Sevilla! Tourism Chronicles - Day Two of Seven

Charles Jordan
Feb 10
8 min read

Updated: Mar 31

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Sevilla: A Series

Previously we wrote a Sevilla, Spain travel guide and the first article in this series of seven, chronicling our recent visit to Sevilla. If you haven't already, you may wish to read them before this. Or maybe you're mostly interested in the places mentioned in this one. Whichever the case may be, we're glad you're here learning about our magical trip to Sevilla.

Discovering La Judería: Shopping, Gardens, and Historic Places

La Judería is the historic Jewish quarter of Sevilla, characterized by its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and a rich cultural heritage. This area is not only steeped in history but also brimming with charming artisan shops that offer a variety of locally produced items. As you stroll through the maze-like streets, you'll encounter shops selling unique art, beautifully crafted ceramics, exquisite jewelry, and stylish clothing, all reflecting the local craftsmanship.

You may want to use your map app to help you get around this network of narrow streets. We downloaded the map of Sevilla when we were connected to wifi at our hotel. This allowed us to use the map and navigation around the city without using data. Something we like to do is have one person be in charge of navigation. They can pair one earbud with their phone, map the next location, and listen to the navigation steps with their phone securely in their pocket. This way it's possible to experience everything around you without looking at your phone. It really is a charming section of Sevilla and you won't want to spend it looking at a screen. You may occasionally need to get a visual of the map, though, because you'll inevitably come to a plaza and not really know which way you need to go next.

We started our morning with breakfast at Bar La Espuela (C/ Muñoz y Pabóon, 16). We could swear we remember snapping a few photos. But, we don't have any to share with you. Some of us enjoyed their tortilla de patata (potato and egg omelette; a perennial favorite throughout Spain) and others savored their pan con tomate (toasted bread with garlic, tomato and olive oil). This with coffee and a bottle of water to go was just 26€.

One of our favorite spots in the Judería was Orange Tree Sevilla (Calle Ximénez de Enciso, 22), a delightful shop where we had the pleasure of participating in a gin tasting. You could also sample their orange scented olive oil among other products. The experience was fantastic, and we ended up purchasing some orange-themed items that quite literally captured the essence of Sevilla. The combination of shopping and the gin tasting made for a memorable visit, and it's a great way to support local artisans and producers while indulging in the flavors of the region.

The next three sections of this article cover other sites and experiences we had in the Judería, The Plaza de Santa Cruz, Murillo Gardens, and Casa de Salinas were all memorable elements of our morning in this quaint part of town.

Plaza de Santa Cruz

Plaza de Santa Cruz is a charming square located in the heart of Sevilla's historic district. This picturesque plaza is known for its beautifully manicured garden, featuring lush greenery and an array of vibrant trees that provide a serene and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the standout features of the plaza is the ornate lamp fixture in the center. This elegant piece adds a touch of old-world charm and serves as a focal point of the square. As you take in the beauty of the plaza, you'll notice the details of the lamp and appreciate how it complements the surrounding garden.

Jardines de Murillo

Jardines de Murillo is a serene and scenic park located in Sevilla, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This park is named after the famous Spanish painter, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

One of the highlights of our visit to Jardines de Murillo was encountering the massive fig tree that left us absolutely astounded. The sheer size and grandeur of this tree is truly remarkable and makes for a great photo opportunity. In addition to the fig tree, the park is adorned with numerous orange trees, which add a delightful touch of color to the surroundings. Occasionally we found ourselves having laughs while dribbling fallen oranges as if they were diminutive soccer balls. We had also done this in the Buhaira Gardens and even outside the main entrance to the Alcázar among other areas around the city. You might think that we're easily amused. These quirky memories still make us smile a few months later. We captured some of these moments on video that we're sure to view many times over.

Casa de Salinas

Casa de Salinas is a beautiful 16th-century palace located in the heart of Sevilla's historic district. This private residence is still owned by the Salinas family and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past.

One of the standout features of Casa de Salinas is its stunning main patio. The patio is a stunning double-height courtyard showcasing an array of beautiful architectural features. Surrounded by rooms and a staircase, this central patio is adorned with marble columns that form graceful semicircular arches. The arches are decorated with intricate 16th-century plasterwork, while the walls are covered with exquisite tiles made in Triana from the same period.The intricate plasterwork and wood ceilings add to the grandeur of the space, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Interestingly, another patio, the garden patio, features a magnificent Roman mosaic from the 2nd century, dedicated to Bacchus. This mosaic was discovered during archaeological excavations in the ancient Roman city of Itálica, adding a unique historical connection to the property.

Visiting Casa de Salinas allows you to explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Sevilla, offering a deeper appreciation for the city's rich cultural heritage. We think It's a must-visit site for anyone interested in art, history, and the charm of Sevilla's historic homes, especially if you have more than a couple of days to experience Sevilla. When we went in November 2024 it was 12€ for the general admission with an audio guide in English, French, or Spanish (10€ for locals, groups, and retired people, 6€ for children under 11 years old). We got our tickets at the door with no problem. But buying them online will ensure you can go when it's convenient for you. Also, there are various other websites that say it's a guided tour. The audioguide is apparently the only option, though.

Lunch at Hotel Alfonso XIII

Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of Seville's most luxurious and iconic hotels, known for its stunning architecture and exceptional service. Located near the historic center, this hotel offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. The hotel's restaurant is a way to experience the interior even if you're staying somewhere else. We had visited Sevilla a few other times recently and knew we would want to splurge on an experience like this.

Our long lunch at the hotel was a delightful experience. The attentive staff ensured that every detail was taken care of, making us feel welcomed and pampered. The menu featured a variety of delectable dishes, all beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The combination of the exquisite food, delicious cocktails and the impeccable service made for an unforgettable dining experience.

The hotel's dining room is located in the massive interior patio. This patio with its tiled floors and featuring a central fountain surrounded by manicured shrubs added to the charm of our lunch. Whether you're a guest at the hotel or just visiting for a meal, Hotel Alfonso XIII is a wonderful spot in Sevilla for a truly memorable dining experience.

Real Alcázar

Most people who've visited Sevilla will tell you about the Real Alcázar, a stunning palace complex in Sevilla, renowned for its intricate architecture and lush gardens. During our hour-long visit in the afternoon, we had the chance to revisit some of our favorite spots. Unfortunately, due to high winds earlier in the day, the gardens were closed during our visit. However, we were fortunate to have experienced their beauty on a previous trip. The Real Alcázar's gardens are an enchanting blend of fountains, orange trees, and manicured hedges. We would have spent at least an hour just in the gardens. If you go, you can get your ticket's at the official website starting at 35€. Don't wait to buy them at the entrance. The lines can be quite long, even in the off season and you may not even get in. Buying them online gets you in the door at your specific starting time without much of a wait, if any. There's even an option to get a combination ticket including the nearby Cathedral and Giralda tower, also must-see attractions in Sevilla.

We especially enjoyed the Courtyard of the Maidens (Patio de las Doncellas), with its beautiful reflecting pool and intricate tile work. The Courtyard of the Plaster (Patio del Yeso) is another gem, showcasing exquisite plasterwork and arches that transport you back in time.

The Hall of Ambassadors (Salón de Embajadores) left us in awe with its amazing ceiling, a masterpiece of craftsmanship adorned with intricate geometric patterns and rich colors. We also marveled at the Hall of Justice (Sala de Justicia), where the architectural details and historical significance are truly captivating.

Guadalquivir River Cruise

In the evening, we embarked on a peaceful Guadalquivir river tour with Get Your Guide. Technically, the tour takes place on the Canal de Alfonso XIII, which runs between the vibrant neighborhoods of Triana and Sevilla. This excursion offered a unique and relaxing perspective of the city.

As we cruised along the canal, we were captivated by the twinkling lights of Triana and Sevilla reflecting on the water. The gentle movement of the boat and the serene ambiance made for a truly relaxing experience. It was a perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the city at night.

Seeing the illuminated landmarks and bridges from the water provided a different view of Sevilla's architectural splendor. The tour allowed us to appreciate the city's charm and history from a new angle, making it a memorable part of our trip. you can book online and there are various options.

Tapas in Triana - Las Golondrinas, El Típico

Enjoying tapas in Triana is a delightful experience that offers a true taste of Seville's culinary traditions. Two of our favorite spots were Las Golondrinas (the one on Antillano Campos) and El Típico.

At these vibrant tapas bars, we enjoyed an array of delicious dishes. Some of our favorites included: small squid (chipirones), lamb chops (chuletas de cordero), Pork Tenderloin (solomillo), and other tasty tapas and portions (raciones).

To accompany these delectable dishes, we enjoyed the locally produced Cruz Campo beer and verdejo wine while reminiscing about our previous visits to Triana and Las Golondrinas. This little gem of a place has great food with very reasonable prices. We even saved our receipt to show you! The combination of great food, drinks, and company made for a memorable evening.

Triana is known for its lively atmosphere and excellent tapas bars, making it a must-visit neighborhood for anyone looking to experience the best of Seville's rustic cuisine. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, tapas in Triana is always a delightful adventure.

Our second day in Sevilla was an unforgettable journey through its historic and cultural wonders. From the charming streets of La Judería and the serene beauty of Plaza de Santa Cruz, to the grandeur of the Real Alcázar and the relaxing evening river tour, each experience added to the magic of our trip. Dining on delicious tapas in Triana and reflecting on the day's adventures with loved ones made the day truly special. Stay tuned for more highlights from our journey in this enchanting city!

What's on your list of things to see and do in Sevilla?