Seville: enchanting city

Seville’s charm can be felt at every corner of the city. Stunning architecture and multiple cultural venues are not the only places that the city holds in store for visitors. The palm-lined promenade is an equally dazzling place to be, especially in the evening when it is lit by fancy old-fashioned street lamps.

Considered one of the Andalusian gems, Seville is also an ideal choice if you want to combine beach holidays with sightseeing and multiple outdoor activity options. The winding alleys will take you on a long journey through city’s culture and history, and you’ll have a unique opportunity to participate in colourful flamenco performances.

Even though Seville can be explored in many different ways, the beauty of the city can be experienced to its fullest with a rental car. It is one of the most convenient ways to travel from one landmark to another. A rental car will save your time and allow you to plan everything ahead. Car hire companies in Seville offer a wide variety of rental vehicles, you just need to choose what best suits you and start your journey!

Sevillan charm can be best admired in Barrio de Santa Cruz. The district is considered one of the most charming places in the city. In the past, it was a Jewish quarter, but today you’ll have a unique opportunity to admire stunning mazes of cobblestone streets, brilliant patios, shaded plazas, and lively cafés here. 

Most notable places not to be missed are Plaza Doña Elvira, Plaza Santa Cruz, and Plaza Refinadores. There are also two interesting museums within the district’s limits, namely the Centro de Interpretación Judería de Sevilla and the Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes. Also, be sure to stroll along the Jardines de Murillo.

At a stone’s throw from Barrio de Santa Cruz, you’ll find the Real Alcázar which is a real cultural jewel and an example of Moorish architecture. It dates back to the 10th century and is divided into several stunning spots, namely the Puerta Principal leading to the Patio de las Doncellas. While inside, you shouldn’t also miss the Salón de los Embajadores, one of the oldest rooms in the edifice.

Those who enjoy long strolls should definitely try the Parque de María Luisa. This large plaza is surrounded on all sides by brilliant examples of Neo-Moorish constructions. In the plaza’s centre, you can admire a nice fountain that is a neat centrepiece of the place.

The fans of art should direct their steps to Museo de Bellas Artes housed in Convento de la Merced dating back to the 17th century. The collection of paintings that can be found here is considered even better than the one found in Madrid. The Real Maestranza is yet another museum that just can’t be omitted while sightseeing around Seville. It is one of the most beautiful bullrings in the whole country. Its Baroque style and brilliant arcades will delight even the most demanding tourists.

Before venturing into the streets of Seville, it’s best that you familiarise yourself with the intricacies of the road environment in this city. With our short guide, you’ll be perfectly prepared for everything that you may encounter on the streets of this beautiful Spanish city. If you’ve already rented your dream vehicle, it’s time to hit the road!

Driving around Seville is a demanding task as there are no main arteries leading to the central district. There is a wide orbital road that runs around the city which, unfortunately, reaches only the outer districts of Seville. The centre is riddled with many narrow alleys and complex one-way roads. A good idea would be to equip yourself with a GPS system to avoid getting lost and losing your cool.

The Old Town is mostly characterised by many pedestrian zones and entering these zones by car is practically impossible. While driving in this part of the city, you should stay extra cautious and follow all of the road signs to avoid any additional penalties or tickets. What’s more be careful with other Spanish drivers who are known around the world as pretty hectic in their driving habits. Sometimes, they break a number of traffic rules at once.

Seville offers a wide variety of underground and multi-storey car parks. However, if you want to use some of the street parking spots, parking fees apply to the central district from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 2 pm and between 5 pm and 8 pm as well as on Saturdays between 10 am and 2 pm. You can stay in one spot for 2 hours in the blue zone and for 3 hours in the green zone. Parking rates for public car parks are around €1.15 per hour with a daily maximum ranging between €12 and €19.