Saturday, May 10 (Sevilla) - From the moment my train pulled into the Santa Justa train station in Sevilla, I knew I was finally in a big city. Don't get me wrong, I love the small towns and cities I've visited on my trip so far, but in a strange way the sheer size of the train station made me feel a little bit at home. Sevilla (or Seville to Americans) is the largest city in Andalusia, and is known for its magnificent annual Feria de Abril, the giant and beautiful Cathedral and dozens of places to have delicious tapas on every corner. I was lucky enough to be there for the Feria (well, not so much lucky... I planned my entire 100-day journey around being in Sevilla at this time!), but I have put together my thoughts on the best way to spend a day in Sevilla!
But first, below is a video of the spontaneous flamenco show outside of one of my favorite tapas places in Sevilla, Bodeguita Casablanca (more information below about it!):
But first, below is a video of the spontaneous flamenco show outside of one of my favorite tapas places in Sevilla, Bodeguita Casablanca (more information below about it!):
Morning - Free walking tour with your hostel or Feel the City, my favorite tour company that I used in Granada
Early afternoon – During the heat of the day, take a break from the sun inside of the famous Cathedral. Don’t forget to climb the 35 levels (small ramps, not too strenuous) of the Giralda bell tower to get beautiful panoramic views of the city. You will also see those lucky bastards who are staying at hotels with rooftop pools while you start seeing mirages of water around you.
 View from the top of the Giralda tower overlooking the Cathedral and the city |  A snapshot of the Cathedral in Sevilla |
Afternoon – You’ve worked up a good appetite by now, so it’s tapa time! Some of my favorite afternoon tapa spots in Sevilla are:
Vineria San Telmo – a tapas shop with over 120 types of wine! I actually had a beer but I do have some tapas recos: Fresh cod "Roteña Style", slow cooked with tomatoes, peppers and potatoes and the Tower of layered tomato, aubergine, goat cheese & smoked salmon "au gratin"
Vineria San Telmo – a tapas shop with over 120 types of wine! I actually had a beer but I do have some tapas recos: Fresh cod "Roteña Style", slow cooked with tomatoes, peppers and potatoes and the Tower of layered tomato, aubergine, goat cheese & smoked salmon "au gratin"
 The cod at Vineria San Telmo |  The 'tower' at Vineria San Telmo |
Bodeguita Casablanca – a restaurant in the heart of a tourist area (a stone’s throw from the Cathedral), but a traditional, authentic tapas bar filled with locals lined up at the bar inside. In true Seville fashion, there are troughs on the floor by the bar where you can toss your napkins when you finish. Not sure why this is the custom, and I felt a little bad littering, but when in Rome… Anyway, order the shrimp wrapped in thinly fried potatoes and whatever the guy next to you is having
Delicious tapas at Casablanca in Sevilla
Late afternoon – Walk! I recommended walking through Plaza de Espana and seeing the dedications to each of Spain’s provinces as you walk through the semi-circular building. Across the way is Maria Luisa Park which was the host to the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 (world's fair).
Plaza de Espana, Sevilla
Early evening – A few years ago, Seville constructed a huge mushroom-like structure in the center of the city. This structure, the “Metropol Parasol”, was built after a discovery of ancient ruins halted the creation of a parking lot in its place. When plans of the parking lot changed, it was decided the space would become an archeological museum and a contest was launched to redesign the market that would live above. The winner of the contest designed the Parasol, but unfortunately it is often seen as a modern eye sore in an otherwise historic city as well as a source of anger for those who have lived through the recession in Spain while watching millions go towards the creation of the Parasol. Either way, it is worth seeing! TIP: If you go on a downhill ramp on the street level, there is an elevator you can take to the top of the Parasol for three Euro that will let you walk around the structure, take amazing photos of the city, and even get a free drink at the café!
Metropol Parasol
Evening – I mainly sat outside at small tapas restaurants when it came time for dinner, but the one indoor restaurant I went to (but still ate tapas) was Baratillo It came recommended by my hostel as it was a good spot down the block and I had been walking all day. The service was friendly and (relatively) efficient, and the food was pretty great.
After dinner, if you haven’t had your daily ice cream (or if you are ready for seconds), now is the time. I always love seen grown men and women walking down the street with ice cream cones!
After dinner, if you haven’t had your daily ice cream (or if you are ready for seconds), now is the time. I always love seen grown men and women walking down the street with ice cream cones!
 Baratillo for dinner! |  Carrillera iberica at Baratillo |
Additional Recommendations of What to Do in Sevilla
- Flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco
- Jewish walking tour of Seville with Moises Hassan
- Feria de Abril!!!!
- Biking tour of the city
- Jog along the Guadalquivir river
- Take a stroll over to Triana
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