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Seville draws in tourists from around the world annually. There is so much to do and see that you will most likely think you didn’t plan enough time to see everything. But that’s okay, it’s the general nature of this incredible city. The colors and vibrant nature of this Andalucian city has been luring students to visit for years. It makes not only the perfect spring break, but also a great option for a lazy summer or winter break as well. Located in southern Spain and the capital of Andalucia (southern region of Spain) Seville is not just a pretty city. It is also the cultural and financial center for Spain. With a little over 1.6 million people living here, this city rounds out the top four largest in the country. The orange tree-lined streets are filled with businessmen, college students, and tourists looking for a good time. A myth is that Hercules himself founded Seville and it was at a time ruled by Romans, then later the Moorish. But this isn’t all that interests those looking to come here for a semester. The history alone is fascinating, however the sights and attractions will blow you away. And the coast is to die for. See why thousands of students come here every year for a semester of culture and history and visit Seville.

Seville Pictures

Things to do in Seville

The list of things to do in Seville is endless and at times random. This city has everything from museums and monuments to football games and crazy festivals. We have compiled a list of the must sees while you are here. You might consider purchasing a Seville card while here. It will enable you to explore the city more easily. This card grants you access to most museums and monuments as well as free access to the public transportation system, unlimited sightseeing buses, and a free boat ride on the Guadalquivir River. It is an excellent deal and you may be interested in purchasing one at the same time as your friends so you can all experience this incredible city together. The Cathedral of Seville is a very old and magnanimous church in the heart of the city. Once considered the top three largest cathedrals, second to St. Peter’s in Rome, it is now arguably the largest church in volume. The total area of 11,520 square metres is quite magnificent. This is also the resting place of the explorer Christopher Columbus. If you are looking for Moorish style architecture, The Real Alcázar is an exquisite palace. It was built in the XIV Century by Pedro I the Cruel. In it you will find many rooms with extravagant architecture, paintings, gardens, and courtyards. There is even the room here where Christopher Columbus planned his journey to the Americas. The Jewish Quarter aka Barrio Santa Cruz is considered the most beautiful area in the city and very well kept, with winding roads and quaint buildings and shops. This is a major tourist area as well. The Hospital de los Venerables is very interesting and quite unique. It was a seventeenth century hospital and resting area for retired priests. Now it is a well preserved building with a museum room and baroque chapel. The Museo de Bellas Artes is considered the most important museum in Spain, second only to the Prado in Madrid. There are fifteen exhibition rooms that illustrate a detailed look into seventeenth century Seville to present day. There are many festivals and holidays here depending on when you go that will be of interest. Feria de abril is a huge party of a holiday in which the inhabitants of the city take a week or so off from work and plan parties, food, and marquees. There are several private parties that require an invitation, however the public ones are just as much fun and exciting. Make sure to plan well ahead and get your student airfare and hotels in order for friends if they are coming to visit during this time. Easter week is also very exciting to take part in here. Although many shops are closed during this week, there are parades and city parties that will keep you entertained. If you are studying abroad here however, you may want to travel during this week. However, no matter what time of year, Seville is a great place to visit so book your ticket now!

Nightlife in Seville

The nightlife in Seville is intoxicating and thrilling. The drink of choice is of course Sangria. Sevillans know how to make the best Sangria in the whole world and will rival even their counterparts in other cities in Spain. The cultural center of the country is also one of the craziest cities to party in. There is a little something for every appetite as well. Flamenco is the traditional dance here and can be found bumping at bars and clubs around the city. The vibe in most bars is ethnic and wonderful. However at the same time you will be made to feel right at home. College students flock these flamenco clubs because it is something new and unusual, surely not something you would find back home. El Tremendo is a good pregaming place to start off your night. The drinks here are cheap and the atmosphere is casual and laid back. You can stand outside at tall tables with your friends and order tapas too. La Bodeguita Antigua and Los Soportales are in the Plaza Salvator. They are college student favorites because you can get a cold beer and some snacks. This also makes an excellent pregaming local. The clubs are even more memorable in this city. Keep in mind that the dancing doesn’t end until 6 or even 7 in the morning, so get ready for a crazy fun night that will never end. We suggest Antique, it’s known to have some local celebrities gracing it from time to time. This club is a little more upscale and the drinks are somewhat costly to the college student budget. Boss is one of the largest nightclubs (discos) in the city with four dance floors, bars located on each of the four floors, and a stadium-like dance floor in the center. Dress well before heading here and go in small groups. It is a bit exclusive for letting people in so be prepared to wait. But it is well worth it once you’re in! Weekend Houseclub is another place to hit up while spending a semester here. It is relatively new to the scene and is therefore somewhat easy to get into. You will still want to leave the sneakers and baseball caps at home before going to this one though.

Dining in Seville

Spanish food is exquisite. Not many people will pass up an authentic plate of quesadillas or enchiladas. Tapas is the keyword here. Tapas are traditional small plates or Spanish food and allow you to enjoy and taste a variety of flavors and dishes. Tapas are usually served as a snack/appetizer with drinks. However many restaurants also serve tapas as a main course. In Seville they have perfected the art of creating meals out of tapas and serve you up to a full size portion of these dishes. However you want the smaller portions so that you can enjoy many different varieties. Some typical dishes you will find are tortilla española (potato omlette), queso manchego (sheep milk cheese), aceitunas (olives), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), and pulpo gallego (galician octopus). One thing that is important to remember when dining in Seville is that, like all Spanish cities, there are many courses involved and it can get a bit tricky. This is why tapas are so appealing to college students. It is also the less expensive option in most cases. Before going out you might want to know that restaurants do not open until at least 8 or 8:30pm. They don’t even get crowded until 9 or so. This is because the Spanish culture is much more laid back and everything takes its own amount of time. People who go out to eat can easily spend 2 – 3 hours chatting away over some delicious plates. La Manzanilla is a student favorite because the food is so cheap and the portions are large. Stick to the river or the main center to get a good selection of food.

Shopping in Seville

Spain is well known for its football teams. In every city you will find an array of apparel and scarves for the national team. These are always favorites when it comes to shopping in Seville. Local crafts are another top priority here. Colorful plates, tiles, and glasses are bought by tourists as souvenirs. There are so many to choose from and they are all so beautiful. There are several pottery stores across the river or right by the cathedral. You may purchase sangria pitchers beautifully decorated, serving dishes (tapas), and beer glasses with Spanish logos. There are also personalized plate stores next to the cathedral in which you can design and choose your own plates. There are also the typical souvenir items, which can be found on carts or local shops throughout the city. An item which is popular from here are flamenco dresses and sombreros for men.

Seville travel tips

• The currency in Seville is the euro.
• People who live in the city are known as Sevillanos.
• The language here is Spanish, although there are several versions and dialects.