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Where to Stay, Eat, and Watch Flamenco in Seville for First Timers

Seville is a city full of life, colour, and history. And it’s famed for its food and beauty too! Basically, it ticks all the boxes for an out of the ordinary European adventure. Whether you’re a regular traveller to Spain or it’s your first time visiting the country, Seville is absolutely worth a stop.

2.8min read

Published 13 October 2024

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

The Andalusian capital can be reached fairly easily by KLM or Air France, and provides a fun alternative to the more usual haunts of Madrid and Barcelona. To help you make the most of your trip, here's a guide on where to stay, eat, and watch flamenco for first timers in Seville.

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Where to Stay in Seville

First thing’s first; where should you stay in Seville? The city is very walkable, but still quite large. Luckily, it’s mostly flat – so you won’t find yourself exhausted from climbing up steep hills. There are plenty of neighbourhoods to choose from, but here are some of the best options.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Seville. It's the old Jewish quarter, filled with narrow streets, beautiful patios, and historic buildings. Staying here means you're close to major attractions like the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral. There are plenty of boutique hotels and guesthouses that offer a cozy and authentic experience. You’ll probably pay a little more to stay here as it’s right next to some of the big tourist attractions.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a vibrant area known for its nightlife and lively atmosphere. It has incredibly pretty little streets lined with orange trees and colourful walls, and it's perfect if you want to be in the heart of the action. You'll find a mix of traditional Andalusian architecture and modern amenities. This area is ideal for younger travellers or those who enjoy staying out late. It’s also a little bit more authentic than Santa Cruz or Centro.

Centro

Centro, or the city centre, is the hub of Seville. It's where you'll find most of the shopping, dining, and quite a few cultural sites too. Staying here gives you easy access to everything you need. Hotels range from luxury to budget, so there's something for everyone. It’s one of the most modern areas of town, so if you want that old-world charm of Seville, you’re probably best choosing somewhere else. But it’s well-located and nearby plenty of amenities, and you’ll find the centre absolutely buzzes over weekends.

Arenal

Arenal is close to the river on the cathedral side, and offers a quieter experience compared to Centro or Alfalfa but is still within walking distance of all the major sites. It's home to the Maestranza bullring and some great tapas bars. This area is perfect for those who want to stay close to the water and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere but be able to walk to shops, dining, and attractions easily. You’ll also find some really well-priced upmarket hotels here.

Triana

Triana is located across the river from the main city centre, opposite the suburb of Arenal. This is a mostly local, working-class suburb and is gorgeous to look at. It's known for its vibrant flamenco culture and ceramic shops. Staying in Triana offers a more local experience where you’ll find lots of traditional tapas bars and a lively market scene.

Where to Eat in Seville

Tapas are a big part of the dining experience in Seville. The typical eating schedule here is quite different from other places, and totally different to what we’re used to in South Africa. Lunch is usually between 2-4 PM, and dinner often starts as late as 9 PM and runs until 11 or 12, even on weekdays. It's common to move from one tapas bar to another, sampling different dishes at each stop.

Top-Rated Tapas Spots

El Rinconcillo: One of the oldest tapas bars in Seville, known for its traditional dishes.
La Brunilda: Highly rated for its creative tapas and modern take on traditional flavors.
Eslava: Popular for its award-winning tapas and excellent service.
Bar Alfalfa: A cozy spot offering a mix of Italian and Spanish tapas.

Menu del Día

Many restaurants offer a "menu del día" (menu of the day) during lunchtime. It's a set menu that includes a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink for a fixed price, which is usually fairly affordable – think 10 euros or so. This is a great way to try different dishes without spending too much. Lunch is the ‘main’ meal of the day in Spain, so you’ll find the portions are pretty big.

Where to Watch Flamenco in Seville

Flamenco has its roots in the gypsy, Moorish, and Andalusian cultures. It evolved over centuries to become the passionate and powerful art form it is today. Seville, being one of the main centres of flamenco, offers some of the best opportunities to experience this cultural treasure.

Flamenco is a deep expression of emotion and culture. Watching a live flamenco show in Seville is a must-do experience. The performances usually last about an hour to an hour and a half and include a mix of singing, guitar playing, and dancing.

How to choose where to watch Flamenco in Seville

Seville is home to incredible flamenco, and it’s definitely something you should make time for while you’re there. When looking for a flamenco show, you want to try and avoid tourist traps and go for venues that are known for their authentic performances rather than flashy shows. Smaller venues often offer a more genuine experience.

Recommended Flamenco Venues

Casa de la Memoria: A historic venue that offers intimate and authentic flamenco shows.
La Casa del Flamenco: Located in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, known for its high-quality performances.
El Arenal: Offers a mix of traditional and modern flamenco in a beautiful setting.
Tablao Los Gallos: One of the oldest tablaos in Seville, offering nightly performances with top artists.

Ready to visit Seville for the first time?

Seville is a city that promises unforgettable experiences. From its historic neighbourhoods and thriving tapas culture to the soul-stirring flamenco performances, there's something for everyone. Ready to explore Seville? Head over to Flight Centre to book your holiday and experience the magic of this Andalusian gem firsthand.

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Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

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Where to Stay, Eat, and Watch Flamenco in Seville for First Timers

In this blog

Where to Stay in Seville

Where to Eat in Seville

Top-Rated Tapas Spots

Where to Watch Flamenco in Seville

How to choose where to watch Flamenco in Seville

Recommended Flamenco Venues

Ready to visit Seville for the first time?

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