Public Transportation In Seville
Seville is the perfect city for walking or biking, as its flat, so when youre trying to decide where to stay in Seville, proximity to public transportation is less of a concern than in some other cities.
And while Seville also hosts three train stations, two bus depots, more than 30 bus routes, over 500 kilometers of bike lanes and even a subway line and light rail, dont be fooled this is not the place to move primarily by public transportation. In fact, its often slower unless youre covering long distances, and taxis can get pricey!
If you decide to stay close to the city center of Seville, you should consider packing comfortable walking shoes and sticking to your own two feet as your primary mode of transportation. As a general rule, the further you stay out, the more difficult it is to get into the city center, though a bus ride within the city limits is a flat-rate.
Another option would be staying near Metro Line 1 , Sevilles sole underground line, which will quickly deposit you in Puerta Jerez, just 250 meters from the Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias.
Fun fact: because Seville was built on top of an old Roman city and local law protects any ruins or artifacts found, the plan for a huge subway interchange in Plaza de la Encarnación was quickly scrapped when remnants of houses, a fish factory and nearly intact mosaics were uncovered . For that reason, walking is the preferred way for sevillanos to get around the center.
Best Time To Visit Seville
If youre wondering when to visit Seville, well, like the rest of Andalucía, theres not really a bad time to visit Seville. But of course there is a best time to visit Seville, and Id say that thats the months on either side of summer. At this time of year May and June, October youll find the weather cooler and therell be fewer crowds. I visited Seville in June and we had such lovely weather each day, with warm, sunny days and cooler evenings.
In March and April there are two big festivals to be aware of. Youll either want to avoid these or plan in advance to be in Seville so you can join in on the fun. The two festivals are Semana Santa and Feria de Abril and the city is packed during these weeks.
Seville is H-O-T in summer. July and August are also months when many Spaniards pack up the house and head off on their own summer holidays, so you if you visit then, you may actually find yourself in Seville surrounded by foreigners and few people from Spain!
Winter months are relatively mild but there can be quite a bit of rain. If you time your trip in January or February you can avoid most of the rain and take advantage of the shoulder seasons lower prices.
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Rick Steves advocates smart, affordable, perspective-broadening travel. As host and writer of the popular public television series RICK STEVES’ EUROPE, and best-selling author of 40 European travel books, he encourages Americans to travel as “temporary locals.” He helps American travelers connect much more intimately and authentically with Europe and Europeans for a fraction of what mainstream tourists pay.
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Andalucas Hill Towns: Steeped In The Soul Of Spain
When my travel dreams drift off to Spain, they often include visions of Andalucía, the southern part of the country that feels more quintessentially Spanish than perhaps anywhere else. With a string of whitewashed hill towns, sunny skies, vibrant festivals, and tempting tapas, Andalucía is the soul of Spain almost stereotypically so.
Most tourists hit Andalucía’s three great cities Granada, Córdoba, and Sevilla or the Costa del Sol. But for something more authentic, I like exploring the region’s interior along the Route of the White Hill Towns . The middle-size towns that dot this undulating route are more accessible and friendlier than the big cities, but still pack a whallop of delightfully pure Spanish culture. Whether crouching in a ravine or perched atop a hill, each town painted white to stay cool in scorching summers has a personality and a story of its own.
Exploring these hill towns is easiest by car, with only the major towns easily accessible by public transportation: Arcos de la Frontera and Ronda .
Arcos’ main church and the town’s name are reminders of the Reconquista, the centuries-long fight to take Spain back from the Muslim Moors. After Christian forces retook Arcos, its mosque was demolished, and a church was built on its ruins. Today, these hill towns no longer strategic are just passing time peacefully.
Streets Of Santa Cruz
Having spent much of your day so far inside major attractions, its time for a little wandering around outdoors. Near the Alcázar of Seville, youll find the quaint streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood. This narrow maze of historic streets is full of pretty yellow and white-painted buildings, along with orange trees everywhere. Dont get too worried about getting lost in here thats half the fun youre sure to find your way back to the Seville Cathedral at some stage.
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Sevilles Most Popular Neighborhoods
Most tourists and visitors opt to stay close to the cathedral and the other big-ticket sites the bullring, Gold Tower, Alcázar and its gardens, and the old Jewish neighborhood. Barrio Santa Cruz is probably the most common choice, but there are other convenient neighbourhoods to choose from as well.
Day : Real Alczar Real Fbrica De Tabacos Plaza Espaa Parque De Maria Luisa
Rise and shine! Now on to the next major must-see in Seville
Real Alcázar
Be prepared to stay a few hours at the Real Alcázar. To enter, head to the Puerta del Leon. With your ticket, youll get an informational pamphlet and an audio guide to go with your tour. Heres a tip: bring your own headphones. You can attach it to the phone jack and hang the audioguide around your neck with the lanyard so you can have your hands free.
One of the oldest palaces in the world, the architectural influences of the Real Alcázar are a complex mishmash of Mudéjar, Islamic Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque architecture. Its evident in the dramatic arches, ornate tiling, and golden ceilings. If youre a Game of Thrones fan, youll recognize some places like the Salón de Embajadores, Estanque de Mercurio, or the Gardens of the Real Alcázar.
Visit the Patio de las Doncellas, a small oasis of marble columns, an orange tree garden, and a rectangular fountain.
PRO TIP: Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time! I was going to buy my ticket on-site, but there were long queues. So I grabbed my phone and bought my tickets on the Real Alcázar website. I was able to schedule a visit within the hour. I went to the shorter line , which was for reservations. Arrive about 15 minutes ahead of time just in case. You dont want to miss your window!
It really takes a few hours to explore! For a better understanding of the Real Alcázar, why not try a tour?
Next up
Real Fábrica de Tabacos
Plaza de España
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Day : Catedral De Sevilla La Giralda Tower Barrio Santa Cruz Metropol Parasol
There are two major places to visit in Seville that youll want to explore for a few hours: the Catedral de Sevilla and the Real Alcázar. Lets start with the church..!
Catedral de Sevilla
This imposing Cathedral is the largest Gothic Christian Cathedral with the most surface area in the world. It was originally an Almohade mosque in 1182, but throughout the centuries, newer additions were made after the Castilian King Fernando III transformed it into a Christian church. Its grandeur is almost overwhelming. The main nave is 42 meters high, and also have several side chapels, halls, and choir stalls.
Personally, walking around the Cathedral is a lot to take in, especially if you dont really know what youre looking at. Im sure a guided tour would explain more. For a complete guided tour, check out Get Your Guides 90-minute tour
One of the most impressive Seville attractions is the decorous tomb of Christopher Columbus. Heard of him, right? Welp, the veracity of his remains was contested for many years, but 2013 DNA tests proved his remains are inside. Señor Colon is carried by four bearers representing the kingdoms of Leon, Aragon, Castile, and Navarra.
Dont miss the Patio de Naranjos on the north side, which youll be able to see if you go up the Giralda tower. This patio lined with 66 orange trees was originally the main courtyard of the mosque.
La Giralda Tower
Barrio Santa Cruz
Metropol Parasol
Or opt for a flamenco tour and show:
General Archive Of The Indies
Next to the cathedral and the Alcázar of Seville, there is another, less touristy, place thats worth a visit: the General Archive of the Indies .
The visit is free and the main interest is the remarkable architecture of the building. The inside is very beautiful!
However, dont expect to see the famous archives, they are kept out of sight. And yes all the cardboard files on the libraries are empty!
Dont hesitate to visit it after the Cathedral, it will only take you 15 minutes.
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Welcome To Hotel Un Patio Al Sur
Be enchanted by this magnificent 18th century Andalusian home which is now a hotel in Seville. Our Seville hotel is in an authentic mansion which was formerly a convent until 1853. It has been completely renovated in 2008 in the purest local style and is now ready to welcome you in the very heart of the city centre of Seville.
- Be charmed by our truly privileged location in the heart of the historic center of Seville, only minutes away from the citys most famous monuments.
- Fall in love with the original and authentic experience of our charming hotel.
- Be amazed by quality and service designed to exceed your expectations, and our professional and always attentive staff, dedicated to making your stay a memorable one.
Where To Stay In Seville: Start Here For A Quick Look At The Best Areas To Stay In Seville
If youre here looking for quick answer about where to stay in Seville, start here. Weve included detailed neighborhood outlines for the best places to stay in Seville below, but we also wanted to provide an at-a-glance summary of the best neighborhoods in Seville to help you choose where to stay in Seville quickly and easily. Hopefully, this helps!
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Where To Stay In Seville Spain: Sevilles Coolest Neighbourhoods
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Where to Stay in Seville: Advice from a local American expat and travel blogger about the best neighborhoods to stay in Seville, Spain! Includes recommendations for 13 places to stay in Seville.
We created this guide in collaboration with Cat Gaa, an American expat and travel blogger who has lived in Seville since 2007. Cat served as our local expert by outlining the best areas to stay in Seville, and I spent hours researching hotel recommendations, and listing specific places to stay in Seville, so you dont have to!
Lets Talk About Our Favorite Hotels
As someone who travels in Europe for three months a year, I have, by default, become a connoisseur of hotels. Not only do I sleep in hotels I spend hours each day visiting and evaluating accommodations for our guidebooks. Ive experienced the full spectrum, from good enough hotels that I forget the moment I check out, to unforgettably terrible hotels so bad theyre almost sublime, to transcendently great hotels. And, like any aficionado, I keep a mental list of my all-time favorites.
On my recent trip to Paris, I added another hotel to my list of all-stars. Before my visit, I had asked the co-author of our Rick Steves Paris guidebook, Steve Smith, if he had any suggestions. With a glimmer in his eye, he said, I know just the place.
The moment I stepped into the Hôtel de Londres Eiffel, I knew I was in for a great stay. I was warmly greeted by Arnaud, who recognized me before I could say a word. Arnaud gave me a Paris map custom-produced by the hotel for its guests, illustrating the staffs top picks for where to eat and what to do and sent me up to my room.
Knowing Im a light sleeper, Id requested a quiet room. And I got just about the quietest room I have ever had in a big city tucked in their little courtyard annex building.
Favorite Accommodations Around Europe
Whats missing from my list? What are your favorite hotels in Europe, and why?
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Day 1: Barcelona Or Day Trip From Barcelona
Enjoy your last day in Barcelona catching any sights you missed at the beginning of the trip. In addition to the Gaudi sights, consider a visit to the Picasso Museum, Palace of Catalan Music or Barceloneta beaches. Otherwise, consider reserving a day tour to one of four popular guided day trips from Barcelona. A few popular choices are:
Sitgesa beautiful and relaxed coastal artists colony and resort town with festivals in August and September.
Montserrata dramatic monastery high up in the cliffs west of Barcelona. This tour combines a visit to both Sitges and Montserratfrom the mountains to the sea in one full daywhich would be a truly beautiful day! Check prices here.
Gironaa tiny medieval river town full of Game of Thrones sites.
Figuereshome to the Dalí theater-museum. We enjoyed a wonderfully full-day tour that combined Girona and Figures. The Dalí museum is small but truly unique and worth the visit. Check prices here.
How To Get Around Seville
By far the best way to get around Seville is on your own two feet. Its an easily walkable city and even with only 2 days in Seville youll clock up some miles as you explore everything the city has to offer.
If you arrive in Seville by car, youll face challenges finding parking and driving down narrow, one-way streets. Its not a fun way to begin a holiday . Check with your hotel first to see if they have parking or can tell you the closest public parking options. Public car garages cost between 12 and 24 a day.
Taxis in Seville are plentiful. Make sure to have small change. Most taxis accept credit card as well.
Sevilles bus system is extensive and the C1, C2, C3 and C4 lines will take you to the best Seville attractions. Tickets cost 1.40 per trip, but you can purchase a multi-trip card which reduces the costs of each journey. Youll save money by buying this card for your 2 days or weekend in Seville.
You can use this same card on the tram . The tram has a fairly small network, covering only 1.4 kilometres and four stops. Although nowhere near as extensive as the bus network, you can still use the tram to access many of the best things to do in Seville.
Like many major cities around the world, Seville also has a bike rental system. Visitors can purchase a short-term subscription for 13.33 and pay between 1.03 and 2.04 per hour after the first 30 minutes. Youll need to pay a deposit of 150 .
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Neighborhoods To Stay In Seville
Hi All,
I am traveling to Seville in late June and was wondering about the best location to stay. From what I’ve read Santa Cruz seems to the closest in terms of sights. I was wondering if this rings true for cultural aspects as well, like food, music, and local vibe. Just curious, thanks is advance for your help!
IMO, the best place to stay is anywhere that is close walking distance to the Alameda de Hercules. It is easily the best place for eats, drinks, music, people watching and hanging out. It’s close to the Macarena, a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral, and has several bus stops along it.
I stayed at the Hotel Goya which is basically in the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Loved the location and the hotel, which was a basic budget hotel but great. I think it gets good reviews on TripAdvisor and might have been suggested by Rick Steves’ also. If you desire more luxury, there are many others in that area, but I highly recommend the area in or near Santa Cruz. The Giralda, the cathedral and the Alcazar are also right there, less than a minute walk. The Alameda de Hercules, suggested above is a bit more out of the way. I’ve visited there, but it’s a bit of a walk from the sights. Also I much prefer the atmosphere on the area of Santa Cruz, closer to the sights. You’ll love the restaurants and cafes in the little calles and plazitas. Just take a tour using the Street View feature of Google Maps.
Sevilla: A Perpetual Fiesta
Sevilla, the capital of Spain’s southern Andalucía region, is as soulful a place as I’ve ever been. It’s a wonderful-to-be-alive kind of town, where the color of flamenco dresses, melodies from guitars, click of castanets, and heat off the streets combine into an exhilarating hum.
The gateway to the New World in the 16th century, Sevilla boomed during Spain’s Golden Age. The explorers Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, and Ferdinand Magellan sailed from its great river harbor, discovering abundant sources of gold, silver, cocoa, and tobacco. For a time, these New World riches turned Sevilla into Spain’s largest and wealthiest city.
Today’s Sevilla has its share of impressive sights, including Spain’s largest cathedral and a fantastic Moorish palace and garden . But the top thing to experience here is the hum of street scenes and the city’s unique traditions.
Sevilla swings easily from the sacred to the secular. Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter is celebrated with intense devotional fervor here . Over the course of eight days and seven nights, as many as 100 glittering saintly statues are paraded over the cobblestones at all hours by the faithful.
On opening day, the cream of Sevilla’s society parades around the fairground in carriages or on horseback. Men wear traditional suits with fitted pants and a short jacket, and ladies turn out in brightly colored flamenco dresses.
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