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For other places with the same name, see Seville (disambiguation).
View of the Gothic cathedral and the Moorish bell-tower La Giralda

Seville (Spanish: Sevilla) is the capital of Andalucia and the cultural and financial centre of southern Spain. A city of just over 700,000 inhabitants (1.6 million in the metropolitan area, making it Spain's 4th largest city), Seville is Andalucia's top destination, with much to offer the traveler.

Understand

The city is situated on the banks of the smooth, slow Guadalquivir River, which divides the city into two halves. The Guadalquivir (known as Betis by the Romans and as Betik Wahd-Al-Khabir by the Arabs) has had a major impact in the history of the city. The location of Seville is roughly coincident with the point where the Guadalquivir stops being useful for navigation. It is at this point that the cereal producing region of the Guadalquivir Valley starts, and Seville has acted as a seaport for commerce of agricultural goods produced further west. Intense trade existed in the area from Roman times, continued under Muslim rule, and exploded as Seville monopolized the new trade with the Americas. As the monopoly was broken and Cádiz largely took Seville's place, the city entered a period of relative decline.

In the 19th century Seville gained a reputation for its architecture and culture and was a stop along the Romantic "Grand Tour" of Europe. Seville has built on its tourism industry since, playing host to the International Exposition in 1992, which spurred the construction of a new airport, a new train station, a bullet train link to Madrid, new bridges and improvements to the main boulevards. Tourist facilities are top-notch and the city is buzzing with festivals, color and a thriving nightlife scene.

Get in

Map
37°23′3″N 5°59′24″W
Map of Seville

By plane

Sevilla International Airport (SVQ  IATA) is located about 25 minutes drive from the city center.

A bus service "Especial Aeropuerto (EA)" runs about every 30 minutes from just outside the "Arrivals" hall during most of the day (though with longer gaps from 13:00-16:00) and costs €4.00. Taxis are always available next to the bus stop and run on a fixed fare to Seville center, €22 during the day and €25 after 22:00 and on weekends/holidays. Much controversy has been stirred by some taxi drivers trying to overcharge tourists, so be careful to pay no more than this if you are traveling into the city. Other destinations outside Seville obviously cost more and are metered. Tips are not necessary, though €1-2 for polite, helpful service is appreciated. You might also want to be aware of the fact that speed limits seem to be considered as kind of minimum speed by most taxi drivers...

La Parra International Airport (XRY IATA) in located 10 km from Jerez de la Frontera, in the way to Seville.

Used by discount airlines such as Ryanair (from Frankfurt-Hahn London-Stansted).

Please Note that Ryanair also flies to Sevilla International airport, from more destinations than Jerez.

By train

  • 1 Sevilla Santa Justa Station, Avenida Kansas City, ☏ +34 902 432 343. M-F 04:30-00:30, Sa Su and holidays 05:15-00:30. On the eastern edge of Seville city centre. Completed in 1991, the station is the southern terminus of the Spanish high speed AVE train service. Has luggage lockers, cafés, and a tourist information centre. 

High-speed AVE trains are great if time is of the essence, less than an hour from the wonderful city of Córdoba, less than three hours run from Madrid to Seville. However, slower RENFE trains remain a bargain, and there is an overnight train that runs from Barcelona to Seville in under 11 hours.

Santa Justa also serves many of the principal stations in Andalucia, including 'Media Distancia' trains to Cadiz, Jaén, and Malaga.

By car

Driving is also always an option for long distance travel in Spain, but isn't as convenient or as useful once in town.

By bus

Puerta de la Macarena, with Basilica de la Macarena to its right

The Spanish bus service is amazingly punctual and comfortable with most having air-con and a toilet. Believe it or not, to get to Seville from other cities in Spain it can sometimes be only minimally longer than train (but much cheaper). Check out your options first with the helpful Information desk you will find inside any terminal. The buses run regularly to/from most major cities, departing either from the 2 Plaza de Armas bus station near the river, or the 3 Prado de San Sebastián bus station near the University/Santa Cruz. Sometime queue for buying ticket from the ticket office on a busy day might take up to 20 minutes or more.

El Rocio - Sevilla 10:15 Mon-Fri/10:45 Sat/15:15 daily/18:15 daily Sevilla - El Rocio 8:00 Sat/8:15 Sun/9:30 Mon-Fri/11:00 Weekend/15:00 Daily/17:00 Mon-Fri one way is about 1hr 45 min cost around 5.58€

Alicante - Sevilla Daily at 0:00 Sevilla - Alicante Daily at 22:00 one way is about 10 hrs 30 min cost around 50.67€

Cordoba - Sevilla Daily at 5:15/8:35/11:00/11:45/16:30/18:45/20:00 Sevilla - Cordoba Daily at 8:00/9:00/13:45/15:00/16:15/18:30/22:01 one way take 2 hrs, cost around 10.63€

Granada - Sevilla Daily at 3:00/7:00/8:00/12:00/14:00/15:30/16:30/20:30 Sevilla - Granada Daily at 7:45/9:30/11:15/12:00/16:00/17:15/20:00/23:00 one way takes 3 hrs, cost around 20-26€

Malaga- Sevilla Daily at 12:00/15:00/17:30/18:00/20:30 also 9:00 Mon-Fri/9:15 weekend and holiday Sevilla - Malaga Daily at 7:00/8:00/12:00/15:00/18:00/20:30 one way takes 2 hrs 45min, cost around 16.34€

Get around

Sevici bicycles
Horse drawn carriage sightseeing in Seville

Sevilla has a great public transportation system.

Metro follows a 18 km reverse U from the south-west to the south-east through the southern end of the city centre where it stops at Plaza de Cuba, Prado de San Sebastian and San Bernardo. Tickets are €1.30 for a single zone or €4.50 for all 3 zones unlimited trips, and the metro runs from 6.30AM-11PM on weekdays, and late departures are available on Fridays and Saturdays until 2 o'clock. However, note that no stops are in old town (where every main tourist site is located), and few even near it. Thus meaning it's possible a tourist, may not find use for the metro at all.

Buses run frequently and cover the majority of the city in their routes. You can purchase bus cards at many news stands. Trips cost 60c or 70c, and it costs €1.50 to buy a refillable bus card (which can be topped up at many newsstands).

Tram system is currently being incorporated into Sevilla's local transportation and is running from the San Bernardo Train Station to the Plaza Nueva but is expanding North and West into Triana.

Sevici bikes. Seville has a new system of automated bike rentals with stations all over town. You pay €10 for the week, and can use any bike that's available. You drop it off at the station nearest to where you're going. Once you're registered, trips of 30 minutes or less are free. If you go over 30 minutes, it's €1 for the 1st hour, €2 for each additional hour. Seville is in the process of building many bike paths, one pleasant route covers most of the East bank of the river.

Scooters are available for rent for €30 for the day and €120 for the week. These are a cost efficient way of getting around and a drivers license is not necessary.

Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city. Many offer decent rates, but tourists should beware of the possibility of a crooked cabbie.

Walking. This may be the best, general option for most reasonably fit tourists - though Seville itself is fairly large, the older core - where the vast majority of tourists spend their entire stay, is not. Further, while walking from one place to another you will be surprised by the number of beautiful churches, charming cafes and pretty squares that are hiding in the streets of Seville, and arguably make up part of the experience itself.

Other ways of getting around

  • Cruises, an hour in duration, leave from beneath the Torre de Oro and travel a circuit on the Guadalquivir river.
  • Horse drawn carriage rides found near the cathedral take you to the nearby park and other sites of interest. For the sake of the animals, try to avoid / discourage the use of carriage rides in the heat of the day in summer.

See

Torre de la Plata, built by the Almohads c. 1220

Visitors to Seville should consider purchasing a Sevilla Card, designed to aid city exploration and conserve precious travel funds. The card includes free admission to most Seville museums and monuments, unlimited use of public transportation (TUSSAM Buslines, NB: only for Cards with Public Transport), a guided visit of the Real Alcazar of Seville, unlimited use of sightseeing buses, boat rides on the Guadalquivir River and admission to the Isla Mágica Theme Park. The card also allows access to significant discounts in shops, restaurants, shows and leisure centres for adults and children. The Sevilla card is accompanied by a guide and city map. However, please note that Sevilla Card cannot be used for trams and buses.

The Sevilla card comes in three denominations of 1, 2 or 3 days’ duration in blocks of 24 hours from the time of first activation when inserted into the electronic validation terminal of the suppliers associated with the Sevilla Card Programme (be careful not to activate too soon).

Prices: 1 day €50 (with transport €53), 2 days €60 (with transport €66), 3 days €65 (with transport €72). The 2 and 3 day options attract a discount of €3 per card when purchased on the website.

The Sevilla Card can be purchased by the following means: Online [1]; by telephone +34 91 600 21 21 / 902 088 908; and, once in Seville, at tourism offices, the airport, the train station, travel agencies and through national and international tour operators (check the website for addresses).

A less expensive version, the Sevilla card Cultura is valid only for museums. (1 day €28, 2 days €32, 3 days €36). - 5% if purchased online.

If you are simply interested in using the local buses [2], you can get either pay the €1.40 single fare price or you can purchase a bonobus, a 10 trip travel card. Bonobuses are found at most kiosks and tabacarias (tobacco shops). Regular times are kept until around 11:30PM, after which night buses run, with different routes, on the hour until 2AM.

Landmarks

Architectural details of the Alcázar
Mudejar Pavilion in the Parque María Luisa
Plaza de España
Metropol Parasol
  • 1 Cathedral of Seville (Catedral de Sevilla), Avenida de la Constitución, ☏ +34 902 09 96 92, . Jul-Aug M 09:30-14:30, Tu-Sa 09:30-14:00, Su 14:30-18:00; Sep-Jun M 11:00-15:30, Tu-Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 14:30-18:00. Once judged the third largest church in the world after Saint Peter's in Rome and Saint Paul's in London, this is now arguably the largest church in the world when compared using the measurement of volume. The fifteenth-century cathedral occupies the site of the former great mosque built in the late twelfth century. The central nave rises to an awesome 37m over a total area of 11,520m². The cathedral is the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus. Buy tickets at the nearby Church of Salvador (Iglesia del Salvador), where you can buy the tickets for Salvador and Cathedral+Giralda. You will save yourself the long queues and visit another amazing church. €8 (adults), €4 (seniors/youth under 25), free (residents). 
    • La Giralda. A large and beautiful minaret tower, originally intended for the chief mosque, but now is the magnificent bell tower of the cathedral and a symbol of Seville. Climb the 34 ramps for a great view of the city. Admission included with entry for cathedral. 
  • 2 Real Alcázar, Plaza del Triunfo (entrance), ☏ +34 954 50 23 24. Apr-Sep daily 09:30-19:00, Oct-Mar daily 09:30-17:00. A beautiful palace in Mudéjar (Moorish) style, built in the XIV Century by Pedro I the Cruel. With its myriad rooms, extravagant architecture, lavish gardens with many courtyards, ponds and secrets to be explored, it is a fascinating place to visit. Be sure to check out the room where Christopher Columbus's journey to the Americas were planned. You can see his coat of arms embroidered on the wall along with many other royals. In the heat of summer it offers a cool retreat from the suns glare and can quite easily keep you occupied for a few centuries, if not all of your life. During high season it is advisable to make reservations in advance; tickets can be purchased online. €9.50 (adults), €2 (seniors/students 17-25), free (disabled/residents/children under 16). 
    • Royal Apartments (Palacio Real Alto). Tours daily every half-hour from 10:00-13:30. Still used by the royal family on official visits and open to tours when not in use. €4.50. 
  • The Jewish Quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz) is located around the Cathedral. It is filled with small winding streets and is generally regarded as the most charming part of the city, but it is also fairly touristy.
  • 3 Hospital de los Venerables (Diego Velázquez Research Centre), Plaza de los Venerables 8 (in the Barrio Santa Cruz), ☏ +34 95 456 26 96, fax: +34 95 456 45 95, . M-F 10:00-14:00, 16:00-20:00. A 17th century retirement home and hospital for aged and sickly retired priests, recently restored by the Fundación to preserve an example of Andalusian architecture at its very best. Includes a resplendent Baroque chapel which is highly recommended, as well as the Santa Rufina painted by Diego Velázquez. €4.75 with audio guide. 
  • 4 Torre de Oro (The Golden Tower), Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, ☏ +34 954 22 24 19. M-F 09:30-18:45, Sa Su 10:30-18:45; holidays closed. A thirteenth-century tower, the top of which is rumored to have once been covered in gold. It now houses the local maritime museum. €3 (adults), €1.50 (seniors/students/children 6-14), free (children under 6); €2 for audioguide. 
  • 5 Parque María Luisa (near the Plaza de España). Built for the 1929 Iber-Americano World's Fair and now landscaped with attractive monuments and museums. 
  • 6 Plaza de España. The site of the Spanish pavilion from the 1929 exhibition. In more recent years it was used in the filming of the new Star Wars episodes. It is somewhat in need of repair. Visit it early in the morning on a weekday to see a long line of immigrants outside one of the government offices it now houses, or visit it right before it closes (officially at 22:00 but likely half an hour later) to see it completely empty and rather eerie.. 
  • 7 Antigua Fábrica de Tabacos (Universidad de Sevilla), Calle San Fernando, 4, ☏ +34 954 55 10 00. During term time only: M-F 10:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. The main building of the University of Seville was once the Tobacco Factory of Seville, and was constructed between 1728 and 1771 by Sebastián Van der Bocht. Over the main entrance, the triangular façade ends in a statue of La Fama (fame). The tobacco factory was then the largest industrial building in Spain. A monopoly assured high income, which is reflected in the factory's architecture and surrounding Gardens. Its chapel and prison complement the main building. In the interior you find impressive stairways, fountains and Patios. It was the setting for the first act of Bizet's opera Carmen. In 1953 the factory was converted into the main building of Seville University. Just behind the tobacco factory, the María Luisa Park borders the historic center of Seville to the south. Free. 
  • 8 Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija (Palace of the Countess of Lebrija), Calle Cuna, 8, ☏ +34 954 22 78 02, fax: +34 954 50 10 29. M-F 10:30-19:30 (Jul/Aug 09:00-15:00), Sa 10:00-19:00 (Jul/Aug 10:00-14:00), Su 10:00-14:00 (Jul-Aug closed). The palace is considered the 'best paved house-palace in Europe' owing to its collection of Roman mosaics, which paved practically the whole of the ground floor. There is also a collection of well parapets, vases, amphora, columns and sculptures of incalculable worth. On the upper floor you can visit the residences previously inhabited by the Countess and her descendants, up to only a few years ago; extremely well-preserved, they are today filled with ornaments and furniture from all over the world, priceless artwork by Van Dyke, Bruegel, Alonso Cano, among others, as well as collections of porcelain and glass. €5 (ground floor only), €8 (both floors). 
  • 10 Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop's Palace), Plaza Virgen de los Reyes. Located in the historical section of the city and is home to various clergy and the Archbishop. On the outside you only can catch a glimpse of the patio but on the inside there are important works of art. Free. 
  • 11 Archivo General de Indias (General Archive of the Indies), Avenida de la Constitución, 3, ☏ +34 954 50 05 28. 16 Sep – 15 Jun: M-F 08:00-15:00; 16 Jun – 15 Sep: M-F 08:00-14:30. This Renaissance building houses extensive archives relating to the Spanish conquest of the Americas, and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in the collection are the diaries of Columbus. The archive hosts rotating special exhibits. Free. 
  • 12 Metropol Parasol, Plaza de la Encarnación (bus 27/32, metro T1), ☏ +34 606 63 52 14. Su-Th 10:30-24:00, F Sa 10:30-01:00. A enormous wooden structure designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann, inspired by the Cathedral of Seville and in the form of giant mushrooms. Known to locals as 'las setas' (the mushrooms), the structure covers the Central Market and the Antiquarium; the top level contains a restaurant and provides some of the best views of Seville. €3, free (children under 12/disabled/Seville residents). 

Museums and Galleries

Museo de Bellas Artes
  • 13 Museo de Bellas Artes, Plaza del Museo, 9, ☏ +34 955 542 942, fax: +34 955 542 148, . 16 Sep – 31 May: T-Sa 10:00-20:30, Su and holidays 10:00-17:00; 1 Jun – 15 Sep: T-Sa 09:00-15:30, Su and holidays 10:00-17:00. Considered by some as the second most important fine arts museum in Spain after the Prado in Madrid. The museum building is a former mercy convent renewed in the 17th century and the fifteen exhibition rooms show a comprehensive picture of Sevillian art from the Gothic period to the early trends of the 20th century. The square just outside hosts an open-air art market on Sundays until around 13:30. Plenty of original paintings on local topics, although some not so interesting bits as well! €1.50; free for EU citizens. 
  • 14 Museo de Carruajes, Plaza de Cuba, 10, ☏ +34 954 27 26 04, fax: +34 954 27 29 95, . 1 Sep – 15 Jun: M-Th 09:00-14:00 17:00-19:30, F 09:00-14:00; 16 Jun – 31 Aug: M-F 09:00-14:00. A small museum with carriages of various kinds. €3.60 (adults), €2.60 (children/students/seniors), free (EU citizens); free admission on Tuesdays. 
  • 15 Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla (Seville Archeology Museum), Plaza de América, ☏ +34 955 12 06 32, fax: +34 955 12 05 89, . 16 Sep – 31 May: Tu-Sa 10:00-20:30, Su and holidays 10:00-17:00; 1 Jun – 15 Sep: Tu-Sa 09:00-15:30, Su and holidays 10:00-17:00. It has one of the best collection of Roman-era artifacts in Spain, brought from nearby Italica. €1.50; free for EU citizens. 
  • 16 Museo Antiquarium, Plaza de la Encarnación (underground level of the Metropol Parasol), ☏ +34 955 471 581. Daily 11:00-14:00, 15:00-20:00. A museum with excavated Roman and Moorish remains, discovered during construction of the Metropol Parasol. €2. 

Do

Flamenco performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco
Semana Santa
Feria de Abril
Bull fight at the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza

Flamenco

Flamenco is very popular at the moment in Spain and is not just for tourists; however finding the right place is hard. The neighbourhood of El Arenal is a place to consider.

  • 1 Museo del Baile Flamenco, Calle de Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3, ☏ +34 954 34 03 11. Daily 10:00-19:00 (museum), performances 19:00-20:00. Offers an experience for all the senses with ambiental music, videos, touch-screens and artifacts to be found in this 18th century building at the heart of the historical Barrio Santa Cruz. On Friday and Saturday evenings a spectacular show is hosted at a discounted price for visitors to the museum. Flamenco art and photography exhibitions are also on display and dance, singing, percussion and guitar lessons are offered. Museum: €10/8/6 (adults/seniors/children); performances: €20/14/12 (adults/seniors/children). 
  • 2 La Casa del Flamenco (Cultural Centre), Calle Ximénez de Enciso, 28, ☏ +34 955 02 99 99. Daily autumn/winter 19:30, spring/summer 21:00. A good spot to see real flamenco. €18. 

Festivals

  • Semana Santa. The sombre Easter week processions feature thousands of people and go on all week, a spectacular display of conspicuous Catholicism. 
  • Feria de Abril. Also known as "Feria de Sevilla" - a release after the somberness of Semana Santa. To say this is a huge party would be an understatement. Most if not all of Seville takes a week's holiday and they plan for the fair months in advance. The fair is close to the river. It covers a huge area and contains hundreds of private and public casetas which are laid out to form streets. Casetas are small marquees and you can only get into the private ones if invited. The public ones are large but just as much fun. The day is naturally split in two and between noon and 8PM the streets of the fair throng with horses as riders and carriages strut their stuff dressed in traditional Spanish robes. After 8PM the streets are cleared and "Calle del Inferno" comes to life. This must be one of the best funfairs in Europe – it takes weeks to assemble and pack up. Experience traditional dress, flamenco dancing (and the "sevillanas", the traditional dance of the region of Seville) , guitars, fino, great tapas and participants who dance with gusto and eat and drink the day and night away. 

Sport and outdoor activities

  • 4 Football (Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium), Calle Sevilla Fútbol Club (next to Plaza Nervion), ☏ +34 902 51 00 11. Sevilla has two football teams, Sevilla FC and Real Betis. At the Sevilla FC stadium you can regularly catch the last 5 minutes of a game for free. 
  • 5 Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza (Bull ring), Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, 12, ☏ +34 954 22 45 77. Nov-Apr 09:30-19:00, May and Oct 09:30-20:00, Jun-Sep 09:30-23:00; on bull fighting days 09:30-15:00. Bullfighting is not a sport for all; those who are either squeamish or have convictions on animal welfare should stay clear, as the event usually concludes with the killing of the bull. Failing that, a visit to the arena and the attached museum of bull-fighting is well worth the time. While it is not the largest, it is considered the most attractive bull arena in Spain due to its history. €7 (adults), €4 (seniors/students), €3 (children 7-11), free (children under 6); free on Mon 15:00-19:00. 
  • Climb to the top of the Cerro de Carambolo for a view of the whole city. The hill is outside of the town but can be reached on the M-170, M-171, and M-173 from the Plaza de Armas bus station.

Learn

Take some Spanish classes to get in touch with the locals.

  • 4 Babylon Idiomas Sevilla, Calle Amor de Dios, 50-52 (Macarena), ☏ +34 95 490 7769. Offers a wide range of affordable and high quality Spanish courses for all levels with experienced native teachers. They also have a combination course for those who want to learn flamenco and Spanish at the same time. The school is located in the old centre in the neighbourhood Macarena, next to the beautiful square Alameda de Hercules. New courses start every Monday. 

Buy

Seville is home to many beautiful artifacts, some of the more popularly known are plates and Spanish tiles. Triana offers many ceramic factories where one can buy various tiles from authentic craftsmen. There are stores that custom design plates and tiles near the cathedral, especially in Calle Sierpes, but across the river in Triana are other worthwhile pottery stores. Depending on the time of year, but especially leading up to Christmas, there are a number of artisan fairs throughout the city.

  • Wander through an open-air market. Vendors in many parts of the city sell on the streets, but on Sunday, when everything else is closed, a few spots really fill up. One market is located behind the Alcampo shopping center at Ronda del Tamarguillo on Avenida de la Paz (Bus lines 30, 36 from Prado de San Sebastian), but it is easily outdone by a large flea market, selling clothes, furniture, trash, books, shoes, CDs, food, tools, and probably everything else just northwest of Triana near Avenida Carlos III (off of the left-hand side of most tourist maps).

Clothing

Seville offers a wide variety of retail clothing, although generally at high prices. The main shopping district is home to all the big international and Spanish clothing lines (such as Zara who has at least 4 separate stores in Seville). The winding streets and alleyways of the Santa Cruz area (around the Cathedral) do a roaring trade in Spanish- and Andalusian-themed T-shirts and inexpensive flamenco dresses for little girls. The Corte Ingles (translated literally to "The English Cut") is a large chain of department stores located throughout Spain selling clothes in the "American style".

  • Toro de Fuego, Hernando Colon, 38 local 3, 954 215 176. An above-average and tasteful T-shirt boutique, offering a large number of variations on the popular "bull of fire" theme. Printing is high quality, the fabric is good quality and proprietor María Gutiérrez is friendly and helpful. T-shirts average €16 for all sizes.
  • Bershka, Popular with the younger generation, Bershka has significant presence due to their clothing line with a distinct urban, or street culture feel.
  • Blanco is particularly popular with young women in Spain and Europe. The trendy and free designs are colorful, comfortable and affordable.
  • El Corte Inglés, The main building in Plaza del Duque has several floors of clothing. The same for the Nervión Plaza location outside the historic center.
  • Massimo Dutti, Men's and women's fashion chain caters to a more modern feel of clothing. The designs are formal but quite trendy and utilize excellent fabrics with urban and cosmopolitan details.
  • Stradivarius, Known for its original, constantly changing fashion, the designs follow the latest trends in clothing and accessories.

Eat

White wine and jamón (ham)

Seville, like most Andalusian destinations, is known for its tapas. "Tapa", while it is associated with certain dishes, is actually a size and many restaurants or bars will offer a tapa, ½ ración (half serving, although sometimes enough to make a meal) and ración (serving) of the same dish. There are many great tapas places around the foot of the cathedral in the center of town. You can't go wrong, simply order one of everything to find your favorite! Some typical tapas include tortilla española (potato omelet), pulpo gallego (Galician octopus), aceitunas (olives), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), and queso manchego (sheep's milk cheese from the nearby La Mancha region). Also be sure to try the jamón (ham), which you often see hanging above the bar. Be aware that most of the restaurants kitchens do not open before 20:30 in the evening. Though usually some easy to prepare meals are available before that time.

A must visit is the oldest tavern El Rinconcillo, where you should definitely have some Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and Salmorejo, while watching the witty bartenders running around and writing your bill on the bar in front of you with, get this, chalk. In Taberna Coloniales you can enjoy delicious solomillo (sirloin steak) which is prepared in various ways for every taste. Some bars near the river, such as Pedalquivir and El Faro de Triana, offer a nice view but aren't as good of a deal in terms of the quality of the food. Another would be El Patio San Eloy (San Eloy 9, Sevilla) where the tapas can be a little hit and miss, but where the cool staggered seating steps, fabulous décor and fruity sangria; provide a wonderful respite from the heat of the day. A good deal can more easily be had at less characteristic places such as Sloppy Joe's Pizza Inn and Papasá. For the most typical and interesting meal, stop at one of the many bars, especially one which doesn't offer English menus (the prices are likely to be lower).

If you're vegetarian, make sure you specify that you eat no fish or tuna as vegetarian only implies no flesh here. A place with a very good selection of vegetarian and vegan foods is Habanita, a quiet open air restaurant in the center of the city.

If you want good tapas, head to La Manzanilla, the food is cheap and delicious. It is located off of Calle de Alphonse.

Another amazing place for tapas is the Taberna Coloniales located in Plaza Cristo de Burgos 19. The place is cozy and has only a few tables. Go there early to put your name on the board to get a table, then head inside for a couple of beers. Portions are large and food is very very good. Nice homemade desserts, too.

  • 1 Bodeguita Romero, Calle Harinas, 10, ☏ +34 954 229 556. T-F 09:00-17:00, 20:00-24:00; Sa 12:00-17:00, 20:00-24:00; Su 12:00-17:00. A classic neighbourhood bodega, very popular with locals and serving excellent tapas. 
  • Trees on the street. Do not eat the oranges from the trees on the street if you are visiting off season. They are extremely sour and have been sprayed to stop the birds from eating them. 

If you would like to purchase your own food, head down to one of the markets close to the center of the city, such as in Plaza Encarnación. El Corte Inglés is a larger more popular department store that you can go to for almost every need.

  • M.A.S and Dia. These are two very popular grocery stores and have everything you need for much less money than El Corte Ingles. Additionally, Dia has its own discount brand on a lot of items. Though they are closed on Sundays (like most everything else in Sevilla) they are located throughout the city and are very easily accessible. 
  • Levies, Calle San José, 15, ☏ +34 954 225 096. L-J de 20:00 a 2:00 / V-D de 20:00 a 3:00. Levies is a set of three restaurants in one small plaza, sharing table space and menus. The original Levies is a tapas restaurant with inexpensive jarras of sangria. The Taberna has a different menu and offers tapas as well as more Mexican-inspired dishes such as burritos and nachos. The third Levies is their wine and drinks bar. 
  • Rodilla. Rodilla is a great place to get lunch, they serve up sandwiches in the form of tapas. They have a large selection of sandwiches, fresh squeezed oj, and great cafe con leche. There are two locations in Seville, one close to the cathedral and the one I prefer is conveniently located just outside of the Barrio Santa Cruz area. Rodilla is inexpensive, and can also be a great option if you a vegetarian. $. 

Drink

The nightlife of Seville is fantastic; no other European city has so many bars per inhabitant than Seville. In summer go to Isla Cartuja and find out why the Spanish night doesn't stop before 7AM. There you can find plenty of open-air discothèques. Other nightlife spots include Calle Betis in Triana, La Alamede de Hércules, and Plaza Alfalfa.

  • There are quite a few teterias in Triana across the river offering teas, shakes and middle eastern pastries in a cozy cushion filled environment.
  • Across from the cathedral sits a coffee shop called Cafe de Indias where you can buy delicious chocolate shakes and coffees. Down the street is a patisserie shop selling chocolate covered palmeras, a wonderful afternoon treat after a long day touring the sites. There are many coffee shops and patisserie shops in Seville, particularly in Calle Asunción in Los Remedios. Café de Indias, Starbucks and other franchises have descended lately on the city and are a good option in an emergency, but you can get a decent coffee in most local bars. For an up-market classic, visit La Campana, at the end of calle Sierpes.
  • Don't miss Cervecería La Internacional, one of the best beer shops in Spain. More than 250 types of beer, wonderful tapas and good connections. It's located in Calle Barcelona, just 1 minute away from Plaza Nueva, near the Town Hall. However, do not get confused, it is international, meaning, not typically Sevillano.
  • Sangría (an alcoholic fruit punch) is often sought by tourists, but Tinto de Verano (a mix of red wine and lemon or orange soda) is more authentic, has less alcohol, and is often cheaper.
  • Cruzcampo, the local beer, is worth trying. Compared to other Spaniards, Sevillanos consume more beer and less wine.
  • The tap water in Seville is good.
  • Agua de Sevilla is sometimes thought of as a popular drink in Seville, but you will never see a person from Seville drinking it, despite all the tourists drinking it as if it were something popular.

Sleep

Accommodation prices change with the tourist seasons. High season is April, May, September & October ,Semana Santa, and Feria; Mid Season is March & June. Visits are recommended in November. Prices are not too high and weather is neither too hot nor cold. For a more intimate experience on a budget, wander into Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter and you will find wonderful "pensiones" offering comfy beds and typical courtyard views.

Most places have air conditioning but be sure to ask in summer, you will want it. You will probably pass the siesta (early afternoon) in your room to escape the heat.

Sevillanos are famous for their nightlife so if you don't plan to be out at all hours yourself, you may want to seek out accommodation on a quiet street (that is, without too many bars and restaurants). Alternately, ask for a room set back from the street. While a view of the passing traffic may be pleasant by day, you will appreciate the relative quiet at night.

Hostels are a wise choice for the unplanned trip. There are many nice hostels located all over the city. You can sleep dorm style with up to 10 beds in a room sharing a common bathroom or for a little more money you can stay in a single bed with your own bathroom.

Budget

  • The Garden Backpacker Address: C/Santiago 19. Prices starting from €11 per bed, friendly and helpful staff, clean and nice dorms, breakfast included, free lockers in the rooms, free internet, bar in the garden with free sangria in the evenings.
  • B&B Naranjo, ☏ +34 954 22 58 40. Address: C/San Roque, 11 - Rooms from €35. Free breakfast. Internet corner & Wi-Fi.It is a typical Sevillian house, in this B&B you will find private rooms for up to 5 people in Andalusian traditional style, with bath, air conditioning, television, telephone, piped music, etc. Public parking is nearby at Plaza de Armas with discounts for clients. 
  • Oasis Backpackers' Hostel, Plaza Encarnacion 29 1/2, ☏ +34 954 293 777, . The oldest backpackers' hostel in town. Breakfast, 24hs tea & coffee, welcome drink, a big personal locker, internet & wifi + patio, bar and big roof-top terrace with a small pool. Daily activities such as walking tours, Spanish classes, bar games- all for free as well. Beds from €15. 
  • 1 Oasis Backpackers' Palace Seville, Calle Almirante Ulloa 1, ☏ +34 954 227 731, . Dorms in all sizes that came with up to 2 bathrooms per room, free lockers to put your backpack in and free linen. Roof-top terrace with chill-out bar to overlook Seville, guest kitchen, free breakfast and free internet/ wifi. Beds from €11. 
  • Sevilla Urbany Hostel, Calle Dona Maria Coronel 12, ☏ +34 954227949. Chic and modern with comfortable rooms. Central location. Breakfast, internet, air conditioning and lockers. From €11. Very nice area - helpful staff. 
  • Triana Backpackers, C/Rodrigo de Triana 69, ☏ +34 954 45 99 60, . Check-in: 13.00, check-out: 12.00. Aula tiled with painted ceramic tiles, and green plants among cozy sofas, it also has very nice roof terrace with hammocks. Rooms are pretty standard for a hostel with most rooms having iron bunk beds, safety boxes and rather crammed space. Free breakfast and 3 (slow) computers with internet access. It's 3 blocks up from the Guadalqevir river, in a nice neighbourhood with narrow streets and old houses. €14-21. 

Mid-range

  • Grupo Piramide. Between the Alcazar and the Indian Archives. A Group of four hotels named after artists. Each offers a slightly different form of accommodation, Hospederia Dalí, Hotel Zurbarán, Hostal Van Gogh, Hostal Picasso. (Hostal Van Gogh, double room with private bathroom, €50 in June). 
  • Hostal Callejón del Agua, Calle Corral del Rey, 23. Located on a quiet street corner in Santa Cruz, offers many amenities of a smaller boutique hotel. All rooms in this classic hostal include air conditioning, television, internet access, with some including balconies. Only around 5 minutes from the shopping district and Cathedral and Alcázar the convenience of the location plays a large part in the appeal. 
  • Hotel Abanico, Calle Aguilas, 17, ☏ +34 954213207. Free Coffee-Shop all day long. Typical Sevillian House from the 18th and 19th Centuries, surrounded by the most important monuments of the city. It is a small Boutique-Hotel with 22 rooms in Andalusian traditional style, with Private Bath, Hair Dryer, Amenities, Air conditioning-Heating, Satellite TV, Telephone, Internet Connection, etc. 
  • Hotel Abril, ☏ +34 95 422 90 46, . Address C/Jerónimo Hernández, 20. Your best choice in Seville. Situated in the historical and monumental centre of Seville, in a quiet street near Encarnacion Square and the Alameda. Free Coffee-Shop is offered all day long. Set in a typical Seville House totally equipped for the requirements of today´s comfort, keeping its traditional style. Hotel Abril has 20 traditional comfortable rooms, with a private bath, Air conditioning, Heating, Television, Telephone, Hair dressed, Safety locks. There is also a room for Continental Buffet Breakfast. You also have an Internet Corner and Free Wi-Fi connection. 
  • Hotel Amadeus and the adjacent sister Hotel Musica, Alvarez Quintero 52. Small boutique hotels in a good location. Take breakfast on the roof terrace with beautiful views across the rooftops of the old city to the Giralda Tower. All the rooms have a musical theme and there is a music room for the use of guests. Free internet access.
  • Hotel Bellavista Sevilla, ☏ +34 954 69 35 00, . Avenida de Bellavista 153. Located in the residential area of ​​Bellavista, a 10 minute driving from the center of Seville. The hotel features 104 rooms fully equipped with air conditioning, LCD satellite TV, telephone and desk. The bathrooms are modern and equipped with hairdryer. We have internet through wireless network throughout the hotel. The hotel also has a café with outdoor terrace and a la carte restaurant, 24 hours reception, meeting rooms, outdoor pool with sundeck and private garage. Pets are allowed. 
  • Hotel Itaca, Calle Santillana, 5-7, ☏ +34 954 22 81 56, fax: +34 954 21 27 47, . Mail: Boutique hotel with rooms on three floors surrounding a skylit courtyard with Andalucian tiles. Quiet, attractive rooms. Wifi, satellite TV, hair drier, safe, refrigerator all provided. Roof top pool in season. Near the Parasol at Plaza de la Encarnación. Bars and restaurants at nearby Plaza Alfalfa. 
  • Hotel Monte Carmelo. Near the river Guadalquivir. Three star boutique hotel, located in the commercial area of Los Remedios, and a short walk from the inimitable Historic Quarter of Seville, the María Luisa Park, and the shopping and leisure areas. 
  • Hotel Monte Triana. Triana. Just a 10 minute walk from the Historic Quarter and the Cartuja Island, where EXPO 1992 was held and where the current headquarters of several important companies and the Isla Mágica Theme Park are located. Easy access to the main transport networks: San Pablo International Airport, Santa Justa Railway Station, and also the FIBES Convention and Congress Centre. 
  • 2 Hotel Murillo, Calle Lope de Rueda, 7, ☏ +34 954 21 60 95, fax: +34 954 21 96 16, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 07:00-11:00. Very conveniently located in the Juderia, with friendly service. Free wi-fi throughout the building, self-service laundry facilities available. €40+/doubles (low season), including breakfast. 
  • NH Plaza de Armas, Marqués de Parada. Modern hotel situated in the centre of Seville. The Nh Plaza de Armas contains all amenities to help you feel comfortable. The hotel also offers a swimming pool, wifi, meeting rooms and a restaurant. Prices start at 83€. 
  • Viapol Hotel Balbino Marrón, 9, E-mail: nhviapol@nh-hotels.com, Tel: +34 95 4645254, Fax: +34 95 4646668 [3]. Hotel is close to the ‘Nervión Plaza’ and ‘Los Arcos’ shopping centres. There are several other NH hotels [4]- just ask at reception if this one is full.

Splurge

  • Casa Romana Hotel Boutique, Trajano 15. $200 and up.
  • Casas de los Mercaderes. The Hotel Casas de los Mercaderes is in the shopping area of the city centre, between San Francisco square and Salvador square next to the famous Sierpes and Tetuán streets. Its quality makes it one of the best 3 star hotels in Seville. 
  • Eme Fusion Hotel, Calle Alemanes, 29. Located in the monumental, financial and trade heart of the city, within steps of the Giralda, EME offers a renewed view of the city of the Guadalquivir. It is the ideal location to soak up the bustle, enjoy fine cuisine without leaving the hotel, experience the historical heritage, or to enjoy a day of shopping! 
  • Gran Melia Colon. Canalejas, 1. Facilities include spa, private garage, restaurants, bars and more. 
  • Hotel Alfonso XIII. — The most luxurious hotel in Seville, built for the Exposicion in 1929, and with prices to match! 
  • Hotel Villa de la Palmera. Avenida de la Palmera 57. This hotel is in an affluent section of Seville just outside center city. The hotel is a former private home of the Marquis and Marquise of Castilleja, built in the early 20th century and renovated for use as a hotel in 1999. Services and amenities include breakfast and room service, pool, gardens and a terrace, free parking and free wifi internet access. 
  • Las Casas de la Judería. Callejón Dos Hermanas, 7, in Santa Cruz. A lovely old collection of houses beside a church that was once a synagogue. Very expensive (rooms start at €150, prices less than this probably do not include breakfast). Rooms are often nothing special, apparently offers a pool. You can get a slightly smaller room elsewhere for two thirds the price. Perhaps wander in for a look around at its court yards, but if you want a special night or two, look elsewhere. Room and reception service incredibly slow, virtually unresponsive without repeated requests! 
  • San Gil Hotel. Doctor Cortezo 3.In the center of the city. A converted palace dating back to 1901, the hotel San Gil is listed as one of the hundred best buildings in Seville. Positioned in the Old Quarter of the city it was completely renovated and extended four years ago, and now has 61 rooms which include air-conditioning, phone, satellite TV, minibar and safe. The small rooftop pool and sun terrace provide views and a traditional style bar/coffee shop and adjacent breakfast room complete the San Gil's facilities. 

Connect

Internet access available at Cibercenter [5], C/. Julio César 8, not far from, the main bus station.

Local administration runs a free (1h) internet cafe right next to the tourist office in the center.

Cope

Consulates

Go next

  • The Prado de San Sebastian bus station offers routes to other cities in Andalucía, including Córdoba, Granada, and Algeciras where it is possible to continue on by ferry to Morocco. A block from the station, on the meeting point of Avda. de Malaga nad Avd. de Cadiz you will find the Nuria Restaurant with wifi access if you have to wait for your bus. The Plaza de Armas bus station offers routes to other parts of Spain and other countries, most notably Portugal. From the bus station Plaza de Armas you can hop on the C4 Bus in order to get to Prado de San Sebastian - for the other direction choose C3.
  • Lisbon. No direct rail link connects Seville with Lisbon, however a direct bus service exists [6], with advance web fares from €45 each way. The coach departs from Plaza de Armas bus station (platform 20/21 at 15:00) daily and the journey takes up to 7.5 hours (including a 15 and 30 minute break).
  • Sierra de Aracena. Located towards the North West of Sevilla, it is one of the most famous places for Jamón in Spain and full of lovely small villages to discover. Great for walking around, eating and exploring this Natural Park. There are numerous buses from Plaza de Armas Bus Station.
  • Sierra Norte. Located towards the North of Sevilla, it makes for a nice change from the monotonous landscape of the Guadalquivir Valley. It is an area of steep relief, olive groves, and deep river valleys. Deer, wild boars and other large animals are often seen from the car. The area is well known for its cured meats.
  • Cordoba. A wonderful day trip (about an hour by train from Seville) or make it two days to see everything. Visit the Mezquita with peppermint striped arches, the old white walled Jewish quarter where every turn offers a new view, and the Medina Azahara archeological site. You can also take a bath in Hamam, Arabic baths, massage included, a very relaxing experience.
  • Granada. Offering the incredible Alhambra, is possible on a long day trip, but better for an overnight or long weekend.
  • Cadiz. A wonderful, ancient (oldest city in Europe) city. It's an hour and a half by train, a little less by car. Walk its downtown, bathe at its beaches and taste its delicious fish. And if it's Carnival time, don't miss one of the more massive Carnival celebrations in the world (and surely one of the funniest too).
  • Huelva. Discovering a XIX Century British town in the middle of this Andalusian city is definitely remarkable. Huelva has an interesting history. Columbus left from Puerto de Palos and La rabida Monastery, where he spent a few months it is well worth the visit. The wide and white beaches around, like Punta Umbria or Islantilla are also a good reason to visit and try fresh fish. Buses from Damas Bus Company every hour from Plaza de Armas Bus Station.
  • Italica. A partially excavated Roman city, only a brief bus ride from Seville on the M-172 (from Plaza de Armas Bus Station). Most of it is lost under the village of Santiponce, but several streets and the footings of houses and public buildings with mosaic tiled floors can be seen. The highlight is one of the largest known Roman amphitheaters with seats for 25,000.
  • In the summer, cruises are offered from beneath the Torre de Oro to Sanlucar de Barrameda at the mouth of the river.
  • For a longer trip, Madrid is 2.5 hours from Seville using the AVE from the Santa Justa Train Station at the end of Avenida de Kansas City.



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