This 2,200-year-old city has a rich history touched by many cultures, giving it a unique personality and a well-preserved historical center. It is a highly walkable city, despite being the largest of the Andalusia region and the fourth largest in all of Spain.
Seville is the largest city in Andalusia and the fourth-largest in the whole of Spain, but despite this, it's very walkable – you can cross the city center from one end to the other in approximately 45 minutes.
Most places in Seville do accept payment by card, but not under a certain threshold amount. Therefore, if you want to stop by the nearest churros stand or gorge at the local 5€ tapas bar, you may need cash on hand.
Is the Seville city pass worth it? Buying a Seville tourist card will be well worth your money if you're planning to spend a while in the city and want to see many of Seville's attractions.
Seville is blessed with year round sunny weather. In fact, there is an average of only 80 days of rain every year. It is also the sunniest city in Europe with very hot summers, reaching highs of 35°C. In fact, the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was in Seville in 1881 at 50°C!
Barcelona is much more suited for a short city break than a longer holiday, and does lack the diversity of day trips as with other destinations. Seville is a city not to rush, but to embrace the relaxed pace of life and tapas culture. For sightseeing, two days are sufficient to explore the entire city.
Beaches next to sevilleThe provinces of Huelva and Cadiz both have beautiful beaches and are less than an hour drive from Seville. Actually, these two provinces are regarded as having the best beaches in Spain. Technically the nearest beach to Seville is the Playa de Matalascañas in Huelva.
Some 40,000 orange trees spread to all corners of the city with a great ornamental value that gives identity to Seville, both visual and olfactory. The smell of azahar (orange blossoms) pervades the whole city when spring comes and the orange blossom.
Tipping servers in restaurants and cafés in Spain, while appreciated, isn't mandatory. It's tough for Americans to get used to not leaving a tip, but locals generally don't leave anything extra at all in more casual eateries. In fine-dining restaurants, a tip may already be included in the check.
Tickets cost 1.40 euro per trip, bought onboard. A cheaper option is the Tarjeta Multiviaje (plastic card, 1.50 euro refundable deposit), which you can recharge, and can also be used on the tram (see below).
Seville's dangerous neighborhoodsIn the Andalusian capital, the areas that can be defined as dangerous are: El Vacie, Las 3000 Viviendas, Los Pajaritos, and Polígono Norte. We recommend you don't rent a room or an apartment in one of these areas. El Vacie is an out-and-out shanty town.