Viva España: these are the hotspots of Seville
Spain, it never gets boring for me. It's super fun that everyone is now massively going to the Philippines, Bali, or Colombia, just put me under the Spanish sun and I'm happy. I already tipped you about the coolest hotspots in Madrid and now it's Sevilla's turn. Like Madrid, Sevilla is not by the sea, so it's very hot in the summer. But Sevilla is also full of nice terraces, restaurants, an abundance of Spanish tapas, and it's a great destination for a weekend getaway or a good starting or ending point for a tour through Andalusia. If you're going to do that, definitely include Córdoba, Ronda, and Málaga, and go jet-setting in Marbella. Check out the best tips for Sevilla below and your stay will definitely be a success. Just send me a postcard from there as a thank you.
The nicest neighborhoods in Sevilla
Santa Cruz
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Sevilla, full of narrow alleys, hidden terraces, and restaurants. If you're looking for a hotel in Sevilla, I personally find this the coziest neighborhood. The large cathedral, the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede, is also located in this neighborhood.
Maria Luisa
In this neighborhood, you'll find the large city park Parque Maria Luisa, which leads to the beautiful Plaza de España. This gigantic square is probably the most famous in all of Sevilla and can be reached via cute little bridges. Furthermore, there are many fountains and you'll encounter quite a few horse-drawn carriages. You get it: for an Instagram-worthy setting, you're in the right place here.
El Arenal
No, not the village in Mallorca where every exam trip goes, calm down. This neighborhood is less known for the shots (although they probably have those if you want), but more for the delicious tapas bars. So if you want to enjoy a Spanish evening, this is the place to be.
Alameda
In this neighborhood, you'll also find the university, which in Spain often means that there's the most to do in terms of nightlife (and of course, you'll find many students there). They also have the most striking artwork in the city: the Setas de Sevilla, a large wooden structure that reminds me of some kind of wasp nest or something. But it's huge and impossible to miss. You'll also find many terraces here where you can enjoy drinks.
Hotspots in Sevilla
El Pintón
Elpinton, 42
One of my favorite places in Sevilla, where I visit at least once every time. The sangria is delicious, but they also have cocktails like my favorite Moscow Mule. And those tapas, they are definitely level 2.0. They are already a feast for the eyes, but also really super tasty. Just a bit different from the ‘standard’ tapas, but believe me: you want to eat here. Be sure to make a reservation (can be done via the site), because this is currently one of the most popular spots in Sevilla.
No-Lugar The Art Company
Calle Trajano, 16
This is a really nice all-day spot, where ‘all-day’ is indeed in the Spanish sense of the word. They open every day at one o'clock in the afternoon, which is just morning for Spaniards. As the name suggests, everything here in the interior is nicely artsy. But ultimately, it’s all about the food, and that is also very good here. Handy to know: you can't pay by card here.
El Pasaje
Pje. de Vila, 10
If there's space, definitely grab a table in the super cute inner garden. On the menu, you'll find familiar tapas like croquetas and patatas bravas (and the olives here are delicious), but also beef tataki (yum), and mini hamburgers. That last one is not very Spanish (and also topped with cheddar cheese), but very tasty. But don't skip the salmon tartare, because you want to try that too. It's advisable to make a reservation here as well, because even though this spot is open from half past eleven in the morning until late at night, it is often non-stop busy.
Ovejas Negras
Just a quick Spanish lesson: translated into Dutch, this means ‘black sheep’. They are absolutely not that in Sevilla, because this spot appears in many lists full of tips. Rightly so. Keep in mind that they do take that nice Spanish siesta here and are therefore closed between half past five and eight in the evening. So they are open for lunch and dinner. Surprising tapas with foie gras, or grilled squid. If you prefer more common dishes, go to the sister restaurant Mamarracha, which is a bit rougher and known for their grilling techniques for meat and fish. By the way, they just got a new family member: Torres y García. You can find it on Calle Harinas and claims to have a ’more rustic kitchen‘. Three spots you want to visit. Delicious.
Yerba
It's quite a statement, but according to many locals, the best tapas are served here. Just for that reason, you should test it out yourself, right? Also, this spot in Sevilla, unlike many other hotspots, is not super new, hip, or modern in terms of interior, but mainly cozy, snug, and noisy. So, a good Spanish atmosphere. The tapas here lean more towards fine dining and the price reflects that; it's nice to go here if you want to dine a bit more extensively.
El Rinconcillo
Calle Gerona, 40
A bit of history combined with very good food. This restaurant in Sevilla is not only the oldest in the city but supposedly the oldest in all of Spain. I can't say that with certainty and it's also quite difficult to check, but it sounds nice, right? Literally an ancient restaurant, so it also has an ancient menu. They only have the classic tapas here, but oh so deliciously prepared. It's on a corner, quite small inside, and I want those shelves full of all kinds of bottles in my house. Check it out for yourself and you'll be a fan.
Rooftop bar Funtecruz
If you've read my previous lists of tips, you might already know that I'm a big fan of rooftop bars. So in Sevilla, I looked for one with the best view, and in my opinion, Funtecruz won this contest. Because: view of the large cathedral (which is beautifully lit in the evening), a swimming pool, and cocktails or sangria. A bit unfortunate that the pool is (still) not really meant for swimming, but that can't last long, of course. You can find this hotspot in Sevilla in hotel Los Seises.
Casaplata
Calle Amor de Dios, 7
They also take a siesta here and are therefore closed in the afternoon, but in the evening they go on until late, and to be honest: that's also when you want to be here. It's a restaurant and cocktail bar, and especially those cocktails are worth a visit. You'll find a super sleek and modern interior that fits well with that cocktail vibe. They also have tapas on the menu, so if you want snacks with your cocktail, that's possible too, of course.
View this post on Instagram• ..|ARROZ NEGRO?CASAPLATA|.. . . #arroznegro #CARTANUEVA #CASAPLATA #CASAPLATASEVILLA
The Green Dwarf
Feria, 61
I’ll just warn you in advance: if you follow a vegan lifestyle, Sevilla might not be your best choice of destination… Vegan spots are quite scarce here, but if you look hard enough, you will find them. Like this one: a tiny little place where the food is really delicious – and thus vegan. Handy: they are closed on Sundays and Mondays, open from one o'clock in the afternoon, and also in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.
ConTenedor
Calle San Luis, 50
After the abundance of tapas, you might be in the mood for something less greasy and a bit healthier. Well, this is the place for you. They call themselves a ‘slow food restaurant’, which means they carefully select their products and also maintain traditional preparations. I don’t know if that makes a difference, but I can promise you it’s tasty.
Vega 10
Calle Rosario Vega, 10
On the menu; a mix of Venezuelan and Spanish tapas. Now, I personally have no idea what typical food from Venezuela is (and right now it’s also quite unwise to test it there), but I guess I’m a fan since the food here is really great. And also quite affordable, it’s really not expensive. Also many vegetarian options by the way — which is nice.
Petit Comité
Calle Dos de Mayo, 30
You might have seen this one online before. And yes, I’m a fan too. Do go for the full menu here (it’s more fun and delicious), that way you can taste as much as possible and immediately take the wine pairing with it. What does that little joke cost? The ‘simplest’ menu is 40 euros, the most extensive 60 euros. And that’s including. Yes, including water, wine, and coffee. Just for these prices, I’d be willing to move to Sevilla.
