Seville

Day 2 in Seville: Torre Sevilla, Local Markets & Hidden Palaces

November 27, 2024 /

☀️ A Slow Start & A Riverside Walk

We eased into our second day in Seville, enjoying a slower morning before setting off on foot across the river. Our destination was Torre Sevilla, the city’s tallest skyscraper, located on the Triana side of the Guadalquivir River. The walk took about 30 minutes, and along the way, we stopped at the Mercado de Triana, just beside the Castle of San Jorge ruins — a great spot for browsing local food and crafts.

🛍️ Torre Sevilla & A Bit of Shopping

Torre Sevilla itself is a sleek modern tower, with an open-air shopping mall at its base. It was a bit of a contrast to the historic architecture of central Seville, but it made for an interesting change of pace. We popped into Primark, where I picked up a warm hoodie and a pair of runners — all for just €18.

We then tried to visit the observation deck at the top of the tower, hoping for panoramic views of the city. Unfortunately, it was closed for the day — a small disappointment, but we made the best of it.

🌮 Arepas by the Market

On the way back toward the city centre, we returned to the market and grabbed a bite to eat. We each had a freshly made arepa — one filled with shredded chicken, the other with beef and cheese. Simple, hearty, and full of flavour — exactly what we needed after all the walking.

🌇 Afternoon at the Metropol & Seville’s Secret Palaces

After a short break at the apartment, we headed out again — this time to see the Metropol Parasol, also known locally as “Las Setas” (the mushrooms). This massive wooden structure spans a city square and is visually striking, though we found the experience itself a little underwhelming compared to Seville’s more historic sites.

We continued on to visit two of Seville’s lesser-known but truly beautiful palaces:

  • Palacio de las Dueñas – A serene estate filled with art, antiques, and elegant courtyards.
  • Casa de Pilatos – A stunning blend of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, with peaceful gardens and tiled patios.

Both sites offered a quieter, more intimate look at Seville’s aristocratic history and were well worth the visit.

🏡 A Quiet Evening In

After a full day of exploring on foot, we opted to stay in for the evening and recharge for the days ahead. Seville has a way of blending the old and the new, and today was the perfect example — from modern towers to Moorish palaces, all within walking distance.