Sevilla has a special place in my heart because this is where I studied abroad for four months.  It is an amazing city that I can't say enough good things about so I'll start off with some facts.  Sevilla is the largest city in southern Spain and the fourth largest in the country.  It is located on the Guadalquivir River and is the capital of the region of Andalusia.  Sevilla was influenced by so many different types of people that can be seen through the few Roman ruins in Huerte de Santa Maria to Real Alcázar in San Bernando.  There is so much to offer in the city.  There is only one metro line that my friends and I used only to get to the fútbol matches.  You don't need a metro line because the city is totally walkable.  For locals, it is totally normal to walk 40 minutes to get to a destination.  There are cabs you can take and bikes you can rent but take advantage and save some money by walking.  There are so many attractions such as the Cathedral and Giralda Tower.  Together they for the largest gothic church in the world.  The royal palace in the city, Reales Alcázares, used to be a Moorish fort while the Torre del Oro used to be a military watchtower overlooking the river.  A little bit down the road is Universidad de Sevilla where I took all my classes.  It is an old tobacco factory where the movie Carmen takes place.  A short walk from there is Plaza de España.  It is a huge complex that is the shape of a half circle with a fountain in the center.  Fun fact: Star Wars was shot here!  Right next to Plaza de España is the massive Parque de María Luisa.  I went to this park all the time just to walk around and lay out.  After laying out, you can walk through Barrio de Santa Cruz, which is an older part of town with many windy roads so don't get lost!  Just a quick walk across one of the many bridges is Barrio de Triana, which is considered the birthplace of flamenco.  You can then lay by Guadalquivir River and just relax.  I can go on for days and days about Sevilla because it is my second home.  

Accommodations

  • I stayed with a host family in Nervión but when my parents came to visit we stayed down the street at Hostel Florida and Hotel Alcázar 

Restaurants

  • I don't know too much about restaurants because my host mom cooked amazing meals for me every day but Cien Montaditos is where we would go to chill and have a drink since it is right across from the university
  • Not going to lie but we went to Burger King if we wanted American food
  • I don't think the sandwich shop had a name but go to Calle Felipe Hauser to get a bocadilla, chips, and drink for only five euro
  • There are also great schwarma places where you can get schwarma, fries, and a drink for five euros too
  • Restaurante El 3 de Oros has amazing paella
  • If you're missing Tex Mex, then go to Iguanas Ranas. They usually have a special on margaritas as well
  • If you're looking for a quick coffee or small bite, then go to The Art Room

Wider Scope

  • Visit the Cathedral and Giralda Tower to get a great view of the city
  • Go to Las Setas to get a different view of the city
  • Walk through the palace that is Reales Alcázares and go to the top of Torro del Oro
  • Go for a boat ride in the canal in Plaza España or look at the flower gardens  in Parque María Luisa
  • Watch a bull fight at Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza
  • Wander through Barrio de Santa Cruz or Barrio de Triana
  • See some fine art at Museo de Bellas Artes
  • Watch a flamenco show at Tablao en Arenal 
  • Chill by Guadalquivir River or kayak down it 
  • Catch a fútbol game (Sevilla F.C. vs Betis is nuts) at Rámon Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium
  • Shop on Calle Sierpes or in Plaza Nueve 
  • If you're going in April, try and go when Feria is there

Clubs/Bars

  • If you're studying abroad, get a VIP card with VIP Sevilla to get free entrance to Buddha, Bilindgo (summer only), Antique, & my personal fave Abril
  • Other clubs are Santuario (great club during the week) and Bandalai 
  • Calle Betis and Alfalfa have so many bars.  Personal favorites are Fúndicion, Big Ben, Long Island, and Ruko N Roll
  • There's an Irish pub called Phoenix right when you cross the San Telmo bridge.  They also have amazing nachos
  • Try Agua de Sevilla at Carboneria where you can watch flamenco dancing 

Sneak Peek