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For many decades now, Barcelona has been the leading destination in Spain for Americans. Surpassing Mallorca and Ibiza, and even the country’s own capital, Madrid, it draws in tens of millions of tourists every year with its Gaudí monuments and coastal location.
Gorgeous as Barcelona may be, however, there is a strange storm on the horizon…
From the overtly anti-tourist stance authorities have taken to the widespread local protests and every accommodation tax increase in between, Barcelona no longer feels as welcoming as it once must have been, and even U.S. travelers are starting to feel the heat.
Not the good kind of heat.
Perhaps it’s not too far-fetched say that, soon enough, Barcelona could be overtaken by another Spanish gem, and if there was ever a runner-up, it’s surely Seville:
Americans Are Flocking To Seville In 2025
The vibrant capital of Andalusia, a culture-loaded region in Southern Spain known for its Moorish heritage and sun-drenched coast, Seville is attracting a growing number of American guests as of late.
More specifically this summer, Americans have logged 39,943 nights in the city, only behind the Czechs, that accomplished 49,476, according to new data shared by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE).
In other words, the U.S. is already one of the most important sources of tourism revenue for the Andalusian hub, and that’s no small feat, considering Seville does not host nonstop Transatlantic flights, and it’s a whole 50 miles inland from the Mediterranean.
You heard it, no beaches. If that’s what you’re looking for, try Malaga. Now, if you love vibrant city breaks, epic European architecture, and you’re a devoted foodie, you’ve come to the right place:
Moorish Charm & Grandiose Squares
Without question, a huge part of Seville’s appeal is its ensemble of architectural marvels, which feature among some of the most impressive not only in Spain, but all of Europe.
Think a grandiose Plaza de España, a public square that’s often described as the most beautiful in the country, with its tiled alcoves representing Spain’s different provinces, and a half-moon, navigable canal.
Then there’s Seville Cathedral, with its Giralda, a former minaret that’s been converted into a belfry: in case you didn’t know, North African rulers controlled large swathes of Spain for many centuries, and the square-shaped tower is an important leftover of the Muslim era.
Seville’s pride and joy, however, has to be the Alcázar: an Islamic royal palace with ornate stuccowork and lush Mediterranean gardens, it is the most memorable Moorish structure still standing today.
Further afield, in Barrio Santa Cruz, you’ll find a vibrant Jewish Quarter criss-crossed by narrow lanes that lead to hidden patios and tapas bars, and if it’s some fun you’re looking for, with flamenco shows and a lively nightlife, try Triana across the Guadalquivir River.
Is Andalusian Food The Best In Spain?
Barcelona may get all the fame for its paella and Catalan stews, but little do they know Seville is the true gastronomy capital of Spain.
Say what you will, the cuisine here is truly on a whole other level, thanks to its combination of native Iberian flavors, characterized by seafood-heavy and fresh local ingredients, and Moroccan influences: Andalusia is, after all, the closest point between Spain and Africa.
For salt cod and gambas tapas from only $3, check out the traditional Andalusian bodega of Dos de Mayo, in the heart of the Historic Center. Craving Iberian meat cannelloni instead? We couldn’t recommend Bar Sal Gorda highly enough.
Seville is popular for its herb-heavy patatas bravas (think French fries, but the spicier Spanish version), and there’s truly nowhere better to try those than at Duo Tapas Bar. Of course, no visit to Andalusia is complete without trying salmorejo:
Seville’s coup de coeur, this cold tomato soup is your best bet at an easy-on-the-tummy, refreshing meal amid the scorching heat, and if we’re keeping it within tradition, El Rinconcillo is the place to go. Established in 1670, it’s proclaimed the oldest tapas bar in Seville, and they serve a killer salmorejo.
How to Get To Seville From The U.S.
As we noted previously, there are no direct flights between Seville and the United States as of right now, though given the city’s rising popularity, this is likely to change at some point in the future.
Meanwhile, there are a handful of inventive ways Americans have used to get there with the least possible transfers. They can involve flying into a Spanish (or European) hub that offers direct flights to Seville, or combining flights and trains.
Landing in Madrid or Barcelona, for example, you can find train tickets from as cheap as $25 one-way booked in advance. From Madrid, it’s a short 2h33 ride to Seville, whereas from Barcelona, it’s a significantly longer 5h33, and tickets tend to be on the pricier end.
Alternatively, you may fly from as cheap as $26 roundtrip from either cities, or when landing in other European countries:
- Paris to Seville: direct flights from as cheap as $36 roundtrip
- Rome to Seville: direct flights from as cheap as $25 roundtrip
- London to Seville: direct flights from as cheap as $50 roundtrip
- Amsterdam to Seville: direct flights from as cheap as $52 roundtrip
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