One year ago I was touring around Sevilla, Spain. Gosh I miss it. I miss the sultry sounds of flamenco and the eating at odd hours (no really, eating dinner in Spain will be quite late!). I miss the cute streets and the history! It’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to. Especially for film and history lovers (I’m looking at you, Game of Thrones, that was filmed here). So here is my list for the best things to do while traveling around Sevilla, Spain.
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But first, a little history:
Sevilla flourished under Roman rule. And it continued to do so when the town fell to the Muslims in 711. Back then it was called, Ixvillia (I’m guessing it’s pronounced how it looks?), and the town greatly prospered. It was the leading cultural commercial center during this time. However, when Ferdinand III claimed the city, the economy fell into ruin.
In the year 1503 the House of Trade was established and once again Sevilla rose to greatness. For two centuries it was the commerce center between Spain and the Americas. In the 16th Century, Sevilla was the richest city in Spain.
This unfortunately started to decline in the 17th Century. Although amazingly enough, during the Spanish Civil War, many of the city’s monuments survived because the city was held by the Nationalists throughout the entire conflict.
Want a really cool little bit of trivia? Miguel de Cervantes supposedly conceived of Don Quixote while he was in Sevilla’s jail. Maybe that’s why it’s so long? No I’m joking. I really will finish reading it one day!
Where to Stay:
I always like to do a lot of research when picking my place to stay. I like a place I can relax in and also that is convenient to the places I want to see. I use to always book hostels because it allowed me to meet others on my solo travels. And I still love a good hostel – although now I usually book my own room if I can. This time I decided to go with Black Swan Hostel Sevilla. And I absolutely loved it! I’d definitely stay there again. I booked a double room with private bathroom. The room was so clean! I loved the lights they had by the bed. So cute! I highly recommend it. Plus it was such an easy walk to everything I wanted to see (and from the bus station since I took the bus from Lisbon to Sevilla).
What to See:
1. Real Alcazar de Sevilla
Okay, this was my favorite site in Sevilla. Not only is this UNESCO World Heritage site used for many scenes from Game of Thrones as Dorne, but it’s also just so breathtakingly beautiful! The palace was built by King Pedro I de Castilla in 1364-1366. Which makes it the oldest used palace in Europe! So cool. Also I highly recommend getting your tickets beforehand so you don’t have to stand in line. Especially in the summer heat. On my first day in Sevilla it was my plan to visit here first. But once I arrived the line was so long I decided to come back another day. I booked tickets at my hostel for the following day. Very simple. You can do so here.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations:
Okay, so I know the finale was not the best, but if you were still a fan of the show like I was, here are a few of the filming locations at the Real Alcazar de Sevilla:
The Hall of Ambassadors –
Okay, not only is this the most beautiful room here, it’s also where Jaime meets with Prince Doran in season 5, episode 9.
Baths of Lady Maria de Padilla –
These were supposedly built for King Pedro’s mistress. Not sure if that’s true or not, but the baths sure were beautiful! In season 5, episode 6, Ellaria Sand (one of my favorite characters!) meets with her daughters here.
The Palace Gardens –
I loved these gardens so much! I sat up on the second story of the outside wall and just glanced over the beauty for quite some time. You’ll definitely want at least an hour to explore these gardens. Plus there’s a fun maze that I actually had a little difficulty getting out of. Thankfully I met a couple from Britain and we banned together to get out. 😉 In season 5, episode 6, these gardens are used for when Jaime confronts Myrcella and Trystane.
2. Seville Cathedral
This UNESCO World Heritage site is HUGE. There was once a mosque on these grounds. There’s a beautiful Court of the Orange Trees just beside the current cathedral.
I loved this place. It’s also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Depending on what your views are on the man will depend if this is a plus or minus, but hey, he’s still a historical figure.
3. Giralda Tower
Right beside the Cathedral you’ll find the Giralda Tower. It’s a beautiful sight to see. And you’ll be able to see it from all over this beautiful city. It beholds great views from the top too. And it’s actually a very easy climb – no stairs at all! instead it’s made up of 34 ramps that lead the way to the top. Apparently this was so the Muezzin (the men who led the call to prayer) could ride their horses up to the top of the tower.
This is also a filming Location for Assassin’s Creed. Okay, so it might not have been the greatest movie ever made, but even if you only saw the trailer you saw this very beautiful tower used in the film. Most of the shooting was limited to aerial views to complement their CGI sequences.
4. Plaza de Espana
This was actually the first site I ended up ticking off my list (since I bought my tickets for the Alcazar online for the next day). This place is a photographer’s dream. I especially suggest it in the late afternoon hours as the sun will give you gorgeous photos!
The Plaza de Espana was built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929 (well it was actually built in 1928 but it was for the 1929 Exposition).
Movies Shot Here:
Lawrence of Arabia (one of my all time favorite movies!! Please, if you haven’t seen it, definitely check it out!) was filmed here.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones was also filmed here. Although pretty far from my favorite Star Wars film, it did have some pretty sets.
5. Buying Cookies From Nuns at San Leandro
Okay, when I read that there are nuns selling cookies in Sevilla of course I had to partake! I looked up online a popular one within walking distance to me. I then headed over on one of my warm afternoons.
When I got there the place was pretty deserted. I walked in and came across a large wooden lazy Susan type of thing before me. There was a sign beside it so I could pick what I wanted. Oh dear, I thought, this was to be a bit tricker than I’d first imagined. This was definitely a moment where I wish I spoke Spanish fluently (I am forever working on that, Rosetta Stone App) ;).
I decided to put my five Euros on one of the shelves and then I spun the wooden device to turn inside the convent. I waited. Then the wooden lazy Susan spun back around and I had a wooden box of treats before me. I said ‘gracias’ as I took my box and then left. I wish I could have spoken to these wonderful bakers, but regardless, I did enjoy my box of sweet cookies. Next time I’ll try a face to face convent. San Clemente I have read is a great one for this. It’s from the 13th Century! Next time I’ll head to this one. Although I will definitely go back to San Leandro!
6. Be like Hemingway and Tour a Bullfighting Ring, The Real Maestranza De Caballeria De Sevilla
“Nobody ever lives their life all the way up except bullfighters,” Ernest Hemingway from The Sun Also Rises.
I always love Hemingway, and I was reading this book at the time of this trip, but while he might be right about that line, I couldn’t quite bring myself to watch a real bullfight. I did, however, have a very nice tour of the theater and the history of it all.
It’s a beautiful building. And I loved seeing the different costumes from the matadors. Honestly, if it wasn’t for killing the sweet bulls, I would love to watch the dance like qualities of their performances. I do believe there are shows where the bulls do not die (I think they’re becoming more popular – hopefully!). I don’t recommend this if even just being here will be sad, but I’ve never seen a bullfighting ring, and now I can forever cross that off my list.
The Sun Also Rises
7. See a Flamenco Show!
If you make it to the beautiful city of Sevilla, you must see a Flamenco show! There are plenty to choose from. Some for all budgets. I chose this one as it had good reviews and also seats left when I was trying to buy them the day before ;).
It was such a beautiful show! I love the passion the dancers exude. It’s such a fun evening. And at the very end the dancers will allow the theater goers a chance to take some photos (in case you’re wanting to take some for your friends and family back home).
Where to Eat:
In Spain you must embrace the culture and enjoy eating dinner around 8-9pm at night. I found so many great restaurants with outside seating. I mostly wandered around to the quiet parts of town and noticed where more locals were sitting than tourists and ate there. I had quite a few lovely sangrias too. Aw, Spain.
I was told about this amazing ice cream shop (everyone who knows me knows how much I love my ice cream!) called La Fiorentina. And yes, it was amazing ice cream in Sevilla! Especially on the hot summer days I was there.
Sevilla was definitely a city I hope to come back to. It’s beautiful and such a joy to just wander around. I loved every minute here. And as a female solo traveler, you’ll feel so safe at all hours. I love this city. And I know you will too!
Want a little more info on Spain and want to read how to spend 24 hours in Madrid? You can do just that here.
Happy traveling! 🙂
Me inside the Real Alcazar 
Yummy Sangria 
Real Alcazar 
Christopher Columbus’ Tomb 
Real Alcazar 
Plaza de Espana 
Real Alcazar 
Plaza de Espana 
Giralda Tower 
Real Alcazar 
Real Alcazar 
Me at the Real Alcazar
44 COMMENTS
Ally
4 years agoI’ve never been to Spain! Can’t wait to visit one day. Giralda Tower looks beautiful!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou will love it so much!! Giralda Tower is stunning. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventure there 🙂
Digitaldaybook
4 years agoI really want to visit Seville it’s been on my bucket list for such a long time! This post/pictures allowed a me to have an amazing glimpse to that future experience!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou are going to LOVE Spain :). I hope you get to go soon 🙂
Kimberley
4 years agoThis looks like amazing and your photos are awesome. I enjoyed Hemingway’s novel so it would be really interesting to see what he experienced. Thanks for sharing!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw you have good taste! :). You will love it when you go. Thank you for reading! 🙂
Nart at Cooking with Nart
4 years agoWow, this city looks so amazing! Your photos are very beautiful. I’ve never been to this part of Spain – adding this to my list!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou are going to absolutely love it! I fell in love with this beautiful city. Can’t wait to hear about your adventure there! 🙂
Kay
4 years agoYour photos are beautiful! I can’t wait to visit one day!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou are going to LOVE Sevilla! 🙂
Sharon
4 years agoYour photos with the soft orange and aqua tones are all so lovely. The baths of Lady Maria de Padilla looks amazing! Your post is inspiring!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you! It’s such a beautiful city. Thank you for reading! I hope you go one day 🙂
Farrah
4 years agoOoo, that’s so cool! I didn’t know Sevilla was where “Dorne” was! I’d love to go explore there someday! (I wasn’t a fan of the ending either but fine.) The gardens are so pretty!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORI know, that ending! You will love Sevilla! It’s magical!! 🙂
Ale
4 years agoThis looks gorgeous! I’m still salty about the GoT finale but adding to my bucket list for when we’re able to travel again!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORI know, what was with that finale?! But you will love Sevilla! It’s beautiful! 🙂
Alyssa
4 years agoI have always wanted to go to Spain! These pictures are awesome and all of the history and details you have talked about makes me want to go even more! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to visit!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORI can’t wait to hear about your adventure there!! You’re going to love it 🙂
Carolina
4 years agoI LOVE Spain. I went to Sevilla 8 years ago and loved it. Your photos are breathtaking and I can’t wait to go back.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you so much for reading! I can’t wait to go back either. Spain really is a special place! Hugs 🙂
Yolanda
4 years agoOh wow! It’s absolutely stunning. Gorgeous photos! I’ve been to Spain a good few times but still haven’t been to Sevilla! Once the world calms down I need to go there! I love the lifestyle in Spain – lovely people and the food and shoes!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORI love the lifestyle there too! And yes!! The food and shoes!! Let’s go when we can! 🙂
Conny
4 years agoI love Spain and your post brought back memories being in Sevilla a ling time ago. Thank you for sharing all your pictures.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw you’re most welcome! Isn’t Spain the best? I hope we can all get back there soon safely 🙂
Awaywithkatie
4 years agoSuxh a beautiful place! I’d love to visit some of the Game of Thrones places.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou will love them! They are absolutely stunning in person. I went to some of them in Croatia too and loved them 🙂
Rebecca @ Boss Single Mama
4 years agoThese pictures are so beautiful! It sounds like ana amazing trip, I’d love to see Sevilla someday!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou will love Sevilla! And thank you! 🙂
Rachel
4 years agoBefore the pandemic I was hoping to visit Spain this year! Hopefully we will get there soon! Love the photos! Looks just gorgeous!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw yes, you will get there!!! I hope it’s sooner rather than later ;). You are going to fall in love with Spain 🙂
Trijit
4 years agoI did not get scope to visit Sevilla, but would definitely love to visit this beautiful place one day.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYes! You will go one day! Thank you for reading 🙂
Olufunke Kolapo
4 years agoWow!
Your pictures are stunning. I really love the one of the Beautiful Flamenco dancers.
Nice one!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you! You’ll love seeing them live! 😉 They’re so beautiful 🙂
Beth
4 years agoOh my goodness… I have always wanted to visit Seville, to see the ladies wearing their traditional dresses and more, but your post has opened my eyes to even more of what is on offer in the city. I love the idea of buying homemade cookies in a convent, and I wouldn’t mind spending an hour or two trying to figure my way out of the maze too :’D I’m with you on Don Quixote though… I could never read the book, but the ballet is beautiful. Thanks for a great read!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHOROh I love the ballet too! Aw, we have great minds ;). And you will absolutely love Sevilla when you get the chance to go! 🙂
Jennifer Van Haitsma
4 years agoSpain looks so beautiful! All the architecture looks stunning and the food looks good too. I would love to go there one day!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou will absolutely love it!! :). Thank you for reading 🙂
Ivana Mearns
4 years agoWhat a gorgeous, sunny place!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORIt really is gorgeous 🙂
Jojo Reyes Jr
4 years agoI’ve never been to Spain but I thank you for giving me a glimpse of the city of Sevilla and be my tour guide today through this article 🙂
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw you’re most welcome! I hope you get to go one day soon. You really will love it! Thank you for reading 🙂
Maria
4 years agoAbsolutely love this post. The architecture of the buildings is so complex and fascinating, especially Baths of Lady Maria de Padilla.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHOROh you will love this place! I highly recommend seeing it in person :). Hugs!