1.        Bocadillos

            You will probably consume about a million bocadillos during you study abroad experience in Sevilla, Spain. A bocadillo is a sandwich made with Spanish bread and with many different filling options like potatoes, cheese, ham, pork loin and even fried squid. As a study abroad student, you will probably live off ham and cheese bocadillos either made by your host mom or the small little café by your school.

2.        Tortilla de Patatas

            Tortilla de patatas is basically a staple in every household and restaurant. It is basically a potato omelet and it is very delicious. Your host mom may make it for you during every meal or she might make it only once a week. Either way, you will always probably be able to eat the entire plate.

3.        Potatoes/Fries

            Speaking of potatoes, you will literally find them in almost every dish, which I am not complaining about. The best is when the potatoes or fries soak up the delicious sauce from whatever dish you order. You can’t leave anything to waste!

4.        Pork

            Pork. Is. Everywhere. Spain, especially Sevilla, loves their pork. They love it so much that you will find it hanging from the ceiling in every authentic tapas bars and restaurants. From jamon iberico, solomillo al whiskey (my favorite!), pork cheek, chorizo, and suckling pig, you really can’t go wrong.

5.        Churros

            There is always time to have a fried, sugary stick with a cup of Spanish hot chocolate, which is more like hot fudge. You will find them everywhere and they are usually pretty cheap too!

Seville, Spain has definitely become one of my favorite places in the world. It is very possible for one to spend hours simply wandering around taking in the city’s relaxed atmosphere, stunning architecture, and hunting for the best tapas in town. Because there are so many things to do in Seville, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 things you won’t want to miss.

1.        Alcázar of Seville

The Alcázar of Seville, or Reales Alcázares de Sevilla, is probably Seville’s most famous site. The palace was first constructed in the 14^th century by Moorish kings, and features Muslim influenced architecture so unique to the south of Spain. Spend a few hours wandering the palace, which is filled with absolutely stunning 16^th century tile work, and be sure to save some time to wander the gardens. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance online, as the lines can be quite long! Fun fact: Game of Thrones’ fans may recognize this beautiful place as some episodes were filmed here!

2.         Plaza de España

            The Plaza de España is definitely Seville’s most famous plaza and for good reason. The impressive plaza was built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929. The plaza’s large semi-circular brink building, fountain, towers, bridges, and intricate tile work are truly a sight you need to see.

3.        Maria Luisa Park

            Neighboring the Plaza de España is Maria Luisa Park. This large park is a perfect spot to wander around, go for a run, study, or even have a picnic. You are sure to fall in love with the beautiful fountains and gardens you will find in there.

4.        Seville Cathedral

            The Seville Cathedral, or Catedral de Sevilla, is one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and is honestly one of the most amazing churches I have ever seen. I am not usually one who enjoys visiting cathedrals, but this cathedral was truly something else. In this massive Gothic church, you will actually find the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

5.        La Giralda

            When you visit the Cathedral, be sure to climb the Giralda tower. This former mosque was later converted into the Cathedral’s bell tower. Once you climb many, many ramps (no stairs!) to get to the top, you will see the most amazing panoramic views of Seville.

6.        Tapas, Tapas, Tapas!

            One of the best things about travelling in Spain was the incredible food. Tapas, very popular in Spain, are like an appetizer or snack. I found that the best way to go to a restaurant was to just order a bunch of tapas with your friends and share. My personal favorite tapa is Solomillo al Whiskey! It’s so good that my parents and I have “tried” to make it here in the staes. I emphasize “tried” because it just is not the same.

7.        Flamenco

            A trip to Andalusia, the birthplace of Flamenco, would not be complete without attending a Flamenco performance. There are many different performance space styles with a variety of show times. To get the full experience, I really enjoyed going to a hidden place called La Carboneria. You really get to feel like a local at a place like that. La Carboneria has multiple shows every night. My suggestion would be to come during an earlier show and stay awhile to get a better spot for the next show. The place will definitely be crowded.

8.        Barrio Santa Cruz

            The Barrio Santa Cruz is one of Seville’s most charming neighborhoods, and was the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. You really want to take some time to explore the neighborhood’s winding streets and beautiful buildings. Exploring Barrio Santa Cruz was probably one of my favorite things to do in Seville. With all the little shops and balconies, you won’t mind getting lost in there.

9.        Bullfighting Ring

            Bullfighting is a very old tradition in Spain. In almost every city you will find a ring, and whether you actually attend a bullfight or just tour the ring, I highly recommend going to one. Sevilla’s ring is quite grand with beautiful white walls with yellow and red accents which seem to perfectly match the city. I attended an actual bullfight. I definitely enjoyed the atmosphere of the ring way more than the actual bullfighting.

10.      Metropol Parasol

            You want to make sure you stop by the unique mushroom-shaped grid of the Metropol Parasol. You will find one of the best views of the city. You can go any time of the time, but I would recommend going at sunset.

There are many, many things to do in Sevilla so it is quite impossible to list everything. However, I truly believe that these are the things you absolutely must do while in Sevilla.