Where Travelers can Experience Authentic Seville

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Explore the Famous Plaza de España 

Photo by Amy Burry on Pexels

Those who plan to travel to Seville should absolutely not miss exploring the city’s most famous attraction, so be sure to add the center square to your top 10 bucket list! The Renaissance-style architecture of these governmental buildings is something to behold, complete with 52 tile mosaics representing each Spanish providence. A huge fountain sits in the square, with horse-drawn carriages trotting around and flamenco dancers making flashy appearances. 

For a romantic addition to your itinerary, you can even rent a rowboat on-site to sail through the waterway for around 30 minutes to enjoy a picturesque, movie magic moment. Speaking of movie magic, this beautiful set of historic buildings was the filming set for a palace in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. You can actually find other recognizable movie and TV sets around the city, some of which are listed in the Tripio app that you can add to your custom itinerary. 

Sightseeing and Shopping in Barrio Santa Cruz 

Photo by Tania Mousinho on Unsplash

Formerly the Jewish quarter of the city, the narrow, labyrinthian maze of streets of Barrio Santa Cruz draw in tourists for its unique artisan shops, art galleries, and historic palace squares. There’s something new and exciting around every corner to discover, from delicious tapas restaurants to charming cafés. You’ll want to bring good walking shoes and set aside a few hours to explore it fully. 

Fun Kayak Tour of Historic Seville 

Paddling a kayak can be as easy as riding a bike, and that’s the easygoing sort of adventure you’ll have when you navigate the calm waters of the Guadalquivir River on this scenic tour. Passing under the bridge and sailing past key sites, you’ll learn all about Seville and its naval history during the Spanish Golden Age. The Tripio app has even more exciting outdoor activities you can try during your vacation for those who love being out in nature. 

Unique 4×4 Tour of Campo Bravo Bull Farm

Photo by Jorge Marquez on Unsplash

Described by visitors as a truly unique, eye-opening adventure, this guided 4×4 tour of a private bull farm is the best way to learn about the Andalusian tradition of bullfighting. Explore this beautiful farm with your engaging and knowledgeable host (former bull fighter) as you learn about the sport’s long history, culture, and about the breeding and raising of bulls. You’ll even get to meet the bulls and horses at their enclosures and enjoy tapas with your host. You’ll walk away from this activity with a new perspective and will be able to see why it’s one of the best things to do in Seville if you’re a fan of local hidden gems. It’s definitely worth adding to your custom top 10 for those who enjoy cultural experiences.

Stroll Through the Gardens of Parque de María Luisa

Photo by Ramallo on Pixabay

Stretching along the Guadalquivir River is this lush public park, situated right next to the city’s main plaza. This is the most famous park in the city, and easily one of the top things to do in Seville if you’re looking for a quiet, scenic stroll. The park provides a peaceful oasis full of fountains and sculptures, where travelers can escape the bustling city and enjoy nature’s greenery. If you aren’t taking a leisurely walk along its shady paths, cycling around, or stopping to smell the flowers, you can rent a four wheeler on-site to see the park in a fun way. After you’ve seen it all and find you’ve got extra time to kill, there are two museums Tripio recommends you check out — the Archeological Museum and the Museum of Arts and Traditions.

Experience Seville’s Semana Santa Festival (Holy Week)

If you’re visiting Seville during one of the city’s most important festivals leading up to Easter, you’re in for a treat. Schools and restaurants close so that everyone can participate in the festival, which involves 12-hour long pilgrimages through the streets. You’ll see huge floats depicting scriptural scenes being carried in processions, with one of the highlights being a religious song performed a cappella.

See Europe’s Oldest Palace in Use – Royal Alcázar of Seville

Photo by Tural Aliyev on Unsplash

An unmissable activity for anyone traveling here for their Spanish vacation, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Seville. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning architecture designed in the Moorish Mudéjar style with some Spanish flair. Besides the breathtaking building itself, it boasts extensive, lush gardens to explore with roaming peacocks, and features lovely fountains, pools, and orange trees to enjoy. Be sure to add it to your custom itinerary in the Tripio app, which will guide you to where you can secure tickets. 

See a Flamenco Show and Visit the Flamenco Museum

Photo by prunkova on Pixabay

When you travel to this destination, you’ll quickly see that performance art is a huge deal! Flamenco is an integral part of Andalusian culture and identity, which is why seeing an authentic flamenco show here is a must for travelers who love experiencing cultural immersion. Guitar, singing, and mesmerizing Spanish dancing are all things you’ll get to see during the show. There’s also a unique, three-story museum you can check out to learn more about the rich history of this traditional performance art. 

Bar Sal Gorda – Tapas Bar

You may think there are an overwhelming amount of tapas restaurants in the city, but you won’t regret adding this delicious hotspot to your itinerary. With a laid-back environment and tasty tapas, you’re sure to have a great dining experience here, especially when you eat out on the terrace. Even though the dishes here transform traditional tapas into modern recreations, none of the authenticity is lost. This is a must-visit while you’re in Seville and is sure to be a culinary highlight during your vacation.

Shop Along Seville’s Most Recognizable Street – Calle Sierpes

If you’re looking for relaxing shopping trips around the city to add to your Tripio custom top 10, this iconic street should make the cut. Used as an important center for trading goods as far back as the 15th century, this is the heart of Seville’s commercial district. Here, the streets are lined with shops, cafés, artisans, tapas restaurants, and other places selling handmade, authentic goodies. When the sun goes down, Calle Sierpas comes alive with street performers and dancers, giving travelers and locals alike a memorable shopping experience. 

The World’s Largest Gothic Cathedral & Tomb of Christopher Columbus

Photo by Angel Luciano on Unsplash

If there’s one thing that should be on your Spain travel bucket list, let it be this sprawling historic landmark. There’s a lot to see at the awe-inspiring Seville Cathedral, which happens to be the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, also housing one of the world’s biggest altarpieces. It easily lands a spot on most tourist’s Seville top 10 list of musts. The huge interior has a lot to see, from paintings by famous old masters to ornate architecture gilded in gold, you’re sure to be wowed during your visit. This is also where explorer Christopher Columbus was laid to rest, entombed in bronze and carried by symbolic figures. 

If you’re up for a brief adventure, you can take a guided tour to climb the cathedral’s Giralda tower, a part that’s been preserved from the 13th century. And if that’s not high enough for you, take the special roof tour if you’re ready for yet another stunning view. 

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-Rachael, Tripio Guru

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