Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Seville, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone: 90 days visa-free for most nationalities within any 180-day period
- Seville Airport (SVQ) is 10km from centre. Bus EA to Plaza de Armas (€4, 35 min). Taxi: €22–30 fixed fare
- AVE from Madrid (2.5 hrs, €25–60) and Córdoba (45 min, €15–30). Renfe trains connect most Spanish cities
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. EHIC covers EU citizens. Spanish pharmacies (farmacias) are well-stocked and helpful
- Tap water is safe. Summer heat (Jul–Aug) reaches 40–45°C: hydrate constantly, seek shade 2–5pm, wear sunscreen
- Seville is very safe. Minor pickpocketing at tourist sites and on buses. Avoid deserted streets in Macarena late at night
Getting Around
- Seville is very walkable. Old town sights are within a 20-minute radius. Tram T1 runs through the centre (€1.40)
- Sevici bike-share: €13.33/week with first 30 min free each trip. Flat city = perfect for cycling
- Metro has 1 line (limited use for tourists). Tussam buses cover the wider city. Bolt/Uber for late-night rides
Connectivity
- EU roaming for European SIMs. Local prepaid from Vodafone, Orange, or Lycamobile (€10–15 for 5–10GB)
- Free WiFi in most cafés and restaurants. Coverage is excellent across the city
- Download the Tussam app for bus routes and the Renfe app for train tickets to Córdoba and other day trips
Money
- Euro (€) everywhere. Cards accepted at most places and contactless is standard. Small tapas bars may be cash-only
- ATMs from Spanish banks (CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander) have lowest fees. Avoid Euronet machines
- Tipping not expected. Service is included. Rounding up or leaving €1–2 for good tapas service is appreciated
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing. A hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable. Carry a water bottle: Seville is hot
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and long tapas crawls. A light layer for air-conditioned restaurants
- Smart-casual for flamenco shows and nicer restaurants. A fan (abanico) is both practical and a souvenir
Cultural tips
Flamenco Respect
Flamenco is not a tourist show. It's a deeply emotional art form. Don't talk, photograph with flash, or clap out of time. Shout "¡Ole!" only during pauses. The audience's silence during cante (singing) is part of the experience.
Spanish Schedule
Lunch is 2–4pm, dinner from 9:30pm. Most restaurants don't open before 8:30pm. Siesta (2–5pm) is real and many shops close. Nightlife starts at midnight. Adapt or suffer empty restaurants and closed doors.
Bar Culture
Standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table. Don't tip per drink. Leave coins when you leave. It's normal to throw napkins on the floor at tapas bars. Ordering one tapa at a time and moving to the next bar is tradition.
Semana Santa & Feria
Semana Santa (Holy Week, March/April) transforms Seville with processions, incense, and emotion. Feria de Abril (two weeks later) is a week-long party with flamenco dresses and horse carriages. Book months ahead for both.
Heat Management
July–August temperatures exceed 40°C regularly. Sevillanos avoid outdoors 2–5pm. Museums and churches offer refuge. Ice-cold gazpacho and tinto de verano are survival tools, not just drinks.
Social Warmth
Sevillanos are famously warm and social. Two kisses on the cheek (right first) for greetings. Conversations are loud and animated. It's not arguing, it's enthusiasm. Personal space is smaller than in northern Europe.
