Seville is a city of special charm and colour, as a famous local song attests to. The economic capital of Spain during the conquest of America, Seville inherited from this period a combination of culture, nobility and races that makes its inhabitants a very special and above all joyful people. Flamenco, cante rociero, sevillanas (popular dance that originated in Seville), drinking a cold beer to wash down some tasty tapas and enjoying the general air of amiability of Seville is a more than sufficient excuse for visiting this gorgeous city.
Places to visit in Seville (sightseeing):
- The Cathedral: The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Of special interest are the Giralda Bell Tower and the Patio de los Naranjos, a large courtyard.
- Royal Alcázar: Place of lodging for members of the Spanish Royal Family and visiting heads of state. Also declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- María Luisa Park: Enormous city park containing the majestic Plaza de España.
- Real Maestranza de Sevilla: Known as the Cathedral of Bullfighting, it is considered the most important bullring in the world.
- Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold): Once part of the defensive wall of the city, today it is the most important symbol of Seville.
What to do in Seville (attractions):
- Eat dinner and have a drink in Triana: A popular Gypsy neighbourhood in Seville, Triana is the heart of the city's nightlife.
- Stroll through Santa Cruz: Seville's historic district, brimming with Arab and Jewish reminiscences.
- Take a bike ride through the Seville's parks and along the riverbank.
- Listen to cante rociero, a singing stylemore popular even than flamenco.
Best of Seville (suggested itinerary): 3 days trip. See Way Away Smart Route.
Trip to Seville ideal for: history buffs, lovers of gastronomy or just good eating, people who like to take walks enjoying the colours, aromas and atmosphere of neighbourhoods of days gone by, fans of flamenco, cante rociero and bullfighting.
When to go Seville (when to travel): any time of the year is good for visiting Seville, as the winters are mild and it doesn't rain much throughout the year. July and August can be very hot, but this equals less tourists and significantly cheaper hotel rates. So, if you can bear the heat, it's not a bad alternative. Take into consideration that Seville undergoes a transformation during Holy Week (15-24 April in 2011) and the Feria de Abril (April Fair) (3-8 May in 2011). While being in Seville can be a blast at these times, it is very hard and very expensive to find lodging, and for this reason we don't recommend it. However, if your budget permits and you can plan and reserve your trip more than 6 months in advance, it is an amazing spectacle to witness (still, visitors will always see it from outside as it is very difficult to get in the best "casetas", bars set up especially for the Fair and reserved for members of different local groups).
Weather in Seville (climate): the climate is Mediterranean. Spring and autumn are mild and somewhat rainy (it’s a good idea to pack a raincoat). Winter is also mild while the summers are sunny and hot, with temperatures above 40º C at times. Light clothes and a head cover are advisable. See weather forecast in Seville.
Cost of travel in Seville (budget): in total, estimate around €230 (£200) per person in a 3-day trip, plus the price of the air ticket.
- Flight: 50-200€ (£40-170)
- Domestic transport: 5€ (3£) / day and person
- Food: 30€ (£25) / day and person
- Activities: 15€ (£13) / day and person
- Lodge: 80€ (£70) per night in a double room
Safety in Seville: be alert for thefts (wallets, bags...), especially in tourist areas. This area is also filled with Gypsy women who will want to sell you rosemary branches and read your palm. They can be quite pushy. The best tact is to politely say, No, gracias" and continue walking (they'll probably give you the evil eye!).
VISA for Seville (passport): citizens of the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland are not required to have a visa but must present a current National Identity Document or passport. Citizens of countries included in this list must request a visit. For all others, a current passport will do. Citizens from the remaining nationalities that intend to stay less than 3 months must present a current passport. If you have any doubts, consult the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country.
Vaccines to travel Seville (vaccinations): you don’t need any vaccination to travel to Seville.
Currency in Seville (money): euro (€). See exchange rate.
Airlines Seville: Spanair, Vueling Airlines, Air Europa and Iberia. All of them are reliable.
Low cost flights to Seville: Easy Jet, Ryanair, Vueling Airlines and Spanair.
Low cost airlines in Seville: Easy Jet and Ryanair.
Main airports in Seville: Sevilla (SVQ), Granada (GRX).
Seville transport, how to get around: the best way to get around Seville is on foot. Biking is a very good alternative for crossing over to Triana, visiting parks or riding along the river. If your hotel does not rent or lend bicycles, the city's public bike service (Sevici) is an option. It works exclusively from the service stations next to the stops using a credit card. To go to the train station or airport, the bus is a convenient option.
Seville travel guide: with the Way Away Trip Planner, not only can you organise your trip to Seville in a single afternoon, but you may also print your own personalised guide to Seville at the end, with all your comments and reservation details.
Tourist Office in Seville (tourism board): tourist offices in airports and train stations are good. In the city, you have a larger and more comprehensive office at Avenida de la Constitución 21 (close to the Cathedral).
Map of Seville: Google maps. In all tourist offices and hotels, you will be given good maps of the city.
Accomodation in Seville (hotels, hostels, bed & breakfast, appartments): in the Way Away Trip Planner, you will find the most suitable hotels for your route through Seville. The search engine with most and better hotel deals in Seville is Booking.com.
Restaurants in Seville (best places where to eat): in the Way Away Trip Planner, you’ll find our favourite restaurants following our recommended route, and what to eat in each of them.
Electrical plug/outlet Seville (voltage): 220v, 2 round male plugs.
Time zones in Seville (current time): GMT+1 (GMT+0=Londres, GMT+1=París…). See current time in Seville.
Travel tips Seville (travel advice):
- Take a siesta. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Take advantage of the siesta hour (15.00 to 18.00) to rest. At this time, the streets empty and many businesses close.
- Ordering tapas is cheaper than individual dishes and will also allow you to sample a wider range of local specialities.
- Visit Seville during the week, as hotels are considerably cheaper.
- Make hotel reservations well ahead of time (minimum 3 months) if you plan to visit in April or May (Holy Week and April Fair).
In the Way Away Trip Planner, you’ll find all you need to plan your trip to Barcelona in a single afternoon!
