5 things to avoid

Seville is a beautiful city that is almost divided into two by the Gualdalquivir  river. On the eastern bank of the river you have the neighbourhoods of La Macarena, El Centro, El Arenal, Santa Cruz and Maria Luiza. This is where most of the tourist attractions are and is also the main hub of the action. On the western side you have the gypsy quarter of Triana. This neighbourhood or “barrios” is less touristy but has a real distinct Spanish feel to it. The city itself can be expensive if you follow the typical tourist traps. However if you want to avoid being ripped off and be able to enjoy your time in Seville, without it costing you an arm and a leg, here are 5 things you might want to steer clear of..

1. Buying food and drink in the Plaza Nueva.

The Plaza Nueva is situated right near the cathedral and is surrounded by bars, fashion boutiques and café’s. It is where the well to do people of Seville come to see and be seen, and not without good reason. A beer or a tapas here will cost you two or even three times as much as other places, because you are paying for the privilege of sitting in the plaza overlooking the cathedral. Also beware of restaurants around this area because unscrupulous owners will bring out a more expensive menu for tourists

2. Strangers (usually gypsies) selling things.

In a lot of the tourist areas around Seville, particularly around the cathedral, you will find people who will try to approach you in order to sell you so called  “lucky” lavender or single roses and will also offer you palm readings. Buy at your peril, because they will end up costing you a small fortune.

3. Tapas in the Jewish quarter (Santa Cruz)

Although the Santa Cruz district or Jewish quarter is very charming and quaint and is certainly well worth a walk through and a photo opportunity, don’t be tempted to stop at one of the many tapas bars that adorn the cobbled streets. You will find that it will cost you a small fortune. A golden rule is that if you take a look and see who is seated and don’t see any locals but mainly tourists, then avoid it like the plague because it is going to cost you. Another rule of thumb is that some of the bars in this area have guitar players that will serenade the paying diners. This is another give away that your tapas isn’t going to come cheap.

4. Tour buses

As this is a guide to Seville on a budget you would do well to avoid tour buses. Although they are a  good way to see the sights in a short space of time, they are not cheap and at around €17.00 per person for a one hour tour, you would do better to get yourself a good map of the city highlighting all the attractions and set off on foot. A lot of the charm of the city comes from the quaint cobbled back streets which tour buses can not get access to, so save yourself some money and walk.

5. Boat trips up and down the river

If you want to get through your hard earned cash very quickly, then a boat trip will do exactly this. The trip is purely for tourists and the cost at the time of writing this is around €20.00 per person and lasts approximately 20 minutes. The Gualdalquivir and its many bridges are indeed beautiful and the best and by far the cheapest way to explore them is by foot.

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