Every authentic experience in Seville is a cultural sip from the elixir of passion. Is it the trickling fountains among tangerine trees or is it the swirling blur of flamenco skirts.

Is it the handsome guitarist tugging your heartstrings with notes he plucks or is it the sweet drop of sangria melting on your lips. You’ll never know. Sevilla, as the locals call her, is untamed and unapologetically seductive!

If you want an adventure then go to Alpine slopes of Switzerland or sleep in Slovenian tree houses. If you crave rugged fjords slicing mountains then go to Norway or walk glaciers in Iceland. But head to Sevilla only if you are a devotee of art, vigor and verve.

Experience true culture of Seville – Spain’s Romantic heart

Located in the amorous hills of southern Spain, Sevilla is the country’s cultural heart and the capital of Andalusia. The marriage of Mediterranean breeze and the mighty Sierra Nevada has birthed a culture ever so bold, ever so vivid.

From the rising dust of bull fight arenas to the smooth finish of voluptuous wines, every traditional experience in Sevilla brims with fearless fervor and invokes the senses. There is no place on the planet as sensual as Sevilla. 

6 Unique and Authentic experiences to have in Seville

1. Try Tapas from Andalusian Kitchens : Seville’s cuisine

The tavernas in Andalusia are famous for small bites or Spanish appetizers called ‘tapa’. A tapa was originally a piece of bread topped with peppers or anchovies drizzled in olive oil to be had between sips of sherry.

Today tapas has evolved into much more complex and sophisticated culinary slice of Spain. The list of must try foods in Sevilla never ends, but my favorite is the tapa called Croquetas de Jamón Iberico.

It has its origin in the Basque country but can be found all over Spain. The word tapa itself means a top or a cover and as you can imagine a bite sized piece of bread was used for covering a glass. This little snack accompanying the alcohol has now become the symbol of Seville’s cuisine.

2. Authentic experience in Seville : Folkloric passion that is Flamenco :

This fiery dance form was the result of a cultural intercourse between the Moorish, Romani and native Andalusian people. Flamenco dance is one of the best ways to experience authentic culture in Seville. It is so elegantly energetic and strangely soulful. Watching a flamenco performance brought strong memories from our time in Portugal of a Fado singer. A Flamenco dancer swirls her frilly skirt to the rhythm of a deeply melancholic song. Its a visual and emotional treat.

3. Historic Sites of Seville

In the middle ages, Seville has seen a tug of war between the crescent moon and the cross. This cultural shift of back and forth has left an indelible impression on Seville’s architecture.

If you want to experience this interplay and see Seville’s authentic culture then you must visit these two places – Real Alcázar de Sevilla to sample fine Moorish architecture and Catedral de Santa Maria de la sede or Seville Cathedral to see a sumptuously carved beauty. There are plenty of other must see sights in Sevilla which I will cover in future posts.

4. Experience their Feria : Authentic festivals of Seville

Feria de Abril is a festive time in Seville when the whole town erupts in joy and color. Laughter spills from cozy tavernas and music from loving homes. If you want to feel the authentic experiences in Sevilla then this is the best time to go.

The town is awash with local spirit and you can capture it in your memories or in your camera. Some of the best photography spots in Seville are seen during this time. This festival happens about two weeks after Easter so plan your trip accordingly.

5. Labyrinth of lanes at Santa Cruz

Head to the antique lanes of Santa Cruz in Seville and you will have stepped back in time. The sound of horse drawn carriages on cobble stone streets alone is enough to take you back centuries.

But when the sight of beautifully dressed Spanish women, handsome Spaniards in wide brimmed hats mixes with the floating music of a strumming guitar – then it stirs your imagination in ways unknown. This is a charming neighborhood of Seville with delicate balconies and tons of old world charm. You don’t wanna miss it at all.

6. Spanish Bull fights : Face – off between Man & Beast

This brutally beautiful face-off between man and beast has become the emblem of Spanish culture. The tension in the arena is palpable as the earth trembles and dust rises.

The matador menacingly waves his cape and the bull gracefully plans to impale him. It doesn’t get more authentic than this. Go witness it with a local friend or guide to experience what Spaniards genuinely enjoy. If you are traveling to Europe with a kid who loved Ferdinand, then you may want to get a sitter!

There is a whole range of eclectic and authentic experiences to be had in Seville. Like me, be a romantic fool and try them all… for it is hard not be quixotic in this enchanted land !