AN AVERAGE CITY WORTH A DAY TRIP JUST FOR ITS PLAZA

I’m not sure why but I was extremely excited about Sevilla. I really didn’t know much about it - yet I somehow had associated it with being underrated. As a tourist destination, I found the city largely unremarkable. I spent three nights in Sevilla, and I would’ve been happy having spent just one. After one day, I had seen everything I wanted, and for most of the remaining two days, I took the opportunity to rest and refresh.

That said, the one day is worth the trip just for The Plaza de España if you’re traveling through Andalusia. The city also seemed to have a dynamism to its culture that I wouldn’t be able to pick up in such a short trip. I suspect it may be a cool place to live.

If you do plan a trip to Andalusia (which is an amazing section of Europe), I’d recommend going in early Spring because Southern Spain gets extremely hot late Spring and Summer. It went over 100 while I was there - and that was early May!

MARVEL AT THE PLAZA DE ESPAÑA

To date, Plaza de España may the the most beautiful public park space I’ve seen. It was the first place I went to when I got to Sevilla, and it just took my breath away. The canals and their blue ceramic bridges add touches of color and fantasy to a stunning symmetrical, circular building and broad plaza. I went to the plaza every day, and spent hours just soaking it in.

I highly recommend going first thing in the morning because it’s largely empty before 8AM. You can have the plaza to yourself and get the best possible pictures. I also recommend venturing back in the afternoon to see some flamenco performances and live music.

VISIT THE ROYAL ALCAZARS OF SEVILLA

Throughout Andalusia, one of the most notable features is how the architecture and culture is a blend of all the empires that have ruled the area. Of note is the mudéjar style - which applies classical Islamic features to Christian buildings and spaces. The palaces of this style are covered with ornate plaster and woodwork - and built around stunning gardens with robust hedges. The Royal Alcazar of Sevilla is one of the most famous examples of this style. While you’re traveling through Andalusia, going to one of the these mudéjar style palaces is a must (and you can in Sevilla, Cordoba, or in the Alhambra in Granada). While this was one of my two favorite spaces in Sevilla, I don’t think it’s a must see if you’re going to the Alhambra, where you’ll also get to see an exceptional example of mudéjar style.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

To be honest, I wasn’t awestruck by much in Sevilla. While the city seemed vibrant and liveable, the common attractions weren’t that memorable for me. If you find yourself with extra time, here are some of the common to-dos:

• Maria Luisa Park - A nice park across the Plaza de España. It’s free and a nice break from the city.

• Walk Along the River - There’s a long river trail that is nice to walk along and offers pretty views of the city.

• Sevilla Cathedral and La Giralda (its tower) - If you go during mass early in the morning, you can see a large section of the cathedral for free. I did this, and didn’t find it to be a particularly memorable cathedral, so I’m glad I didn’t pay to see it all.

• Archive of the Indies - A free building near the cathedral. The architecture is nice, though not memorable, and there is a free bathroom.

• Casa de Pilatos - A palace museum.

• Torre del Oro - A watchtower along the river. You can pay to climb up it to see views of the city.

• Mercado de Triana and the Triana Neighborhood - Many classic pieces of Spanish culture - like flamenco and tapas - have historical roots in the Triana neighborhood, and the main business area centers around a lively food market.