T.I.M Magazine™
Just 24 Hours in Seville?
The Bullring
No Problem! By Karen McCann The charm of southern Spain is its relaxed lifestyle. But what if you have only one day to visit the legendary city of Seville? Not to worry, you can still see the essentials, eat well, and even fit in a siesta – if you plan your day carefully. Here are some suggestions to guide you on your way. 9:00am. Breakfast, Bar Alfalfa. To eat like the locals, order a café con leche (coffee with milk) and a tostada con jamón y aceite (toast drizzled with olive oil and topped with thin slivers of ham). The coffee here is especially good, the staff is friendly, and the people watching can be fun. Calle Candilejo, 1
7:00pm. Metropol Parasol. This strange new installation looks like five giant, modernist toadstools, giving rise to its nickname las Setas (the Mushrooms). Go below to the Antiquities Museum to see Roman, Moorish, and Visigoth ruins found on the site, then take the elevator up to the rooftop walkway for a fabulous view. Plaza de la Encarnación
9:45am. The Alcázar. The oldest palace still in use by a European royal family, the Alcázar has splendid, Moorish-style architecture and magnificent gardens complete with a maze and an organ powered by a waterfall. Patio de Banderas
8:00pm. Los Claveles. Start the evening with a bar that’s “Sevilla profunda,” the real deal, where nothing’s changed in years. Order a cerveza (beer) standing at the bar. Plaza los Terceros, 15
The Alcázar
11:00am. Coffee, Cafetería del Alcázar. Situated inside the Alcázar gardens, this small café offers a welcome place to rest your feet and enjoy the view. Watch for the nearby wall tile showing San Fiacre, patron saint of gardeners. 11:45am. The Cathedral. When it was built in the 13th century, the planners said, “Let us build something so big the world with think that we have gone mad.” The huge structure contains Christopher Columbus’ tomb, countless gold treasures, and a tower you can climb up via a ramp. Avenida de la Constitución 2:00pm. Lunch, Casa Morales. This is a classic, old-style eatery. Go around to the side door and find the back room, which is jammed with tiny tables and lined with giant earthenware wine jars. Try small portions of the venison chorizo, tortilla de patata (potato omelet), and other traditional dishes. Garcia de Vinuesa, 11 3:30pm. Siesta. After the morning’s walking, you’ll need a rest, and much of the city still shuts down at midday for siesta. Your hotel is the ideal place. If you choose to snooze outdoors by the river or in a park, be on the alert for pickpockets! 5:15pm. Merienda (Afternoon Snack), Pasteleria los Angeles. After siesta, Sevillanos like to have coffee and a pastry to pep themselves up for the long night ahead. This bakery has outdoor seating and, street musicians (of various quality) often stroll by. Calle Adriano, 2 6:00pm. The Bullring. Even if you’re not a fan of bullfighting, you’ll enjoy the guided tour of this world-famous 18th century building and the fascinating tales of the flamboyant matadors. Paseo de Cristóbal Cólon, 12
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9:00pm. Flamenco, Casa de la Memoria. Seville is known throughout the world for its flamenco, and here you’ll find top quality talent in an intimate setting every night of the year. Calle Cuna, 6
Flamenco
10:00pm. Dinner, La Duqesita. One of Seville’s new hot spots, this small, eclectic restaurant offers a mix of local and international dishes. On weekends, it’s best to call ahead for a reservation (+34 954 901 764). Calle Correduría, 35 12:00 midnight. La Carbonería. This sprawling former carbon factory offers late night music, often flamenco, but you may find anything from poetry readings to board games going on. There’s no sign; watch for others going in. Calle Levíes, 18 1:00am. Garlochi Bar. Seville’s favorite late night bar, the tongue-in-cheek Garlochi has lavish decorations in the style of Semana Santa (Holy Week), and the theme continues with its signature drink, Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ), which is packed with enough alcohol to give you a diabolical hangover. You have been warned. Calle Boteros, 26. I am going to leave you there, at the Garlochi, and assume you can find your own way back to your lodgings. Or you may decide to continue on to one of the city’s late, late night bars, many of which stay open until dawn. ¡Divértete (enjoy yourself )! an expat Words and photos by Karen McCann, . 2004 since , Spain living in Seville, gabroad.com ylivin enjo site: web l trave & blog Her Contact: enjoylivingabroad@gmail.com
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