How to be a Sevillano in 5 Easy Steps

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Hey there future Sevillano wannabees! If you’ve read my other posts, then you know I’ve already got you covered with things to do and see in Seville, and I can also help you find the best things to eat to satisfy any craving.

That means you’re ALMOST all set for your trip to Seville. As someone who spent months living in this sunny city, I’ll give you my best tips for how to fit in like a local so you don’t just talk the talk, but you walk the walk, too.

With these 5 easy steps, you’ll be a Sevillano in no time! Or at least you can fake it ’til you make it.

1. Get with the Times!

Spain is 6 hours ahead from where I live (Easter time), so it was difficult getting used to such a big time difference from everyone back home. Speaking of time, all the clocks in Spain are set to military time, so you need to learn what it means when you’re meeting a local for lunch at 15:30.

The eating schedule is also very different in Seville. Breakfast is very light, maybe just coffee and a piece of toast. Then, there’s often a second breakfast about an hour later – for many people, this might just be a cigarette! Lunch is typically much later than what we’re used to. My host family ate lunch at 3:30, which means I ate lunch at 3:30, even though I was on the brink of starvation by 1! They also don’t eat dinner until 9 or 10 at night, which always felt super late.

And if you’re looking to hit up the local bars and clubs, don’t even think about going out before midnight! Most places like bars and discotecas don’t hit their peak until about 2:30 in the morning. Now I’ve always been a firm believer that the early bird gets the worm, but when I was living in Seville I had to become a night owl.

Another thing to get familiar with is the siesta. From about 2-5 in the afternoon many places, especially the smaller family-owned businesses, close for a few hours so they can rest or eat lunch with their families.

2. Sevillanos don’t drink sangria

THIS SHOCKED ME. Finding out Spaniards don’t really drink sangria made me question everything I’ve ever known. Believe it or not, sangria is really just a drink for the tourists! *GASP!* Instead, the locals opt for a similar drink called pinto de Verano. I can definitely see why because I think it’s better! So if you want to blend in and drink like a Sevillano, skip the sangria.

3. What NOT to wear

Nothing says: “Hi, I’m from America” like flip flops, sweatpants, and university clothes – especially any Greek life apparel. One day I wore all of this just to run errands across the street for a few minutes. Random men behind me shouted AMERICANO until I looked, and they proceeded to just shout “OBAMA” at me… That embarrassment could’ve been avoided if only I’d dressed like a Sevillano!

Also, athletic apparel and sneakers are practically nonexistent unless going to the gym or for a run. They always opt for fashion over comfort here.

Overall, people in Seville dress nice, and their fashion choices are a lot bolder than what we typically see in the U.S. They aren’t afraid to mix patterns or bold color choices, so this is the time to experiment with ensembles that you might’ve been too afraid to wear back in the States!

4. The Best Things Come in Small Packages…Right?

In Spain, there is NO personal space. They are known for kissing people they just met, so really, what did I expect? EVERYTHING is smaller – the streets, cars elevators, even the food! Coffee is much stronger so it’s served in very tiny portions (think shot glass size), and one of the most popular things to eat here is tapas which – you guessed it – is very small portions of food. There’s even a popular chain restaurant called Cien Montaditos which means 100 tiny sandwiches. As for the tapas, you’re supposed to order a bunch of different ones and share them all amongst your group – like appetizers. For a great guided walking tour of the city’s best tapas, try a food tour! They’ll show you exactly what and where a true Sevillano likes to eat.

When in Seville, leave your personal bubble at home, and get comfortable with being a little uncomfortable. Strangers will kiss you on the cheek, and people will stand extremely close when talking to you. Try to embrace it! Otherwise you might come across as rude and definitely as an outsider if you back away when people stand close to you.

5. Habla Español!

Many people in Seville don’t speak English, so even just knowing some basic phrases in Spanish will make your life MUCH easier. Those who do speak English will often take one look at foreigners, especially blonde-haired chicas like me, and immediately speak to us in English. Surprise them with Spanish! Making the effort goes a long way, and people are more willing to help you when you make an effort to assimilate to their culture by speaking in their native tongue. Plus, it’s such a great feeling to see the wonderstruck look on their faces when you catch them off guard with their own language!