There were a few things we didn’t know as we stepped off the train in Seville. We didn’t know where the bus stop was, nor did we know how to get to our hotel. But the biggest thing we weren’t prepared for was how unbelievably hot it was.
Tapas, Sangria and Cerveza
It was early September and one would expect some leftover summer heat. As I stepped off of the train I thought to myself, “It’s bloody hot!” It was not as hot as it was in Budapest, but it was damn hot. I tried to console myself by remembering we were back in the land of tapas and Sangria – and Cerveza!
Like we do in nearly every city we visit, we spent our five days in Seville out and about wandering the city and exploring the sites. In Seville though, we chose to stay just outside of the historic downtown core, too far to just step out the door and start walking.
Ready for Some Comfort
By the time we reached Seville – our second to last destination city on our grand European tour – we were hot and tired and road weary. We were in need of a super comfortable full-size hotel room with a king bed and really good air-conditioning so we cashed in our Hilton Hotel points. It was one of the best decisions ever, and the hotel’s free shuttle service took us to and from downtown. It was a win-win!
As I said, upon our arrival we actually knew very little about Seville but it was a definitely a city we both wanted to visit. Had we done our homework and known what to expect temperature wise we may have altered our plans, but I’m glad we didn’t because it all turned out for the best and we enjoyed the city. So much so we’d like to go back one day, but definitely in early spring or late fall. I remember our shuttle driver telling us that temperatures in Seville can soar up to 110+ in the heat of the summer months. Ugh!
Seville & Real Alcazar
The Real Alcazar was a wonderful discovery and our afternoon exploring the historic palace – which is still used by the royal family – was fascinating and a highlight of our visit to Seville. It was a definite step back in time.
While standing in line to buy our admission tickets we were approached by a local guide asking if we’d like to join another American couple for a private tour. It wasn’t something we would normally do, but at the same time we knew we’d have a much better experience if we went with a guide.
Ever Vigilant
Being ever vigilant, we didn’t want to just hand over our cash to a complete stranger so Abi went with him to buy our tickets and the tickets for the other couple. We didn’t need to worry, he was terrific. If I remember right he was a teacher and gave tours as a side source of income. He was so knowledgeable and personable, we thoroughly enjoyed our tour. The architecture and the gardens of Real Alcazar were beyond beautiful and as we strolled through the gardens on our own, we embraced the peace and calm. What is it about gardens that soothe the soul?
Five Days in Seville
Our five days in Seville afforded us time to see the highlights of the city. We also had time to relax in the evenings and catch our breath a bit. As much as we wanted to experience all that Seville had to offer, we also wanted to take our time and just hang out so-to-speak; especially given the heat. It wasn’t a time to run around like crazed tourists on a count down clock. We just wanted to be in Seville. No hurries, no worries. After nearly three months of fast-paced travel we were winding down. And, we were looking forward to our upcoming ten days in Malaga, which would be followed by three months in Porto.
The Grand Mosque
We took a day trip – by train – to the nearby City of Cordoba where we visited the Grand Mosque. The Mosque was beyond incredible, and it almost can’t be put in to words. If you find yourself in Seville, please do not miss out on a day trip to Cordoba to visit the Mosque. I promise, you’ll be awed by the grandeur and the history.
Plaza de Espana
Plaza de Espana was another Seville highlight. The plaza – an architectural wonder – was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition (World’s Fair) of 1929. The plaza is massive and the details of the architecture are well-worth a visit. We took our time and walked from one end to the other romanticizing about days gone by and what the plaza must have been like in another era. The day we visited it was very quiet on the plaza, maybe because of the heat, or maybe it was not a work day, but it was quite nice.
So Much to Love About Spain
There are so many things we enjoy whenever we spend time in Spain. The people are friendly. The culture is rich in history and tradition. And, of course the tapas and sangria are exceptional. We knew so little about the city when we stepped off the train. But, I’d say we did pretty well for our first to Seville.
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Seville was our home for 2 months a couple of years ago and we loved it. Except for maybe 2 things: the heat and the cockroaches (even in the center of town they seem to come up from the sewers at night. In Croatia we didn’t see a cockroach in a full year). But despite that it was absolutely fantastic and – and I don’t care what anyone says – a touch of the tropics. Did you see the parrots in Parque de Maria Louisa? Spain is a place we can see spending more time in in the future.
Nice post!
Frank recently posted…Sukhothai Historical Park Itinerary: What you should See and How much time you should Spend
Seville was lovely, Frank, and I can see where you got a tropical vibe. I think if we could find a time of the year when the temps are not soaring, we could live in Seville for a couple of months, we definitely left the city wanting more – sans the roaches of course (which fortunately, we did not see) but we weren’t out in the evenings. I don’t remember the parrots so I think we must have missed them.
I like staying in one place for a while to really explore and get to know my way around. Yet for me, that is rarely cities so I really enjoy seeing them through your eyes.
Gaelyn recently posted…Foto Friday Fun 259
I know cities are not your “thing” Gaelyn so I’m glad you enjoy them vicariously through our lens and stories.
Mr. Excitement and I visited Seville on our first ever trip together. Fortunately, it was during Semana Santa—i.e. right about this time of year (Easter) — only in 1981. We stayed at an atmospheric bed and breakfast in the Old Jewish Quarter. Actually, I don’t remember any breakfast, so many it was just “bed”—Dona Pepa’s. The sheets were slimy. It was then that we decided that perhaps we were now old enough, and both gainfully employed, so that perhaps it was time to start spending more than $10 per night for accommodations.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Plan Your Visit to Cuenca, Ecuador, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
“Atmospheric bed and breakfast” for $10 per night. 🙂 You’ve come a long way baby!
We spent time in Sevilla in November. It was perfect for touring. A little rain, but cooler. Our daughter spent 6 months there, going to school and by the time we arrived, she was an expert at Sevilla and her Spanish was amazing. I really enjoyed this city. If you come later, you can see the Christmas stalls. Different than Germany, these sell figurines for a creche. Amazing details. This is the most important part of Christmas for Spanish people. They are not so much into the trees.
I would go again in a minute.
Someday I very much want to be in Europe during the Christmas season to visit the Christmas Markets in a few different countries. Going to Seville sounds lovely as the weather wouldn’t be “cold” like it would be in other countries. I remember when your daughter was in school in Seville and how much she enjoyed it.
We visited there in route to Barcelona a few years ago and put it on the “return to” list. We will most definitely visit in a cooler month. Spain can be even more brutal than Florida in the summer. Will Pin this post for future reference.
Suzanne recently posted…Captured Moments – Springtime in Florida
Thanks for the pin, Suzanne!
Seville is definitely a favorite for us. Last time we were there was in the winter months though so it was more on the pleasant side weather wise. We oved spending tine at the river front just relaxing and watching all the people enjoying their free time. Lovely post.
Peta
I think if/when we return to Seville we’ll have to go in the late fall or early spring because it’s such a beautiful city I don’t want to have to hide from the heat of the day. And, you’re right, the riverfront is lovely. Cities that have a river just seem to have that extra something special, right?
Ahhhh – SPAIN! One of the definite benefits of living in Portugal is that we’re right next to Spain (Seville is 2.5 hours by car from Lagos and we’ll be less than that with our move to Albufeira) and we’ve visited it numerous times by car, bus and train. You visited many of our favorite places in Seville (the Real Alcazar is jaw-droppingly gorgeous as is the Plaza de Espana) and I’m so glad you took a one-day trip to see the Mosque-Cathedral, perhaps the most impressive place I’ve seen during our travels. When you come back to Portugal, forget about the summer travel and visit Seville in the late fall, winter or early Spring. You’ll enjoy it much more and you’ll be up to walking miles around the city!
Actually, Anita, it was your post about the Grand Mosque in Cordoba that inspired me to add it to our Spain “must see” list. Thanks for the inspiration! Visiting the mosque was definitely one of our most loved travel memories.
Seville is most definetly on my wish list, but will probably visit it in the winter. Good idea to join up and get a guide, I always love doing the walking tours that are usually offered for free ( need to tip) at most cities. You just learn so much more when you have a guide. Lovely video
Gilda Baxter recently posted…The Hippy Seaside Town Of Praia Do Rosa
We too enjoy free walking tours, Gilda. What I appreciate about them is being able to ditch the tour (without losing money) if we don’t like the guide or the tour route. Ha! Ha! This was a really great guide and well-worth what he charged us, which I don’t even remember. 🙂 I hope you do make it to Seville, it’s lovely!