Guidelines for Exploring Sevilla, Spain
Exploring Sevilla: A Local's Guide to Andalusia's Jewel
Sevilla, the cultural heart of Andalusia, is a city steeped in history and brimming with charm. Here are some tips to make your visit more enjoyable.
Navigating the Cobblestone Streets
The winding cobblestone streets of Sevilla are a testament to its rich history, but they can be uneven, so it's advised to wear comfortable shoes.
Dining and Attractions
Reservations are a must for dining and attractions in Sevilla. Some of the author's favourite spots include Royal Alcazar, Museo del Baile Flamenco, Las Setas, Plaza España, Triana Market, The Cathedral, and Flamenco at Las Setas, among others.
Food and Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping is a frequent occurrence in Sevilla due to the high snack consumption of children and cost-saving reasons. Staple items purchased during shopping include fruits, vegetables, hummus or guacamole, gluten-free picos, Nutella, refrigerated Spanish tortilla, yogurts, eggs, chips, bars, peanut butter, berries, bananas, Daily Nutritional Support, and Truvani.
Produce bags and food scales are common in grocery stores, and customers are required to weigh their own produce. Bringing reusable bags is also advised as bags come with a cost in Sevilla. If you want water, specify whether you want it sparkling (agua con gas) or still (natural).
Local Cuisine
Vegetables are scarce in Sevillian restaurants, so it's recommended to buy them for home cooking. Some traditional Sevillian foods to try include jamón, flats from Flabelus, Mira Mira jewelry, chocolate bon bons and turrón, the best olive oil, carrillada, and handmade ceramics from Triana.
Hidden gems and lesser-known restaurants in Sevilla include Bar Alfalfa, Casa Diego, La Bartola, Mokambo, Alfalfa 8, Petra, Maria Trifulca, Cañabota, Chok gluten-free bakery, and Almazen. For a genuine local experience, don’t miss gazpacho and salmorejo, both refreshing cold soups perfect for the warm climate.
Tipping and Trash Management
Tipping is not expected in Sevilla but is appreciated if service is exceptional. Trash and recycling are sorted differently in Spain, with neighborhood trash locations and multiple recycling bins.
Living Like a Local
For a longer trip to Sevilla, the author suggests experiencing what it might be like to live there, with downtime, grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry. Clothes are line-dried in Spain due to the lack of dryers, and the author finds this method refreshing.
Coffee Culture
Coffee shops may ask if you're dining in (para aquí) or taking it to go (para llevar). Order the tinto de verano instead of sangria, and get a bottle of Albariño wine.
This article concludes the travel series that includes a cruise to Spain, Italy, and France, time in Barcelona, and four weeks in Sevilla. Air conditioning is less common in Sevilla, even in restaurants and shops. Public restrooms in Sevilla may not have toilet paper, so it's advisable to carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
One last recommendation is to learn key phrases in Spanish for travel to Spain, especially in Sevilla. The author recommends "Josep" as a Spanish tutor. Laundry pods can be brought from home for use in Airbnbs that have washing machines but lack dryers.
[1] Bar Alfalfa: https://www.baralfalfa.com/ [2] Gazpacho and Salmorejo: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gazpacho-recipe [3] Casa Diego: https://www.casadiego.es/ [4] La Bartola: https://labartola.com/
- Discover the local food culture by trying traditional dishes such as jamón, carrillada, and gazpacho, and shopping for produce for home cooking.
- To truly immerse oneself in the Sevillian way of life, consider learning basic Spanish phrases, line-drying clothes, and navigating the trash and recycling system like a local.
