Making the most of Sevilla
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Only smaller ships can sail 60 km up the Guadalquivir River to Sevilla. The new container-built cruise terminal is an ingenious construction near Expo '29 Park, close to the city center and only about 1-2 kilometers from downtown Seville.
Larger ships generally berth in Cadiz. From Cádiz, Seville is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) away; bus, train or private transfer normally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Most cruise lines stay "overnight", ideal for the late-starting vibrant night life, as restaurants and other venues may not open until 10 PM.
Take a printable map with you.
One of Spain's most charming cities, Seville has a rich history visible in innumerable monuments: the awesome cathedral, third largest in the world; Giralda tower; wonderful Reales Alcázares palace; magical Santa Cruz Barrio with narrow streets; Maestranza bullfighting ring; Flamenco passion; and orange-blossom perfume on every corner.
For fine views, visit Metropol Parasol. € 3.00
Getting around
The Hop on/off bus makes an extensive circuit of city highlights, with a stop near the terminal: Stop#3 beside Seville Aquarium.
Sevilla's great public-transport system has frequent buses covering most of the city. Bus cards are sold at many news stands, and driver-bought trips cost € 1.40.
Nearby places
Arcos de la Frontera, one of Andalucia's most dramatically placed pueblos blancos (white villages), balances on a rocky limestone ridge. Whitewashed houses and stone castle walls end abruptly at cliffs dropping to the fertile Guadalete river valley. From Seville's Prado de San Sebastian bus station, buses reach Arcos in about 2 hours for under €10.
Near the cruise terminal, Plaza Espana is a stunning building with lovely gardens and a tiny canal/moat.
Food and shopping
Stores normally open 9:30am-2pm, then reopen 5-8pm. El Corte Inglés, the giant Spanish department store selling almost everything imaginable, trades continuously 10am-10pm; larger stores are often open Sundays. The centre's main shopping area is the parallel Sierpes and Tetuan streets, while ceramics shops cluster near Triana market across the river. Most stores close on sundays.
Sevilla dinners usually run from 9 to 11 p.m., sometimes as late as midnight, leaving considerable time after work. Locals therefore often "bar hop" and eat tapas between finishing work and dinner.
Money
Currency: the euro.
The euro consists of 100 cents. • Eight coins are used: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, plus 1 and 2 Euro. • Seven bank notes have values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro.
Staying connected
Spanish is official throughout the national territory, alongside regional languages: Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Euskera/Basque in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencia Region, and a particular Catalan variety on the Balearic Islands.
Many establishments offer Wifi. Passwords can be very long and often appear at the bottom of a napkin dispencer.
Emergency number: dial 112 free of charge throughout Spain. Spanish is available, along with English, French and German in some tourist areas.