Seville is quick to win people over. But even though you’ll soon feel a charmed familiarity with the city, its diversity will keep you rediscovering it over and over.
The Andalucian capital’s past is elegantly framed by its present so that most experiences you’ll have will touch upon its heritage in some way. Dining in an ancient Moorish bathhouse, trying your hand at an ancient style of music, and discovering the artistry, culture and bones (!) of past civilizations are just some of the memorable activities on offer.
Start planning what you’ll do with our guide to Seville’s best experiences.
1. Bask in the elegance of the Real Alcázar
One of the finest historic palaces in Europe can be found in the heart of Seville’s Barrio Santa Cruz. Started in the 10th century by the Moors, then later occupied and enlarged by the Spanish monarchs, the Real Alcázar is a sprawling complex of elegant palaces, fountain-filled patios and regal quarters, which back onto a lavish garden oasis. The Palacio de Don Pedro, with its gold-tiled dome ceiling and exquisite geometric plasterwork designs is a highlight. While visiting the Real Alcázar, you’ll find plenty of chances to escape the crowds. Look for peacocks amid a maze of myrtle, marvel at an artesonado (decorative wooden ceilings) in one of the many side rooms, and take a seat in a shaded patio as a fountain gently burbles nearby.
Planning tip: Buy your tickets in advance from the only official website. Entry is by allotted time only and tickets frequently sell out days in advance. Once inside the palace, you’re free to stay as long as you wish until closing. The earliest entry time is 9:30am. This also happens to be the most popular ticket, because it gives you access to the Real Alcázar when crowds are at their lowest.
2. Learn how to flamenco like a pro
Flamenco is a key part of the Andalucian experience. Rich in melody and emotion, flamenco isn’t just a style of music. It’s a feeling, a lament through time, often in an intimate space where the nuances can really translate. These shared moments between the performers and the audience can often be intense and deeply moving.
Flamenco has four constituent parts: The toque (guitar) and the jaleo (crucial to the rhythm) form the musical foundation, on which the cante (song) and the baile (dance) are built. Palmas, the…
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