Seville
As the heart of Andalusia, the birthplace of Spain’s traditions and cultura, Seville is a stunning cultural place to visit no matter what time of the year you arrive here. Summer might see temperatures soaring up to 50 degrees Celsius, but locals cool off by taking a dip in the Guadalquivir River that flows through the heart of the city. Whether you are a culture vulture, urban globetrotter or beachcomber, Seville is going to win your heart with its rich traditional flavor, charming flair, quaint streets and remarkable architecture. If you are in search of a place that represents authentic Spain, Seville is definitely the place to explore.
What you will manage to see and do in Seville depends on how long you’ll be here for. If you are on a short vacation or simply stopping by, there are plenty of attractions in Seville as well as free things to do in Seville that can make your trip worthy and memorable. If you’re short of time, check out our 2-days in Seville itinerary suggestions.
Location
Seville, Andalusia’s capital, is located in the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Straddling the Portugal border, Seville is within close proximity to the eastern edge of Spain, Extremadura, as well as the southern coastal cities of Huelva and Cadiz. It is also tucked within the Sierra Aracena, making it an excellent base point for explorations of the nearby mountains and beaches. As the heart of Andalusia, it is also several hours away from the other Andalusian cities such as Granada and Cordoba.
How to get to Seville
International visitors usually go to Seville via the Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD), the main gateway to Spain from outside Europe. Seville’s airport is small as compared to the international airports in Madrid and Barcelona, but it serves numerous European airlines that fly here directly. For European travelers, you can fly direct from major cities in Denmark, Holland, Germany, UK, Finland and Norway.
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>> Budget Airlines that Fly to Seville
>> Cheap Flights to Seville
By train, Seville is well connected to Madrid, with a high-speed train (AVE) taking just 2.5hours to complete the journey. Prices are not cheap though, with one-way fare starting from 50 euros. Madrid is well connected to other cities via Spanish trains as well, such Barcelona (12hours), Granada (2hours) and Valencia (3 hours).
Buses represent one of the best ways to travel in Spain and Seville is well connected to all the major Spanish cities. Buses in Spain are efficient, punctual and comfortable, even for long-distance journeys.
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>> >>Getting from Madrid to Seville
What do see and do
Cathedral and Giralda
The cathedral of Seville, with its blend of both Islamic and Christian structural design, is one of the most magnificent in Spain and the largest in the whole world. Constructed on the location of the former mosque, the Giralda tower was once a minaret.
Alcazar
Formerly a Moorish fortress, the Alcazar was built in the XIVth century. The extravagant architecture, numerous courtyards, ponds and beautiful gardens, the Alcazar will keep you busy for many hours.
Watch a Flamenco Show
Cross the stream and go to the old gypsy area of Triana, where you can find the finest flamenco bars. Though the precise beginnings of flamenco are unidentified, this quarter of Seville absolutely played an important role in its establishment.
Go on a Day Trip
Seville is perfectly situated to take several day trips. Granada, Ronda and Cordoba are excellent options for day trips from Seville and since they deserve more than just a simple one day visit, they should not be missed no matter how long you need to spend there.
Museums
A town which is proud to be the cultural center of Southern Spain obviously offers a lot of museums. Regardless of your interests you’ll find at least a museum to check out.
Savor some Tapas
Have a taste of the finest cuisines of Spain in expedient bite-sized morsels. The whole range of tapas is accessible in Spain, from the typical staples to haute cookery in an elegant modern establishment.
Watch a Bullfight
Next to Ronda, the city of Seville is perceived as the origin of bullfighting. Though bullrings in many places in Spain exist mostly for travelers than locals, Seville still draws the attentions of many die-hard fans.
Plaza España and Park Maria Luisa
Witness the quieter part of Seville in Park Maria Luisa, but never before taking a glance at the marvelous Plaza España. The latter was once used in the scene of Star Wars Episode II.
River Guadalquivir
Take a cruise down the river that separates Seville, or wander along its banks enjoying the sights and the cafes. Cross the river to the side of Barrio Triana and experience the Calle Betis nightlife in this part of the town.
Macarena and Barrio de Santa Cruz
Take a break from the extravagant Alcazar and Cathedral to discover the neighborhood of Santa Cruz. You can either stop for the tapas or admire the stunning buildings of one of the most attractive residential regions in Spain.
If you do not like the thought of sharing a busy street with other travelers, visit the district of Macarena instead.
Where to stay in Seville
There are a variety of places to stay, varying in price range and style, that exist in convenient locations around Seville. From high-range luxury hotels to simple backpacker’s hostels, you can find a myriad of accommodation scattered throughout the city. If you’re looking for a good location, your best bet would be to stay in the old town. Barrio de Santa Cruz is especially popular among travelers. For travelers who like a bargain, there are many inexpensive Seville hostels that provide comfortable rooms, a great location, and a beautiful view of the Alhambra for both families and groups of friends. There are also cheap hotels in Seville and short-term-apartments that have prices ranging down to €37 a night.