Sevilla
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INTRODUCING SEVILLASevilla certainly is one of the most beloved places by visitors to Spain. Although today Moorish influence is architectonically most evident - Andalucía was occupied by Moors for about 800 years - it has been a cultural center long before. The fertility of this land and its favorised climate made Phoenicians and Carthaginians settle here. Later came Romans, and two of their emperors, Trajan and Hadrian, in fact were born here. Also lateron Sevilla was the home of famous and infamous figures of history, the legendary Don Juan started from here to conquer the hearts of women across all Europe, while Columbus started from a port close to Sevilla to discover a new world. Prosper Merimée's Carmen, who couldn't make her decision between the officer Don José and the bullfighter Escamillo, was a worker in Sevilla's old tobacco factory (which, by the way, serves today as University). When you visit this city, you are in the very heart of Andalusian culture, the center of Bullfighting and Flamenco music. Take yourself time and take life easy, as Andalusians use to do, and interrupt sightseeing from time to time to have a few tapas (those typical "small Spanish dishes"), and a glass of Jerez (Sherry wine) in one of the thousands of bars in this city. COUCHSURFING IN SEVILLATHE CITY GROUPThe Sevilla CS Group is growing very fast. Its members are somewhat active and congregate frequently for a variety of activities. For info about events and activities, check the City Group and our Calendario of events. It’s recommended that you join the group in advance of your visit, the friendly members will be able to help you get the best of it :)
OUR WEEKLY MEETINGWe are looking for brave souls to help us organize a Weekly Meeting in Sevilla. If you would like to help, have an idea or just want to send us some hugs and kisses, contact me or any or the Moderators of the CS Sevilla Community Group. FINDING A COUCHSevilla is a very popular destination, so there is a strong demand for couches. Unluckily the number of members who can actually host is not very high – hopefully this will change soon – and they are usually bombarded with requests. Mass emailing is not appreciated, try to personalize your request and take some time to read up on your host. Be sure to read How to write a CouchRequest and How to be a Good Guest before making a CS Request, especially if you are new to CouchSurfing. Please remember, CouchSurfing is not intended to be just a free place to stay! Find someone you think you will connect with and enjoy spending time with so that everyone benefits! As a general rule for CouchSurfers, no matter which country you are in, it is highly recommended that you have a hostel/hotel in mind as a backup plan in case your host cannot accommodate you or a problem arises. Use common sense and be prepared as you would be if on your own.
LOCAL AMBASSADORSShould you find yourself in an emergency situation or wanting additional information, please feel free to contact the following ambassadors for assistance:
THE WEATHER IN SEVILLASevilla is overall a warm, dry city. During the summer, especially in August, it is full-out hot (it currently holds the record for hottest day in Spain at a scorching 50ºC (122ºF)! The winter months remain mild -you will see the sevillanos wearing heavy coats, scarves, and gloves- The winter temperatures, which at their coldest dip to just below 15ºC (59ºF), is by Sevilla’s standards quite chilly! For snow you'll have to travel to the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains (Granada) as snowfall in Sevilla is unheard of. Rainfall in Sevilla is also fairly minimal; summers are extremely dry but expect a little rain through the cooler months. You can check the weather forecast here
GETTING TO/FROM SEVILLABY CAR Sevilla is connected to all major Spanish cities by excellent motorways and freeways that are up to European standards and toll-free except for the A-4 between Sevilla and Cádiz. Sevilla and Cádiz are linked by both the A-4 motorway and the N-IV freeway, which in the other direction links Andalucía to Madrid. From Granada and the Costa del Sol, Sevilla can be reached via the A-92 motorway. From Portugal, the A-49 motorway takes you to Sevilla via Huelva. In Sevilla, you can access all the freeways and motorways from the SE-30 ringroad, which circles the city and has numerous exits to the city centre. More info here
Sevilla - San Pablo Airport (IATA: SVQ, ICAO: LEZL), is situated on the A4 highway (known as E05 in the International E-road network) which connects Sevilla and its ringroad with Madrid. The motorways around Sevilla provide relatively easy access to Jerez (under an hour), Marbella on the Costa del Sol (around 3 hours) and even Faro in Portugal (around 2½ hours). San Pablo Airport Telephone: +34 954260915 More info here Telephone: +34 954 449 060 Rates: From minute 0 to minute 30, 0.017682 Euro per minute; from minute 31 to minute 60, 0.024754 Euro per minute; from minute 61, 0.021881 Euro per minute; daily maximum up to four days 14.40 Euro; daily maximum as from the fifth day, 11.45 Euro.
There are five main car hire companies based at the airport in Sevilla. You can find them on the ground floor of the main terminal building:
Getting from the Airport into the center of Sevilla is easy and quick. If you take a Sevilla Airport Taxi the journey will take you around 15 mins and costs between 15€ and 22€ depending on which time of day you travel. The taxi rank is just outside the terminal building.
Buses from/to the airport and the City Center run every 30 minutes between 6:15 and 23:00. The journey takes between 20-30 minutes and a single ticket costs 2,30€ Bus Information Telephone: +34 954720200 Checkout the online Bus Timetable
This station is about 3 blocks from the Triana bridge and Reyes Catolicos. Bus Companies in Plaza de Armas Station: Alsa, La Bética, Transtres, Jiménez,Linesur,Leda, Rafesa, Destinations: Madrid, South of Portugal, Lisboa, Huelva, Huelva Coast, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Mérida, Sevilla Province, Asturias, Galicia, Northern Spain, foreign countries.
This station is close to the university and across the street from the Jardines Murillo Bus Companies in Prado de San Sebastián Station: Alsa, La Bética, Transtres. Destinations: Sevilla Province (Utrera, Morón, Estepa, Carmona, Alcalá de Guadaíra, El Viso del Alcor, Mairena del Alcor, Écija), Córdoba, Granada, Cádiz, Jaén, Málaga, Almería, Jerez de la Frontera , Algeciras, Ronda, Marbella, etc.
Bus company Socibus The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Sevilla but it takes 6 hours. Buses leave 8 times a day from the bus station in C/ Méndez Álvaro 83, tel. +34 913032266.
Bus company Alsina Graells, tel. +34 952318295 Tickets can be bought at Málaga bus station, tel. +34 952350061. The journey takes about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Santa Justa Train Station- Telephone number: +34 902 240 202
High-speed train AVE, leaves hourly between 7.00 and 22.00. The train takes about 2 ½ hours and costs from 67,10€ to 134,20€.
Trains from Málaga to Seville leave daily at 07.45, 10.40, 14.00, 16.35 and 20.08. They take 2 ½ hours and cost from 17,30€ to 33,30€.
NEARBY LOCATIONSSierra de Aracena. Located towards the North West of Sevilla, it is one of the most famous places for Jamón (Ham) in Spain and full with pretty small villages to discover. Great for walking around, eating and exploring this Natural Park. There are plenty of buses from Plaza de Armas Bus Station.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATIONSEVILLA CITY BUSSevilla is served by the TUSSAM (Transportes Urbanos de Sevilla) bus network. Buses usually run from 06:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. In their website you can:
-The itinerary of the different lines - Tickets / Travel Cards and their prices
THE TRAMSevilla's Metrocentro is a tram line consisting of four stops: Prado de San Sebastián bus station, Puerta Jerez (past the University), Archivo de Indias (next to the Cathedral), and Plaza Nueva (where the direction of service reverses). Here's a map of the line
THE SUBWAYThe First Sevilla Metro Line is running happily take a look It costs 1'3 Euros.
TAXIIt's the quickest means of transportation in Sevilla, as well as the most expensive. Sevilla counts on four taxi companies:
BIKE RENTAL(SEVICI)Please check SEVICI web page for detailed info about the SEVICI system. PLACES TO VISITART&CULTUREPlease check wikitravel for detailed info about what to see and do in Sevilla. NICE PLACES TO HAVE SOME TAPASThere are two basic types of dining out in Sevilla: going for tapas (small portions generally between 1,50-4€) or heading to a restaurant for a more traditional meal. This does not mean you can't order a plate of food in a tapas bar: you will see groups sharing a plate (ración) or half-plate (media ración)of the same dishes. And in many good restaurants you can also order tapas at the bar. This is a nice way to try some excellent food without paying the full price of a sit down dinner or lunch. This section covers some interesting bars where you can practice the art of "tapeo" :)
Definitely a classic! Great place for cheap and delicious tapas, one of the locals’ favourites.
On Saturday and Sunday afternoon people crowd into this bar to get a drink and then make their way outside into the Plaza or on the steps of the Church, often sharing a table with others. Some days it can be difficult to make your way to the bar, but few other bars in the same Plaza have tables.
This place is so close to La Antigua Bodeguita that they almost seem like the same bar. Offering a few tapas and similarly cold beer, the only difference between them may be the type of glasses used. Don't be surprised if you find yourself visiting both in the same trip without noticing.
Wonderful tapas next to the river. They are specialists in fried fish.
Tapas in the city center (and also beer, and music...) Mexican specialities (tacos, enchiladas, etc..) and typical Andalusian tapas.
Great wine bar. They also have some interesting tapas.
Delicious “Montaditos de pringá”!
Nice place to stop in for a quick tapa and a beer.
Interesting selection of wines and wonderful tapas
There's inside and outside seating. If you prefer to eat outside make sure to get there early and put your name on the chalk board. Some days you may have to wait about 30 minutes but it's worth it. Tapas are huge and their sauces are delicious.
North African and Middle Eastern specialties + original Andalusian dishes in what turns into an alternative night bar. Large menu of teas, some good Mexican food, a real beef hamburger, delicious Baklava, cous cous, shoarmas and some other tasty dishes.
NICE PLACES TO HAVE A DRINK / NIGHTLIFEIn the summer months most people head to the river and the terrazas where it's cooler at night. In winter the bars in the center and other spots offer the best places to keep warm and follow the "marcha".
Many of the locals in this traditional part of town close already around midnight, but until then you may have loads of fun. You will find here many typical bars offering delicious "Tapas" and regional wines.
Specially around Iglesia del Salvador and in the area of Alfalfa you will find crowded locals and large groups of youngsters using streets and squares as an extension of their favourite bar.
Here you will find nice summer terraces, many of them in the old pavilions of the Exposition of 1929, close to the Theater Lope de Vega. Many locals play dance music, and the party takes until the early morning.
Also along the river, specially close to the territory of EXPO '92, you'll find places that are really in fashion. Again many of them are "open-air", and have a really lively ambience.
USEFUL INFO&LINKS FOR VISITORSACOMMODATIONBUDGET HOSTELS Sevilla5.com - Hostels in Sevilla
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SEVILLA CULTURAL GUIDES,EVENTS..
EMERGENCY LISTEmergency Phone Numbers:
INFO FOR SEVILLA HOSTSIn your profile, you can add the following text so you give people the basic information any CSer needs to know when planning to come to our city.
Copy + Paste this text in your "Couch information"<b>If you are coming to Sevilla, check our <a href="http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/en/Sevilla">wiki</a> and <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=2421">Sevilla Group</a> - very helpful info inside!!</b> article history edit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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