Tommmo

We are passing through Seville enroute from Marrakech to a 3 week visit to Portugal - because the flight stops there. So, we thought we should experience a bit of Seville while we are there. Found a nice little place to stay near the Plaza de Armas bus station for onward travel into Portugal.
Now, we know we can't see much of Seville in that time and it is a big city.so where should we go to enjoy our time and drink in the city atmosphere? Don't really need impressive cathedrals and monuments - just a nice time strolling soaking up the city ambience and maybe some evening atmosphere. Thanks for any advice ...

maitaitom

Here are our three days in Sevilla (with photos) last May. It might give you some ideas. One suggestion: Do not miss the Alcázar...

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-ten-on-to-sevilla/</B>

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-eleven-the-alcazar-the-sevilla-death-marches/</B>

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-twelve-a-hot-time-in-steamy-sevilla/</B>

Ozarksbill

Nice photos, maitaitom. We had a too brief visit to Sevilla, a year ago, Spanish Pavillion, thru Jewish quarters to Santa Maria Plaza and huge Cathedral. That night was dinner with a flamenco performance.

Tommmo

Looks like you were having a good time MTT and the blog helps a lot even though I suspect there could be a limit to how many grand buildings one can handle at a time. At least it won't be so hot in March.....

kimhe

"enjoy our time and drink in the city atmosphere?"

I suggest the local feel Triana district, lots of excellent and laid-back tapas bars and great nightlife, just across the city river Guadalquivir from the Plaza de Armas bus station. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/seville/triana.htm

This gives you an idea of the area, and you must visit the emblematic Las Golondrinas (after 1 min)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mFE9k0E-2Y
https://www.hotelriberadetriana.com/...triana-sevilla

Azahar lives in Sevilla, and she knows the tapas bar and restaurant scene in Triana: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...urants/triana/

Triana is also a cradle of flamenco culture: http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/2012...flamenco-scene

Tommmo

Thank you - really looking forward to it! We've found a B+B across the river from Triana, as we arrive and leave from the bus station at Plaza de Armas.

kimhe

For flamenco, I recommend the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances in the modern Flamenqueria center in C/Castilla, 94, right by the Guadalquivir river on the Triana side. And promising young talents perform most Wednesdays at 8pm: http://www.flamenqueria.es/es/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalucia.html

Tommmo

Sounds good...maybe a smoky cellar would be nice too?

kimhe

Lots of smoky cellars around, look for the flamenco clubs (peñas) later in the night, but Flamenqueria is top notch and holds a high star among the greatest artists on the current scene. http://www.sevillaflamenco.com/sevil...nco-penas.html

Bedar

And, be sure to have a look at the monumental bullring. Think there's a little museum and tours available. No smoky cellars. Nowadays prohibited in PC Spain.

Tommmo

They need to use organic smoke then....no atmosphere without smokiness really!

el13207

Just replied to your post about Portugal! We love Sevilla, have been twice in 4 years. Can recommend the flamenco performances at Casa de la Memoria and also La Casa Del Flamenco- NOT the smoky cellar but small, intimate places with 1 hour performances for a reasonable price, no drinks. Also love the food at las Robles Placentines. If you want good tours at a reasonable price I highly recommend Concepcion Delgado with Sevilla Walking Tours- she and her colleague Alfonso give very good tours of the old city, the Cathedral and the Alcazar for a very reasonable price (also recommended in Rick Steves who gives full details).
If you have time and like ruins there are wonderful Roman ruins outside of the city accessible by public bus - it is called Italica.
We prefer the Barrio neighborhood of Sevilla to either Triana or the area you are staying in, but it is a charming city throughout. Get out and walk it- lots to see. Be sure and eat as much jamon as you can, drink cava and their fabulous orange juice.

Bedar

Tommmo - Totally agree. Once I had to walk out of a jazz club in San Francisco because of the lack of "atmosphere.". It's really sort of humorous because you'll notice that many Spaniards smoke. BTW, in Seville one drinks sherry, fino, with ham, not cava.

Tommmo

Not too much a fan of sparkling wine except for the odd toast. After Aussie wine it's going to take some adjustment to the European wines which tend to be a bit light by comparison to our full flavoured beauties. Always happy to experiment though and almost every wine growing region in the world benefits now from some good Aussie expertise .

kimhe

Very smoky atmosphere in most peñas, even without a cigarillo in sight. I like Peña Pies Plomo in Sevilla, not far from where you're staying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5n_ccuNlHc

Tommmo

Look forward to that! Can you just walk in, or need tickets (in March)?

kimhe

All peñas I know of are open to non-members, you just walk in, a few euros entrance fee (5-10€) when there's scheduled live performances, and I recommend to check the program for performances for your night. The program of real deal concerts in Sevilla, many of them in peñas or other small venues, is updated here: http://www.guiaflama.com/flamenco-en-sevilla/

lincasanova

if you like full- bodied wines just ask for one with "mucho cuerpo".