Soak up some sunshine on the perfect city break to Seville and discover delicious tapas
FORMER US President Barack Obama and the King of Spain were in Seville for the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit, which inspires this week’s City Stay Q&A by Lisa Minot...
Find out our tips on where to go and what to do...
Why should I go?
Seville’s 3,000 years of history and 3,000 hours of sunshine a year make it a perfect city break.
Stroll the cobbled streets lined with sweet- scented orange trees.
The high temperatures in summer mean it is a perfect spring or autumn break when the city will be less crowded.
Are these streets made for walking?
The old town, with its mash-up of Moorish and Spanish architecture, can easily be explored in a day.
Take to the Guadalquivir river, which bisects the city, by pleasure boat when it gets too hot for walking.
Make sure to explore the Triana district after your river ride.
Start at the Mercado de Triana, a lively market near the Puente de Isabel bridge, before exploring the district famed as the home of the city’s flamenco dancers and bullfighters.
Anything for the bucket list?
Game Of Thrones fans will head straight for the Real Alcazar, the oldest royal palace in use in Europe. It is actually a group of palaces built from the 10th Century onwards and boasts ornate rooms and gorgeous gardens.
Then admire Seville Cathedral — the largest gothic cathedral in the world — and climb the 230ft to the top of the Giralda bell tower, formerly a mosque minaret.
For both of these attractions, save yourself hours of queuing by booking online in advance at and .
Also book in to see a performance at the Flamenco Museum, see .
Where should I eat?
From traditional tapas to desserts made using those incredible oranges, Seville is a gastronomic gem.
For old-school Andalucian cooking in a classic setting, Casa Robles on Plaza Nueva is a local institution. Try the slow-cooked pork, but leave room for the amazing desserts.
For a fresh take on tapas, try La Azotea en Conde de Barajas. Adored by locals, my stand-out favourite was the paella with seafood-studded rice baked in the oven.
And for great food and a lovely setting, La Quinta on Plaza del Padre Jeronimo de Cordoba delivers high-end, local specialities at a decent price.
Book ahead for a table in the lovely inner courtyard and do not miss out on the superb tapas and grilled meats.
I fancy a drink?
Start the day with a crispy hot churros (it is like a doughnut) and a hot chocolate at Bar El Comercio on Calle Lineros.
For a lunchtime treat, Cerveceria Internacional on Calle Gamazo gives you a choice of 250 bottled craft beers and 15 on tap.
After dark, you can enjoy stunning views of the cathedral while downing sangria at one of two fab rooftop bars.
You do not have to be a resident at either Hotel Dona Maria on Calle Don Remondo or EME on Calle Alemanes to enjoy a drink and mix with Seville’s cool set.
For an evening of flamenco dancing, check out La Carboneria on Calle Levies or the quieter, more local Lo Nuestro on Calle Betis.
Where should I stay?
Former US President Barak Obama would have felt right at home in the royal and presidential suites at the 5-star Hotel Alfonso XIII.
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It is the landmark hotel in the centre of the city, built to host dignitaries attending the 1929 Latin American Exhibition.
As well as its glorious Moorish Baroque exterior it has an opulent interior to marvel at. Have a drink there to admire its ceramic friezes and marble pillars.
For a more affordable well-located hotel, the Hotel Inglaterra, which overlooks the tree-lined Plaza Nueva, has comfortable, classic rooms and a lovely rooftop bar with views of the cathedral.
Go: Seville
Getting there: British Airways and easyJet fly to Seville from Gatwick with fares from £31 one-way. See or .
Staying there: Double rooms at the 4-star Hotel Inglaterra are from £78 a night, including B&B. See .
Out & about: Boat trips with or try a segway tour of Triana with Cyclotour, .
More info: See .