Seville Unveiled: Top 5 things to do in Andalusia's Capital

This majestic beautiful city has stood the test of time, religion, kings and dynasties. It's humble, but also continues to bask in the glory of its rich history and culture.

Walking through the narrow laneways and UNESCO listed monuments you are transported back to a time where Kings and Caliphs ruled. Seville, or as the locals call it Sevilla, is one of the oldest towns in the world with its origins dating as far back as the 2nd century.

Having first visited this city in my twenties to study Spanish, its breath taking beauty, history, and warmth brought me back. And I was not disappointed, the city still continues to bustle. Its many narrow alley ways and bars are full of life with people guzzling down tapas, beers and wine. The buzz is infectious and instantly brings a smile to your face.

There are many things to do in Seville and you could easily spend a week or two here eating tapas, drinking cava, taking in the sun and its glory. Here were my top 5 favourite things to do in Seville.

1. The Real Alcazar of Seville

Inside the Real Alcazar

The Real Alcazar Seville

The Real Alcazar Seville

Where do I begin to describe this beautiful palace, also known as the Royal palace of Seville. Its origins date back to the 10th century. A step into its compounds and you are instantly taken back by how different it is to other European palaces. It was initially built as a fortress in the 9th century, but evolved through Moorish rule in the 11th century and Castilian kings across the 13th to the 18th century. The Alcazar was declared a UNESCO World Heritage sight in 1987. Its uniqueness comes from nearly a 1000 years of influence that combine the Mudejar style with Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance elements.

2. Plaza the Espana

Row boat at Plaza de Espana

Reading in Plaza de Espana

Plaza de Espana, Seville

Walking into this ginormous monolith of fine architecture its vastness and beauty grab your attention. A moat glimmers in front of you, Renaissance or Baroque you wonder?

It screams 'this is what dreams are made off' an example of creativity at its finest. The Plaza de Espana is only a century old but it combines 1920's Art Deco, Spanish Renaissance revival, Baroque revival and Neo-Mudejar styles. Imagine yourself spending hours on the benches dedicated to each province of Spain reading or simply just being inspired, whilst taking in the beauty around you.

3. Sunset walk by the Guadalquir River and Puente de Isabel II (also known as the Triana Bridge)

Seville Cathedral at Sunset

Triana Bridge at Sunset

Gualdalquivir River at sunset

Triana Bridge at Sunset

The sun begins to set on Seville and I'm always drawn to walk down to the banks of the Guadalquir river. I begin the sunset walk at the Seville Cathedral, then head towards the Torro del Oro making my way to the Triana bridge. The river glistens with blue magic held still between the two banks. The old city of Seville nestled on one side and Triana on the other. The Torro del Oro stands firm holding its ground, it commands the respect it has since the 13th century. Behind it like delicately strung lace, is the white Triana bridge. An image that truly highlights how this city had stood the true test of time.

4. The Seville Cathedral

The Seville Cathedral

Inside The Seville Cathedral

Inside The Seville Cathedral

The Seville Cathedral, also known as Santa Maria de la Sede (Saint Mary of the Sea) is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. Walking into the cathedral your instantly encapsulated by its sheer grandeur and size. The intricacy woven into the ceilings, arches and walls; the pillars that dwarf you all highlight the luxuriousness of the architecture. And you realise why it took a 100 years to build this wonder. Rumour has it, that the church elders stated 'Let us build a church so beautiful and magnificent that those who see it will think we're mad'. I can safely say, it did cross my mind.

5. A day stroll through the streets of Triana

View Seville river bank

Ceramic Store in Triana

Triana streets

Eating Churros in Seville

Visiting the market in Triana

Small Ceramic Factory

Triana is a special neighbourhood, it isn't filled with spectacular sights but instead is interlaced with narrow cobbled streets that warm your heart and is perfect for people watching. Home to ceramics, it's filled with little ceramic stores whose owners are equally passionate about their art.

My day in Triana managed to turn into a mini food safari - How could it not! Wandering over the Triana bridge my first stop was churros at 'Churreria los Especiales' and I was in heaven. These were made fresh, and just melted away in my mouth. Getting off the bridge, the Mercado de Triana (Market of Triana) grabbed my attention filled will vendors selling fresh produce especially fish. The market was filled with an array of little tapas bars with locals taking a break after their shop - this was the perfect stop for a vino with a few snacks. After a couple of hours of wandering through the little streets, ceramic stores and the Ceramic Centre of Triana (small museum with a preserved ceramic factory), I made my way to a small authentic tapas bar called 'Casa Ruperto' famous among its locals for the delicious fried quail. I ended my day stroll with Torrijas (Spanish style french toast) at a local Triana cafe.