Getting around Seville

Public transport

Seville is a relatively compact city and its major attractions are all within walking distance of one another, but if you’re looking to travel outside the historic centre, there are plenty of options. The main bus network within the city centre is TUSSAM (tel: +34 95 501 0010; www.tussam.es). The most useful for visitors are the C1-C5 circular lines. Services in general operate between 0600 and 1130.

The Metro de Sevilla (tel: +34 900 927 172; www.metro-sevilla.es) is a fast way to get to the suburbs and the expo. There is only one metro line and it works like a tram in the city centre. Tickets can be purchased at any metro station and validated in a machine before boarding. Services generally run daily from 0630 to 2300 on weekdays, until 0200 on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 0730 to 2300 on Sundays and holidays.

Single, return and one-day tickets are available.

Taxis

Reliable taxi companies in Seville include TeleTaxi (tel: +34 95 462 2222), Radio Taxi Giralda (tel: +34 95 467 5555) and Radio Taxi (tel: +34 95 458 0000). Meter fares include VAT (rates rise at night and on Sundays and holidays). Tipping is not expected, but if you would like to tip, the usual amount is 5 to 10% of the meter fare.

Driving

Driving in Seville is not recommended, as the narrow streets within the historic city centre are hard to navigate, with many now closed to cars; in addition, drivers have 45 minutes after entering the city centre to find parking or face a fine (there are several cameras monitoring this). There are paid car parks in the city centre, and some hotels have parking, but it's expensive. During rush hours, the motorway leading to the suburbs can get extremely congested.

Car hire

The minimum age to hire a car in Spain is 21. Car hire companies often charge supplements for drivers under the age of 25. A valid passport is required for proof of identity. A valid international insurance policy is also necessary, although this can be purchased at the time of hire.

The following major companies provide car hire in Seville: Avis (tel: +34 902 110 283; www.avis.es), Europcar (tel: +34 902 105 055); www.europcar.es) and Hertz (tel: +34 902 449 944; www.hertz.es).

Bicycle hire

Since the expansion of the bicycle route network, Seville has become a great city to explore on two wheels. Sevici (tel: +34 900 900 722; www.sevici.es) is the city's bikeshare scheme. A deposit is required.

Major bicycle hire companies include Rent a Bike (tel: +34 95 511 8228; www.rentabikesevilla.com) and Cyclotour (tel: +34 95 468 9666; www.cyclotour.es) where you can hire canopied quadricycles. You can rent scooters on a daily basis from Vespasur, Júpiter 25 (tel: +34 95 441 7500; www.vespasur.es).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

Corral del Rey

Set on a narrow street in the old town, this stylish boutique hotel is set in a 17th century palacio. The rooms are set in two buildings around a central courtyard and furnished in antiques with Moroccan touches. If you don't treat yourself to the suite with two terraces and a private plunge pool, the rooftop garden has a pool too. Downstairs, there's a tapas bar. The hotel arranges insightful tours of the city too.

Hotel Abril

Located along Calle San Jerónimo Hernández, one of the main shopping streets of Seville, Hotel Abril is a humble bolthole with reasonably good prices. Rooms are spacious and clean, with homely decor; some have windows opening into the lobby but they are quieter than those opening onto the street. For those keeping to a tight budget, free coffee and tea is available throughout the day. A hearty breakfast buffet is also available for an extra fee. All rooms are en suite and come with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.

YH Giralda

A former house of the abbots, the YH Giralda is a perennially popular option for young couples seeking affordable comfort. The 2-star hotel is just metres away from the Giralda, in the midst of tapas bars and shops. The tastefully-furnished rooms are small but comfortable and are all en suite. Ask for the patio-facing rooms as they are quieter than those overlooking the streets.

Hotel Boutique Elvira Plaza

This small boutique hotel - there are only nine rooms, two of them suites - is set in a charming pedestrianised square in Santa Cruz, the former Jewish district. Although the rooms are on the small size, they are light and stylish. A roof terrace looks out onto the city, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby.

Hotel Alfonso XIII

If you're looking to splurge, the Hotel Alfonso XIII is arguably one of the most prestigious hotels in Seville. Converted from a neo-Moorish palace, the hotel pays homage to Spain's past. Huge chandeliers, opulent fabrics and an exotic ambiance make it the preferred choice of the rich and famous, including foreign royalties, members of the government and celebrities. The hotel's cocktail bar is ideal for pre-prandial drinks by the pool, followed by dinner at San Fernando Restaurant or its venerable tapas lounge.

EME Catedral Hotel

Stylish and chic, the EME Catedral Hotel stands out for its juxtaposition of avant garde and rustic. Rooms are tastefully decorated with modish touches while the bricked walls and vaulted ceilings take on a rugged appearance. The rooftop swimming pool and terrace bar have spectacular views of the Cathedral, and dining options include a rustic Italian restaurant. The hotel also features glass floors that reveal Roman ruins under the hotel.

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