.
I stayed in an apartment in the Nervión district which was a fifteen-minute Metro ride from the city centre, which let me see both the tourist and the local (or a slightly cooler Brit abroad) side of things from living outside the city centre, allowing me to compile a list of the must-sees and must-dos for anyone keen to visit this hub of activity.
Top Attractions
Museo de Bellas Artes
(open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm, 2€ standard, free for EU citizens)
Starting off with a pocket of old Spanish culture, the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) is not one to miss and is perfect for those interested in art dating back to the medieval eras or even those who want a change of pace with a roam through the gallery and its gorgeous patios.
Plaza de España
For those who are fans of Star Wars and want to experience the real Naboo, the Plaza de España is just a short ten-minute walk from the city centre and is worth a slow stroll around to take in the mix of different types of architecture, with free daily flamenco performances.
La Catedral de Sevilla
(Open Monday, 11am to 3:30pm, Tuesday – Saturday, 11am to 5pm, Sunday, 2:30pm to 6pm, 9€ general rate, 4€ concessions)
The cathedral and its bell tower (La Giralda) are a rite of passage for anyone visiting Seville, especially to see the combination of Gothic and Moorish architecture that came from the fusion of al-Andalus. The magnificent view is also worth the long walk up the spiralling ramps of la Giralda.
Hidden Gems
Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporaneo
(Open Monday, closed, Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 9pm, Sunday, 10 am to 3:30pm, 3€ standard, free 7pm to 9pm, Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 9pm, Saturdays)
If you want a change of scenery from the art you can find at the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo is worth an afternoon. The converted monastery, located a twenty-minute bus ride from the city centre, is home to an eclectic range of contemporary art.
Tarifa Music Club
My personal favourite, nestled in Macarena, Tarifa is a vibrant bar which hosts possibly one of the most fun nights I have ever been to – make sure to catch Latin Jam every Wednesday from 8:30pm onwards for a singalong.
Galeria Taberna Ánima
Another musical venue, Galeria Taberna Ánima is a cosy bar dripping with art from Seville’s coolest graphic designers. Drop by on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday to catch one of their iconic music nights, featuring an invigorating show of flamenco or bossa nova.
Tips for getting around Seville
Seville is accessible for its different modes of transport that can get you around for a very cheap price.
If you’d rather take the fast option when weaving through the city, there are bikes and electric scooters you can use which are quite popular among the locals (just be careful on them – I fell off an electric scooter into oncoming traffic and emerged with serious bruises to my dignity)
The Metro and tram systems are both very easy to use and have very similar ticketing systems based on how often you need to use them. Alternatively, the buses are arguably the most efficient mode of transport, which have a wider range of where they go to, each journey being the same price, making it easy to hop on and off.
Food and Drink
El Rinconcillo
With its extensive selection of wine and traditional Sevillian food, El Rinconcillo is Seville’s oldest bar, and therefore one of the most prestigious. A definite visit for any foodies out there who are on the hunt for the best tapas in town.
El Viajero Sedentario
If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful breakfast away from the busyness of the city centre, El Viajero Sedentario in the heart of Alameda is one to go to. With its cosy buzz and walls covered in books, this is a lovely spot to have a coffee under the shade of the trees.
Checkpoint Arcade Bar
Checkpoint is one of Seville’s coolest undiscovered bars, deep in Alameda. For those who want to go somewhere with a different ambience to the rest of Seville, Checkpoint is one to go to for a chance to check out the arcade games and grab a drink. You can also go to their Wednesday evening language exchanges to meet new people and practice your Spanish!
Words by Victoria Ruck
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