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Seville is the capital of Andalucia, the heart and soul of traditional Spain, home to bullfights, tapas and flamenco. With budget airlines from easyjet to ryanair offering cheap flights to Seville, it's easier than ever to enjoy a spontaneous city break in southern Spain.
The city is packed with affordable hotels, most of which are located within walking distance of the main sights, making this the ideal city for a brief visit. Try booking online, and book late on websites such as lastminute.com, to find cheap hotels perfect for a one or two night stay.
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With only a few days at your fingertips in such a rich and culturally diverse city, it's best to start at El Arenal, Seville's former port and main bullfighting district, dominated by a dazzling white bullring where 'corridas' have been staged for over two centuries.
During the summer, the local bars and 'bodegas' are packed with punters anxious to see a few fights, and if you can't get in, just wander the neighbouring streets to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. If the very idea of bullfighting makes your skin crawl, gentler pursuits include strolling along the tree-lined promenades by the river, or visiting the Baroque Church, Hospital de la Caridad, and the Museo de Bellas Artes for works by famous Spanish artists.
After this, head to the Torre del Oro for just one example of the city's impressive Moorish buildings; a 13th century tower that now houses a small Maritime museum. Many traditional Tapas Bars such as El Buzo, or 'The Diver' serve up delicious plates of cured ham and olives, perfect for a quick lunch, before making your way to Santa Cruz, Seville's Old Jewish quarter.
Many of the main sights are located in this picturesque corner of the city, a maze of whitewashed streets and market squares, and this restored former ghetto is populated with upmarket houses, flowering patios, and hotels.
Avoid the souvenir shops and strolling guitarists, and make your way to the huge Gothic Cathedral and Moorish Tower La Giralda, first constructed in 1198 and the main tourist attraction in the city. It's well worth making the steep climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The Royal Palaces of Real Alcazar also offer ornate architecture and landscaped gardens, with beautiful patios decorated with the characteristic 'azulejos'; glazed ceramic tiles introduced to Spain by Arab settlers, and now found all over the city on shop signs and billboards.
If you have any energy left, wander through the Calle de las Sierpes, Seville's most famous shopping street, and pick up some 'jamon' or ceramics to take home before taking a brief afternoon siesta. Santa Cruz comes alive in the evening, with an excellent selection of bars and restaurants, so discover Bar Giralda, sheltered in the remains of a Moorish bath, before ending your stay the Spanish way, with a night of Flamenco at the Barrio de Santa Cruz.
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