While Seville is maybe not the cheapest city in Spain it does have a handful of free sights and parks where you can make the most of that wonderful climate in southern Spain. Here is some information to help you get started planning your cheap stay in the capital of Andalusia:
The sunny city of Seville is peppered with lovely river side cafes and tapas bars with Arab-style internal courtyards where a simple glass of wine and a few olives can feel like total luxury in such an exotic setting. In many tapas bars you are offered plenty of free nibbles with your drink and this can be a great way to recharge your battery for free if you can’t afford a meal out. The Santa Cruz area is your best bet for this kind of bar.
The lovely Maria Luisa Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic or a romantic stroll with its leafy gardens and ponds and the Guadalquivir River is equally attractive. Plaza España is another free highlight for most visitors to the city. The Giralda Tower, the Royal Alcazars and the Cathedral are not free to visit so, if you are strapped for cash, you can either just settle for gawping at them from the outside or invest in a Seville Card and visit them all at a reduced rate.
If you don’t have a senior or student discount card, the Sevilla Card is a great option for free entry to most of the city’s museums and attractions as well as the Isla Magica park. It also offers good discounts in many restaurants and shops. The card costs 50€ for 24 hours and 60€ for 48 hours. You can also enjoy unlimited free public transport for just a few more euros. Visit the tourist office for more information.
For a cheap stay in the city, look for a budget hostel in the city centre or consider staying at a self-catering apartment for a longer stay and save on eating out. Flying out of the high season and during the middle of the week at unsociable hours is guaranteed to bring the cost of your flight down too.
A trip to Seville is never going to be completely free but it certainly doesn’t have to break the bank either!
