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SEVILLE.

Seville is full of historical charm, featuring some of the most awe-inspiring monuments and sights, which allows it to rival the most popular tourist metropolises in the world. Objects such as Real Alcázar and Catedral de Sevilla & Giralda make a visit to Seville a true feast for anyone hungry for architectural grandeur and beauty. But the world’s largest Gothic cathedral is not the only thing that Seville has to offer its guests – its modern architecture is equally impressive, with the famous Metropol Parasol being just as iconic. Throughout the year, tourists are entertained with events and festivals, most notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. The relaxed, cosy atmosphere of Seville makes everyone feel right at home, which plays a big part in why tourists love this city so much. In addition to the amazing sights, wonderful architecture and stunning festivals, the cuisine of Seville, with the delicious tapas playing the main part, is enough to make you eager to visit it again and again.

Seville Money Saving Tips

Money Saving Tips

Best Period to Visit Seville

Best Period to Visit Seville

Accomodation Tips for Seville

Accomodation Tips

Getting Around Seville

Getting Around Seville

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Seville

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Seville

Other Things to See and Do

Other Things to See and Do

Money Saving Tips

Visit the Seville Cathedral

If you are looking for a place to visit for free, as to not strain your budget too much, take a hike to the Seville Cathedral. Make sure to visit on Sunday, as only on Sundays is it free to enter. Come before 2:30 p.m., when it closes, and you should probably come as early as possible to avoid crowds.

Get the Bonobus Pass

A good way of getting around Seville is a bus and it is also quite an affordable method of transportation. If you are planning to travel a lot around the city, make sure you get the Bonobus Pass, which works best if you use the bus a lot. Compared to single tickets, the pass saves you €7 in just ten rides.

Buy your own alcohol

Even though alcohol in Seville is not as expensive as in other places in Europe, it is still much more cost-efficient if you buy your own beverage in a supermarket. Grab a six-pack of beer or a few bottles of wine and gather your friends together to enjoy a cosy evening at a much lower cost than you would in a pub.

Couchsurf

If you really are on a tight budget and are travelling by yourself, you can always try couchsurfing when coming to Seville. There are plenty of people willing to lend their couch or bed for weary travellers for a small price, but make sure to make reservations early as the busty summer months bring a lot of tourists.

Get a Hola Hostel card

If you are planning on staying in a hostel or that sort of accommodation, you might be interested in getting a Hola Hostel card. The card is absolutely free to get online or at one of the Hola Hostel establishments, and provides you with a 10% discount, as well as further discounts for food and attractions.

Get the Sevilla Card

You probably are going to want to visit as many museums and monuments of Seville as possible during your stay, so getting a Sevilla Card might not be a bad idea. The card costs €29 for a day, €47 for two days, and €60 for three days, and allows you free admissions and discounts too many of the attractions in the city.

Participate in flamenco nights

A good way to get some insights into the culture of Seville is to search for restaurants and pubs which regularly host flamenco nights. Even if you do not want to participate in such a dance-off, it is still worth it to come by, drink a glass of beer, and watch professional dancers do their magic on the dancefloor.

Watch the bullfights

Famous for hosting some of the biggest and most exciting bullfights in Spain, Seville runs these sort of events from Easter through early October, with fights every Sunday evening. If you want to further save money on the tickets, make sure to go look at novice fights, as the professional matadors charge way more.

Look up senior discounts

If you are travelling with a senior, make sure to check for senior discounts everywhere you go. If you are a registered senior, even outside of Spain, you may be eligible for discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals in Seville, as well as in some of the means of transportation.

Student Discounts

If you are a student below the age of twenty-six, make sure you take your student’s license with you on the journey. Some places in Seville offer discounts to students, ranging from 20% to even 50%, in attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and public transport.

Best Period to Visit Seville

Tourism

Summer, being the prime tourist season in Seville, is when the crowds can get quite overwhelming, and that's why we suggest visiting Seville from March to May - that's when temperatures are a bit less extreme, and the tourist traffic hasn't yet reached the highest level.

Weather

Summer brings really harsh weather to Seville, with average highs hitting even 35°C. Because of that, April (23°C) and May (26°C) may be a better option for those who don't like the sizzling hot weather. Winter isn't very harsh, with 5°C being the average low in January.

Money

Naturally, the prime tourist season is the most expensive period for visiting Seville, and that's from June to early September. Preseason guarantees that prices for accommodation and food are a bit more reasonable and winter brings some really substantial discounts.

Events

Three Kings Day (January)
Semana Santa (March-April)
Feria de Abril (April)
Velá Santa Ana (July)
Bienal de Flamenco (September-October)

Accomodation Tips

Apartments

Renting an apartment in Seville is a viable alternative to staying in a hotel during your city break. In addition to the higher degree of privacy, apartments offer many convenient amenities, such as kitchen annexes or private parking spots.

Budget (1-2 star) hotels

Those travelling to Seville on a tight budget should book a cheap hotel well in advance, to ensure a proper location close to the most popular spots around the city. Nightly rates for budget hotels in Seville start around €10 and continue upwards, depending on the season and location.

Standard (3-4 star) hotels

Standard hotels in Seville are generally better located than their cheaper counterparts and feature more convenient facilities and amenities. Because of that, they are perfect for tourists who value comfort and easy access to tourist attractions, as well as the higher degree of service.

Luxury hotels in Seville

Luxury hotels offer state-of-the-art facilities, impeccable service and excellent location, with tourist attractions right at your doorstep. This convenience doesn't come cheap, as nightly rates for luxury hotels in Seville start around €200.

Getting Around Seville

Bus

Operated by the company Tussam, buses are a quite effective and affordable way of travelling around the city. The buses run from approximately 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., but there are some night buses which operate between the midnights and 2 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and up until 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Try the C1 and C2 busses for the external route around the centre of Seville, and the C3 and C4 to get in the midst of things. The C5 runs right through the centre, which is useful if you want to get to the other side of it quickly. You can buy individual tickets inside of the buses, or at stations and at kiosks located near bus stops. A one-way ticket costs €1.40, but day passes are much more convenient.

Car and motorcycle

Due to its specific landscape and architecture, Seville is not really a great place to drive around using your own vehicle. Not only is the traffic restricted in most of the city, but the small and narrow streets further prove unfriendly, and make maneuvering as well as parking a nightmare.

Metro

There is only a single metro line in Seville, which connects Ciudad Expo with Olivar de Quintos, which is not really that useful for tourists, but it is good to know it exists. A single ticket for the metro is independent of the one used on buses, and costs from €1.35 to €1.80, depending on the distance you wish to go. A day pass is also available for €4.50.

Taxi

Taxis are quite common in Seville, but they too are restricted to certain areas and are prone to traffic jams. Anyway, an average journey across the city centre costs around €8.

Tram

The trams in the city are operated by the same company which operates buses. There is only a single line of trams, running between Plaza Nueva and San Bernardo via Avenida de la Constitucion, Puerta de Jerez and San Sebastian. The line could be quite useful for tourists, and the tickets used are the same ones used in the buses.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Seville

Granada Day Trip from Seville

Granting you a stress-free escape from the hassle of the city, this tour takes you through some of the highlights of Granada. The trip comes with a skip-the-line entrance to Alhambra Palace, as well as an optional walking tour of Albaicin, which is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site.

Cordoba Day Trip from Seville

With a well-accustomed guide who knows the local history, this tour guarantees a good lesson in the folklore and heritage of the region. The tour also includes a skip-the-line entry to the Cordoba Mosque, saving you up to two hours of waiting for the tickets, as well as some free time to shop in Cordoba.

Full-Day Tour to Tangier

Starting from the centre of Seville, this tour will take you on a full-day trip to the Moroccan city of Tangier. You will sail to Africa in a comfortable boat, allowing you to enjoy the gorgeous views along the coast. Afterwards, you will be taken by a guide to Tangier’s medina, as well as the Dar el Makhzen palace.

White Villages and Ronda Day Tour

Allowing you to save a lot of time and money on additional transportation and tickets, this tour takes you on a full-day trip to Andalusia’s White Villages, as way as to the historic Ronda, right from the middle of Seville. While travelling through the Spanish countryside, you will be able to sample olive oil and see gorgeous views.

Alcazar of Seville Early Access

With early access to the Alcazar of Seville, you will not only reduce waiting time to a minimum, saving you hours of waiting but it will also provide you with a unique, individual experience, separate from the crowds which come after the opening of the Alcazar. There is also an option to see the Cathedral too.

Fast-Track Seville Guided Tour into Alcazar

With a skip-the-line option, allowing you to save some time on waiting and getting the tickets separately, this tour provides you with a means of learning about the details of the palace’s architecture and history, which you could otherwise miss, as a local guide tells you about the past of Alcazar.

Monumental Seville

This two-hour long tour will take you through some of the most famous, UNESCO-listed monuments of Seville. A skip-the-line entrance to the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar of Seville is provided, as well as a knowledgeable local guide who will tell you about the history and heritage of Seville.

Priority Access to Alhambra and Generalife Gardens in Granada

This three-hour long tour will not only take you to Granada from the middle of Seville without additional transportation required, but it will provide you with priority access to two of the most famous attractions of Granada – the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, as only you and a small group will enter.

Jerez and Cádiz trip from Seville

This full-day trip will provide you with enough attractions to keep you entertained for the entire day. While on your way to Jerez and Cádiz, you will visit some of the traditional sherry bodegas, with a taste of sherry provided, as well as the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where you can see a horse show.

Cádiz Shore Excursion

A full-day trip along the shore of Cadiz, starting at the heart of Seville. You will be able to learn a thing or two about the fascinating history of Seville from a local guide as you discover the vibrant streets of Santa Cruz, as well as the General Archive of the Indies. Moreover, you will be able to see Seville Cathedral, Alcazar, and a couple of other places too.

Other Things to See and Do

The Old Quarters

Discover the old quarters of the city of Seville by yourself as you get lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Seville is believed by many to have the largest old city in Europe, and it is unbelievably cramped and chaotic due to its Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish roots combined.

Peñas Flamencas

When taking a walk along the streets of Seville, make sure to check on bars and pubs which host daily flamenco shows. These bars are dedicated to showing the art of flamenco, the dance which is said to originate from Seville, and often put on free shows for tourists and locals alike.

La Carboneria

With flamenco being one of the most important and well recognisable elements of Seville’s heritage, it is widespread known that bar owners provide nightly shows of the local best dancers. La Carboneria is one of those places, so make sure to stop by for free starting 10:30 p.m. and often going till the morning.

San Fernando Cemetery

While you may think visiting a cemetery might be a bit disconcerting, you will be surely surprised by the beauty of the San Fernando Cemetery. The grounds of the cemetery provide a tranquil respite from the crowded city and are home to some of the most famous personas of Seville, including bullfighters and singers.

Triana

Take a stroll through the gypsy barrio of the city, where you will be able to see the Romanian culture and heritage for yourself. Moreover, you can get some amazing views of the city in there, as you move along the Triana Bridge or Calle Betis, and you can sometimes even view a flamenco event there.

Calle Feria

Located in the Macarena district of Seville, Calle Feria is believed to be one of the longest-running flea markets in Spain. The flea market begins each Thursday morning, hosting dozens upon dozens of stalls set up by locals and foreigners alike. If you are not planning to buy anything, you can still look upon gorgeous handicraft.

Santa Cruz District

Filled with lime-washed houses and long, narrow alleys, the Santa Cruz district was once a Jewish district, and nowadays is one of the most lovely places in Seville. If you visit in summer, the cramped streets might even provide you with a way of escaping the hot sun, as they cast long shadows.

Real Fabrica de Tabacos

Established during the 18th century, the Real Fabrica de Tabacos was once utilised for the production of tobacco products of the New World and was once the largest industrial building in all of Europe. Along the premises of the fabric, there are moats, fountains, a chapel, and even a prison to finish it off.

The Giralda

Being one of the only three remaining Almohad minarets in the world, the Giralda is a gorgeous piece of architecture which became the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, and still is a visible landmark of the city’s landscape. Before the times of Reconquista, the Giralda was the minaret of the mosque, but it was since replaced by the Cathedral.

Espacio Metropol Parasol

If you are looking for a breathtaking view of Seville’s landscape, make sure to visit the Espacio Metropol Parasol, called “the mushroom” by locals due to its appearance. The building was specifically designed as a viewing tower, and while not exactly fully free, it only costs a euro to enter.

Parque de Maria Luisa

The park of Maria Luisa was built in 1929 as a part of an Ibero-American fair and nowadays stands as a gorgeous botanical trail for locals and tourists to stroll through, admiring the lush greenery and exotic plants, as well as the frequent exhibitions put up by some local artists and performers.

Plaza de España

Located just next to the Parque de la Maria Luisa in the south-east of Seville, this plaza expresses some gorgeous Art Deco elements combined with a Mudejar architecture. Make sure to stop by during the evening, as the fountain and surrounding buildings are then illuminated by colourful lights.

Archive de Indias

Commissioned by Philip II and built during the 16th century, the Archive de Indias contains a vast library with a major collection of historical documentation on Spain’s American empire, including the famous journal of Christopher Columbus. Make sure to come on Sunday afternoons, as the admission is free then.

Reial Alcazar

If you would rather not pay exorbitant sums of money for skip-the-line tours of the Royal Palace, you may also come to wait in the queue and enter for free if you are living in Seville or are under 16 years old. For anyone else, the entrance is just €2, and the gorgeous architecture of the palace is definitely worth it.

Calle Parras

Famous for its frequent Macarena processions in Semana Santa, you might still be lucky enough to see a performance during another time of the year. Even if you might not happen to catch a Macarena procession when you’re there, it is still worth the effort to come and look at the tile paintings which adorn the houses on the street.

Torre del Oro

Being known as one of the most iconic landmarks of the city of Seville, the Torre del Oro is a 13th-century watchtower, built by Moors to protect the city from invaders. The watchtower is made out of stone, decorated with shiny golden tiles, and is one of the last remnants of the Moorish walls which used to form around the city.

Naval Museum

When you are visiting the Torre del Oro and admiring it from the outside, why not come in and experience the Naval Museum which is located inside of the watchtower? The museum presents the history of the naval conquest of Spain and can be entered for free every Monday.

Bullring La Maestranza

While it is surely not free to attend a bullfight, especially with an experienced matador, you might still visit the bullring to look at its gorgeous architecture. While on days the bullring costs €8 to enter, make sure to come on Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., as during that time the bullring is free to enter.

Bullfighting Museum

If you manage to enter the Bullring La Maestranza for free on a Monday, make sure to stop by the Bullfighting Museum located among its premises. The museum presents both Spanish and English guided tours, which cost a bit, but you can always enjoy a lesson in the culture of Seville by yourself.

Hospital de La Caridad

Built in 1670, the hospital was meant to be a refuge for the poor and homeless. During its first years it was, but then it was converted into a hospital as it is today. But it is not just an ordinary hospital – it is adorned with gorgeous sculptures and fountains, and can be visited for free on Monday afternoons.

Hospital de Los Venerables

Located in the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz, probably the most recognisable district of Seville, the Hospital de Los Venerables is nowadays hosting a museum dedicated to the painter Diego Velazquez. Stop by to gaze upon some of his original art, and do so for free on the first Thursday of each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best hotels for Seville city break?

    Our list of the best hotels in Seville are: Silken Al-Andalus Palace, Ayre Hotel Sevilla, Hotel Sevilla Center, Barcelo Sevilla Renacimiento and Exe Sevilla Macarena. Discover the full list of best hotels in Seville.

  • What are the luxury hotels in Seville?

    The finest examples of luxury hotels in Seville include Hotel Exe Sevilla Palmera, Hotel Fernando III, Monte Triana, Hotel Cervantes Seville, Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia, NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas and Hotel Becquer. Discover the full list of luxury hotels in Seville.

  • What are the cheap hotels in Seville?

    Those trying to visit Seville on a tight budget will find everything they need in hotels such as Melia Lebreros, Novotel Sevilla, Vincci La Rabida, Hotel Rey Alfonso X, Petit Palace Marques Santa Ana, NH Collection Sevilla and EME Catedral Hotel. Discover the full list of Cheap hotels in Seville.

  • What is the best period to visit Seville for a city break?

    Taking factors such as weather, crowds and prices, the best months to visit Seville for a city break are April, May, June and July.

  • What are top 5 things to see and do in Seville?

    Seville offers plenty of exciting attractions and things to do. Must-sees in Seville include: Granada Day Trip from Seville, Cordoba Day Trip from Seville, Full-Day Tour to Tangier, White Villages and Ronda Day Tour and Alcazar of Seville Early Access.

  • How much does an Seville city pass cost?

    A city pass in Seville costs around €49.

  • How much does public transport in Seville cost?

    24-hour ticket for public transport in Seville costs around €5.

  • What are the best night clubs in Seville?

    The best night clubs in Seville include: Carambolo Lounge Bar, Fun Club, Uhtopia, Abril and Kafka.

  • What are the best bars in Seville?

    Judging on the reviews and customer opinions, the best bars in Seville are: Casa Ricardo, Álvaro Peregil La Goleta, La Taberna, Vinería San Telmo and Cervecería.

  • What are the best places to eat in Seville?

    Your choice of the best restaurants in Seville may vary depending on your taste, however, Freskura, Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo, Eslava and La Taberna de Panduro Baños are some of the most popular choices.

  • What are the top 5 best restaurants in Seville?

    Top 5 restaurants in Seville include: Virgin Coffee, El Rinconcillo, Cafetería Doña Carmen, Vermutería Yo Soy Tu Padre and Castizo.