Watch Flamenco, munch on tapas and stay in a historic casa… 48 hours in Spain’s Seville
If you've been guilty of overlooking Seville in favour of other Spanish destinations like Madrid or Barcelona, it's time to change that
IF you haven't ventured to the southern Spanish city of Seville yet, it's time to add it to your short-haul bucket list.
It's the birthplace of flamenco and a melting pot of Christian and Arabic culture with top tapas on every corner - you'd be a fool to miss it.
Climb a giant mushroom
The Metropol Parasol (above), which locals have nicknamed “the mushrooms”, is the world’s largest wooden sculpture.
Head to its viewing deck at sunset – the £2.50 entry fee includes a free beer or wine.
Or get killer city views from the 94m-high Giralda Bell Tower next to Seville’s gothic cathedral, entrance £7.50.
Later, flag down a horse-drawn carriage for a scenic 45-minute ride around the centre, £38.
See the royal pad
The magnificent, OTT is a bolt-hole of the Spanish royal family and stood in for the kingdom of Dorne in Game of Thrones. Its beautiful Arabic design features courtyards, fountains and maze-like gardens lined with orange trees, entry costs £8.
Grab a fresh juice at the nearby and a plate of local charcuterie and cheeses for less than a fiver.
Watch Flamenco
The foot-stamping, head-tossing dance was born here – discover its gypsy origins at the , entrance £22, and watch professional dancers in their frilled frocks at a live show.
Then head to the working-class district of Triana over the river for a drink at Lo Nuestro or Casa Anselma, two of many bars here where amateur singers and dancers perform – you can even join in. Olé!
Hit the bullseye
Seville is known as Bull City, so , entry £6.80.
You’ll see artefacts including fighters’ elaborately embroidered jackets from when the sport began hundreds of years ago.
Some restaurants in the city, such as , are decorated with stuffed bulls’ heads to honour the best fighters, too.
Tuck into tapas
Don’t miss the atmospheric . Seville’s oldest tapas bar.
Dating from 1670, it’s hung with huge hams and lined with bottles of wine and sherry.
Try Andalucian specialities such as espinacas con garbanzos (chickpeas with spinach) and tomato gazpacho.
For a more modern take, serves beautifully presented dishes like squid with black rice.
Forget touristy sangria and wash down your tapas with local fave tinto de verano – red wine and lemonade.
Stay in a historic casa
Seville’s Jewish quarter Barrio Santa Cruz is one of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhoods, full of narrow cobbled streets. Check in to the Insta-worthy , made up of several 15th-century houses linked together by charming pathways, patios and corridors.
Doubles start from £91 B&B. .
If you're undecided on where to go on your next summer holiday, check out our holiday roulette guide.