Seville

In case of Seville, you really need a day for the ‘tourist’ part and a day (or two) for absorbing the local spirit. Not that the ‘tourist’ part is somehow tedious or exhausting. Quite opposite – the Seville Cathedral is a jaw-dropper in every aspect, from its monumentality (it’s the biggest gothic cathedral in the world) to opulent ornaments. Meanwhile Real Alcázar, a royal palace that’s a preeminent example of Mudéjar architecture, is renowned as one of the most beautiful spots in the entire city. Those gardens are a dream, I tell you! To capture the essence of these two, be prepared for hours of walking. But the visual treats here are worth it!

In case of a less ‘tourist’ experience in Seville, the city is known for impressive vintage stores (Buhoneras Vintage, Cigarrera, for intance) and tapas. There are, however, two camps with tapas – the first is more traditional, while the other is willing to experiment. Casa Ricardo is a crowdy place, where you will try various Spanish tastes and see how the locals dine – slowly, loudly, with friends, family. Eslava is a more contemporary tapas bar, which is equally busy in the evening (you might even wait in a queue to get a place). Here, you will find small plates with fried sardines, tuna tataki, sea anenomes (!) or classical ham. Whatever you take – it’s going to be delightful.

But most of all, enjoy Seville in a relaxed pace – observe the streets, enter the stores with hats for flamenco dancers, sit in the sun.