Why Seville Will Steal Your Heart – Architecture, Gardens & Flamenco

If there’s a place that effortlessly brings together history, romance, Moorish architecture, and modern ease of travel — it’s Seville. From the moment we stepped out of the train station, Seville had a rhythm that felt both grand and intimate. We were lucky to visit in May, when the streets were lined with vibrant purple Jacaranda trees in full bloom. It was as if nature had conspired to dress the city in celebration.

Getting to Seville: A Journey in Itself

We boarded a high-speed train from Madrid Atocha to Sevilla Santa Justa, and once again, Spain’s rail network didn’t disappoint. Atocha, one of the largest train stations in Europe, operates like clockwork despite its size and complexity. The journey took about 2.5 hours, and it was smooth, clean, and comfortable. If you’re planning to travel within Spain, I can’t recommend the train system enough — it turns travel into a pleasure rather than a chore.

Where We Stayed: Easy Access and Comfort

We stayed at Meliá Lebreros, a modern and spacious hotel just few miles from the Santa Justa station. It was the perfect choice for convenience, especially if you’re arriving by train. After checking in and grabbing a quick lunch, we rested for a bit before heading out to explore.

Right outside the hotel, a tram station made it incredibly easy to get around the city. Within minutes, we were on our way to one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks.

Day 1: Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa – An Evening of Grandeur

Our first stop was the magnificent Plaza de España, and nothing could have prepared us for its scale and beauty. Designed for the Ibero-American Expo of 1929, this architectural masterpiece wraps around you with its semi-circular layout, elegant bridges, detailed tilework, and soaring towers. It felt both cinematic and historical — no wonder it has appeared in movies like Star Wars.

We slowly walked the length of the plaza, pausing at each of the tiled alcoves that represent Spain’s provinces. Just behind the plaza lies the Parque de María Luisa — a sprawling green escape filled with ponds, shaded walkways, fountains, and colorful gardens. Ducks and birds added to the park’s charm, and we found it the perfect place to wind down the day.

Dinner was at Bollywood Indian Restaurant, which hit the spot with warm punjabi dal tadka, garlic naan, and comforting protein-rich dishes — exactly what we needed after a long travel day.

Day 2: Santa Cruz, Cathedrals, Carriages, and the Glorious Alcázar

We dedicated our second day to diving deeper into Seville’s history and heart. Our morning started with a short taxi ride to the Santa Cruz district, the city’s former Jewish Quarter and now one of its most charming neighborhoods. Imagine cobbled streets, white-washed homes with flower-laden balconies, tiny courtyards, and quiet alleyways that seem to whisper stories from medieval times. This neighborhood oozes character and is perfect for aimless exploration.

Seville Cathedral and La Giralda Tower

From Santa Cruz, we made our way to the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immense structure is not only an architectural wonder but also holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Adjacent to the cathedral is the La Giralda Tower, a former minaret turned bell tower. Climbing to the top rewards you with panoramic views of the entire city. The Seville Cathedral is one of the filming location that came as part of Mission Impossible II movie.

We took our time walking around the cathedral’s exteriors and interiors, clicking dozens of photos and soaking in the grandeur.

Horse Carriage Ride – A Step Back in Time

Before our afternoon tour, we had some time to spare and decided to indulge in a horse-drawn carriage ride — and it turned out to be one of the most fun and nostalgic ways to see the city. For about 30 minutes, we trotted past major landmarks including the Torre del Oro, Plaza de España, and various historic quarters. The rhythmic clip-clop and relaxed pace gave us a whole new perspective of the city.

Real Alcázar – A Dream of Moorish Splendor

The Real Alcázar of Seville was, without doubt, the highlight of our time here. A living palace that has seen generations of rulers, it’s still in use by the Spanish royal family — making it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe.

The moment we entered, it felt like walking into a different era. Intricately carved arches, geometric Moorish patterns, colorful azulejos (tiles), and tranquil courtyards stunned us at every turn. It’s one of those places where you keep pausing, unable to stop marveling at the craftsmanship. The fusion of Islamic, Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles reflects centuries of layered history.

Don’t miss the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) and Salon de Embajadores (Ambassadors’ Hall) — each with its own mesmerizing beauty. And then there are the gardens — expansive and lush with palm trees, fountains, rose bushes, and vivid bougainvillea in full bloom. The gardens themselves could be an entirely separate attraction. I was so taken by the beauty that, honestly, by the end I was too mesmerized (and tired!) to even take more pictures.

Culinary Moments – Boutique Eats and Tapas Streets

We found plenty of food options throughout Santa Cruz and the Triana neighborhood, which sits just across the river and is known for its local vibes and ceramic workshops.

One standout for us was Naturalmente, a small boutique-style café with a focus on fresh, vegan-friendly dishes. Their avocado toast was beautifully plated and delicious, the chia pudding refreshing, and the grilled salmon surprisingly tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthy and modern option with Seville flair, this is a great stop.

Of course, we also snacked on tapas, explored small bakeries, and sipped on café con leche at quiet corners of the city.

Seville is a city that lingers — in your eyes, ears, and heart. Whether it’s the haunting echoes of flamenco, the sweet scent of orange blossoms, the shaded elegance of its narrow alleys, or the grandeur of its palaces and plazas, Seville casts a gentle, unforgettable spell.

Traveling here in May, with Jacaranda trees in full bloom, added an extra layer of magic. Their vivid purple flowers framed nearly every photo we took, giving the entire city a dreamlike aura.