Seville is a city of nuances. With a rich history, a joyful culture and a simple way of life, it find itself in a situation between tradition and modernity.
Surely on your visit you will enjoy walking its streets and living its atmosphere, so for you to get to know it here I leave you some tips that could be useful to prepare that special visit.
Transport
One of the first questions is how do you move from one place to another, what is the public transport like, its prices and if the distances can be easily covered by foot when visiting the city. Here you have the basic information, but don’t forget to visit the section on how to move around Seville.
Within the Historic Centre
The best way to move around the city centre is on foot. Not only for the scarcity of public transport owing to the narrow streets and the little manoeuvrability for the cars but because the climate and the atmosphere of the city make the walk a lovely experience.
Far or outside of your location
If your destination is found in an area that’s far away, the ideal would be to use public transport to get there. If you have to move out of the historic centre this is also recommendable. With the buses, metro, and tram you can arrive to every part of the city.
To See
Seville was a great capital in the Spanish Empire, and before that it was also in the Andalusi period and the late Medieval Ages. Its streets are filled with history and legends, with a lot of places to visit.
Essential
However, there are some places that are mandatory to visit, which cannot be missed off your plan.
Ideally: Guided Visits
Exploring the city is good in itself, but if you do it while accompanied with an explanation of everything that you’re seeing, it makes it a great experience. This way you can understand every detail of its monuments and its heritage.
To get in touch with the city, to get to know its history, and its monumental area the ideal is to do the Free tour. To delve deeper and see the authentic Seville you can’t miss the tour The unknown Seville. The neighbourhood of Triana is the one which keeps the most secrets, and as such don’t miss out on taking a look at it through a tour. Finally, the best way to visit the Alcazar of Seville is, without a doubt, a guided tour with explanations about each nook and cranny of its palaces.
However, I recommend to get lost in the city, letting yourself be led by your steps. If you do it after these visits you will see Seville from a different perspective and the charm of the city will be multiplied.
By days
If you have limited time available in Seville, you have a plan here, which you can follow for the two or three days which you have in the city, so that you don’t miss anything.
The plan is divided between the morning and afternoon, what you should consider on your trip to make the most of the time and not to get too tired.
Eating
The time to fill your stomach has arrived. And to try the traditional food of the place where you’re travelling is something compulsory.
How and Where
In Spain, eating times tend to be later that in the rest of Europe, and this includes Seville. Also, we eat differently and this is where the concept of tapas appears; small low priced dishes which accompany a drink. You can eat lunch or dinner on a base of tapas (this is called tapeo or tapasing) or simply as a snack after 12 o’clock, as lunch is between 2 and 3 o’clock.
Taste
The Spanish gastronomy is known all over the world, and Seville will leave you breathless. The Serrano ham, gazpacho, prawns, Iberian sirloin, adobo style fried fish, marinated potatoes, pigs cheeks, or the warm Serranito sandwiches are only a few of the dishes you could try in Seville. Take a look at the Seville gastronomy guide so as not to miss out on trying anything.
Shopping
Usually, before going to home, you’d want to take something of Seville back with you, but always there’s an element of doubt about the chosen object. These are my recommendations:
Something of Seville
Something related to the culture of the city. It could be something traditional and made by hand like some castanets or a Manila shawl, or some traditional ceramics from Triana. Or even, something more original, such as a painting made by one of the Sevillian artists who show their work on Sundays at the art markets.
Something to Eat
Food is always a good option, and even more so when taking into account how easy it is to transport, for example the traditional cured meats from the area. These and some Convent Sweets are a guaranteed hit!
Enjoy
However, travelling is more than just visiting places of interest. You have to live the city. You can take note of these proposals:
Walk with open eyes
The walks and paths that you’ll find in this website are thought out so that you walk through Seville contemplating everything you find on your way, leaving behind the stress that typically comes with a rigid plan and relaxing at the same time as you wander, appreciating everything that you see on your way.
Enjoy with art
Taking part in a ceramics workshop in Triana, watching a flamenco show or doing a gourmet experience means getting in touch with the culture while resting from monument tourism and discovering new activities which unleash creativity. Don’t miss out on taking a look at the leisure in Seville section.
Sleep
The moment of rest has arrived, as well as choosing the place where you’re going to do it. Don’t worry, Seville has a large range of places to stay, and so it’s certain you’ll find your perfect room.
How
The types of places range from hotels to tourist apartments, that way you have to choose which is best suited to you. Its difference lies in the prices and services offered by each of them. There are many and varied, so you decide!
Where
On the other hand, you should bear in mind whether they are found in or outside of the Historic Centre. The best area to stay in is the centre of the city, but logically, the prices tend to be higher. However, although it may surprise you, outside the historic center does not mean remote at all.
I hope this little guide has been helpful to you. However, don’t forget to visit the “to plan” section for a closer look at everything you need to know before coming. Seville is waiting for you.
Images source: 14, 16, 18, 30 (section 1); 64 (section 2); 23 (section 3). Front page: Flickr. Neil.
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