tips for travel

Seville is one of the jewels of Spain
with architecture
museums
food and shopping that make it a must-see holiday destination.

Where is it?

Seville is in the Spanish region of Andalucia
which also includes the coastal resorts of Costa del Sol and Costa Almeria. Seville itself is set inland
although the coastal areas are within easy reach. It has its own airport
which is a 45 minute drive from the city.

Where can I stay?

You don’t get a true feeling for Seville by staying in a large chain hotel. You need to choose a small
friendly but stylish boutique hotel that reflects the nature of the city and its people. Try a boutique hotel like Casa No 7
which only has 6 bedrooms and is decorated with style and taste around a small courtyard
typical of Seville. Alternatively
the Casa Romana boutique hotel is right in the middle of Seville
which means that you can use the hotel as a cool and refined base while you check out everything that Seville has to offer.

What can I see?

Seville is famous for its Cathedral
which is the largest in the world. Built on the site of a twelfth century mosque
it is simple
but awe-inspiring and a sight not to be missed. Also make sure you see the Casa de Pilatos
built by the first Marquis de Tarifa in the early sixteenth century. It is one of the finest palaces in Seville and now also houses a courtyard and park
at the end of which are mansions that have been turned into museums. For a real taste of Seville
spend some time in the Barrio Santa Cruz
one of the most picturesque parts of the city
full of narrow lanes and surprising squares; whitewashed houses and excellent tapas bars. Tapas is thought to have been invented in Seville
and it’s certainly the way that most locals choose to eat. The range is incredible and the prices good
so take advantage of the more than one thousand places in the city where tapas is available.

How do I get around?

Seville is a busy city with lots of narrow roads
and it is a brave person who attempts to drive – or park – in the main areas. Parking in particular is very limited and often restricted to residents of businesses; so avoid parking fines and unnecessary stress by only hiring a car if you’re planning to drive outside the city. Instead
use the very regular and reliable bus service which costs little and offers multiple journey tickets
or get one of Seville’s white taxis. Tourists often take a horse and carriage to see Seville’s main sites – this is a particularly popular option with couples and families. As with most cities
one of your best options is to walk. There are maps available from the tourist offices and you can explore Seville at your leisure.