First-time Budget Weekend in Sevilla

Description:

- HOTEL YEAR BUILT - 1986 YEAR REMODELED - 2008 ADDITIONAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION - HOSTAL AS HOTEL. HOSTAL LEONARDO DA VINCI HAS TWO SINGLE ROOMS/ 22 DOUBLE AND 5 TRIPLES/ ALL WITH AIR CONDITIONING/ TELEVISION/ COMPLETE BATHROOM WITH HAIR DRYER AND SAFE DEPOSIT BOX. FROM ITS BALCONIES YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A GREAT VIEWS OF SEVILLE.

Description:

Located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter, this typical Andalusian restaurant serves a wide range of regional and national specialities using quality, fresh ingredients sourced from all over Spain. The menu features fish, shellfish and cured hams from Huelva, meats from Avila, peppered lamb from Castile, anchovies from the north coast and oxtail stew from Seville. The homemade desserts add a final sweet touch to your meal.

Description:

It took almost 400 years to build Spain's largest church and the third biggest in the Christian world. Standing on the site of what was Seville's main mosque, one can still see elements of the Mudéjar style of art and late Gothic style architecture. Work began in the early 15th century, and by the time it was finished, it had five naves with a floor space measuring 116m x 76m. There is an astounding number of fine paintings and sculpture inside.

Description:

The 12-sided Tower of Gold, dating from the 13th century, overlooks the Guadalquivir River. Originally it was covered with gold tiles, but someone made off with them long ago. The tower has been restored and turned into a maritime museum, the Museo Náutico, which displays drawings and engravings of the port of Seville in its heyday.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best croquetas in Seville.

Description:

With imagination and top quality ingredients, Enrique Becerra takes tapas to another level. Sure, they're a little pricier than your average tavern, but they're significantly tastier. Croquetas de rabo de toro (croquettes) are made with oxtail meat-an upgrade from the usual ham and cheese, and adding mint to the albóndigas de cordero con hierbabuena (lamb meatballs) gives nice new flavor. Cordero a la miel (honeyed lamb) and micuit de foie de pato hecho en casa (toasted bread with homemade foie gras and figs) add to the innovative choices. Regional specialties such as chilled manzanilla and sherry from Jerez de la Frontera are featured in an impressive 11,000 bottle wine selection. Ask the polite bartenders about the tapa of the day and English menu. Just make sure you arrive early, as the selection could decrease as the night goes on-this place is really popular. While famous for its tapas, you can also sit in the adjoining restaurant to enjoy meals from 40-50€.

Description:

Orange is quite different from the rest of the nightlife in the city. It opens at 8am to serve breakfast, and in the afternoon it becomes a very lively café. The walls are painted in different eye catching colors and contrast beautifully with baroque-style lamps. There is a room that is ideal for chatting with friends, and another where the latest music is played. On Sundays, you can enjoy Flamenco shows, which take place in the evening. Orange also has a no smoking area; something that can be very difficult to find in the city.

Description:

Muslim ruler Abdul Rahman III had this Mudéjar-style palace built in 913. The variety of tiles, ornamental arches, crafted wooden ceilings and geometric designs are a wonderful demonstration of Arabic interior design. The most impressive rooms are the Patio de Banderas with the Giralda Tower behind it, the Patio de las Doncellas and the Patio de la Montería. The Salón de los Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall) is especially ornate. The beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains outside it create a truly peaceful atmosphere. Social events, musical and theatrical performances are held here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Outstanding quality, affordable tapas!

Description:

Vineria San Telmo is a popular place to sit down with good company for tapas and a glass of wine. Fewer fried foods, a tapas tasting menu, and an extensive wine list put this local favorite a step above the rest. While slightly more sophisticated than most tapas bars, Vineria San Telmo is unexpectedly affordable, with some of its most expensive tapas at just 4€. On a warm night, relax on the large outdoor patio; if too distracted by the nearby avenue, ask for a table in the comfortable, romantically-lit dining room. Delicious tapas are made from traditional ingredients with modern innovation. Try the magret de pato con puré de calabaza (duck filet with pumpkin purée) or atún a la plancha sobre base de ajo blanco y tempura de cebolla (grilled tuna over a white garlic sauce and onion tempura). Like most good restaurants, this place is always full, so if you don't have reservation or time to wait, come during lunchtime.

Description:

Designed for the 1929 Ibero-american Exhibition by Aníbal González, Plaza de España is a memorable site that is worth the twenty-minute walk from the Cathedral. While influenced by Renaissance and Gothic designs, it is exemplary of Moorish Revival architecture and is also considered regional architecture, as it features a number of elements specific to Sevilla, most notably the colorful, glazed ceramic tile, or azulejo, seen throughout the city. Tiled alcoves featuring the provinces of Spain decorate the walls, and four bridges cross a canal that runs along its interior perimeter. This semicircular monument, 200m in diameter, symbolizes the ties between Spain and its colonies and opens facing the Guadalquivir River, indicating the journey toward America. As you admire the beauty of the exposed brick, think back to 1929 when up to 1,000 workmen were finishing the final touches of the large, central fountain. The refreshing mist provides a great spot to cool off for those visiting during the summer.

Description:

Sitting in the centre of the city is a huge expanse of parkland planted with a wide variety of trees from all over the world. This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. It has been carefully laid out with lots of space to wander among the exotic plants and numerous areas where you can sit and rest. You can rent bicycles and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride. It's named after Princess María Luisa who donated some of the land and plants from her palace gardens to start the public park. Inside, you'll find examples of all styles of architecture in the buildings erected as pavilions for Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Expo. Join one of the free guided tours given by students of the tourism school on weekends. Admission: free.

Description:

Its full name is the Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (Bullring of the Royal Equestrian Society of Noblemen), and it is one of the most important bullrings in the world. Bullfighting critics claim a matador has not really made the grade until he has triumphed here. All the great bullfighters like Belmonte, Manolete, Paquirri, Curro Romero and Espartaco have delighted crowds attending special events during the April Feria and on Easter Sunday.

Description:

Looking for a truly Sevillana experience? Check out the oldest bar in Sevilla for affordable tapas and drinks in a casual atmosphere. Hams now hang from the ceiling of this former convent that was founded in 1670 and converted into a restaurant in 1860, and the same family still owns this lively establishment after seven generations. Entertaining bartenders move quickly, chalking orders behind the bar for crowds that are always coming and going. Specialties include espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with garbanzo beans) and pavía de bacalao (fried cod). Perhaps you'd like to try something a little different, like pimientos asados con huevos de cordoniz (roasted peppers with quail egg), or stick with Spanish tradition and order jamón serrano ibérico (dry-cured Spanish ham). The bodega offers a wide selection of Spanish wines including sherry from nearby Jerez de la Frontera.

Description:

The singers clap, the guitars strum, the tension builds, and the room fills with the ancient and mysterious magic of the flamenco. In the rear of a 17th-century structure, two shows are performed nightly at 10pm. Drinks and food are served at minuscule tables in a sweltering back room that evokes Old Andalusia. The location is between Varflora and Dos de Mayo in the vicinity of the Paseo Colón and the bullring. Cover 36€ ($58), including first drink, or 60€ ($96) for a fixed-price dinner.