In terms of the general feeling towards the gay scene in the city there is a relaxed enough feel to the bars and clubs to welcome any gay or lesbian tourist. The area around Alameda de Hércules has a lively and chilled-out vibe, not so buzzing in the summer months though, but always up for a laugh.

Gay Bars in Seville

Before we go any further then it’s worth listing a few of the openly gay bars in Seville.

• El Barón Rampante, C. Arias Montano 3 – this is technically a gay bar but there’s always quite a mixture of people hanging out here as it’s a cool spot.

• El Bosque Animado, C. Arias Montano 5,

• El Hombre y el Oso, C. Amor de Dios 32 – this one is one of the oldest in the city and has a thing for teddy bears.

• El Paseo, Paseo Cristóbal Colón 2.

• Isbiliyya, Paseo Cristóbal Colón 2 – one of the hottest places on the whole gay-scene. It’s always packed and spills out on to the street with drinking and party-goers. When the music starts up you’ll know about it. A great place for a hot and sweaty night.

• Noveccento, C. Julio César 10,

• Men to Men, C. Trajano 38 – a more in your face type of places with a very wide cliental and some rather secret little hideways where you never quite know what’s going on.

Seville Gay Pride

Topping the bill for the gay scene in Seville has to be the annual Gay Pride on the 28th June each year. Like many others gay prides, Seville doesn’t fall short of the mark when it comes to all out exciting celebrations and partying. Organized by the Lesbian Gay Platform of Seville, called Somos, the day consists of a variety of events, from film screenings, to conferences. But a gay pride wouldn’t be complete without a procession of some kind and Seville doesn’t fall short, even though it’s not been running for very long at all. Kicking off at the Plaza Neuva, the procession makes its way through the city via Los Remedios before finally coming to a halt where the annual Seville Fair (Feria de Abril) is hosted.

Top 3 Seville Hotels Booked by Gay Travelers on Venere.com

• Hotel Rey Alfonso X – 4-star hotel in downtown Seville – Double starting from €64
• Casa Romana Hotel – Boutique hotel in Seville city center – Double starting from €107
• Hotel Vincci La Rábida – 4-star hotel in El Arenal, Seville – Double starting from €64

Photo of Flamenco dancer in Seville, Spain, by Ruth L

Unlike the oranges you and I might find in our local supermarket, an orange from Seville is a Bitter Orange, which comes from the Citrus Aurantium tree. The tree is originally a native of Vietnam but which has now spread its seed throughout many other warm and sometimes wet climates. Also known as the Bigarade, the Seville Orange has skin almost like a rhino. It’s thick and it’s got pimples and because of the much higher level of pectin, which is the cell-wall, it is perfect for use in preserve-making such as jams and marmalades. The strengths of the peel make the preserve set much better and, because of the highly concentrated sharp taste, a Seville orange is also great when making flavoured alcoholic liqueurs.

The flowers of the plant also have a great use and made into orange flower water and the oils too are compressed into neroli oil, which is a great tool for aromatherapy and massage. Another rather strange use for the plant is in the world of weight-loss medicine. An extract of the peel is great for suppressing hunger and for many years, especially in China, it has acted in this medical way.

One of the even more interesting uses for the orange ties in very nicely with the Sevillanos’ love of seafood. Ceviche is a citrus-marinated seafood sauce made from the citric acid juice of the orange (and sometimes lemons and limes too). Popular in Latin America, especially in Mexico and Peru, it has become one of the signature dishes in the former Spanish colonies. It remarkably manages to denature the proteins in the seafood and, after about three or four hours, actually cooks the food without a single flame being lit. Not too far away from pickling or other types of preserving, it’s another example of just how flexible and useful every single part of this orange is.

One of the stranger lovers of Seville oranges is the Scottish town of Dundee. Not only famous for its fruitcake, the town also enjoys hundreds of years history with marmalade and it has the Seville orange to thank for it success. Since the 18th Century the likes of the Keiller have been importing the oranges and making it one of the token tastes of Scotland.

Photo of Seville oranges originally posted by alasam

Suffice it to say, Seville is southern Spain’s artistic, cultural, and financial hub (or capital). With nearly 700,000 residents and a metropolitan population of nearly 1.5 million, Seville is considered the 4th largest metro area in Spain. Consequently, it is a family-favorite destination when it comes to the tourist industry throughout Europe.

Seville is considered to be one of the most romantic travel destinations in Europe, and is packed full of culture, history, and life in general. Steeped in history and full of very colorful districts such as La Macarena and Triana, Seville is almost magical at times. It is interesting to note that Seville has made some rather significant improvements in their tourism industry, especially where family attractions and events are concerned. Here are a few suggestions for kid-friendly destinations to visit while touring Seville.

1. The University of Seville

Though it once housed Seville’s largest tobacco factory, it was the inspiration for Carmen – Bizet’s most famous opera. Dating back to the 15th century, it holds a tremendous of culture and history within its marbled walls.

2. La Torre de Don Fadrique

An observation deck and tower named after Fadrique Alfonso of Castile. Kids and parents alike always enjoy spending time in the tower and taking in the surrounding panorama and landscape that the observation deck affords visitors to the famous site.

3. Reales Alcazares y Jardines

This complex of historic buildings dates back to the Moorish occupation of Spain. The beautifully landscaped grounds and lush gardens make this a must-see destination for adults and children alike.

4. Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija

Probably the most fascinating museum in the entire region as it depicts what life was like during the Roman occupation of Spain. Mosaics and other collectibles were brought here by The Condesa de Lebrija from her visits to the Italica, a Roman art hub.

5. Parque Nacional Donana

The beautiful tree collection growing on the park’s grounds offers a welcome cooling off spot from the Spanish afternoon sun. This is definitely one of the more spectacularly landscaped areas in the city.

6. Plaza Nueva

This is a popular historical landmark and point of interest that you are sure to pass through if you are spending any time walking around Seville. It is located not far from the end of the Avenida de la Constitucion (Constitution Avenue).

7. Archivo General de Indias

An archive which contains some of the most significant historical records of Spain’s colonization in North and South America. It is also known for its display of artifacts and information surrounding Christopher Columbus’ life.

Photo of Plaza Nueva in Sevilla, Spain,  originally posted by Nesta Vazquez

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