21/01/2025
Unknown Seville: 4 unique experiences to explore
the city from a different perspective
Join us in discovering the hidden side of Seville with unique plans and experiences! If you’re a curious traveler eager to learn more, this article is for you! At BYPILLOW, we’ve prepared a guide featuring four unique, curious, and original experiences you can enjoy in the Andalusian capital.
Instead of heading to the Giralda or the Torre del Oro, the most typical activities in the city, we want to introduce you to different activities that you’ll surely love. So grab a pen and paper and jot down all the tips we’re about to share. You’ll love discovering Seville’s lesser-known side!
Kayaking on the Guadalquivir river at sunset
For a completely different perspective of Seville, kayaking on the Guadalquivir River at sunset is an unforgettable experience. From your kayak, you can glide past iconic spots like the Torre del Oro, the Triana neighborhood, and the Isabel II Bridge. The sensation of being in the middle of the river, surrounded by the soft sounds of the water and the distant city, is unparalleled.
Kayaking on the Guadalquivir allows you to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the river. It’s a perfect activity if you want to break away from the usual tourist routes and experience Seville in an original way.
Enjoy Seville’s beauty from an unexpected angle and stay at one of the hotels in the center of Seville we offer at BYPILLOW. In the city, we have two centrally located options that combine comfort and value: Abril BYPILLOW and Residence BYPILLOW. Choose your favorite!
A tour of hidden convents and their handmade sweets
Seville is a city brimming with history and secrets, and among its most surprising gems are its hidden convents. We suggest a tour that will take you through these tranquil sanctuaries while tasting handmade sweets prepared by the nuns and monks who live there.
Convento de Santa Paula (Calle Santa Paula, 11)
Start your tour at one of Seville’s most famous convents: the Convento de Santa Paula. Founded in 1463, this convent of the Poor Clares is known for its traditional sweets, especially the tocinos de cielo (a rich egg-yolk dessert). These are made with eggs from their own farm, sugar, and water.
In addition to tocinos de cielo, don’t miss their artisanal jams, creams, and delicious jellies. They even have an online shop where you can take home a piece of Sevillian tradition.
Convento de San Leandro (Calle Doña María Coronel, 5)
Next, visit the Convento de San Leandro, another landmark of confectionery. Operating since 1400, this convent is famous for its mantecados and almendrados.
Here, you can taste their almond cakes, prepared using a centuries-old recipe passed down through generations. The nuns serve you through a traditional turnstile, keeping with the customs of these convents.
Convento de Santa Inés (Calle Doña María Coronel, 6)
A short walk from San Leandro, you’ll find the Convento de Santa Inés, one of the most authentic in the city. Here, you can savor their bizcochos borrachos (a sponge cake soaked in syrup and liqueur) and suspiros (small sugar sweets that melt in your mouth).
The atmosphere of the convent takes you back in time, with its interior courtyard and Sevillian tiles. Pro tip: Ask about the seasonal recipes prepared by the nuns.
Convento de las Tres Carabelas (Calle Santiago, 10)
One of the least known and least touristy convents is the Convento de las Tres Carabelas, a Dominican convent that also specializes in artisanal sweets.
Here, you’ll find nougat, piononos (small sponge cakes soaked in syrup), and traditional Sevillian sponge cakes, all handmade using recipes dating back centuries. This convent has a unique charm thanks to its location in the heart of the city’s old town.
Convento de la Encarnación (Calle Menéndez Pelayo, 2)
End your tour at the Convento de la Encarnación, where you can try their delicious roscos and florones (traditional pastries). Dating back to the 16th century, this convent offers a variety of sweets in a small shop on its premises.
Keep in mind that many of these convents have limited hours and operate Monday through Friday. It’s best to visit early in the morning. Also, the nuns don’t accept card payments, so bring cash!
At BYPILLOW, we help you find the best accommodation. On our website, you’ll find boutique hotels in Seville that blend tradition and modernity, ensuring an unforgettable getaway.
Urban art and emerging neighborhoods: an alternative tour
Seville is also a hub of urban art. If you’re a fan of modern art and love unique tours, this journey through Seville’s emerging neighborhoods is perfect for you. Discover areas where the walls become canvases!
La Macarena: Start in the La Macarena neighborhood, which has evolved into a center for urban art. Its streets feature impressive graffiti and murals, as well as artistic interventions on building facades and communal courtyards.
La Rambleta Building: In December 2024, Paco Roca and Martín Forés presented a mural here, paying tribute to the efforts following a major storm.
Triana: Walk along Calle San Jacinto and its surroundings to find graffiti on walls and workshops. You’ll also see other techniques like collages and sculptures.
Paseo de Juan Carlos I: Don’t miss the Graffiti Walk, a stretch between the Alamillo Bridge and the Cartuja Footbridge, showcasing works by local and international artists.
Alameda de Hércules: A bohemian area and meeting point for artists, musicians, and creators. You’ll find graffiti, art installations, performances, and murals throughout.
La Cartuja: Once an industrial neighborhood, La Cartuja now hosts art studios and galleries. Explore repurposed industrial pavilions and admire large-scale murals on old buildings.
Tip: For a deeper dive into Seville’s urban art, look for guided tours specializing in alternative art. Local guides can show you the city’s most surprising corners.
Night walk in the Alamillo Park and its hidden stories
Another must-see in unknown Seville is the Parque del Alamillo, one of the city’s largest green spaces. While bustling with life during the day, a nighttime stroll offers a unique experience filled with mystery and stories.
This park is relatively modern compared to other green spaces in Seville, but it holds several historical elements dating back to medieval times. During the Middle Ages, it was part of the orchards of the Reales Alcázares, believed to have been used by monks and nobles.
As with many old parks, Alamillo Park is steeped in local legends. One well-known tale speaks of an old mansion that once stood in the park’s center. According to legend, a noble family once lived there, and their descendants are said to still roam the park, especially on full moon nights. Some visitors claim to have seen strange shadows or heard footsteps in the quiet of the night.
Another story suggests that the park served as a refuge for bandits and fugitives in the past, with their cries still echoing among the trees. These tales add a touch of mystery to nighttime walks.
This concludes our guide to unknown Seville. As you can see, we’ve suggested four unique and fascinating activities to complement your trip to this Andalusian city. And for accommodation, look no further than BYPILLOW, where you’ll find a wide range of hotels, studios, and hostels in Seville to suit your budget.
Don’t wait any longer—Seville is calling!