Seville

This city is amazing! If there was one city in Europe I would move to it would be Seville. It is the perfect size; it isn't a large city, but isn't too small either. The people are so friendly, the food is fantastic, and there are endless things to do. If you are lucky enough to be in Seville towards the end of April, do not miss the Feria de Abril! This happens two weeks after Easter, and runs for a week. The best description I have heard for it is that it is like being in a time warp. The city shuts down, everyone dresses in their best flamenco dresses and suits, and the streets are filled with a party. Seriously Americans, we have been doing 4th of July wrong this whole time. The Sevillians really know how to celebrate a tradition and throw a party.

Where is it: Seville is in Southern Spain, in the the Andalucia region.

Getting there: Seville is another popular transportation hub, and is probably most easily accessible by train or bus if you are already in Spain. The airport is smaller so connections might be more difficult. We came from Heathrow and were surprised there wasn't a direct flight. We had to make a connection through Madrid, but hopefully the airport you are coming from will have a direct flight option. Always a good site when trying to figure out how to get somewhere is goeuro.com.

Things to do:
Bull fighting museum: I knew before I left I didn't want to see a bullfight; however, I respected that this was a tradition in the culture and was interested in learning more about it...from afar. I wanted to know the history behind this tradition and get a feeling for what it was like. This tour was the perfect combination of that. We purchased our tickets on site, and told the cashier that we wanted the English tour. Our tour guide was fantastic, giving the tour both in Spanish and English. She would let the non-Spanish speakers quietly look around while she explained to the others, then when it was time for the English portion, we would switch. She did a fantastic job explaining the tradition, the different bullfighters, and the famous bulls. The best part was when you get to go outside and see the ring close up. It is so bright and colorful that it seems like a piece of artwork itself. The tour was approximately 20 minutes, and the cost of a ticket was 8 euros. The location is Paseo de Cristobal Colon, close to the water.

Barrio Santa Cruz and Flamenco show: Another culture experience is the Barrio Santa Cruz and seeing a flamenco show. Now a tourist area, it previously was the Jewish quarter of the city. This neighborhood has seen tough times as Jews were expelled and persecuted in the 1400s. In the 18th century the synagogue that was close by was remodeled into the now Church of Bartholomew. It is a great place to stroll and enjoy the town. As it is a tourist attraction, the restaurants are hit or miss, but there are certainly some great eats here! (see below) Also if you are interested, this is one of the best places to catch a traditional Seville flamenco show. We went to La Casa del Flamenco and really enjoyed our experience. There are only two rows of chairs, which allows you to have an up close experience. There is traditionally someone outside a few hours before a show who will give you a tour and explanation of the dances that will be performed.

Real Alcazar and Gardens: Get ready to come with a packed lunch as it seems this site never ends! This truly could be an all day event as there is so much to see and take in. This fort was originally built in the 10th century by the Moors, as you will see their artistic influence throughout the palace. This gives you a feeling and impression of the Alhambra Palace. The site was owned by the Romans for awhile after they conquered the Moors in 712, and then officially became the Spanish palace in 1248, when Fernando III conquered the city. More construction began by the Spaniards, and is largely what we see today. This site is still used as the Royal Palace of the Spanish family, and became a World Heritage Site in 1987.

I would skip the audioguide and look up some interesting facts before visiting. The space is so large that you will start to get tired of listening to all the different checkpoints, and probably remember 10% of what you heard. It is better to walk around and just enjoy the beauty of the architecture and gardens. A general admission ticket costs 9.50 euros; however, the site is free on Monday afternoons.
















Church of the Savior: If you haven't gotten your fill on churches, you will want to visit this one as some consider it even better than the Seville Cathedral. However, if your getting sick of religious sites this is one you can skip. This church began as many do in Spain, being built on top of a previous mosque. Works were done to change the mosque to be a Christian religious site, and was later decided to tear down the whole site and build a new. The new construction and largely what we see today was done in the 18th century. Inside you will see 14 altarpieces and a gorgeous dome.

A cool tip is you can buy a joint ticket for this site and the Seville Cathedral and save a couple of dollars. The ticket for the Cathedral, bell tower, and this Church is 8 euros, so essentially you will get the Church of the Savior for free. If you just want to visit this location, the ticket is 3 euros. The church's address is Pl. del Salvador, 41004 Sevilla, Spain.

Seville Cathedral and Giralda: Also registered a World Heritage Site in 1987, this cathedral was finished in 1507. It was built on top of the former mosque. The previous mosque was built in the 1200 century and was used by the Moors, who occupied Seville at the time. When Ferdinand III took over, one of his first orders was to change the mosque to be better situated for Christians. This included building walls to divide the space into separate chapels.  In 1401 it was decided that the whole mosque structure needed to be torn down, and a new cathedral should be built. Luckily the original minaret was kept since it was converted into a bell tower. When you are in the site, you can walk up the original slope to the top of the tower for some fantastic views.

Tickets for both the cathedral and bell tower are 8 euros, but is free with a Sevilla Card. Check out more on the Sevilla card; we found that it didn't help us save any money and it was more economical to purchase the sites separately. The location of the church is close to the Barrio Santa Cruz at Av. de la Constitucion.

Plaza de Espana and Parque de Maria Luisa: The Plaza de Espana is a place you can go with little to no historical knowledge and enjoy just as much as the rest of the folks there. So if you are getting a little tired of packing your brain with knowledge, take a break and visit this park and plaza. The park originated first in 1911 to be a public park for all to enjoy. The plaza was built in 1928 for the World's Fair that was a year later. The purpose was to be a showcase for historical moments throughout Spain, hence the name. When walking around you will see tiles that have events and dates. Some fun facts are that several movies have been filmed here, including Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Dictator. The plaza is located at Av de Isabel la Catolica, and make sure you enjoy a walk throughout the different sections of the park.

Metropol Parasol: This site could be another great break from historical data if you are in the need. This wooden structure was built in 2011 with some controversy. You will notice that it has a very modern look, which was not accepted by most of the locals. While construction was in process, the workers found ruins below that are believed to be back from the Moorish and Roman reign. This stopped construction and permits and other necessary paperwork was needed to complete the building. You can visit the ruins below, but the main highlight is going up the elevator to take in the views of the city. You will walk along ramps throughout the structure to see for miles. I would suggest visiting during "happy hour," as your elevator ticket includes a free drink at the top, where you can sit and enjoy the sun setting over the city.

Plaza Nueva: We have heard a lot about King Ferdinand III, who took over the city of Seville in 1248. Well if you want to meet him, make sure you visit Plaza Nueva. This area once was the site for a convent that was occupied from 1270 - 1840. Now a plaza, there is the town hall, the Hotel Inglaterra, and a statue of King Ferdinand III. This plaza is used for peaceful protests outside the townhall and for dances. It is a fun place to visit and people watch. You don't have to spend a lot of time here, and once you've had your fill, venture off for some of the best tapas bars. (see below)

Triana: Triana is a neighborhood right across the Isabel II bridge over the Guadalquivir River. It is known for its great food, fun farmers market, and fantastic pottery shops. You can go for more historical sites and monuments as there are many; however, I found Triana as a breath of fresh air where I can go experience the Seville culture. Make sure you got to the Mercado de Triana and graze from vendor to vendor picking out your favorite food. Then explore the streets right over the Isabel II bridge, popping in to look at all the pottery. I found the prices to be very reasonable here, and it is a great place to get souvenirs for yourself or others. If you have the energy and capacity for more history, look into going to the Moorish Revival Chapel, Church of Santa Ana, and Spanish Inquisition museum.

Feria de Abril: I cannot say enough how much I love the Fair in Seville. It was truly a once in lifetime experience that I think back on weekly. It begins two weeks after the Holy Week (Easter), and runs for a week. It begins with a parade of the must beautiful carriages taking people in traditional dress throughout the streets to the bullring. At the fairgrounds there are rows of casetas, which are tents for families and friends. You have to be invited inside, but once you are you can partake in the dancing, drinking of the traditional drink rebuijto, and laughter. The whole time, there are carriages and horses riding around the fairground taking in the different parties. This is a grand way of showing off your dress and wealth (as these are very expensive to rent), but this is quickly forgotten once you are on one. We were lucky enough to be invited on, and the view and experience of being in a carriage is amazing. Once you have had our fill of casetas, you can venture further back in the fairgrounds for rides and traditional fair food. Once you are done, head back to party late into the night and repeat all over again the next day. Several businesses are closed during this time so you might want to be in Seville a little before or after to be able to enjoy the full experience of the city.










Flamenco Dance Museum: If you are in love with flamenco and the dresses as much as me, this is a must see. Shows are available here as well, and allows the opportunity to see some famous performers. Check out the website for more details on the upcoming performances. The museum itself offers an interactive experience that brings together the dance, singing, and guitar and allows a deeper understanding of the art. To visit the museum is 10 euros, but to both visit the museum and see a show is 24 euros. If you are already considering doing both this might be the best package for you!

Must Eat:

• La Corona: tapas bar near Plaza Nueva
• Becerrita: tapas bar near Plaza Nueva
• Mamarracha: tapas bar near Plaza Nueva
• Bodega Santa Cruz: in Barrio Santa Cruz, great for tapas and a fun experience!
• Pepe Hillo: close to the bullring and known by locals for having the best ox tail, a Seville delicacy

Suggested Stay: The Hotel Inglaterra is mentioned above and is an over 100 year old, 4 star hotel. If you are looking for that authentic experience, this could be it for you! However, Seville is a larger city and has plenty of AirBNB options that are great if you are travelling with groups.

Barcelona

For being such a large city, Barcelona still has obtained its authentic culture and atmosphere that will keep us coming back for more. We were in Barcelona for three days and were worried that it would be too long, as we typically get worn down by big cities. However, when the day came to leave this fantastic city, we were still wanting more. When planning to visit, pick out your must sees and try to focus on those, then hopefully you can return and do more!

Where is it: Barcelona is in the northeast part of Spain close to the water.

Getting there: This is of course dependent on your travel plans, and where you are before arriving in Barcelona. It is an international airport and a popular train station, so you will likely be able to find a way in and out. From the airport there is a bus shuttle that is very easy and convenient to use. If you are staying close to La Rambla, consider taking this and saving on an expensive cab. To figure out how best to arrive in Barcelona, use the always helpful site goeuro.com when trying to figure it out.

Things to do:
Placa de Catalunya: You may end up visiting this site unexpectedly as it is the city's central square and a large transportation hub. In fact, the bus from the airport will drop you off in the square if you have booked a hotel near by. However it has more significance other than being a transportation hub, a larger terminal was built in the late 1800s to be the city's main train station. It was a popular place and had connections to several metropolitan areas. The station has been torn down and the square was built around it with an accompanying metro station. The metro station isn't anything to see specifically, but understanding the history behind this square, you have more appreciation for the fountain now in place. Also if you are here for a Barcelona game, there commonly is viewing and parties in the square; just don't wear a Real Madrid jersey! The location of this is Placa de Catalunya, 08002 Barcelona Spain.

La Rambla: This pedestrian only street begins at the Placa de Catalunya and ends with the Christopher Columbus Monument at the port. It is a tourist attraction, and a place where you will want to keep an eye on your valuables. Walking the street you can get a feeling of the history here and how people would wonder from store to store purchasing their goods. The street did not always looks as romantic as it does today, as it was a sewage stream and was an area for prostitution. Looking past that, be amazed at how far the street has come as you saunter up and down, taking in the beauty of the storefronts. The street is definitely divided into "sections" where you can see parts of the street for buying flowers, then for birds and other animal products, and finally food.  You will find many restaurants on the street, but I would skips these as they are overpriced and bland. Instead stop in at La Boqueria, which is approximately halfway down La Rambla.

La Boqueria: I spent more time here than I care to admit. Since we were staying close, I had breakfast, lunch and a pre-dinner here each day. Even if you are not hungry, the market is filled with beautiful culinary colors that you can spend hours walking and watching the commotion around you. This market has grown through time, and no one is certain to when it officially became a "marketplace;" however, it is believed that from the 1200-1700 it started to gain popularity as the best place to get your household goods. The market has seen several remodels throughout its time and in 1914 it finally received its first metal roof and began to develop into the market we see today.

Port Vell: If you have made it here, you most likely have finished walking La Rambla or are about to begin. You might also be wondering what that huge statue is right at the end of La Ramba. That is Christopher Columbus, who is remembered here for reporting back to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand after his first trip to America. Surrounding Christopher Columbus throughout the monument are symbols and people who were influential in his voyage. There is an elevator inside that will take people up for an amazing view of the port and city of Barcelona. The price for the elevator is 6 euros. Past this statue you will find a port with gorgeous boats, a large mall for shopping, and an aquarium.

Sagrada Familia: If you are an Antoni Gaudi fan, this is a must see! Like any good church, this is wrapped around controversy. After his fame from Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, Gaudi undertook the design and construction of the Sagrada Familia in 1883. He worked on this design up to his death on June 10 1926. His funeral procession ended at the Sagrada Familia, where he was buried. But you may ask, how did the funeral end there as I can see the construction is still going on to this day? Well that is where the controversy comes in. At the time of Gaudi's death, 20% of the church as complete; the Nativity Facade and one bell tower. After his death came a storm of arguments over what Gaudi's intent and true vision was for this church. There have been delays for several valid reasons, the Spanish Civil War and as the construction and technology industry developed delays were taken to reassess. But with those breaks comes passionate discussion on whether the design is truly Gaudi's vision. They seem to be on a roll now, and the estimated time of completion is 2026 - 2028.

You can buy your tickets on the official website for the church and there are different options ranging from a single ticket to a guided tour. A single ticket is 15 euros, but that is only to see the Sagrada Familia and not the view towers or the Gaudi House Museum. Visit the website and see which is best for you. The hours depend based on the time of year, but during peak tourist season (April to September) the hours are 9 am - 8 pm. I would suggest visiting in the late afternoon, as this site is commonly packed in the mornings. The church is located at Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona.

Parc Guell: This was one of my favorite sites in Barcelona because I didn't really now what to expect and then the views took me away. It is a bit far out from the city, so plan accordingly by taking transportation if you are going to visit. This park originally began as a housing development for wealthy families, but it was a bit of a flop. The idea didn't take off and it transitioned into a park that is enjoyed by all now. The park itself is free; however, a ticket is needed to visit the Monumental Zone. A ticket costs 7 euros for general admission and can be purchased online. Visiting the Monumental Zone isn't necessary, and you can assess when on site if this is something you want to do. Tickets can be purchased at the door as well; however, there is typically a line you don't have to deal with when having a printed ticket.











Casa Batllo: If you are not a Gaudi fan and are debating to visit this site, I would recommend seeing the Casa Mila and skipping this. Casa Mila is cheaper and has a better rooftop. However if you are a Gaudi fanatic, you will not be disappointed as Batllo shows more of the architecture and work of Gaudi. There was previously a home here, and Gaudi was hired to take on the remodel. If just looking from the outside, take in the roof. It was designed to look like a dragon's back and has four chimneys, which were designed to prevent drafts. As your eyes go down the building, notice the three distinct sections of the home which show the separate floors in the home. If you choose to enter, you can buy tickets on the official website and skip the line.

Casa Mila: This home, also known has La Pedrera (open quarry) is Gaudi's take on a modern design. It still dawns the gingerbread style, while using a modern stone facade. This made it very unpopular with the public and controversial. However, Gaudi wasn't a stranger to controversy and continued on with his plans. In spite of all this it was claimed a World Heritage Site in 1984, and became the headquarters for the "Fundacio Catalunya La Pedrera" in 2013, who manages the visits and exhibitions to the home.

Cathedral de Barcelona: Had enough Gaudi? While it is in the Gothic style and could look familiar, it is indeed a break from all of Gaudi's popular works. The church's construction began in the 13th century, and did not finished until the 15th century. It wasn't until the 19th century where the neo-Gothic facade we see today was done to cover the original characterless exterior of the church. Inside you will find the burial place of Eulalia of Barcelona, the Saint of Barcelona. It is believed that in 303 AD this 13 year old girl was persecuted in Barcelona by the Romans, who were targeting Christians at that time. Due to her refusal to recant Christianity, the Romans threw her in a barrel with knives and glass and rolled her down the street. Surprisingly enough this did not kill her, and allegedly a dove flew from her neck when she was beheaded and killed. The 13 white geese you see inside are to resemble the age of Eulalia when she was martyred. Also inside are the crypts of other famous saints, bishops, and rulers of Spain.

Camp Nou: If you are a soccer fan, regardless of the team you support, I feel like this is a must see. The best way to visit this site is of course by a game; however, not all can afford the steep prices for tickets. When I was there in 2012, Barcelona was playing Real Madrid and tickets for the nose bleeds were in the $1,000s. If going to a game isn't an option, you can take a tour of the site which includes walking out on the pitch. Every football fan can close their eyes' and pretend that they are scoring the game winning goal. Tours leave every 30 minutes; however, this can be altered on game day. General admission tickets are 25 euros for a once in a lifetime experience.

Must Eat:

• Restaurant Can Sole: Close to the port and a great option for paella! 
• Bodega Biarritz 1881: Great tapa bar just off La Rambla.
• Guell Tapas Restaurant: Great tapas right off La Rambla
• 9 Nine: A little out of the main drag but worth it.

Suggested Place to Stay: For your first visit, it is probably best to stay close to La Rambla as that is central and walkable to most tourist attractions. We stayed at Hotel Denit. It was small, and we had to be strategic about where we put our suitcases, but it was clean and the reception was very friendly. They even left us a sweet note as we were travelling to Barcelona for our honeymoon.