Seville, Spain

• Seville is the capital of Andalusia, sitting along the Guadalquivir River. Summers get brutally hot - regularly above 40°C - and most tourists come in spring or fall. The city splits into the tourist-heavy historic center around Santa Cruz, and more local neighborhoods like Triana and Macarena where you'll hear more Spanish than English.
• English is common in Santa Cruz and El Arenal where the major sights are concentrated. In residential neighborhoods like Triana and Macarena, basic Spanish helps. Cafes are social spaces where sitting alone for hours with a book or laptop is normal - nobody cares if you're dining solo.
• The crime rate is low at 26.74%, though pickpocketing happens in crowded tourist spots and on buses. Violent crime is rare. Keep your phone out of sight on public transport and don't wear expensive jewelry around major attractions.
• The historic center is compact enough to walk everywhere. The metro has one line, the tram runs through the center, and buses cover the rest. Main areas stay active until late with decent lighting, though narrow side streets in Santa Cruz empty out after 10 PM.

Spanish is the main language. You'll find English speakers at tourist police, major hotels, and tourist areas like Santa Cruz and El Arenal. The emergency service (112) has operators fluent in over 50 languages including English. The tourist helpline (+34 902 102 112) can assist in multiple languages.

• Cover shoulders and knees for churches. Locals dress up more than northern Europeans - short shorts and flip-flops look out of place at restaurants in the evening.
• Meal times run late even by Spanish standards. Lunch is 2-3 PM, dinner starts around 9 PM and goes until midnight. Most businesses close for siesta 2-5 PM. Tipping isn't expected but 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants.
• Greetings are two kisses on the cheeks (starting right) between friends, men and women both. Spanish men can be flirty but it's usually low-key - harassment is less common than in many other countries.
• Don't applaud in the middle of flamenco performances - it's considered rude. Wait until the end. Learn basic Spanish (hola, gracias, por favor, disculpe) since English is limited outside the main tourist areas.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (EU-wide): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The historic center is small - you can walk between most major sights in 10-20 minutes. There are 77 kilometers of bike lanes with Sevici bike-share stations, though the heat makes cycling rough in summer.
• The metro only has one line with 22 stations connecting suburbs to the center. The tram runs through the historic center with eight stops. Both cost around €1.40 per ride. Pickpockets work the rush hour crowds (7:30-9:30 AM, 2-3 PM, 6-8 PM).
• Uber, Bolt, and Cabify all work here. Official taxis are white with yellow TAXI signs - they're easy to find and reasonably priced. Airport to city center runs €24-35 fixed rate.
• The EA airport bus costs around €4 and runs direct between the airport and center. Don't rent a car for the city - the historic center's narrow streets are a nightmare to drive and park in.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Seville with local guides and curated experiences.