Seville, Spain: A Perfect Spring Getaway
Food, wine and partying. That's what you'll get out of a weekend to Seville.
March 25, 2010 -- The mouth-watering smell of paella, the shining sun, chirping birds and the harmonious tunes of the accordion -- what more could you want out of a weekend getaway?
As the famous Sevillano painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo once said, "Seville is paradise." With its glistening Guadalquivir River, grand Baroque architecture and charming cobblestone streets, Murillo refused to paint any other city besides his beautiful and beloved hometown. This small Spanish town is a goldmine of historical treasures and is bursting with cultural delights.
Must-Sees
At the top of the tower you'll get a get a breathtaking view of the city. From this lookout point you'll be able to see the length of the pristine Guadalquivir River that flows alongside the tower's edge as well as the colorful facades of the city's many buildings. This inexpensive attraction costs 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for students, and is a terrific way to acquaint yourself with and get your first view of this lovely Spanish town.
After winding your way back down the Tower, you'll find yourself right along the water's edge. This is the Guadalquivir River, famous for its modern-day appeal to kayakers and rowers and its olden-day role of hosting trade ships. The creeping mid-day sun and breeze from the river set the scene for a relaxing riverside stroll. Bicyclists, roller bladers, runners, families and couples alike frequent the waterbank. If you're lucky enough to spot a free public dock, take the opportunity to lie down and soak in some of the sun's rays along the water's edge.
Tip- Brush up on your Spanish before you visit Seville. Unlike other touristy Spanish-speaking countries, most locals don't speak English. So while you may be able to get away with the basic "Hola" and "Gracias," it'll make your experience so much easier to know a few more key phrases. Or, just bring a little pocketbook translation guide with you.
Lunchtime
Tip- Be assertive when asking for your bill. In Spain, dining is a long activity. It takes an average Spanish family around three hours to have dinner, so servers generally do not check on the table or offer to bring the bill. So keep an eye out for your server when you're ready to pay, otherwise you'll be sitting there for a while.
Siesta!
Walking Tour
Seville is a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, so while it is a small city, it's also easy to miss out on the less obvious historical pieces of Sevillano history. One example of a historical tidbit is the city's official emblem, "NO8DO" which stands for "No me ha dejado" or "You have not abandoned me." Seville's King of Castile Alfonso said this to his people in the 11th century during the civil war to emphasize how much their loyalty meant to him. Today, that phrase is represented by the "NO8DO" seen on streets signs throughout the city. The 8 is represented by a coiled rope, which led to the modern-day phrase of "Tying the knot."
Tip- Bring a packet of tissue or a wad of toilet paper with you wherever you go. Most bathrooms don't have toilet paper in the stalls, so best to be prepared.