In a bid to escape the biting cold and snow of southwest France, we seized the opportunity to hop on a budget flight to the sun-soaked south of Spain, with Seville as our first stop. Our flight arrived in the late morning, and we navigated the bustling airport to catch a bus into the city center. Maneuvering through a crowded bus with backpacks in tow is no small feat, but we managed to disembark without incident.

Our home for the duration of our stay was a charming apartment just off Plaza de la Encarnación in the old town. Compact but cozy, with a lofted sleeping area and all the essentials, it was perfectly suited to our needs. The location was ideal — within easy walking distance of Seville’s most notable attractions. Right on the corner we found a fantastic coffee shop serving excellent coffee and tostadas that instantly brought back memories of our favourite cafes in Newtown, Sydney.

Seville is a city that effortlessly captures the heart. We spent hours wandering the old quarter, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and winding lanes that seem to beckon you deeper into the city’s past. The Moorish influence is palpable, lending the city a unique architectural flair that sets it apart from other European destinations. The mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar styles creates a visual feast at every corner.

The city is rich with sights, but two stand out above the rest: the Seville Cathedral with its Giralda Tower, and the magnificent Alcázar.

The Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower is a monumental testament to the city’s layered history. Originally built as a grand mosque during Moorish rule, it was transformed in the 1400s into one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals. The interior is breathtaking, with soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass, and countless chapels filled with priceless art. We climbed the Giralda Tower — once a minaret — via its unique series of ramps (originally designed so guards could ride horses to the top). The panoramic view from the summit is spectacular.

The Alcázar of Seville was perhaps my favourite sight. This stunning palace complex, once home to Moorish caliphs and later Spanish monarchs, is a magnificent blend of Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The gardens are truly enchanting — meticulously landscaped with vibrant flowers, tranquil fountains, and fragrant orange trees. Wandering the lush paths, it’s easy to imagine royalty strolling the same grounds centuries ago. After visiting the cathedral, walking through the Patio de los Naranjos with its intoxicating scent of orange blossoms was the perfect way to transition between these historic landmarks.