City Break: 24 Hours in Seville – Explore Spain’s Most Vibrant City

Seville is a city that captures your heart from the moment you arrive. So you know that we had to send Claudia Peifer to explore its streets for TA-DAH.TV.

With its stunning architecture, rich history, and infectious energy, this Andalusian gem proves that some of the best travel experiences come in small packages – even if you’ve only got 24 hours to explore.

Here’s everything we recommend you try with one day in the city and surroundings – we know because we’ve done them!

Where is Seville?

Seville is a captivating city located in the heart of Andalusia, southern Spain.

Renowned for its sunny climate, vibrant traditions, and a history that spans centuries, Seville is easily accessible by train, car, or plane.

Its central location makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a mix of cultural richness, architectural splendor, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

Whether you’re visiting from Madrid, Barcelona, or nearby European cities, Seville offers a slice of Andalusian charm you won’t want to miss. So, with all that incredible stuff to do, how do you spend a day here? Here’s our iconic itinerary.

Morning: Exploring the Historic Heart of Seville

There’s no time to waste if you want to pack everything into your 24 hours in Seville. And we’re starting by exploring her historic architecture. If you caught our Valentine’s Day trip to Vienna, you’ll know that we love our awesome architecture.

Start Your Day at Seville Cathedral

Rise early and head to one of the world’s most impressive architectural marvels – Seville Cathedral.

This isn’t just any cathedral; it’s the largest Gothic cathedral globally and the third-largest church in the world. Pro traveler tip: arrive when it opens to beat the crowds and fully appreciate its breathtaking interior.

Cathedral Highlights:

• 80 stunning chapels
• 124,000 square feet of exploration
• The iconic Giralda bell tower
• Christopher Columbus’s remarkable tomb

The Giralda: A Climb Worth Taking

The cathedral’s bell tower offers a unique historical experience. Climb the 35 gently sloping ramps – originally designed for horses to ascend – and enjoy panoramic views of Seville’s historic centre.

Fun fact: These ramps were ingeniously created to make the call to prayer easier for medieval bell ringers. Who knew they were thinking of accessibility all those years ago!

Late Morning: Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park

fter exploring the cathedral, walk to the magnificent Plaza de España. Built in 1929, this architectural masterpiece is often called the “Venice of Seville” thanks to its surrounding canals.

The semi-circular building, flanked by two impressive towers, is a photographer’s dream.

Take a leisurely stroll through the adjacent Maria Luisa Park, stopping for a refreshing ice cream. The lush gardens provide a perfect urban oasis, reminiscent of Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh!

Lunch: Tapas and Local Flavours

Places like Seville and Cadiz have given Andalusia a reputation as a food lover’s paradise, and lunch is the perfect time to dive into the authentic cuisine of the region.

Head to the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood (the old Jewish Quarter) or, for an incredible tapas experience, try the Triana Market where you’ll find plenty of traditional spots serving tasty treats like:

• Jamón ibérico
• Manchego cheese
• Pescaíto frito (fried fish)
• Local chorizo
• Sherries and wines

Afternoon: Contemporary Seville

The best way to let that spread of savoury treats go down is by getting some more city exploration into your shoes.

Las Setas: A Modern Marvel

No 24-hour Seville itinerary is complete without visiting Metropol Parasol, locally known as Las Setas (The Mushrooms).

This extraordinary wooden structure is the world’s largest wooden construction and offers a fascinating contrast to the city’s historic buildings.

Explore its multiple levels:

• Underground Antiquarium with archaeological remains
• Ground-level market
• Rooftop restaurant and viewing platform with unparalleled city views

Evening: Sunset and Nightlife

As the day winds down, head to a rooftop bar to watch Seville’s stunning sunset. The city transforms as golden light bathes its historic buildings, creating a magical atmosphere.

Where to Enjoy Evening Tapas:

If you haven’t had enough tapas, there are plenty of mouthwatering restaurants to indulge your senses with more Mediterranean morsels. We recommend trying these super stop-offs:

• La Brunilda: Modern tapas in a trendy setting
• El Rinconcillo: Seville’s oldest tapas bar (since 1670!)
• El Abantal: For those seeking a more upscale dining experience
• Tropiko Gastro Bar: Have a break from tapas and meat with some delicious fusion health foods.

Nightlife and Rooftop Views

What could be a better way to end your 24 hours in Seville with a visit to a rooftop bar?

Pura Vida is one of Seville’s most loved rooftop bars and it’s easy to see why, as it offers stunning views of the illuminated Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower. Sip cocktails as you take in the magical nighttime ambiance of the city.

If you want to take the vibes up a notch, check out Alameda de Hércules, a vibrant square filled with bars, music, and nightlife. The perfect end to the perfect day of Spanish exploration.

Practical Tips for Your 24 Hours in Seville

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October)
• Transportation: Most attractions are walkable; consider a hop-on-hop-off bus for efficiency
• Language: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases
• Currency: Euro
• Dress Code: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers

Uncover More Special City Breaks on Our Travel Channel

Twenty-four hours in Seville will feel both too short and incredibly full. This city packs centuries of history, incredible architecture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant culture into every corner. Your day in Seville will surely leave you longing to return.

Don’t miss the chance to explore more European centers like this over on our dedicated Travel Channel. See you there!

We went straight from The Oasis Music Festival at 3.30am to our pick-up point to head for the desert – who needs sleep anyway? On arrival it was time for coffee & croissant (very French) in a beautiful Berber tent (very Aladdin), whilst the crew cranked up the burners to fill the balloon and get everything ready for take off. Our aim? Hitting 1000m altitude to watch the sun rise over the Atlas Mountains – magical! The man to take us up there is called Ya-Ya for a nickname, and happens to be the youngest hot air balloon pilot in Morocco…we were wondering if that was a good thing or not? Anyway, he was super charismatic and never short of a joke, as some on board found the whole experience a bit much to comprehend: open air, altitude, just a wicker basket holding us… you can imagine the rest.

The reward was a mind-blowing sunrise in eerie silence, which was quite humbling…until Ya-Ya played the Lion King’s theme song, and we all fell about with laughter. Explaining what all the different ropes were about to manoeuvre the balloon was really interesting, as you can’t ‘fly’ a balloon like a plane. Excellent stuff…before we knew it, the first balloon from our group had already landed, when it was our turn.

The 45 minutes flight, up in the open air, literally flew by. The 4x4s had already driven out into the fields, where we were expected to land. And then, the pilot announced, that he’s going to land the balloon on the trailer for us! We all looked at him in complete disbelief – and yes, the first attempt was aborted, Ya-Ya was not happy with certain aspects of the landing, so he yanked the burner up once more and we took off again. The second time around, he performed a text-book-landing, and we couldn’t believe our eyes and what had just happened. Watch the vid to see for yourself and the start dreaming about where to go on holiday first, once lockdown is over…a total no-brainer, of course!

TA-DAH.TV Go Hot Air Ballooning in Marrakech!

What an amazing trip we had there! Straight from The Oasis Music Festival out to the desert
between Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains for a once in a lifetime adventure: hot air
ballooning to watch the sunrise over the mountains at 1000m altitude…and riding camels!
Not everybody was at ease with it all, as some of our fellow passengers thought this trip
could be quite scary. But the scintillating views and beautiful silence, once up in the air,
soon got us all relaxed, feeling quite chilled actually!

Hot Air Ballooning

We first travelled into the desert just outside of Marrakech, which was located at the feet of
the stunning Atlas Mountains. Once we had all settled down for coffee & croissants or fresh
peppermint tea inside the traditional Berber tents, tensions began to ease and the jokes
started doing their rounds – yep, we were going to be just fine! With the food now warming
our bodies, we were introduced to Morocco’s youngest hot-air balloon pilot; his nickname
being Ya-Ya! Alongside 12 other , by now buzzing, travellers from France, Ireland, Germany,
England, and America, Ya-Ya welcomed us onto his hot-air balloon after the the crew had
checked and prepared the so-called ‘envelopes’, the proper terminology for the actual
balloon. Ours was just one of 10 flights to take off at 6.30AM! We were asked to crouch
down for take-off, which we couldn’t understand at first. But then, this is all open-air, and
whilst standing up sounds cool, it isn’t cool when people start bringing their breakfast back
up, so we all got the drift. As the balloon started to gain height and momentum, we were all
so excited but still slightly nervous at the same time – this was a major first for all of us!

What none of us expected, however, was the eerie silence that was to follow once we were
at 1000m altitude. We were all speechless in sheer admiration of the 360 view we had of
the desert, mountains, and skyline – truly incomparable. And then, to get us back in full
voice, Ya-Ya began to play the Lion King theme song whilst the sun rose, which was just
hilarious! It had us in stitches! As well as providing humour, Ya-Ya then showed us his
talents by landing the balloon perfectly on the trailer at the back of the 4×4. Didn’t quite
work out the first time round, but the second landing was proper text-book stuff. Once back
on solid ground, we were ‘awarded’ our certificate, so it’s official: we all survived…and so
that our friends had proof we weren’t telling them any porkies. With our Western names
written in Arabic, we thought it was quite a cool thing to walk away with, before the 4x4s
took us back to base camp through the gritty fields and rough terrain, being shaken about
from left to right. Ya-Ya’s final contribution: ‘Guys, it’s what we call a perfect Berber
massage!’

Camel Ride

From our base at the Berber tent, we then got taken for another ride – a camel ride, to be
precise. Our next mode of transport was much closer to the ground…and had 4 legs, thank
god. Wondering what would be more frightening: a hot air balloon flight or a camel ride (on
a living thing), we finally arrived at our destination, a lot closer to Marrakesh. My camel was
called Daisy – quite contrary to her mannerisms! We all had a complete laugh bumping up
and down on the camel’s backs whilst they strutted their stuff across the terrain! Although
the camels were extremely well behaved, some of the passengers were quite scared, as this ‘machine’ seemed to have its own mind, although there was absolutely no need to fear.

There’s something rather entertaining about the concept of surrendering your livelihood to
a camel that you’ve just met, it merely adds to the fun and excitement! By the time that we
had to leave, some of us grew quite fond of our camels, realising that after all, they really
are quite good natured ‘beasts’. I ‘kissed’ Daisy good-bye and before we knew it, some of us
had already burnt, as the sun was extremely hot by mid-day – so we advise taking some
factor 50 if you wish to live through this experience unscathed! After all, we really would
recommend a trip like this – it was an adventure of a life time and definitely one to tick off
the bucket list!

So, whilst on extended lockdown, we hope you’re all staying sane and safe through these
unprecedented times. TA-DAH.TV wish you all the best, good health and keep supporting
each other! But above all: start planning your next adventure or holiday trip now, so you’ve
got something to look forward to, once lockdown is over…have fun!

Where To Stay

OMG – what a wicked year it’s been for TA-DAH.TV! On the road literally non-stop, we’ve partied & danced the days and nights away in Spain, the UK and Morrocco, crossed the seas to rave about fashion in Ibiza and its design talent lasting decades, whilst also reporting about hot and happening artists, from pop art to street art. We prayed to God when paragliding from snowy slopes in Switzerland, and prayed some more when Hot-air ballooning at 6am in the morning outside Marrakesh. We joined in some crazy fun on a street parade in Germany and watched precious wildlife in the Strait of Gibraltar, hanging out with dolphins and whales – an utterly awesome experience! Closing 2019 for Christmas in London, what more can you ask for when sampling Xmas delights in world-famous Leicester Square and Southbank, with its monumental buildings and impressive views from the Thames. Watch the video now to relive a great selection of last year’s highlights, hopefully whetting your appetite for more wanderlust and foreign adventures to come on TA-DAH.TV

TA-DAH.TV’s Best Moments of 2019

Wowiee! What an amazing year 2019 was! Ranging from whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar to paragliding across the sublime Swiss Alps, TA-DAH.TV has had the pleasure of covering a fantastic and vast array of events this past year. Spanning different walks of life, we covered all the channel’s categories that are: MUSIC; FASHION; LIFESTYLE; ART & CULTURE. Let’s have a look at just a few of TA-DAH.TV’s highlights from 2019!

Music

• TA-DAH.TV met Alfie and Billy Goffey, a pair of cousins from Bristol. Mixing sounds of disco, punk, acid and house, the new kids on the block have a good laugh with us! We talked about everything from mayo in the fridge to touring with Fatboy Slim!
• We jetted down south for the end of the summer sun at The Oasis Festival in Marrakesh. As one of our favourite festivals in the whole world, we had an amazing time dancing to the best music with the most amazing views! We also bumped into the extremely talented DJs Optimo and Seth Troxler!
• As lovers of house music, in September we indulged in Cuttin’ Headz’s day rave at Tobacco Dock! A day revolving around two-stepping and stomping beats, we had the time of our lives feeling the music with DJs Jody Barr and Cassy in the ‘Last Night on Earth’ DJ booth!

Fashion

• An iconic designer whose talent wanted women to feel free with what they’re wearing and helped shape the world of fashion today, Mary Quant was honoured with her first major retrospective fashion exhibition at the world-famous V&A museum in London in 2019. Paying homage to the late icon, a range of her unique fashion pieces were on show for all spectators to admire. What an inspiration she is!
• We travelled to Ibiza to check out the amazing Piluca Bayarri’s latest AW19 collection! As one of the most important names in Ibiza style fashion, we absolutely loved her originally designed skull jackets – which at the time fitted perfectly with Halloween! With camouflage prints and tie-die denim, wear her latest range to events, festivals or going clubbing, and you will surely stand out from the crowd – bang!
• Another highlight last year was TA-DAH.TV visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the famous gardens he created surrounding his house, when he lived there. Seeing his famous collections displayed so stunningly was awe-inspiring! Spanning his lifetime’s work from Haute-Couture to Ready-To-Wear, as well as accessories and many other aspects of his creative career, this is an unforgettable exhibition and a must-see for any fashionista. The sketches he created for dressing dancers in famous shows at the Moulin Rouge, as well as actors, in Paris during the 50s and 60s is utterly unique and hugely enjoyable and priceless.

Art & Culture

• We had a fantastic interview with the famous Spanish pop art artist Javier Melus – his art blends kitsch and current cultural movements into paintings, that will cheer you up any day of the week. His works are collected all over Europe and in the States as well, we just loved his stuff.
• Easily considered as one of the most influential artists ever, Banksy’s identity still remains a mystery to us all. That being said, his artwork is far from a mystery! We had the pleasure in 2019 of visiting Banksy’s ultra-cool ‘Art of Protest’ exhibition in Málaga. The exhibition displayed some of his most famous pieces and it was a real treat to see them displayed in their original form! The brilliantly layed-out exhibition at La Térmica, and old hospital, busted all expected attendance figures, so it was great to the universal appeal of the Bristolian, who wants to change the world.
• We ended the year in fantastic fashion! Through venturing into London’s Leicester Square and Southbank Christmas Markets, we were spoilt by the plethora of beautiful festive decorations and lights on show. Not only that, but we met up with the amazing Duchess of Candles too!

Lifestyle

• We were well and truly blessed to travel to the beautiful Gibraltar and watch in fascination as dolphins and whales graced the waters. Such beautiful creatures, this trip was perfect for any admirer of natural beauty. This should undoubtedly be on everyone’s bucket list!
• As the second most streamed Spanish artist, Juan Magan was at the opening of Opium Beach Club’s summer season in Marbella – and so were we! The list of amazing DJs and cocktails were only a couple of the reasons why this night was one to be remembered by all!
• We braved the ridiculously low temperatures in Iceland to go husky sledding – and boy was it worth it!! The huskies were as keen as we were to get out on the snow. Watching them joyfully glide across the landscape was a truly beautiful sight and experience!

To look back on the rest of this year’s highlights, visit TA-DAH.TV.

Dolphin and Whale Watching in the Strait of Gibraltar: A Marine Adventure Like No Other

We loved shooting this video: the sheer life force and physical power of the dolphins and the grace and presence of the whales was a sight to behold! Many people were so taken by the sight of these mammals in the wild, that the energy on the boat was one of sheer delight and happiness. Definitely a bucket-list thing to do, we can’t recommend this incredible experience highly enough. The work that firmm (Foundation for Information of Marine Mammals) does is incredible too, and so is their charismatic founder, Katharina Heyer from Switzerland. Looking for a present for someone special, whether it’s Christmas, birthdays or any special occasion really? Adopt a mammal in the Strait of Gibraltar, is what we say, and be part of this wonderful undertaking of protecting these special animals in the wild! Watch the video now to convince yourself…

The Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, is one of the most extraordinary marine environments in the world.

Known for its rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes, this narrow waterway is a gateway to unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts.

Dolphin and whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar is not just an activity—it’s a chance to witness the wonders of the ocean in one of its most dynamic and picturesque settings.

So we sent Claudia Peifer there to see if she could spot some wonders of the deep – it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it. Before we get into that though, what makes these waters so rich with marine wonders?

Why the Strait of Gibraltar is a Marine Paradise

The Strait of Gibraltar is more than just a geographical marvel. With waters teeming with life, it serves as a natural corridor for marine species.

Migratory routes, abundant food supplies, and a confluence of ecosystems create the perfect conditions for observing marine mammals.

Here, you can spot resident species like the playful bottlenose dolphins and majestic pilot whales alongside migratory giants like orcas and sperm whales.

What makes this location truly special is its accessibility. Within minutes of setting sail, you’re likely to encounter pods of dolphins leaping through the waves or a whale gracefully surfacing, its sheer size leaving you in awe.

The dramatic backdrop of the Rock of Gibraltar, the Spanish coastline, and the hazy outlines of Morocco on the horizon only adds to the magic – and reminds us of that time we went hot air ballooning over Marrakesh and exploring the iconic Jardin Majorelle.

What You Can Expect: The Stars of the Show

Dolphin and whale watching tours in the Strait of Gibraltar offer an array of species sightings, each with its unique charm:

• Common Dolphin: Known for their speed and acrobatics, these dolphins often approach boats, riding the bow waves with infectious energy.
• Bottlenose Dolphin: The stars of marine wildlife documentaries, these dolphins are larger and more curious, often lingering near boats.
• Striped Dolphin: A seasonal visitor, recognised by its striking black and white stripes, they add to the visual spectacle.
• Pilot Whale: Although technically a large dolphin, pilot whales are more laid-back. They’re often seen basking on the surface or traveling in close-knit pods.

If you’re lucky, or time your trip right, you may also encounter some rarer migratory species like orcas or sperm whales.

The Experience: Setting Sail into the Blue

A typical dolphin and whale watching excursion begins with boarding a small, eco-friendly vessel at the bustling marina.

The air is filled with anticipation as the boat sets off, and within moments, the Rock of Gibraltar fades into the distance, replaced by open waters and a sense of adventure.

Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into marine life, sharing stories about their behaviours, habitats, and the challenges they face. The moment a dorsal fin breaks the surface, the excitement on board becomes palpable. Cameras click, children squeal, and even the most seasoned travelers are captivated by the beauty and grace of these marine mammals.

For the more eco-conscious traveller, tours often collaborate with organisations like Firmm (Foundation for Information of Marine Mammals). Their dedication to conservation ensures that these encounters are both educational and sustainable, preserving the natural environment for generations to come.

Why Conservation Matters: Be a Part of the Solution

The Strait of Gibraltar’s vibrant ecosystem faces challenges from shipping traffic, climate change and overfishing.

Supporting eco-tourism initiatives like dolphin and whale watching plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. By joining tours aligned with marine protection policies, you contribute to preserving this marine haven.

Looking for a meaningful gift? Adopt a dolphin or whale through programs offered by organisations like firmm. Your support directly aids research, education, and the protection of these incredible creatures.

Practical Tips for Your Dolphin and Whale Watching Adventure

Before you get your passport, here are some top tips for planning your adventure.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June to September) are ideal for spotting both resident and migratory species.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a good camera. Don’t forget a light jacket—it can get breezy on the water.
• Accessibility: Tours are suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family-friendly activity.
• Eco-Friendly Choices: Choose operators that prioritise sustainable practices, ensuring minimal impact on marine life.

But there’s more to do in Gibraltar than simply spotting majestic marine life. There’s a whole lotta fun to be had back on terra firma too!

Beyond the Waves: Exploring Gibraltar

While dolphin and whale watching might be the highlight of your trip, Gibraltar offers plenty of other attractions:

• Visit the famous Apes’ Den to meet the cheeky Barbary macaques.
• Explore the stunning St. Michael’s Cave, a geological wonder filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Take in panoramic views from the Top of the Rock, a vantage point that showcases the beauty of this unique region.
• Why not time your trip around Gibraltar’s National Day (10th September) and experience the awesome beats at Gibraltar Calling Music Festival too.

Dive Into the Magic of Adventure with Our Dedicated Travel Channel

Dolphin and whale watching in the Strait of Gibraltar is more than an excursion; it’s an encounter with nature’s majesty that leaves you inspired and humbled.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, the experience of witnessing these marine mammals in their natural habitat is nothing short of transformative.

Want to hear about more awesome adventures like this? Then you need our Travel Channel in your life!