In the south of Spain, a city with a rich and complex history has taken advantage of the various cultures that have loved, invaded or adopted it. It has produced a unique lifestyle, which is reflected in the architecture as well as in the gastronomy and in the habits of the locals. Going to visit Seville is to dive back into the sumptuous and grandiose history of the Andalusian region, forever land of inflexible character and royal ambition.
When to go to Seville?
The Andalusian capital Seville enjoys exceptional sunshine due to its southern position. Thus, it allows the visit in all seasons, even in the heart of winter for those who have no particular worries to don a little wool to walk. Precipitation is most frequent in December and January, but is comparatively low compared to other European cities in the same season.
In summer the heat is overwhelming, which causes the departure of the townspeople towards the seaside. If you do not fear the temperatures around 40 ° C, it is an ideal period because the crowd is non-existent and the accommodation very available. The mid-seasons, however, offer the most favorable climate for visiting Seville.. We particularly recommend the spring, where important events are organized like the Feria de Abril or the Semana Santana, just before the Easter celebrations.
Seville in the evening
What budget to plan on site?
VVisiting Seville is quite cheap, although the difference tends to get smaller. For ten euros, you can eat a full meal at noon, especially if you opt for the menu del dia, very often offered in restaurants in Seville. Those who prefer gourmet cuisine will find very interesting offers, around 25 euros. As for accommodation, the prices depend on the season. Contrary to custom, the height of summer is often considered the low season here.
On average, you can stay overnight in a 1-star hotel for around 80 euros. Youth hostels are numerous and they allow backpackers to stay for 15 to 20 euros a night. Leisure activities, such as the cinema or a tennis lesson, are quite affordable and, in general, basic necessities are cheaper than in France. But again, the season is decisive. Watch out for soaring prices during Semana Santana (March April) !
How do I get to Seville?
To get to Seville from France, you can leave from several airports, in particular Paris, Bordeaux, Nantes or Lyon. The prices are of course correlated with the tourist season and we can sometimes find exceptional offers with low-cost companies, at less than 50 euros round trip. But generally, the price will be closer to 120 euros. Once there, you can take a shuttle that will take you into the city center for around 5 euros or opt for the rental car.
For tight budgets, it is possible to visit Seville by reaching it by road, especially with European bus companies. By train, the journey is more comfortable but not necessarily shorter because most journeys include a connection in Madrid which can sometimes take too long. Finally, asphalt buffs will be able to take the road on their own to connect Andalusia and its capital, but be careful, in the middle of summer, the mercury rises in the passenger compartments!
Comment se déplacer dans la ville?
Seville has an excellent bus network which, with almost 50 lines, will take you wherever you want and for a rather low fee. Also note that lines specially dedicated to tourists make tours in the city, connecting its main points of interest. The tram is rather reserved for those who wish to walk in the hypercentre. Indeed, it only serves a few stops! It uses the same tickets as the bus, unlike the metro which is also less interesting because it is still underdeveloped.
Tram rails
The city of Seville is trying to unclog its city center by promoting cycling culture. A very good option for getting around easily and inexpensively with a service equivalent to that of Parisian Vélibs. More than 80 kilometers of cycle paths run through the city, so you will have complete freedom to navigate as you wish. Also note that walking is very pleasant in the historic center of Seville. Many sites of interest are also concentrated in a relatively small space, facilitating the bucolic and cultural stroll.
What to eat and drink in Seville?
To live like the Sevillians the time of your journey, impossible not to go on a tapas bar crawl ! You will find fried foods, marinated fish and other montaditos. These little sandwiches that you swallow, standing at the counter, are very practical to mop up a cerveza (beer), certainly refreshing, but which can quickly rise to your head when the sun is hot. Also try the local breakfast, consisting of a cafe con leche and a pan con tomato tostada. The olive oil on the bread at 10 a.m. may surprise you, but you get used to it very well!
Those who prefer to eat seated and more quietly, will turn to the many restaurants that dot the city. Bodegas, tabernas, tascas, mesones or restaurantes, it's hard to know who offers what ... so let your desires guide you and dare to order dishes for which you do not know the ingredients. Finally, know that in Seville you will find fabulous typical dishes such as Iberian ham or black pudding of course, but also gazpacho, seafood or oxtail.
Where in the city to stay?
Dance the historic heart of Seville in high season, a perpetual stream of tourists is busy day and night. Colorful district crossed by a maze of small authentic streets, the area is rich in entertainment, restaurants and above all monuments. This district is ideal for not missing anything of the city! On the left bank of the Guadalquivir, the district of Triana offers a more peaceful but just as charming context. The old gypsy quarter is today the haunt of the bohemian bourgeoisie, but the prices are still accessible to the average tourist.
View over Triana
Alameda de Hércules is the liveliest district of the city. Once infamous, it has become trendy and it is here that bar lovers meet, playing flamenco music and offering tapas at any time of the day or night. You don't have to be allergic to parties to stay here, but accommodation rates can be very cheap. Those who seek calm above all else will head to El Centro., the Sevillian temple of consumption or towards La Macarena, where the halls of the city's oldest market exude the multiple scents of Andalusia.
What are the must-see visits to do?
Here are 4 must-see sights when you come to visit Seville!
Marvel from the bell tower of Seville Cathedral
Former minaret of the mosque, which has now given way to the Cathedral of Seville, the Giralda has been converted into the bell tower of the third largest church in the world. With its almost one hundred meters high, it offers a panoramic viewpoint over Seville ! Although you will have to climb a few steps to reach it, it is certainly a stopping point in the Andalusian capital.
Seville Cathedral
Immerse yourself in the royal history of Seville by visiting the Alcazar
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcazar Palace seems straight out of a bygone era, when the majesty of kings still prevailed over the country. Nourished by the multiple influences that embraced Seville throughout its history, the Alcazar is also home to sumptuous gardens, which will allow you to breathe a little when the heat crushes the city with its suffocating mass.
Alcazar Palace
It is promised south of the Plaza de Espana
Built for the Ibero-American Expo in 1929, Plaza de Espana is the most beautiful square in Seville. All in roundness and in convolutions, the place puts the Spanish provinces in the spotlight by the intermediary of a unique craftsmanship in the world, where the earthenware and the talent of the creators impose the respect to the visitor. It has, moreover, surprisingly aroused the cult of millions of fans of the Star Wars series since the square served as a backdrop to simulate the planet Naboo. A must-see place to visit in Seville!
Spanish Steps in Seville in Andalusia
Living Andalusian style in the Santa Cruz neighborhood
True sanctuary of Andalusian culture, the district of Santa Cruz brings together all the charm of the culture of Seville in the heart of its alleys. Typically Andalusian patios, refreshing fountains, bright colors and omnipresent nature, we bet that you will immediately succumb to the languid and poetic atmosphere of the place.
The neighborhood of Santa Cruz
Useful information
- Formalities: To visit Seville, one of the most important cities in southern Europe, it is not necessary to apply for a visa for European nationals.
- Transport: Note that you can buy cards reserved for tourists, the Tarjetas Turisticas, to have unlimited access to transport, from 5 euros per day and up to 35,30 euros per month.
- Visitor Center : When you arrive there, take a short tour of the Seville Tourist Office. You will glean information, contacts and maps essential for a successful stay.
- Finally, know that, without becoming paranoid, some restaurateurs do not hesitate to slip a few "errors" into the bill and that the gypsies who read the lines to you are sometimes accompanied by an accomplice who will rather look at the bottom. from your pockets ...
At the crossroads of European and African cultures, beautiful Seville offers all the guarantees of a historical, cultural and poetic visit ...
And if you are visiting Seville, do not hesitate to discover the rest of Andalusia, and remember to tell us about your trip by leaving a little comment !
