Seville, Spain - Travel Guide

- Seville offers a vibrant blend of historical charm, passionate flamenco, and delicious tapas. Its stunning architecture, including the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The city's lively culture and warm climate make it an ideal destination for exploring Spanish heritage.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

SevillaAndalusiaSpainEuropeTrianaMacarenaAlcázarGiraldaParque de María LuisaPlaza de España

🇪🇸 Country Information: Spain

CapitalMadrid

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Spanish , Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian

Phone Code+34

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants is common for good service, rounding up taxi fares, small change for baristas

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but smaller establishments might prefer cash
It's good to have some cash for small purchases and less urban areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Meal times are typically later than in many other countries, with dinner often starting at 9 PM or later
Siesta is less common in major cities but still observed in smaller towns
Personal space can be closer than in some other cultures
Dress codes are generally casual but respectful, especially when visiting religious sites

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Spain is very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and legal same-sex marriage since 2005. There is strong societal acceptance.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are complex: private use and cultivation of cannabis are decriminalized, but public consumption and trafficking are illegal and carry severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
Smoking is prohibited in many public indoor spaces
Nudity and topless sunbathing are allowed on some beaches but can be restricted in others

Common Phrases

HelloHola (OH-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR) Por favor

Excuse mePerdón (per-DOHN) Perdón

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs) Gracias

Climate

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Jun
Sep

Getting There

Fly into Seville Airport (SVQ)
High
speed train (AVE) from Madrid (2
5
3h, \~$40
80) or Barcelona (5
5
6h, \~$60
120)
Buses available from major Spanish cities

Getting Around

Extensive public bus network
Metro system (limited lines)
Taxis readily available
Ride
sharing apps like Cabify and Bolt are popular
Bike sharing (Sevici)

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude or malaria concerns
General travel precautions advised

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major Spanish providers like Movistar, Vodafone, Orange
Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly work well

Local Cuisine

Carrillada de Cerdo must_try

Braised pork cheeks cooked until they are incredibly tender and melt in your mouth, often served in a rich red wine or tomato-based sauce. It is a ver

Salmorejo regional_speciality

A thick, cold soup from Andalusia, similar to gazpacho, made from pureed tomatoes and bread, creating a creamy texture. It is traditionally topped wit

Rabo de Toro regional_speciality

A slow-cooked stew of ox-tail (or bull's tail) braised in red wine, resulting in deeply savory and extremely tender meat that falls off the bone. Whil

Tinto de Verano alcohol

A popular and refreshing summer drink, made by mixing red wine with lemon soda (or sometimes carbonated water). It is lighter and easier to drink than

Vino de Naranja alcohol

A specialty sweet fortified 'orange wine' from Andalusia, where wine is aged with bitter orange peels. It is often sipped cold as a refreshing aperiti

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Real Alcázar Palace of Seville Timed Entry Ticket Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

The Real Alcázar is extremely popular and limits daily visitors; booking in advance secures entry, especially for specific time slots.

Accommodation during Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Feria de Abril Accommodation

Book at least 3–6 months in advance

These annual festivals draw massive crowds, causing accommodation prices to soar and availability to drop significantly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Flamenco Show (Tablao) Tickets tour_or_activity

Book 1 week to 1 month in advance

Popular tablaos have limited seating, especially for preferred viewing times and days, and can sell out days in advance.

Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower Ticket Attraction

Book 1 week to 1 month in advance

Booking online in advance allows visitors to bypass the long queues that form daily, especially during high season.

Fun Facts

1. Seville has its own secret motto, NO8DO, which is etched all over the city and translates to "has not abandoned me," allegedly given by King Alfonso X.
2. The city boasts the world's largest wooden structure, often referred to as "Las Setas" (The Mushrooms), which offers a unique viewpoint over the city.
3. The Royal Alcázar in Seville is the oldest royal palace in Europe that is still actively used by the Spanish royal family today.
4. Seville has been a backdrop for major Hollywood films, including scenes from Star Wars: Episode II and Game of Thrones, utilizing locations like the Plaza de España and the Alcázar.

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