Seville (Sevilla) is the capital of Andalucia, 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 has much to offer the traveller.
The city is situated on the banks of the smooth, slow Guadalquivir River, which divides the city into two halves: Sevilla and Triana. The river head is located much further West, and its basin is very large. The river mouth is in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and crosses the Doñana National Park (one of the most important wetlands in Europe, breeding ground to many species of birds). 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 Sevilla 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 Sevilla has acted as a sea-port 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 Cádiz largely took Seville's place), the city entered a period of relative decline.
Seville has played host to two international exhibitions - the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929 and the International Exposition in 1992.
Inhabitants of the city are known as Sevillanos.
Getting there
By plane
Sevilla International Airport 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 1PM-4PM) and costs approx. €2.40. Taxis are always available next to the bus stop and run on a fixed fare to Seville center, just under €18 during the day and just under €21 after 10PM 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 Internation Airport in located 10km 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
Sevilla Santa Justa Station is 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.
High-speed 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 trains remain a bargain, and there is an overnight train that runs from Barcelona to Seville in under 11 hours.
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
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 Plaza de Armas bus station near the river, or the Prado de San Sebastián station near the University/Santa Cruz.
Traveling around
Sevilla has a great public transportation system. The buses run frequently and cover the majority of the city in their routes. You can purchase bus cards at any news stand. Green cards cost €6 for 10 single trips and red cards cost €7 for 10 trips allowing transfers. As of the end of Decembre 2009 the cardboard forms of these cards will cease to be valid, and you will have to purchase the new plastic bonobus card. This card follows the same pricing structure (60c or 70c per trip), however it costs €1.50 to buy and can be kept and topped up.
Sevici bikes are available throughout the city with special docking stations that allow you to easily grab a bike and go wherever you need, then drop it off at another station when you arrive. Bikes cost 5 euro for a week pass, which allows the first 1/2 hour free and subsequent hours are a euro each. Also, year passes can be purchased for 10 euro with each half hour free and additional hours 50 euro cents.
A tram system is currently being incorporated into Sevilla's local transportation and is running from the San Sabastian Bus Station to the Plaza de Nueva but is expanding North and West into Triana.
Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city. Many offer decent rates, but tourists should beware of the possibility of a crooked cabbie.
By metro
Seville's new metro opened on the April the 2nd 2009. It follows a 18km 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.
See
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 ; 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 , you can get either pay the €1.10 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
The Cathedral of Seville was once judged the third largest church in the world after Saint Peter's in Rome and Saint Paul's in London, it is now arguably the largest church in the world when compared using the measurement of volume. Seville's fifteenth century cathedral occupies the site of the former great mosque built in the late twelfth century. The central nave rises to an awesome 37 metres over a total area of 11,520 square metres. The Cathedral is the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus.
La Giralda is 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. Adult admission to both attractions is €7.50.
The Real Alcázar is a beautiful palace in Mudéjar (Moorish) style, built in the XIV Century by Pedro I the Cruel. With its myriad of 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. Free visit if you are a student.
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.
The Hospital de los Venerables, Plaza de los Venerables. 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. Adult admission is €4.75 and includes an informative audio guide.
Torre de Oro is a thirteenth century tower, the top of which is rumored to have once been covered in gold. It now houses the local maritime museum. Admission €1 for students.
Parque María Luisa was built for the 1929 Iber-Americano World's Fair and now is landscaped with attractive monuments and museums.
Plaza de España is 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 10PM but likely half an hour later) to see it completely empty and rather eerie.
Universidad de Sevilla 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 facade 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. In 1953 the factory was converted into the main building of Seville University. Just behind the tobacco factory, the (9) María Luisa park borders the historic center of Seville to the south.
The Museum of Fine Arts at Plaza del Museo is worth seeing although it can't compare with the museums in Madrid (see Museo de Bellas Artes, below).
Casa de Pilatos is a sixteenth century palace and generally thought to be one of the best in the city. Admission €8, free after 1PM on Tuesdays.
Museums and Galleries
The Museo de Bellas Artes, Plaza del Museo, 9, +34 954 22 18 29, +34 954 22 07 90, . Open Tu 3PM-8PM, W-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 9AM-2PM, closed Mon, free entrance for EU citizens. 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 1:30PM. Plenty of original paintings on local topics, although some not so interesting bits as well!
Museo de Carruajes, Plaza de Cuba, +34 95 427 2604. Open M-F 10AM-2PM. A small museum with carriages of various kinds. Free admission for EU citizens, €3.60 for other nationals.
Museo del Baile Flamenco, Cristina Hoyos' Flamenco Dance Museum 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 at 19:03. Flamenco art and photography exhibitions are also on display as well as offering dance, singing, precussion and guitar lessons. Open all day everyday from 09:00 - 19:00. tel: 00.34.954.34.03.11, Address: Museo del Baile Flamenco, C/ Manuel Rojas Marcos 3, 41.004 Sevilla
Things to do
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 — A release after the somberness of Semana Santa. To say this is a huge party is an understatement. Most if not all of Seville takes a weeks holiday and they plan for the Fair months in advance. The fair is close to the river and covers a huge area and contains hundereds 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 alrge 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 8 the streets are cleared and "Calle del Inferno" comes to life. This must be one of the best funfairs in Europe and I can testify to having seen it happen that it takes weeks to assemble and pack up. The Fair is one of the best festivals in Spain and appeals to everything thats great about Spain - Traditional dress,Flamenco dancing, guitars, Fino, great tapas and men, women and children who dance with gusto and eat and drink the day and night away.
Go out — 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 discotheques. Other nightlife spots include Calle Betis in Triana, La Alamede de Hércules, and Plaza Alfalfa.
Flamenco — Flamenco is in fact very popular at the moment in Spain and is not just for tourists, however finding the right place is hard. The "Museo del Baile Flamenco" is a museum dedicated to the art and offers a wealth of knowledge, as well as performances at discounted price for museum visitors on Friday and Saturday evenings at 19:30 (www.museoflamenco.com, tel.: 00.34.954.34.03.11). El Arenal is another place to consider. The Cultural Centre (C/ Ximénez de Enciso, 28 Santa Cruz, 954 56 06 70) is a good spot to see real flamenco, performances are daily at 9PM, it costs €15, €13 for students and Sevillians, €9 for kids (4 to 10). La Carboneria located in the twisty alleyways in front of the Cathedral offers free Flamenco shows nightly at 11PM
Football — Sevilla has two football teams, Sevilla FC and Real Betis. At the Sevilla FC stadium next to Plaza Nervion you can regularly catch the last 5 minutes of a game for free.
Attend a Bull Fight at the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza — Not for the squeamish or those with convictions on animal welfare! Failing that, a visit to the arena and the attached museum of bull-fighting (€5) is well worth the time. It is the biggest and most grand bull arena in Spain due to the origination of bull fighting in Sevilla.
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).
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.
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.
Rent a bike in María Luisa Park, or along the city with Sevici. Seville is in the process of building many bike paths, one pleasant route covers most of the East bank of the river.
Sevilla Bike Tour, +34 954562625', Bike tour around the center of Seville, which also takes you a bit of the beaten path. Will give you a pretty good overview of the city, while at the same time giving you information that could prove useful during your visit, for example,the best restaurants, theatres and bars
Eat
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, 1/2 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 omlette), pulpo gallego (galician octopus), aceitunas (olives), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), and queso manchego (sheeps milk cheese from the nearby La Mancha region). Also be sure to try the 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.
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 SanEloy (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.
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.
Drink
Couchsurfing Sevilla Community meets at least once a week at Revuelto´s Meeting. Every Friday
at 10:00PM in Tha Clan Bar, Calle Adriano, 3 Sevilla. Make sure you ask for the CS discounts ;-)
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 not that bad.
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 not too hot neither 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
B&B Naranjo Address: C/San Roque, 11 - phone +34 954 22 58 40 Price from 18.- € per person. Free Breakfast! Internet Corner & Wi-Fi Connection! The best price in the historical and monumental centre of Seville. It is a typical sevillian house, 50 M. from the Fine Art Museum and Sierpes street. Surrounded by the most emblematic monuments of the city. In this B&B you will find private rooms for up to 5 people in Andalusian traditional style, with Private Bath, Amenities, Air conditioning, Heating, Television, Telephone, Piped Music, etc. Public parking is nearby at Plaza de Armas with discounts for clients.
Hotel Abril C/Jerónimo Hernandez, 20. T 0034954229046. Your best choice in Seville. Small, friendly hotel situated in the historical and monumental center of Seville. Just near the new construction Metropol Parasol and nearby the Alameda Square (a must for nightlife). All the comfortable rooms offer Air conditioning, Heating, TV, Telephone, Safety Box,... The hotel offers for FREE: Coffee Shop all day long and Wi-Fi Connection.
Triana Backpackers, +34 954 45 99 60, +34 954 45 99 60, C/Rodrigo de Triana 69, Definitely among the prettier hostels in the world, with a fantastic 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, with Puerta Jerez and the Cathedral about a 15 minutes away by foot.
Hostel Nuevo Suizo C/Azofaifo 7. T 003495229147. info@nuevosuizo.com.— Located in the very heart of Seville, it has free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and if the room or bed is available, you can check in early and check out late.
Oasis Backpackers' Hostel Sevilla, Plaza Encarnacion 29 1/2. T 0034954293777.— Centrally located near the Plaza Encaracion, includes internet and breakfast. Organizes activities and excursions.
Sevilla Urbany Hostel, Calle Dona Maria Coronel 12. T 0034954227949. — Chic and modern with comfortable rooms. Central location. Breakfast, internet, air conditioning and lockers. From €12.
Mid-range
Hotel Abanico, Calle Aguilas, 17. T 0034954213207. Free Coffee-Shop all day long. Typical Sevillian House from the 18th and 19th Centuries, surrounded by 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…
Confortel Puerta de Triana, nestled amongst fast food outlets and bordering the shopping zone the Confortel Seville struggles to maintain the quality and style that the Confortel chain has become famous for.
Hotel Abril, Address C/Jerónimo Hernández, 20 T 0034 95 422 90 46. Mail: info@hotelabril.com. 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.
Grupo Piramide, Between the Alcazar and the Indian Archives, . A Group of four hotels named after artists that offer good accommodation. Each offers a slightly different form of accommodation, Hospederia Dalí, Hotel Zurbarán, Hostal Van Gogh, Hostal Picasso. Contact information and map are available on their website. (Hostal Van Gogh, double room with private bathroom, €50 in June).
Viapol Hotel Balbino Marrón, 9, 41018, Seville, E-mail: nhviapol@nh-hotels.com, Tel: +34 95 4645254, Fax: +34 95 4646668 . Hotel is close to the ‘Nervión Plaza’ and ‘Los Arcos’ shopping centres. There are several other NH hotels in Seville - just ask at reception if this one is full.
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 Monte Triana, Situated in the popular 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.
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.
Splurge
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!
Hotel Alfonso XIII — The most luxurious hotel in Seville, built for the Exposicion in 1929, and with prices to match!
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!
Casa Romana Hotel Boutique, Trajano 15. $200 and up.
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.
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.
Oasis Islantilla, +959 486 422, +959 486 422, Avda de Islantilla, Isla Cristina, Islantilla, 21410, The hotel located near the very impressive beach of Islantilla (Huelva), surrounded by natural interest zones Doñana, El Rompido, and Sierra de Aracena.
Gran Melia Colon, Canalejas, 1, . Facilities include spa, private garage, restaurants, bars and more.
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.
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.
Contact
Internet access available at Cibercenter , 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.
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. The Plaza de Armas bus station offers routes to other parts of Spain and other countries, most notably Portugal.
Lisbon. No direct rail link connects Seville with Lisbon, however a direct bus service exists , 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 a 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.
Contact & location
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Seville (Sevilla) is the capital of Andalucia, 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 has much to offer the traveller.
The city is situated on the banks of the smooth, slow Guadalquivir River, which divides the city into two halves: Sevilla and Triana. The river head is located much further West, and its basin is very large. The river mouth is in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and crosses the Doñana National Park (one of the most important wetlands in Europe, breeding ground to many species of birds). 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 Sevilla 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 Sevilla has acted as a sea-port 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 Cádiz largely took Seville's place), the city entered a period of relative decline.
Seville has played host to two international exhibitions - the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929 and the International Exposition in 1992.
Inhabitants of the city are known as Sevillanos.
Getting there
By plane
Sevilla International Airport 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 1PM-4PM) and costs approx. €2.40. Taxis are always available next to the bus stop and run on a fixed fare to Seville center, just under €18 during the day and just under €21 after 10PM 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 Internation Airport in located 10km 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
Sevilla Santa Justa Station is 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.
High-speed 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 trains remain a bargain, and there is an overnight train that runs from Barcelona to Seville in under 11 hours.
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
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 Plaza de Armas bus station near the river, or the Prado de San Sebastián station near the University/Santa Cruz.
Traveling around
Sevilla has a great public transportation system. The buses run frequently and cover the majority of the city in their routes. You can purchase bus cards at any news stand. Green cards cost €6 for 10 single trips and red cards cost €7 for 10 trips allowing transfers. As of the end of Decembre 2009 the cardboard forms of these cards will cease to be valid, and you will have to purchase the new plastic bonobus card. This card follows the same pricing structure (60c or 70c per trip), however it costs €1.50 to buy and can be kept and topped up.
Sevici bikes are available throughout the city with special docking stations that allow you to easily grab a bike and go wherever you need, then drop it off at another station when you arrive. Bikes cost 5 euro for a week pass, which allows the first 1/2 hour free and subsequent hours are a euro each. Also, year passes can be purchased for 10 euro with each half hour free and additional hours 50 euro cents.
A tram system is currently being incorporated into Sevilla's local transportation and is running from the San Sabastian Bus Station to the Plaza de Nueva but is expanding North and West into Triana.
Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city. Many offer decent rates, but tourists should beware of the possibility of a crooked cabbie.
By metro
Seville's new metro opened on the April the 2nd 2009. It follows a 18km 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.
See
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 ; 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 , you can get either pay the €1.10 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
The Cathedral of Seville was once judged the third largest church in the world after Saint Peter's in Rome and Saint Paul's in London, it is now arguably the largest church in the world when compared using the measurement of volume. Seville's fifteenth century cathedral occupies the site of the former great mosque built in the late twelfth century. The central nave rises to an awesome 37 metres over a total area of 11,520 square metres. The Cathedral is the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus.
The Real Alcázar is a beautiful palace in Mudéjar (Moorish) style, built in the XIV Century by Pedro I the Cruel. With its myriad of 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. Free visit if you are a student.
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.
The Hospital de los Venerables, Plaza de los Venerables. 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. Adult admission is €4.75 and includes an informative audio guide.
Torre de Oro is a thirteenth century tower, the top of which is rumored to have once been covered in gold. It now houses the local maritime museum. Admission €1 for students.
Parque María Luisa was built for the 1929 Iber-Americano World's Fair and now is landscaped with attractive monuments and museums.
Plaza de España is 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 10PM but likely half an hour later) to see it completely empty and rather eerie.
Universidad de Sevilla 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 facade 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. In 1953 the factory was converted into the main building of Seville University. Just behind the tobacco factory, the (9) María Luisa park borders the historic center of Seville to the south.
The Museum of Fine Arts at Plaza del Museo is worth seeing although it can't compare with the museums in Madrid (see Museo de Bellas Artes, below).
Casa de Pilatos is a sixteenth century palace and generally thought to be one of the best in the city. Admission €8, free after 1PM on Tuesdays.
Museums and Galleries
The Museo de Bellas Artes, Plaza del Museo, 9, +34 954 22 18 29, +34 954 22 07 90, . Open Tu 3PM-8PM, W-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 9AM-2PM, closed Mon, free entrance for EU citizens. 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 1:30PM. Plenty of original paintings on local topics, although some not so interesting bits as well!
Museo de Carruajes, Plaza de Cuba, +34 95 427 2604. Open M-F 10AM-2PM. A small museum with carriages of various kinds. Free admission for EU citizens, €3.60 for other nationals.
Museo del Baile Flamenco, Cristina Hoyos' Flamenco Dance Museum 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 at 19:03. Flamenco art and photography exhibitions are also on display as well as offering dance, singing, precussion and guitar lessons. Open all day everyday from 09:00 - 19:00. tel: 00.34.954.34.03.11, Address: Museo del Baile Flamenco, C/ Manuel Rojas Marcos 3, 41.004 Sevilla
Things to do
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 — A release after the somberness of Semana Santa. To say this is a huge party is an understatement. Most if not all of Seville takes a weeks holiday and they plan for the Fair months in advance. The fair is close to the river and covers a huge area and contains hundereds 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 alrge 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 8 the streets are cleared and "Calle del Inferno" comes to life. This must be one of the best funfairs in Europe and I can testify to having seen it happen that it takes weeks to assemble and pack up. The Fair is one of the best festivals in Spain and appeals to everything thats great about Spain - Traditional dress,Flamenco dancing, guitars, Fino, great tapas and men, women and children who dance with gusto and eat and drink the day and night away.
Go out — 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 discotheques. Other nightlife spots include Calle Betis in Triana, La Alamede de Hércules, and Plaza Alfalfa.
Flamenco — Flamenco is in fact very popular at the moment in Spain and is not just for tourists, however finding the right place is hard. The "Museo del Baile Flamenco" is a museum dedicated to the art and offers a wealth of knowledge, as well as performances at discounted price for museum visitors on Friday and Saturday evenings at 19:30 (www.museoflamenco.com, tel.: 00.34.954.34.03.11). El Arenal is another place to consider. The Cultural Centre (C/ Ximénez de Enciso, 28 Santa Cruz, 954 56 06 70) is a good spot to see real flamenco, performances are daily at 9PM, it costs €15, €13 for students and Sevillians, €9 for kids (4 to 10). La Carboneria located in the twisty alleyways in front of the Cathedral offers free Flamenco shows nightly at 11PM
Football — Sevilla has two football teams, Sevilla FC and Real Betis. At the Sevilla FC stadium next to Plaza Nervion you can regularly catch the last 5 minutes of a game for free.
Attend a Bull Fight at the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza — Not for the squeamish or those with convictions on animal welfare! Failing that, a visit to the arena and the attached museum of bull-fighting (€5) is well worth the time. It is the biggest and most grand bull arena in Spain due to the origination of bull fighting in Sevilla.
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).
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.
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.
Rent a bike in María Luisa Park, or along the city with Sevici . Seville is in the process of building many bike paths, one pleasant route covers most of the East bank of the river.
Sevilla Bike Tour , +34 954562625', Bike tour around the center of Seville, which also takes you a bit of the beaten path. Will give you a pretty good overview of the city, while at the same time giving you information that could prove useful during your visit, for example,the best restaurants, theatres and bars
Eat
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, 1/2 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 omlette), pulpo gallego (galician octopus), aceitunas (olives), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), and queso manchego (sheeps milk cheese from the nearby La Mancha region). Also be sure to try the 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.
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 SanEloy (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.
Drink
Couchsurfing Sevilla Community meets at least once a week at Revuelto´s Meeting. Every Friday at 10:00PM in Tha Clan Bar, Calle Adriano, 3 Sevilla. Make sure you ask for the CS discounts ;-)
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 not that bad.
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 not too hot neither 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
B&B Naranjo Address: C/San Roque, 11 - phone +34 954 22 58 40 Price from 18.- € per person. Free Breakfast! Internet Corner & Wi-Fi Connection! The best price in the historical and monumental centre of Seville. It is a typical sevillian house, 50 M. from the Fine Art Museum and Sierpes street. Surrounded by the most emblematic monuments of the city. In this B&B you will find private rooms for up to 5 people in Andalusian traditional style, with Private Bath, Amenities, Air conditioning, Heating, Television, Telephone, Piped Music, etc. Public parking is nearby at Plaza de Armas with discounts for clients.
Hotel Abril C/Jerónimo Hernandez, 20. T 0034954229046. Your best choice in Seville. Small, friendly hotel situated in the historical and monumental center of Seville. Just near the new construction Metropol Parasol and nearby the Alameda Square (a must for nightlife). All the comfortable rooms offer Air conditioning, Heating, TV, Telephone, Safety Box,... The hotel offers for FREE: Coffee Shop all day long and Wi-Fi Connection.
Triana Backpackers , +34 954 45 99 60, +34 954 45 99 60, C/Rodrigo de Triana 69, Definitely among the prettier hostels in the world, with a fantastic 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, with Puerta Jerez and the Cathedral about a 15 minutes away by foot.
Hostel Nuevo Suizo C/Azofaifo 7. T 003495229147. info@nuevosuizo.com.— Located in the very heart of Seville, it has free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and if the room or bed is available, you can check in early and check out late.
Oasis Backpackers' Hostel Sevilla, Plaza Encarnacion 29 1/2. T 0034954293777.— Centrally located near the Plaza Encaracion, includes internet and breakfast. Organizes activities and excursions.
Sevilla Urbany Hostel, Calle Dona Maria Coronel 12. T 0034954227949. — Chic and modern with comfortable rooms. Central location. Breakfast, internet, air conditioning and lockers. From €12.
Mid-range
Hotel Abanico, Calle Aguilas, 17. T 0034954213207. Free Coffee-Shop all day long. Typical Sevillian House from the 18th and 19th Centuries, surrounded by 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…
Confortel Puerta de Triana, nestled amongst fast food outlets and bordering the shopping zone the Confortel Seville struggles to maintain the quality and style that the Confortel chain has become famous for.
Hotel Abril, Address C/Jerónimo Hernández, 20 T 0034 95 422 90 46. Mail: info@hotelabril.com. 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.
Grupo Piramide, Between the Alcazar and the Indian Archives, . A Group of four hotels named after artists that offer good accommodation. Each offers a slightly different form of accommodation, Hospederia Dalí, Hotel Zurbarán, Hostal Van Gogh, Hostal Picasso. Contact information and map are available on their website. (Hostal Van Gogh, double room with private bathroom, €50 in June).
Viapol Hotel Balbino Marrón, 9, 41018, Seville, E-mail: nhviapol@nh-hotels.com, Tel: +34 95 4645254, Fax: +34 95 4646668 . Hotel is close to the ‘Nervión Plaza’ and ‘Los Arcos’ shopping centres. There are several other NH hotels in Seville - just ask at reception if this one is full.
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 Monte Triana, Situated in the popular 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.
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.
Splurge
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!
Hotel Alfonso XIII — The most luxurious hotel in Seville, built for the Exposicion in 1929, and with prices to match!
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!
Casa Romana Hotel Boutique, Trajano 15. $200 and up.
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.
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.
Oasis Islantilla, +959 486 422, +959 486 422, Avda de Islantilla, Isla Cristina, Islantilla, 21410, The hotel located near the very impressive beach of Islantilla (Huelva), surrounded by natural interest zones Doñana, El Rompido, and Sierra de Aracena.
Gran Melia Colon, Canalejas, 1, . Facilities include spa, private garage, restaurants, bars and more.
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.
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".
Contact
Internet access available at Cibercenter , 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.
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. The Plaza de Armas bus station offers routes to other parts of Spain and other countries, most notably Portugal.
Lisbon. No direct rail link connects Seville with Lisbon, however a direct bus service exists , 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 a 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.
Contact & location
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