Seville, Spain, the largest city in Southern Spain is a cultural goldmine. Flamenco, bull fighting, cathedrals, palaces, all come together in this beautiful city.  Must see sites include the Real Alcazar Palace, Cathedral Seville, Bull Fighting Arena, old town, and Maria Luisa Park.  In this post however I would like to share with you the sites and sounds that are not on the “must see tourist list.”

Twilight carriage ride through the center of town.

A great way to start your stay in this charming city is to take a horse drawn carriage ride through the center of Seville. This leisurely carriage ride is a great way to get a preview of what Seville has to offer. Carriages can be found on the square in front of the hotel Alfonso XIII and the Sevilla Cathedral.

Hotel Alfonso XIII

This historic boutique hotel is a wonderful place for a late afternoon break and enjoy a drink in their spectacular inner courtyard.

The inner courtyard is their crowning jewel where the setting is peaceful and gorgeous. I highly recommend a late afternoon respite here after a day of sightseeing. Grab cool sangria and order some tapas and relax in the warm ambiance of this gem of a place.

Here one can sit and have a cup of tea with some olives and nuts or order a cheese platter and a sangria, or even a late afternoon lunch of salad and sandwiches.  The cheese platter we ordered was so beautiful that I hope to replicate it back home!

Flamenco dancing, the cultural fabric of Seville

Flamenco dancing is such an integral part of the culture in Sevilla and the surrounding cities that it’s hard to miss signs all over town for flamenco shows. These shows can be fond on every block and in every corner street bar.  Flamenco is definitely something to check out when visiting Sevilla. In fact flamenco dancing is so integral here that you can even see gypsies dancing on the public squares.

The Triana district across the bridge.

The Triana district across the bridge is a charming neighborhood where one can stroll and experience local flair. Here beautiful buildings line cobblestoned streets with shops catering to locals. You may even come across a daycare or two as you stroll the streets.

Exploring the old town neighborhood of Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz area of Seville is where one can find a wide variety of shopping ranging from big name brands like Zara and H&M to local shops selling fans, pottery, meats, cheeses and coffee beans.  A great place to just walk around and pick up a souvenir or two.

Food.

Of course, Seville like any other Spanish city is abundant in restaurants, tapas bars, gelato parlors and coffee shops.

Walking the streets of Sevilla.

Have fun checking out the tourist sites, but immerse yourself in the streets of Sevilla by walking and exploring the myriad charming neighborhoods that can be found here.