Exploring Seville on a Budget

In Spain, all the good things – from coffee to beer – are often affordable, especially by the standards of other large western European cities. This is also true for Seville—the colorful, sun-drenched city that was a bastion of Islamic rule in Spain for more than 500 years before it fell to Spanish Christians in the 13th century. As the capital of Andalucía, Seville attracts restaurateurs, artists, and tourists. However, it can be pricier than elsewhere in southern Spain.

With a bit of savvy planning, there are ways to ensure that a trip to Seville’s many palaces, museums, and tempting restaurants remains affordable while experiencing the best the city has to offer. Read on to discover how much money you’ll need each day in Seville.

Look for a Place to Stay Outside the Old Town

Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, and the city center are home to Seville’s most famous sites—the cathedral and the Alcázar. Therefore, consider escaping the tourist honeypot by basing yourself in Triana, a less polished but vibrant district across the river. An apartment for two hovers around $131 per night (the average in Seville is $217.50 per night) and is conveniently close to delightful pastries available in local shops.

For hostel prices without the backpacker vibe, try Room007 Salvador, a former coffee roastery near Las Setas. Set around an elegant colonnaded courtyard with impressive design, the prices are reasonable: a private room for six is €144 ($57), or €72 ($78.50) for a double with bunk beds. Seek out cheap accommodation that can be combined with low-cost activities. Additionally, multi-award-winning hostels often offer local experiences like paella evenings and guided tours.

Save Money by Visiting the Sites on Mondays

This is when many major museums and palaces offer discounted entry. Explore the Real Alcázar free of charge from 4 PM or 6 PM, depending on the month. Next door, local hospitals often open their doors for free during specific times. For instance, you can view exquisite murals by notable Spanish painters in the free chapel during those hours.

Look beyond Seville’s most famous sights for lesser-known yet captivating locales that cost less to enter. For instance, the Palacio de Las Dueñas provides free entry from 4 PM on Mondays, showcasing its famous garden. Seizing these opportunities can significantly reduce travel costs while ensuring a rich cultural experience.

Walk Around the City on Foot

Walking through Seville’s twisting streets is one of the best free ways to explore its idiosyncratic neighborhoods. Notably, the main places to visit—Santa Cruz, La Macarena, El Arena, and Triana—are conveniently grouped together, making navigation simple and enjoyable.

Explore Seville by Bike

Seville has been ahead of the curve in making its city bike-friendly, with 111 miles of bike lanes. Thus, cycling around is safe and easy. The most economical option is renting a pick-up-drop-off city bike for half-hour to one-hour intervals.

Plan a Holiday in Fall or Early Spring

Seville isn’t a year-round destination for budget travelers, especially during its annual Feria de Abril. To avoid peak prices, consider visiting between September and November, or January and March when the weather remains pleasant but the city is less crowded.

Take the Train from Another Spanish City

If you’re already in Spain, consider taking the train to Seville. Modern services between major Spanish cities are readily available, and cheap seats can be found with advance reservations. Train journeys can make it convenient to explore several cities without incurring excessive travel costs.

Sample Andalusian Food and Drinks for Cheap

Beer can often be cheaper than bottled water in some bars throughout Seville. If you’re comfortable standing at the bar, a small beer can be as low as €1.40 ($1.50). Tapas such as fried balls stuffed with melted ham or cheese typically cost between €2.50 to €5 ($2.70 to $5.50) per dish. Seek out local eateries to enjoy delicious and affordable tapas.

Fill Up at Breakfast

Spanish breakfast, or desayuno, is inexpensive and widely available in cafes throughout Seville. An al-fresco breakfast can cost around €4 to €5 ($4.30 to $5.50), providing a delightful way to start your day.

Feel the Spirit of Flamenco in a Bar

Flamenco performances can be costly, but there are venues where you can enjoy the atmosphere without spending excessively. Casual bars featuring live acts often charge only for drinks, allowing visitors to experience the culture affordably.

Visit Public Gardens to See Ancient Sites

Many parks in Seville offer tranquil settings for activities like reading or yoga without any admission fee. Places like Jardines de la Buhaira, featuring a serene Islamic pool and palm trees, are perfect for low-key relaxation amidst beautiful surroundings.

Daily Costs in Seville

• Hostel room: from €18 ($20) for a dormitory
• Basic room for two: from €60 ($65) per night
• Self-catering apartment: average nightly prices range from €60 ($65) for a private room to €200 ($217) for the entire place
• Coffee: €1.50-2 ($1.60-2.20) for a standard café, more for specialty offerings
• Sandwich: €4 ($4.30) for a simple ham sandwich
• Dinner for two: from €30 ($32); typical tapas start around €2.50 ($2.70) each
• Beer: from €1.60 ($1.70) for local varieties to upwards of €5 ($5.45) for craft beers.