Don’ts

• Semana Santa (Easter) is the Holy Week and unless you have a keen interest in experiencing what Easter in Seville is like; you should avoid the dates. It is high season in town!
• Feria de Abril or the April Fair is the most important local festival and the prices of the accommodations are high during this season, so tourists are advised to avoid it.
• One of the most important things to know before traveling to Seville is that the siesta tradition still lives on. Generally, it means that many businesses close from around 2 to 5 p.m. Bars and restaurants will stay open for locals to eat lunch, and most larger supermarkets and brand-name stores don’t close, either. However, most smaller shops continue this tradition, so plan your errands accordingly.
• Do not just stick to public transit, for you may end up traveling on familiar tracks. Try renting a vehicle or a bike and explore the city, you are bound to get rewarded with lovely surprises.
• Do not be discouraged if you must wait at the bar of a well-known place, the ordering process is rather chaotic. It is commonplace to see people shout repeatedly to get the attention of the bar staff.
• Do not eat too often in your hotel as there are so many good bars, cafés, and restaurants scattered throughout the city. It is wonderful to have breakfast in the morning on a terrace in a square.
• Don’t plan your entire vacation at Semana Santa (the week before Easter) unless that’s the only thing you want to see. Many streets are closed, which makes it difficult to walk through the city. However, seeing the processions (a day or two) is worth the effort.
• Don’t plan every minute of your vacation. Take the time to walk aimlessly through the city, absorb the atmosphere, and discover Seville.
• Don’t forget to bring a map. You can easily get lost, especially in the old part of the city where there are many narrow streets and where everything is alike.
• Don’t forget to bring a fan in the summer.
• Seville is one of the hottest cities in Southwestern Europe. The temperatures can soar up to 35 degree Celsius, so make sure you are well hydrated.
• Do not walk around in beachwear, no matter how warm it is.
• Don’t eat oranges that grow on the thousands of trees in the city. They are bitter and better suited to make marmalade.

DO’s:

• Beware of pickpockets. Like any major city in Spain, pickpockets do operate in Sevilla. They may operate under the guise of selling you flowers, but you should not stop for these people. They are especially known to hang around cathedrals and Plazas.
• Flirtatious men and cab drivers have been reported to harass single women tourist, so be cautious.
• It is easy to get lost in Sevilla, especially at night. Allow yourself a day or an afternoon just to get your bearings around the city, as most of the roads don’t have names posted.
• When ordering drinks, also order the food as that comes free with Tapas and is part of the bargain.
• Learn a few words of Spanish, or download a translation app, since people at the local bars usually don’t speak English.
• Carry a light jacket with you as the evenings can be quite chilly.
• Weather can change quickly and without warning. Daytime is often warm, but even in summer nights can become quite cold. Be prepared for rain, even when it is warm outside.
• The local eating schedule is one of the key things to know before traveling to Seville. Lunch isn’t usually on the table until 2 p.m. Likewise, nobody sits down for dinner until around 9 or 10 p.m.
• Do keep a track of festivals on your travel visits. Plan for a visit during festivals popular among the locals and not tourist. You will enjoy the authentic food and flair without the crowd.
• Dress respectfully when you visit religious buildings.
• Try to learn the steps of the Sevillanas (a traditional folk dance) when you visit the Feria de Abril (the April Festival).
• Go to a local market to stock up on fresh fruit and tasty snacks.

Seville's non-stop nightlife will leave you invigorated and spoilt for choice! There is a range of fun activities that you can do until the wee hours of the morning. The vibrant nightlife of Seville will certainly make you wish if you could spend every night there. At the El Palacio Andaluz, you can enjoy the traditionally famed Flamenco dance in a royal ambiance, tranquil atmosphere and try to decipher the story they narrate. They also serve amazing food. Try La Fresquita, a hugely popular hangout among the locals for the specialty of Seville – tapas.

In summer, the city offers an amazing array of terrace bars and nightclubs located down the riverside, past the Torre del Oro, and onto Paseo de las Delicias. The atmosphere is lively and you can enjoy wonderful music. Famous places here are Chile, Mulle New York, Erasmus, and Libano to name a few.

Alfalfa is a hotspot for university-goers and you will see scores of students partying here and the ambiance caters to the young and international crowds. Another place is, El Tendido which offers delicious tapas and a wide range of drinks.

If you are seeking some fine dining, head to Paseo de Cristobal Colon, down the river. The area has a score of classy and sophisticated bars and restaurants. Popular bars in this locality are MKC, Boga and the three-floored nightclub Uthopia.

Alameda de Hercules is a food lover's paradise. You can go to the cozy Gigante Bar or the happening Cafe Central. There are rock clubs like the Fun Club and Obbio by Holiday, and these places are open almost all night.

• The Seville Cathedral is also called the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See. It is one of Seville’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sprawling structure is magnificent and is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Seville has three World Heritage sites within an area of 4 kilometers, so the visitor can not only see the Cathedral but also the Alcazar palace complex, a 14th-century exquisite royal court. Incidentally, the palace was used in “Game of Thrones”. The third site is General Archive of the Indies which contains historical records of Spanish colonialism in the Americas. The Cathedral is open every day; however, the hours may vary during the summer.
• The Barrio Santa Cruz is a charming neighborhood in Seville. It is also a favorite among tourists. The neighborhood includes the three attractions mentioned above. The labyrinthine streets are filled with artisan shops, local eateries, and small stores. Tourists usually end up spending hours here, rambling around the lanes and checking the local shops.
• Visit the flea market Calle Feria on Thursdays, you will find different people and products. There is a sense of nostalgia that you feel when you visit the oldest market in Seville. April is a good time to buy your outfit for the Feria, the biggest annual party in Seville.
• Visit the revered Basilica de la Macarena. This basilica is located on the outskirts of the old town in the north, against the Macarena neighborhood. The interior is beautifully decorated. La Esperanza, the weeping figure of the Virgin Mary, is kept here. She is the local patroness of bullfighters. This is the most revered Virgin Mary statue in Seville and is carried around the streets during Semana Santa (Holy Week before Easter).
• Visit the Plaza de Espana. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Seville. The picturesque buildings, fountains, and flamenco performances ensure that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit. The area is lovely during the day as well at night, when everything is lit up.
• The Fine Art Museum or the Museo de Bellas Artes is a favorite among the art connoisseur.  It features a collection of works from the medieval period to the early 20^th century. The setting of the museum is small and cozy, designed to ensure that the focus is on individual paintings. Be warned that the entrance is at the back.

There is a wide range of activities that you can do in Seville:

• Tapas! – the first thing that pops in mind when we talk about food and Seville. The sheer variety of this appetizer is astounding and although this delicacy is found all over Spain, Seville has the best ones. There is even a whole district known for numerous tapas bars, but the most visited are those in the proximity of The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea and Casa Morales.

• You can also go Kayaking on the river Guadalquivir. The activity is a lot of fun. The navigable river affords some unique sightseeing opportunities like the Maestranza and the Torre del Oro. Kayakers are given training and taught basic some techniques. This activity lasts approximately 2-3 hours and it is advisable that you book in advance.
• You can also climb the top of La Giralda to get a panoramic view of the city. The tall minaret is a bell tower, and there are no lifts installed.  The tower has 35 ramps which facilitate the climbing. The Giralda is a combination of different architectural styles and affords a stunning view of the city. The admission to the bell tower is included if you visit the Cathedral.
• Participate in a bicycle tour. These tours are a fun and flexible way to see many of the city’s landmarks. There are many tours to choose from and several bicycle rental stores organize tours through the city. Trudging on your feet can get exhausting and you can easily visit sights that are just a little further away on a bike. Seville is a very bike-friendly city with many cycle paths that run through the center, and trails that surround the city.
• Fundación Cajasol is both a huge exhibition space and a place where regular events are held. There is always something fun going on here. Cajasol is open every day and is in the city center. The exhibitions are usually free to visit and is also open on Sundays. The type of exhibitions ranges from photography to mixed media and modern art installations.
• Los Remedios, an area located across the river is used for the "Feria" (Festival). The event takes place here every year in April. There are public and private casitas (large tents) where you can eat, drink and dance the Sevillanas. Don't forget to drink rebujito - the Feria drink consisting of sherry mixed with lemonade.
• Alamillo Park is in the north of Seville and can be recognized by the iconic bridge designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava that was built over the river. This park is one of the largest city parks in Spain. Many wild animals live here, and countless species of plants and trees grow. Various events and festivals are held here during the spring and summer months. There are lakes and sports facilities in a large green park, and it is perfect for a nice walk, bike ride or a picnic.
• Spain is famous for flamenco and is a must-see for tourists. You can catch an authentic performance at the Casa del Flamenco, which provides a comprehensive overview of the culture and has performances by well-known artists.
• Wander through an open-air market on Sunday on Vendors street. The well-known market is behind the Alcampo shopping center at Ronda del Tamarguillo on Avenida de la Paz. You can reach there by bus lines 30, 36 from Prado de San Sebastian. However, it is easily outdone by a large flea market that sells clothes, furniture, books, shoes, CDs, food, tools, and million other things. It is in the northwest of Triana near Avenida Carlos III (off of the left-hand side of most tourist maps).

Given the rich cultural history of Seville, it is no surprise that the visitor is spoiled for choice when it comes to souvenirs.

• Ceramic products are the numero uno souvenir gifts. To get your hands on some quality ceramic products head across the Triana Bridge to Cerámica Santa Ana (Calle San Jorge 31), famous for its traditional ceramic ware. The beauty and range of designs are spellbinding.
• Convent Sweets prepared by Nuns at various monasteries like turrón, a nougat treats typically made of honey, sugar and egg white, or mantecados, a typical Andalusian shortbread made from the fat of the Iberian pig and yemas – a sweet made with egg yolk, sugar, and some lemon juice. Simple and delicious, they are the most popular Seville sweets to carry back for friends and family.
• Authentic flamenco dresses and accessories are the best bet to buy as Seville has a rich flamenco tradition.
• Jamon and Cheese are part of Seville's identity. For travel-friendly vacuum-packed products, head to Charcutería Ramírez, a stall in the market on Calle Feria.
• The Mercado Naviden'o de Artesania specializes in handcrafted pieces made by local craftsmen. It is considered by many to be the most important seasonal market in the city, the products are displayed on stands and range from ceramics to jewelry, wooden toys to clothes, all done in typical Andalusian style.
• Typical Andalusian wines make for a unique gift. Purchase one of the region’s specialties from Flor de Sal (Calle Carlos Cañal, 46) where you can choose from approximately 85 different wines or go to Flores Gourmet (Calle San Pablo, 24) to buy some Manzanilla sherry to add a southern Spanish flavor to your festivities.
• La Oleoteca (Calle García de Vinuesa, 39) has an enviable collection of olive oils; an essential entity of Spanish food and is run by local experts who are happy to talk you through each variety.
• Seville is a great place to get local craft beers to bring home for the holidays. Lupulo`polis Cervezas Artesanas (Calle José Gestoso 12) sells a wide variety of distinct beers. Also, check out Gigante Bar (Alameda de Hércules, 17) in the Alameda neighborhood, where they take you through the large catalog of craft beers available, describing their taste and flavor.
• Calle Sierpes is one of the major shopping destinations and boasts an enviable collection of stores in the city. There are many stores selling fans, brooches, and shawls that are handcrafted.
• Fragrances make for unique gifts, one of the famous ones in Seville is the orange blossom perfume, called Agua de Azahar. In some stores, you can customize your own fragrance. Many of these fragrances are made in-house so make sure to ask for these when you visit a store.
• Mantillas and Mantones de Encaje are shawls. These lovely pieces of garments are made of silk or rayon. Frequently sported by Flamenco dancers, these shawls are primarily black in color, however, you can find other patterns and colors that suit your fancy.
• As a traveler, you will notice some lovely ironworks when you wander the city. These decorative pieces function as hooks, drawer pulls, cupboard knobs and many more. These unique artifacts make for wonderful and lasting souvenirs.
• Espardenyes are footwear. Traditionally they are flat and are worn during summer. The lightweight shoes are made of jute rope, premium leathers, suedes, and woven cloth. Espardenyes are quite famous and even celebrities can be spotted wearing this humble and comfortable footwear.