Sevilla Diary – Day 1

Hello friends. After our days in Córdoba, we turned our route toward Sevilla. We took the train and arrived in the city in the afternoon, around 2:20 pm. Before we could even settle in, there was about a 2.5 to 3 kilometer distance to cover. Taking the bus was an option, but looking for a stop and waiting in that heat did not sound appealing at all. Walking was only about 15 minutes longer. Even with our suitcases, we decided to enter the city on foot.

I had been to Sevilla before. Back then I took some photos, but looking back now, none of them ever turned into a proper post. On that visit, I only had one full day in the city. This time the plan was different. I was in Sevilla for six nights and my goal was to explore the city slowly, without rushing, really letting it sink in. But first things first, we had to settle in.

Once we entered the apartment, my first impression was how spacious it felt. It cost around 105 euros per night. There was a living room facing the inner courtyard and the ceilings were almost 3.5 meters high. Having a separate bedroom was a big plus. The bathroom was fine, though not as impressive as it looked in the photos I had seen beforehand. The air conditioning was working, which might be the most important detail in Sevilla. The courtyard view was simple but not disturbing. After a short rest, I drank some water and stopped by the nearby Mercadona. Later in the afternoon, I went out again. The air still felt like an oven. I was in the shade, but the heat rising from the asphalt was impossible to ignore. Sevilla was not being any kinder than Córdoba.

As you walk around the city, you realize once again how lifesaving the narrow streets are. On wide avenues, the heat feels even heavier. In the narrow streets, you can at least breathe a little. Courtyards, greenery, plants hanging from the walls… Sevilla manages to offer something beautiful at almost every corner.

The heavy police presence in the city was hard to miss. National guards, armored vehicles and some areas closed off. Later I learned that there was a UN summit taking place in the city. All the security measures were because of that. On one hand, you feel safe, on the other, you cannot help but wonder if something is going on.

By the evening, the tiredness kicked in and we returned to the apartment. There was a pool, but the terrace closed at 10:00 pm. It was a small shared pool anyway and not very tempting. To be honest, at these prices expectations for a pool tend to be a bit higher.

The next morning, we headed out early toward the Real Alcázar. Our ticket was for 9:30 am. Being asked for a passport at the entrance still feels strange to me, but that is how the system works. After the gates opened, we were let in in groups. You can get a guide if you want, but the QR code based audio guides were more than enough.

And yes… compared to the Alcázar in Córdoba, the Real Alcázar is on a completely different level. It is not called the “real” Alcázar for nothing. The courtyards, halls, mosaics, ceiling decorations… every detail is impressive. And almost every area is accessible. The gardens alone feel like a whole separate world.

Peacocks were freely wandering around the gardens. They were shouting, showing off and then casually walking past you as if nothing mattered. Ducks, tiny chicks, shaded walking paths… we completely lost track of time. We went in thinking one and a half hours would be enough and ended up staying inside for almost three hours.

The only disappointment was that some of the pools were empty. Because of that, a few of those famous photo frames were missing. Still, the Real Alcázar is an absolute must in Sevilla. You need at least two or even three hours for the visit.

When I stepped outside, the city suddenly felt more spacious. Even just drinking some water and finding a bit of shade helps a lot. Sevilla in summer is honestly challenging when it comes to heat. But with its narrow streets, historic atmosphere, courtyards and small surprises, it still manages to win you over.

This was just the beginning. I still had a few days ahead of me. But even at this point, one thing was clear. Sevilla asks for patience and it gives back more than enough in return.