Seville

The dedication of a bullfighting matador, the fervor of a flamenco dancer, and the carefree indulgence of an afternoon siesta are not just romanticized memories of a long-gone Spain. Seville and the Andalusia region in the south of the country are major centers for these cultural traditions. The church facades, minarets, and ancient ghettos of Seville, a city defined by Jewish, Islamic, and Christian influences, provide evidence of each religion's existence. Seville's centuries-old neighborhoods and cultural attractions will enchant visitors who enjoy a fair dose of history amid leisurely strolls along tiny streets and leisurely, drawn-out lunches.

Spend your time in Seville enjoying tapas at a street corner cafe or taking in the music of an impromptu guitarist in a public space. Even while the warm weather and laid-back atmosphere could tempt you to laze around all day, make time to tour the parks, gardens, and palaces that highlight the city's rich history and stunning architectural features. You may see "NO8DO" on city buses, seats, bike racks, and even manhole covers if you look attentively. NO8DO, a rebus for "no me ha dejado" in Spanish, means "It (Seville) has not abandoned me." Keep the phrase in your memory since it's likely that you'll adopt it for yourself. Once you've experienced Seville's charms, you'll remember them for a long time.

The months of March through May are ideal for travel to Seville. The weather is moderate throughout these months, there isn't as much tourist traffic as there is in the summer, and hotels typically have reduced rates (except during special events). The city's most famous annual events, like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are also held in the spring. Seville experiences some of the hottest summers in all of Europe, with frequent highs of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, many people may relocate to the adjacent beach towns, which will increase the visibility of the large number of city tourists. While visitor throngs decrease and temperatures cool in the fall, the rainy season starts. Wintertime in Seville is generally chilly (highs rarely fall below 60 degrees), and residents spend more time inside.

The tapas options in Seville are the tried-and-true originals, despite the fact that it might seem like you can get tapas - or traditional foods served in small, sharing servings - in nearly every major city these days. Consider sampling two or three of these interesting small appetizers at each meal. Try traditional dishes like tortilla de patatas, a quiche-like potato dish, or choose something a little more adventurous like rabo de toro (oxtail). Despite the fact that some restaurants will offer English menus, it will be useful to learn Spanish vocabulary like plancha (grilled) and frito (fried) to ensure that you are ordering food that is to your taste. Try El Rinconcillo, Seville's oldest tapas bar, or Taberna Coloniales Catedral for some of the best variations on traditional tapas. Both locations are in the El Centro district. Visit premium eateries like Vinera San Telmo (located in Barrio Santa Cruz) or Restaurante Oriza for a more contemporary take on the specialties (in El Centro near the Universidad de Sevilla). No matter where you eat, you'll probably taste a lot of olive oil since Andalusia is the world's leading exporter of the substance and commonly uses it in local dishes.

Location: in the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville.
Ranking:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Spain
• #8 in Best Winter Vacations
• #11 in Best Cheap European Vacations
• #21 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe