Shopping in Seville

Seville is home to sprawling local produce markets and Andalusia artisans. If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home, this is the best place to stock up on local products, and for the latest in fashion, the city is packed with the usual shopping chains and boutiques.

Key areas

The heart of Seville's shopping district is Calle Sierpes and the streets running parallel - Calle Velazquez Tetúan and Calle Cuna. Here you'll find a vast array of both traditional and designer shops. Waft yourself silly with all types of traditional fans at Dizal, Calle Sierpes 48, or check out the original, artisan ceramics at Sevillarte, Calle Sierpes 66.

Markets

The biggest open-air markets in Seville are the Mercadillo del Jueves along Calle Feria (Thurs 0700-1500) and the Mercadillo del Duque y la Magdalena at Plaza del Duque (Thurs-Sun 1000-2100). The first market specialises in antiques, paintings and collectibles, while the latter focuses on fashion, accessories and general items.

Shopping centres

Nervión near Santa Justa station is a massive mall containing several department stores and boutiques. The old railway station of Plaza de Armas also houses numerous fashion chains like ZARA and Bershka. The Metropol Parasol complex, known locally as Seville’s Mushrooms, houses a market, shops and Archaeological Museum. The city is also home to Spain’s favourite department store, El Corte Inglés.

Opening hours

Most shops in Seville open at 0930 or 1000, closing at 1330 or 1400 for siesta and reopening at 1700 until 2000 on weekdays. On Saturdays they generally only open for half a day and on Sunday remain closed, but several bigger stores stay open all day, including Saturdays.

Souvenirs

Many of the typical Spanish souvenirs can be found in Seville, and this is one of the best cities to buy them too, with elegant lacy fans, castanets and frilly flamenco dresses all available. Calle Francos is the best place to buy the latter, however if you’re after something more than just the touristy type, expect to pay a hefty sum.

The city is perhaps best known for its production of colourful tiles and ceramics. To find the best of these, head to the old gypsy quarter of Triana, where you’ll find many small ceramic stores and even workshops where you can watch them being made.

Tax information

IVA (value added tax) of 21% is charged on most goods and services in Spain. Upon departure, visitors from outside the EU, who have been in the EU for less than 180 days, can get a VAT refund from the airport on goods worth €90 or more.

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Featured Hotels

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.

Hotel Holos

A little further from the historical centre, the calm and oasis of Hotel Holos is blissful retreat in a neighbourhood lined with orange trees. What this boutique stay lacks in size, it certainty makes up in fantastically helpful staff, style and silence. Inside its post-modern exterior there are just six doubles and a single, all of which are clean and comfortable, and its wooden rooftop terrace is delightful where the sun is out. It’s also just a few streets away from the Real Betis football stadium. All rooms come with air-conditioning, and bikes are available for guests.

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.

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