voyage pirate seville

Pirate boat cruise

As an alternative to a guided walking tour, you can also see many of Seville's monuments from the Guadalquivir river. We propose a boat cruise in a small sailing boat, which is especially appealing for children. It is possible to have a "pirate" theme, where the boat owner will provide part of the outfit and accessories. For adults, the same boat can be used with a tour guide, or just bring your own food and drinks to have a good time on the water.

Capacity: 8 people max. + captain Duration: approx. 1 hour Circuit: River intersection in-between Triana neighbourhood and the historic centre of Seville

100 Euros - Standard tour for adults without theme (Pirate boat tour for children 5 Euros extra per child.)

At the riverside of Triana, in the corner of Puente de la Expiración bridge and hotel Abba. There is a floating pier just in front of the hotel.

CURRO CHAVES Tel: +34 666 68 75 84 Email: [email protected]

Seville neighbourhoods

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Seville Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

Originally founded as a Roman city, Seville came to prominence after the Islamic conquest in 711. Today, the city is known for its flamenco dancing (which originated in Andalucía), its beautiful architecture that blends Islamic and European styles, and its scorching summers.

Seville is a big university town and is extremely popular with people studying abroad, making it a more affordable destination than cities like Barcelona or Madrid (it’s not as crowded either).

This Seville travel guide will give you everything you need to know to eat well, save money, and see the best sights Seville has to offer!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Seville

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Seville

1. Tour Casa de Pilatos

Built in the 16th century, this beautiful Andalusian palace is a mix of Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudejar styles. It houses a collection of 16th and 19th-century paintings, as well as a sculpture garden of Greek mythological figures. It’s also the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli (a hereditary title in Spain) and boasts the world’s largest collection of azulejo (a traditional glazed tile artwork). Numerous films have also been shot here, including Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven , and Knight and Day to name a few. Admission is 12 EUR.

2. Explore Parque de Maria Luisa

Located just in front of the iconic Plaza de España, this 100-acre public park offers the opportunity to browse gardens, patios, and sculptures. The park is Seville’s main greenspace and is situated near the Guadalquivir River. Created in 1911, it’s a relaxing place to lounge, picnic, and people watch. Don’t miss the monument to Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote Don Quixote (the monument used to include statues of Don Quixote on his horse and Sancho Panza on his donkey but they have since disappeared).

3. Visit the Royal Alcázar

The Royal Alcázar of Seville (also known as al-Qasr al-Muriq) is the oldest residential palace in Europe still in use today. Dating to the 14th century, it’s an important example of Moorish architecture. There are giant galleries, ornate rooms, and beautiful gardens. The palace was built for the Christian king Peter of Castile atop a Muslim fort after Christian armies reconquered the city in 1248. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. General admission is 14.50 EUR. Free admission is available on Monday afternoons/evenings. Check the website for specific times.

4. Walk through the historic Jewish Quarter

Seville’s Jewish Quarter is filled with small winding streets and is generally regarded as the most charming part of the city. The area gets pretty crowded but there are numerous small alleys and streets to explore where you can escape the crowds. Don’t miss this part of town.

5. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Seville’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Seville has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, this tour is for you! Tours start at 89 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Seville

1. visit the catedral of sevilla.

This Roman Catholic cathedral dominates much of Seville’s skyline. Surrounded by Andalusian orange trees, the Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea) is one of Seville’s top tourist attractions. Lines can get long, partially because hours are limited around church services, so get there early. While you can just admire the stunning design and stained glass from outside, the Cathedral is where Christopher Columbus is buried, so it’s worth going inside. The bell tower also offers a panoramic view of the city. Admission is 11 EUR if you purchase online and 12 EUR in person. The audio guide costs 5 EUR (4 EUR if you use the app).

2. Check out Plaza de España

One of Seville’s most picturesque spots, Plaza de España was built at the northern edge of the Parque de María Luísa in the 1920s for the Ibero-American Exposition. The unique building mixes Baroque, Renaissance, and Moorish architectural styles, and there’s a small canal with Venetian-like bridges and gondolas. The Plaza has gotten a lot of attention in the past few years because it has served as a backdrop in film and TV, such as Star Wars and Game of Thrones . The murals along the sweeping arc of the building depict the various regions and municipalities of Spain. It also has benches that depict the 49 provinces of Spain in ceramic tiles. Admission is free.

3. Visit the Iglesia de San Isidoro

While this church is less popular than the Catedral de Sevilla, the Iglesia de San Isidoro is considered one of Seville’s most impressive churches. The 14th-century church was built on top of a former Arabic fortification and its fusion of Gothic and Mudejar styles is a common example of unique architecture in Andalucía. The intricate design makes this worth a visit. Admission is free but be sure to dress respectfully as it is a place of worship.

4. Enjoy some contemporary art

The Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (CAAC) is a contemporary art museum located just across the river from the city center. Housed in a former Franciscan monastery that dates to the 15th century (and was later a ceramic tile factory), today the museum hosts a collection of Andalusian artists. There are rotating exhibitions so check the website to see what’s on during your visit. Admission is 3.01 EUR, though there is free entry Tuesday-Friday from 7pm-9pm and on Saturdays from 11am-9pm

5. Learn about Spain’s colonial history

The General Archives of the Indies is a 16th-century building and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the Spanish Renaissance style, it contains a large collection of documents and artifacts related to Spain’s colonization of the New World. Highlights include the personal diary of Columbus and the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided the New World between Spain and Portugal. Admission is free.

6. Visit the Flamenco Museum

Flamenco music and dance is an important cultural element of southern Spanish culture, and the Flamenco Museum in Seville is a great way to learn more about this unique style of performance. The museum features many intricately designed flamenco dresses and illuminates the history behind the dance’s origins. Admission to the museum is 10 EUR while live flamenco shows in the museum’s theater are 25 EUR.

7. Admire fine art

The Museo de Bellas Artes is a fine arts museum with works from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century. The museum lies in the Macarena neighborhood in a building that dates to 1594. Two floors in the building are full of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and crafts — many by artists from Seville or Andalucía. Admission is 1.50 EUR and free if you’re an EU citizen.

8. Take a Spanish class

Seville is a popular study abroad location for international students and there are a number of language schools catering to students from around the world. You can take Spanish courses for just a single week or longer. Many students choose Seville to study because of the big student population of the city, the affordability of the city, and the unique Andalusian culture. The CLIC language school offers a variety of courses for any number of weeks or months, plus affordable housing for those that want to stay with other students or in a homestay. A one-week intensive Spanish language course at CLIC costs as little as 205 EUR, though discounts are available depending upon a package or multi-week course.

9. Take in the view from the top of a mushroom

This large sculptural platform in the Plaza de la Encarnación used to be a car park but, in 2011, it was transformed into a massive public art project called Las Setas De Sevilla, or the Metropol Parasol. Resembling mushrooms (or more like a beehive in my opinion), the structure provides shade to the plaza below and there are two 85-foot panoramic platforms where you can take in the view. Admission to the platform is 10 EUR.

10. Hang out in Alameda

The best nightlife spot in Seville is in and around the Alameda de Hercules. The large, open-air plaza attracts many students and creative artist types who relax here drinking, playing music, and enjoying any of the tapas bars and outdoor seating that line the mall. Many of the restaurants and bars in the area offer live music and great deals on food & drinks too.

11. Relax on the Guadalquivir River

The first trip around the world originated in Seville when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sailed out along the Guadalquivir River in 1519. The river was the main maritime route for Atlantic traffic for over 200 years, making Seville the mercantile center of the western world in the 16th century. These days you can enjoy rowing and canoeing on the river or just simply relax by the shore and take in the scene.

12. Take a bike tour

  For more information on other cities in Spain, check out these guides:

• Barcelona Travel Guide
• Granada Travel Guide
• Madrid Travel Guide
• Valencia Travel Guide

Seville Travel Costs

There are a few campgrounds outside the city, some offering private cabins with swimming pools for 40 EUR. For those with a tent, a basic plot for one person costs 5 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost 40-60 EUR per night, though prices are slightly higher (around 50-100 EUR per night) in peak tourist season and around Easter. Continental breakfast is usually included, as are basic amenities like TV and Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available here as well, with private rooms starting at 30 EUR per night (but averaging double that). An entire apartment goes for at least 70 EUR per night though prices double if you don’t book early. Many include air-conditioning — useful to have for the hot summer season.

Food – Spain has a strong food culture, where meals can last hours and dinner often isn’t served until after 8pm. Each region in the country has its own local dishes and food culture, and Andalucía is no exception. Owing to its location on the coast, seafood is huge in this region, including shellfish and pescaito frito (fried fish). Gazpacho is also super common here, as is Iberian ham. Don’t miss trying some of the local sherry too (William Shakespeare apparently loved it).

You can eat very cheap in Seville. Tapas bars offer great deals and a number of takeaway stands with falafel, shawarma, or other late-night snacks can be found for under 10 EUR. Most tapas bars offer small plates for anywhere from 5-10 EUR depending upon the type of dish.

If you want to splurge, there are many nicer tapas restaurants with more elaborate meals and innovative takes on typical Andalusian-style foods. Mid-range tapas restaurants serve small plates between 7-15 EUR and, again, two or three plates is usually enough food for one person.

For a mid-range meal including an appetizer and drink, expect to pay at least 20 EUR. For cheap fast food (think McDonald’s), a combo meal costs around 8 EUR.

Beer costs as little as 2-3 EUR. A glass of sangria or wine costs 5 EUR. A latte/cappuccino is around 1.50 EUR while bottled water is under 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, expect to spend about 40-45 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Seville Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Seville, expect to spend around 50 EUR per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation, and doing mostly free activities like relaxing in the park and seeing some of the churches. Add 10-15 EUR per day to your budget if you plan on drinking or partying a lot.

On a mid-range budget of about 135 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out at cheap restaurants for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like and museum visits or Spanish classes.

On a “luxury” budget of 250 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, take more taxis, and do as many guided tours as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Seville Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Food, drinks, and tours can add up in Seville if you aren’t watching your spending. This is one of the more expensive cities in Spain. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of free things to do here. Here’s how to save money in Seville:

• Get the Tarjeta TurÍstica pass – If you plan on using the bus or tram often, get this pass. A one-day pass costs 5 EUR and provides unlimited access to all public transport. A three-day pass costs 10 EUR.
• Visit the Royal Alcázar on Monday – The Royal Alcázar has free admission on Mondays, so plan accordingly to save money. Specific times vary by season so check the website for an up-to-date schedule.
• Buy your own alcohol – While drinks are hardly expensive at bars and restaurants in Seville (and in Spain as a whole), you can save yourself a lot of money if you buy your own beer and wine. Many locals buy their own bottles and drink in public at the Alameda de Hercules in the evenings, taking advantage of the street performers, buskers, and musicians that crowd the plaza on weekends.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a great way to save money on accommodation while also getting some insight from a local. While hostels aren’t too expensive in the city, this is still the best way to save money and deepen your travel experience.
• Go on a free walking tour – Like most of Spain, there are many opportunities to take advantage of free walking tours. Seville has a number and many depart from Plaza del Salvador. You just need to tip your guide. My favorite is New Europe. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Visit the markets for groceries & cheap tapas – The Triana Market is one of the main food markets in Seville and has many fruit and vegetable vendors. There are food markets in each of the major Seville neighborhoods, and sometimes the smaller ones outside the main tourist trails even have small, local restaurants with great food deals. The Mercado de Feria is a favorite. Buying snacks, small meals, and groceries at the local neighborhood markets can cut down on your food budget.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Seville

Seville has a ton of hostel choices for any budget. My recommended places to stay are the following:

• Triana Hostel
• Black Swan Hostel
• Oasis Backpakcers Palace
• Sevilla Kitsch Hostel Art
• Onefam Catedral

How to Get Around Seville

Public transportation – There is an extensive bus network that operates in Seville and can help you get from one edge of the city to another. Tickets can be bought on board and cost 1.40 EUR per trip. A one-day travel card, the Tarjeta TurÍstica, costs 5 EUR (10 EUR for a 3-day card).

Seville’s tram system connects to some of the further out areas of the city (and it’s air-conditioned). The tram is part of the same public bus system so tickets are the same price.

Bicycle Rental – Bike rentals are a great way to save money while seeing the sights from a new perspective. Rentals in Seville cost around 15 EUR per day.

Taxis – Taxis start at 2.50 EUR, with normal tariff being 1 EUR per additional kilometer. Skip them if you can as the prices add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Seville but it won’t save you a ton so skip it and stick to the bus.

When to Go to Seville

Like most of southern Spain in Andalucía, Seville gets a lot of sunshine and has hot summers. I think the best time to visit is between March and May when crowds haven’t peaked but the weather is still warm and sunny.

The Easter season is especially popular in Seville because of the famous Feria (a large fair), which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and religious pilgrims. Part of the Semana Santa holy week, it’s a beautiful time to visit because of the colorful dresses and the many street activities and parades, but it does get crowded and expensive during the holy week.

In the summer (June-August), the weather is hot and sunny, with daily highs reaching upwards of 38°C (100°F). While the city is lively during the summer, it can be very taxing to explore in the heat.

The winter months (December-February) offer more comfortable temperatures, usually around 7-18°C (45-65°F). The city is much quieter, making it a nice time to visit if you want to beat the crowds and don’t mind some chilly days.

How to Stay Safe in Seville

Like most Spanish cities, Seville has a problem with pickpocketing and petty theft. The area around the Alameda de Hercules, a popular nightlife spot, was once very seedy and rife with crime and drug use, but that’s been cleaned up a lot in the past decade. Still, watch your bags when going out at night and avoid dark, empty streets if alone. Always keep an eye on your possessions when on public transportation as well.

If you go out at night, only bring the money you need and leave the rest locked up in your accommodation.

Tourist scams are prevalent as well so keep an eye out for groups of kids trying to distract you, as they’re probably trying to take your money. Additionally, be wary of people offering to carry your luggage. They may try to charge you a large fee.

When dining, keep your bags and belongings close and secure (especially when outside). Don’t leave your things on the table when going up to order. They can disappear quickly.

Read more about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct and make extra copies of your important documents.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Seville Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Seville Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Spain travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Seville

The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary

The 7 Best Hostels in Seville

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Guided tours with heart

Experts in seville.

Discover what to see in Seville and the most emblematic places of our city with our official guides: The majestic Cathedral of Seville, its iconic Giralda or the magic of the Real Alcázar of Seville.

Make your trip an unforgettable experience!

What you can't miss in Seville...

Guided tour of real alcázar de sevilla.

Discover the jewel of the city: The Real Alcázar of Seville, the oldest and most complex royal residence in use in Europe and cultural resume of our history.

Guided tour of Seville Cathedral

Let yourself be fascinated by the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the old mosque of Seville and the Giralda: symbols of Seville.

Combo tour: Alcázar + Cathedral

Enjoy our combo and save time and money by visiting the Cathedral and the Reales Alcázares together.

"El Salvador" church guided tour

A unique opportunity to discover treasures of Seville’s processional Baroque sculpture in one of the most important churches of Seville.

Santa Cruz Quarter Tour

 Once the city’s Jewish quarter, its narrow streets and maze of cobbled alleyways were home to a thriving community.

Enjoy Seville with unique guided tours with our team of expert guides.

We are a small family of official tour guides, historians, lovers of art and culture.

We are experts in Seville and for this reason we love to share our knowledge and passion for this city with people from all over the world.

Discover the essential places such as the Cathedral and the Alcázar or those lesser known in one of our private visits.

Design your own experience

Just let us know what you want to see and when. We will manage an experience that meets your expectations.

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Cathedral of Seville

What to see In Seville Index What is the Cathedral of Seville? Seville Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede,

Alcázar of Seville

What to see in Seville Index What is the Alcazar of Seville? Royal Alcazar of Seville is, without any doubt, one of the most important

Know all the secrets of Seville

In our Blog we collect useful information to help you organize your trip and make your visit to Seville a unique experience.

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Family-friendly Pirate Exhibition in Seville

Fancy a fun family day out? Lucky for you, from the 7th of February to the 14th of April 2020 you can visit the exhibition ‘Thieves of the Sea’ in Seville .

This extensive exhibit is just ten minutes’ walk from Hotel Ribera de Triana and will take place over the next few months at the Navigation Pavilion. Learn all about pirate life and hear stories about real pirates with activities suitable for the whole family.

An audio guide helps you discover over 1.000 square metres of interactive exhibits which tell of pirate secrets, their way of life, their ships, weapons and the most famous names to scour the seas. Follow a fun timeline through pirate history in four different areas. Their adventures verse from their first appearance in the Mediterranean Sea, Vikings and their ships, Buccaneers and their arrival in the Caribbean.

Join this thrilling pirate voyage with 60 original pieces recovered from submarine excavations, its interactive screens and educational films. In addition, you can take a short test before you begin to discover how much you know about the thieves of the sea.

Take this opportunity to stay for a few days at Hotel Ribera de Triana and visit this new pirate exhibition in Seville, just a few minutes from the hotel. Are you ready to become a real pirate?

Últimas noticias

• Family-friendly Pirate Exhibition in Seville 17/02/2020

• City view room
• Garden View room
• Superior Room with terrace
• River view New Style room
• City view New Style room
• Room facilities
• Buffet Breakfast
• Pool & Solarium
• Spa & Jacuzzi
• App Hotel Ribera de Triana
• TV entertainment
• Celebrations
• First Communions
• Conferences
• Meeting Rooms
• Online Booking Offer
• See Seville
• Measures COVID-19

Everything you need to know before your trip to Seville: when to dine, what to pack and where you have to prebook

Mar 27, 2022 • 6 min read

Make your next Seville vacation even better with our key things to know before you go © Ben Pipe Photography / Getty Images / Image Source

Andalucía ’s enchanting capital embodies the best of Spain: scorching sun, passionate flamenco, citrus trees and romantically colorful buildings. 

Spain’s third most-visited city behind Madrid and Barcelona, Seville is easy to fall in love with. The city’s picture-perfect maze of tiny cobbled streets and large elegant plazas are home to a fascinating array of attractions, from remnants of its Moorish past to magnificent palaces, grand monuments and an impressive bullring. Generally a very safe city, it’s best explored on foot. Before you head to Seville, here are a few things to know that will help you make the most of your trip.

Planning your trip to Seville

Book tickets to the real alcázar in advance.

While Seville is not as packed with tourists as Barcelona or Madrid, some of the more popular attractions can book up fast. This is particularly true of the Real Alcázar , the city’s magnificent Moorish palace. Since the complex only allows a limited number of people at a time, and you can only visit during a specific time slot, you should book tickets online a few weeks in advance, and guided tours even farther ahead. This is one sight in Seville you definitely shouldn’t miss.  

If you want to see a flamenco show at one of the more popular venues, you may also want to book tickets in advance, as these can sell out quickly during high season.

Etiquette in Seville

Don’t go out to eat too early.

Spaniards eat at rather precise times – and usually late in the day, particularly in Seville, where temperatures can stay elevated throughout the night. Restaurants will usually open for lunch from around 1pm, although most locals won’t be eating until at least 2pm. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat at midday, you’ll find most kitchens won’t be serving yet.

In the evening, restaurants will open around 8–8:30pm; again, you’ll find that most locals won’t arrive until around 9pm or even later. Like most Spaniards, Sevillians typically eat their main meal of the day at lunchtime, followed by generally lighter, tapas-style dishes for dinner.

Seville has a wealth of nightlife options, from buzzing bars and pumping clubs to lively flamenco shows. Remember that like restaurants, Seville’s nightlife doesn’t get going until late at night (or very early in the morning). Don’t even think about arriving at a club before 1am.

Dress to impress

Sevillians love to dress up and are very fashion-conscious. Even on an evening stroll, you’ll see that whole families will be dressed in their best. While tourists are not expected to pack formal attire, if you’re eating out at a nice restaurant, you may want to dress smartly to fit in. 

Remember that if you want to visit the Seville Cathedral , you’ll have to abide by the strict dress codes. This means no bare shoulders, knee-length-or-longer shorts and skirts, and no flip-flops. You will also have to remove any hats or baseball caps. You may want to bring a light wrap with you in summer in order to cover any bare shoulders. 

Tipping is optional, but always appreciated

Tipping in Spain isn’t expected as in the US and some other countries, and it’s not common among locals unless they’re dining out at a particularly nice restaurant. You don’t need to tip for drinks at cafes or other snacks – but if the service impresses you, consider rounding up and leaving your change as a tip. You may want to leave a little more at high-end restaurants; around 10 percent is perfectly fine. 

To kiss or not to kiss?

When being introduced to someone for the first time, it is customary to give them one kiss on each cheek. As a foreigner being introduced to a local, you will be expected to do this as well. While COVID-19 put a temporary stop to this custom, it is likely to return once the pandemic has subsided.

Health and safety in Seville

Keep cool and stay hydrated.

Seville is one of Europe’s hottest cities, with temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s°F (30s°C) or even low 100s°F (40s°C) in July or August. Remember to always carry a bottle of water with you when walking around, and don’t forget sunscreen. You may even want to invest in a portable fan, as the locals routinely do. It’s also important to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day – so keep cool in shady parks, cafes or museums.

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Seville, avoid the hottest times of the year in July and August when sightseeing can be quite uncomfortable and many locals leave the city for the coast. Instead, visit the city in spring or autumn when temperatures are warm but mostly comfortable. Visits in winter bring temperatures around 60°F (16°C), with skies are typically blue and sunny.    

Is Seville safe for tourists?

Seville is generally a very safe city, even late at night when it’s typically still buzzing with plenty of people out and about. Solo women travelers shouldn’t need to worry and can safely travel around on their own. With low crime rates, you’re unlikely to encounter problems; as in any busy urban area, though, you should still keep your wits about you.

While the narrow web of streets around the famous Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood are generally very safe at night, they can get quite noisy. Families traveling with children may prefer to stay around the areas of El Centro, El Arenal or Sur instead – still close to everything but more peaceful. 

Seville has far fewer pickpockets than Barcelona or Madrid, but as with any major city, petty crime is not unheard of. You should particularly be aware in crowded areas or around popular tourist attractions such as Plaza de España and outside the Cathedral. Be aware of the ladies who try and offer you sprigs of rosemary and palm readings, as they’ll often demand money afterward or try and distract you while an accomplice attempts to snatch your belongings. 

Use common sense and don’t leave your bag unattended when dining at a restaurant, and avoid leaving your phone or camera on the table or in your back pocket.

Remember that you should always report any incident of theft at the nearest local police station as soon as possible. It’s likely you will need a police report in order to try and claim any items back on your travel insurance.

You might also like: The 9 best day trips from Seville    How to explore Seville with kids    Top 20 free things to do in Seville   

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3 Days in Seville: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

How to spend 3 days in seville: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You want to spend 3 days in Seville and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 3-day itinerary in Seville.

It’s perfectly optimized to allow you to discover the city’s must-see attractions .

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Seville in 3 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Seville Pass

2. the andalusia pass, 3 days in seville: must-see attractions:, one last tip for a perfect 3-day stay in seville, a. the cathedral of seville, b. the indies archive, c. barrio de santa cruz, d. the plaza de españa, e. maria luisa park, a. the alcazar of seville, b. casa de pilatos, c. the metropol parasol, d. shopping in seville, e. attend a flamenco show, a. triana district, b. the gold tower, c. the bullring of seville, d. cruise on the guadalquivir, e. cooking class and typical dinner, where to stay in seville, visit seville in 3 days with your family, more things to do during your 3 days in seville, map of your 3-day itinerary in seville, find the best flight prices for your 3 days in seville, you’re traveling in spain these articles will help you, how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at seville’s tourist attractions.

Every year millions of people visit Seville and Andalusia.

And of course everyone wants to visit the 2 emblematic monuments of the city: Seville Cathedral and the Alcazar of Seville . So as you’ve guessed, there is always a very long waiting line to purchase entrance tickets.

Hopefully, there are a few simple solutions that will allow you to save a lot of time during your 3-day trip to Seville:

The first solution to save time during your 3-day stay in Seville is to get the Seville City Pass .

This Pass is very convenient as it will grant you priority access to the 2 most famous monuments of the city .

Another advantage: the Seville Pass is 100% digital . After ordering, you will receive an email with your tickets, and you can present them directly on your smartphone at the entrance of the monuments!

Included in Seville Digital Pass:

• Skip-the-line ticket for Seville Cathedral (day 1 of your itinerary)
• Priority entrance ticket for the Alcázar of Seville (2nd day)
• Ticket for a multi-stop bus tour (can be used whenever you want)
• An audio guide to visit Seville
• 10% discount on other activities during your 3-day stay in Seville.

This is simply the most complete pass to visit Seville in 72 hours!

To buy your Seville City Pass, just click on the button below:

Another option to visit Seville in 3 days and get priority access to the main tourist attractions is to buy the Andalusia pass, also called “Best Of Andalusia Card”.

This Pass will allow you to save time and money if you plan to extend your tour in Andalusia by visiting Cordoba and Granada !

Here is what’s included in the Andalusia Pass:

• Priority ticket for the Alcázar (2nd day of your 3-day stay in Seville)
• Priority entrance to the Alhambra of Granada and the Nasrid palaces
• Guided tour of the Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba
• Audio guide of Seville
• Audio guide of Granada.

Just like the Seville Pass I mentioned above, this pass is 100% digital , so you will receive all your tickets by email . At the time of booking, you will have to choose a date and a time slot for each visit.

To buy your Andalusia Pass , simply click on the button below:

If you’re interested in the Andalusia pass, you should also read my detailed itineraries in Andalusia . They will for sure help you to plan your trip!

• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Andalusia
• Itinerary : One week in Andalusia
• Itinerary : 10 days in Andalusia
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Andalusia

3. Priority entrances for Seville’s tourist attractions

Third and last solution : you can buy your skip the line tickets one by one according to the visits you have planned for your 3-day stay in Seville.

You will find tickets online for the main historical monuments as well as guided visits and activities. Simply click on the orange links for more information and to book:

• The Cathedral of Seville
• Guided tour in of the cathedral
• The Alcazar of Seville
• Guided tour of the Alcazar
• Barrio of Santa Cruz guided visit
• Guided visit of Seville with the tourist bus
• Flamenco show at the Casa de la Memoria
• Flamenco evening with drinks and tapas at the Palacio Andaluz
• The Aquarium of Seville
• A 4-hour guided walking tour
• A 1-hour guided cruise on the Guadalquivir River
• A one-hour flamenco class
• A Spanish cooking class

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Seville is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Seville by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in Seville.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Seville, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Seville in 3 days: the best itinerary

Now let’s see what you can do during your 3-day itinerary in Seville.

For each day of your stay, I will give you all the details you need to organize your visits , as well as a map showing the attractions of the day.

I assume that you’ll be spending 3 full days in Seville and that you’ve purchased your Seville Pass , Andalusia Pass or Skip-the-Line tickets .

This way, you won’t waste time waiting in line to buy tickets and will be able to see as many places as possible during your 3 day stay.

And if you have any questions or just need help planning your holiday, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the end of this article.

So, what should you see during your 3 days in Seville?

Day 1 – The must-sees in the city center

Day 1 visits:

A. Seville Cathedral B. The Indies Archives C. Barrio de Santa Cruz D. Plaza de España E. Maria Luisa Park

You should start your 3-day trip to Seville with a visit to the cathedral, the city’s emblematic monument .

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the cathedral, whose construction began in the 15th century , is ranked among the three largest in the world.

You will for sure love its remarkable exterior architecture as much as its interior, where you can see the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the graves of several Spanish kings.

The Sacristia Mayor and the great chapel are also worth a look for the many works of art they contain.

With your ticket to visit the cathedral, you will also have access to the Giralda, the cathedral’s bell tower. From there you can enjoy a very beautiful view over Seville!

As I mentioned earlier in this guide, I strongly recommend you to take the Seville City Pass to avoid queuing in front of the cathedral.

If you don’t want to take the City Pass , here are 3 other options that will allow you to get priority access . For history lovers, the guided tours offered are also very interesting!

• Ticket to the Cathedral – Click here to book
• Guided tour of the cathedral
• Guided tour of the cathedral + Alcazar

The second stop on your first day in Seville is the Archive of the Indies , located right next to the cathedral.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains documents relating to the Spanish colonies.

Although the original files are kept out of sight (the boxes you see on the shelves are empty), you should go have a look to admire the interior architecture .

It would be a shame not to visit the Indies archives as the visit is free and will only take you 15 minutes!

After this short visit, you can enjoy a walk in Seville old town: the Barrio de Santa Cruz .

This historic neighborhood is home to some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks , such as the cathedral and the Alcazar.

You will also find very pretty squares such as the plaza del Cabildo and its arcades, the patio of Banderas (featuring a great view on the Giralda) or the plaza Nueva, where the town hall of Seville is located.

In the maze of pedestrian streets lined with whitewashed houses , you will also have the opportunity to discover many nice small shops and to stop for a drink or a bite to eat in one of the numerous bars and restaurants.

And if you want to learn more about the history of the barrio de Santa Cruz , you should book this one-hour guided tour:

After a few tapas and a bit of relaxing time on a terrace, your 3-day trip to Seville will now take you to the Plaza de España, about fifteen minutes walk from the cathedral.

And the least I can say is that this huge square is really beautiful!

On the Plaza de España , you can admire:

• Canals (you can rent a boat to cross them) reflecting the superb architecture of the palaces.
• 4 bridges symbolizing the 4 ancient kingdoms of Spain
• Arcades, fountains and the famous 48 azulejos benches , each representing a province of Spain.

Instagram pros will be delighted to take pictures in this incredible setting and Star Wars fans will recognize one of the filming locations of Attack of the Clones.

Once you’re done taking pictures of the Plaza de España from every angle (as I did 😅), you should head to Maria Luisa Park located nearby.

There, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shaded paths , or relax near the fountains and pools . If you have chosen to do this 3-day trip to Seville in the summer, I can assure you that you will really appreciate a bit of greenery and coolness!

The park is also home to the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs , both of which are located in the Plaza America .

That’s it for the first day of visits, so enjoy a good dinner, go back to your hotel and be ready for the next day!

Day 2 – What to do and see in 3 days in Seville?

Day 2 visits:

A. Real Alcazar of Seville B. House of Pilatos C. The Metropol Parasol D. Shopping in Seville E. Flamenco show

For the second day of your 3-day itinerary in Seville, you should start with the Alcázar of Seville , located in the old town, next to the cathedral.

This palace, which still serves as the official residence of the King of Spain when he visits Seville, houses sumptuous rooms and patios in the Arabic and Moorish style .

Everything is finely worked, sculpted and in some parts covered with azulejos , decorated tiles typical of Spain and Portugal.

During your visit to the Alcazar, in addition to visiting the inside, you will also have the opportunity to take a stroll in the gardens housing magnificent flower beds and fountains.

To visit the Alcázar, you really need to book your tickets online in advance if you don’t want to start the day with a 2-hour long waiting line!

Access to the Alcazar is included in both the Seville City Pass and the Andalusia Pass . If you haven’t bought one of these passes, you need to make a reservation by clicking on one of the following orange links:

• Priority access ticket to the Alcazar
• Guided tour of the Cathedral + Alcazar

After your visit, you should head to the Casa de Pilatos, only 10 minute walk from the Alcázar.

This beautiful aristocratic palace skillfully blends several architectural styles: renaissance, gothic and Mudejar.

During your visit, you will be able to admire the patio and its fountain, as well as the surrounding rooms with their beautiful coffered ceilings and azulejos.

You can then take a tour of the gardens for a short break in the shade.

When you buy your ticket for the casa de Pilatos , you can opt for the audio guide. There are no explanatory panels on site, so if you want to learn more about this atypical place, this is your only solution.

Not far from the casa de Pilatos, you can also visit another beautiful house, the palace of Las Duenas (it’s up to you if you want to visit one or the other, or both – it fits into the schedule).

You will for sure love the classic patio and gardens, many works of art and richly furnished ground floor rooms .

The entrance ticket needs to be bought in advance by clicking on the link below:

Leaving the Casa de Pilatos or the Palace of Las Duenas, you will now go to the Metropol Parasol , about 10 minutes walk from both palaces.

This strange wooden structure , looking like giant mushrooms is also known as “Las Setas” (“mushrooms”).

The foot of the mushroom houses a market and the antiquarium , a museum of archaeological remains discovered during the construction of the Metropol Parasol.

You can take an elevator and access the top of the structure: up there, the walkways will allow you to enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Seville.

The ticket for the viewpoint costs 5€ during day time (8€ for sunset and 10€ at night) and entitles you to a €1 discount on a drink at the bar located at the top.

As you are in the city center, you can take the opportunity to do a bit of shopping during your 3-day trip to Seville!

From the Metropol Parasol, you should take Calle Imagen and Calle Martin Villa , to reach a shopping area with the classic fashion stores such as Zara or H&M.

In the same area, you can also go to El Corte Inglès shopping centre.

To end the day in style, you should go see a flamenco show.

Yes, a good trip to Andalusia must include this typical activity!

In Seville , there are many flamenco shows to choose from, some clearly better than the others. So here is my suggestion of the best shows:

• La Casa de la Memoria, next to the Metropol Parasol. This small theatre offers an intimate show with only 2 dancers and a musician.

But due to the size of the place, you have to book your seats quite much in advance. To check the availability and book, simply click on the button below:

• La Flamenqueria Sevilla: similar to La Casa de la Memoria. Located in Triana district, you need to click here to book.
• For a more spectacular show, including more dancers and musicians, as well as a dinner or an aperitif with tapas, you should go to the Palacio Andaluz.

To book your flamenco evening in Seville at the Palacio Andaluz , you just have to click on the green button below:

Day 3 – Stroll in Seville

Day 3 visits:

A. Triana district B. The Gold Tower C. Seville Bullring D. Cruise on the Guadalquivir E. Cooking class + dinner

For the third (and last) day of your 3-day stay in Seville, you should start with a stroll through Triana district .

Located on the other side of the Alfonso XIII canal , opposite the historic centre, you only have to cross the Isabel II bridge to reach it.

First, head to Triana covered market , where you can find high quality Spanish products such as sausages and cheeses.

Next to the market, you can also visit the Triana ceramics centre, featuring several ceramic workshops .

Then, walk along Calle Betis to enjoy the view over the Gold Tower located on the opposite bank of the Guadalquivir river.

You should then turn right to see the Iglesia de Santa Ana , wander through the narrow streets and then cross the river back over San Telmo bridge .

You will find yourself at the foot of the Golden Tower or Torre del Oro in Spanish.

Built in the 13th century , the tower played a military defence role: a chain stretched between the Golden Tower and another tower on the opposite bank blocked access to the river for enemy ships.

It was named “Torre del Oro” because ships stopped here to unload their cargo of gold.

Today, it houses the Seville Naval Museum . During the visit, you can see navigation instruments and scale models of ships .

From the top of the Gold Tower, you can also enjoy a beautiful view over Triana district , located on the other side of the Guadalquivir.

Continue your walk to the bullring of Seville (“Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza”) , located 200 metres from the Torre del Oro .

Depending on your convictions, you can choose to visit or not, however it’s important to know that bullfighting is still a very popular tradition in Andalusia.

The visit to the bullring is only guided, in Spanish or English and lasts one hour. It needs to be booked in advance by clicking on the button below:

Visiting Seville in 3 days gives you time to enjoy a very pleasant activity: a short cruise on the Guadalquivir . It’s perfect to discover the city from another angle!

And what’s great is that you can choose between 3 different cruises (don’t hesitate to click on the orange links for more info and to book):

• One hour cruise with commentary (click here!) available in several languages. Departures every hour between 11am and 8pm.
• One hour eco cruise – Remember to book in advance as there are only 5 departures per day.
• A 1h30 yacht cruise, in small group : the tour includes a drink. There is also a 2-hour version with dinner. You can find more information by clicking on the orange link.

To end your 3-day stay in Seville, why not opt for a fun activity?

Tonight, you will have the opportunity to cook an authentic paella!

During your cooking class, you will also discover the secrets of making a good gazpacho and excellent tapas .

And of course you will end up enjoying all the dishes you’ve made with sangria and a good glass of wine!

The course starts at 6pm and lasts about 3 hours. Book your Spanish cooking class in Seville now by clicking on the button below:

After this last activity, your 3 days in Seville are now almost over. Spend one last night at your hotel before your flight home the next day.

You now know all the best places to visit during your 3-day trip to Seville!

However, you still need to do 1 important thing before leaving: booking your hotel.

In order to help you out, I have prepared a list of the best hotels in Seville depending on your budget .

As always, you should book as early as possible to get the best prices. The hotels that offers the best value for money in Seville are often fully booked months in advance!

• Black Swan Hostel : Youth hostel located within 10 minutes walking distance from the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Very stylish and contemporary dormitory bed from 17€ per night, breakfast included! Strong points: the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly staff, the free dinners cooked by volunteers. This is the best choice if you are looking for a youth hostel.
• Hotel Don Paco : Located in the centre of Seville, at 10 minutes on foot from the Cathedral. Spacious room and comfortable bedding from 60€ per night, breakfast at 10€. Strong points: excellent breakfast, the peaceful atmosphere and the swimming pool on the roof. My favorite in Seville for its great value for money!
• Hotel Fernando III : Located in the historic district of Santa Cruz and therefore close to the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Modern and spacious room from 106€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the excellent location, the pool on the roof, the very helpful staff.
• EME Catedral Hotel: Located right next to the Cathedral and the Giralda. Very modern double room from 180€ per night, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: The best location in town, the hotel design, the swimming pool with the view on the Cathedral, the amazing breakfast, the very helpful staff. Don’t hesitate, it’s the best luxury hotel in town!

You’re planning to visit Seville with your children for 3 days?

Well, even with kids, you can easily follow my 3-day itinerary.

It’s optimized to avoid walking too much between the places you will visit each day, so it shouldn’t be too tiring, even with young children.

However, in order to keep them motivated, I would add an extra activity especially for them: the aquarium of Seville . It takes about an hour to visit , and your kids will for sure enjoy it!

Tickets for the aquarium need to be bought in advance by clicking here.

If you want to adjust this 3-day itinerary in Seville and would like to include different tours or activities , you should read my detailed guide of the city: The 22 best things to do in Seville.

It might even make you want to extend your stay in Seville by a few days so you have enough time to fit it all in. In that case, you should check my other itineraries right there!

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 3 days in Seville, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day . You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to Seville, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

If after reading this guide you still need help to plan your 3-day trip to Seville, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

Andalucia travel Guides

• Buy the DK Eyewitness Andalusia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Lonely Planet Andalusia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Snapshot Andalusia guide on Amazon.com

Discover all my articles about Spain : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Spain are listed there.

The 20 Best Things to Do in Andalucia : The ultimate bucket list!

• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Andalucia – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Andalucia !
• Itinerary: 1 week in Andalucia – With all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Andalucia – Discover how to visit Andalucia in 10 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Andalucia – The best itinerary to visit Andalucia in 14-15 days
• Cadiz: The 12 things you must-see in town!
• Cordoba: Top 15 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Granada: Top 15 best things to do
• Malaga: The 15 best places to visit
• Ronda: The 10 best things to do
• Seville: Top 15 best things to do and places to visit
• 2 days in Seville – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Seville – The best 72h itinerary to visit the city
• Where to stay in Seville? My guide to the best hotels for an epic stay!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Three Nights in Seville: The Perfect Itinerary for a Great Visit to Andalusia

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: October 11, 2023

Seville is a must on any Spain itinerary and the perfect destination for a 3-night European city break.

Seville is alive with history and culture, and as you wander the cobbled streets, you can feel the passion beneath your feet. The home to tapas, flamenco, fiestas, and iconic landmarks, it is sure to impress any visitor with its charm.  

Being the capital heritage centre of Andalusia means there are so many unique and epic things to see and do in Seville. From hidden gems like Palacio de las Dueñas and the Church of El Salvador to the must-see tourist spots of Real Alcázar, The Metropol Parasol and Plaza de España. Seville will have you covered no matter what you like to do on a Spanish city break!

In this 3-night Seville itinerary, I highlight the best things to do in Seville in three days to inspire you to plan a trip to this beautiful Andalusian city.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Seville

I stayed at the lovely four-star Hotel Becquer and would highly recommend it. The rooftop pool and fabulous views across the city add to its charm.

If you want to splash the cash, the best hotel in Seville is Hotel Alfonso Xlll . It is a luxury property known throughout Spain and close to Maria Luisa Park.

There are many places to stay in Seville to suit all budgets. Find here the availability and pricing for accommodation in Seville.

Ten Best Things to See in Seville

• Real Alcázar
• Cathedral of Seville & La Giralda
• Plaza de España
• Parque de María Luisa
• Barrio Santa Cruz
• Torre del Oro
• The Metropol Parasol
• Church of El Salvador
• Palacio de las Dueñas
• Flamenco Show

Seville in Three Nights – Day by Day Itinerary

Day one – afternoon.

I travelled to Seville on a direct flight from London Gatwick with Easyjet and landed in the early afternoon, allowing me time to freshen up at my hotel and head straight out to see the sights.

Walk (or kayak) along the Guadalquivir River

Running through the heart of Seville, this waterway is a place to walk, cycle and familiarise yourself with the city.

It was our first stop when we arrived in Seville, and we decided to cross the Puente Isabel II bridge (also called Puente de Triana) to the other side of the river.

The bridge separates the area of Arenal, home to the Plaza de Toros (Bull Ring) and the area of Triana, known for its flamenco and tapas bars, and home to the decorative Seville azulejo tiles that can be seen on buildings around the city.

Crossing the bridge, you will find the famous Triana Food Market on the remains of the Castle of San Jorge. The market is a place to enjoy fresh local cuisine within a bustling environment.

Once across the bridge, take a left and walk past the riverside restaurants and bars, where visitors can enjoy tapas and beer in the outdoor seating area while watching the activities along the river.

We continued walking towards the Puente de San Telmo Bridge, where great views up and down the river were visible. We noticed how many kayakers were on the water; this is a favourite Seville waterport.

You could try a Kayak tour if you fancy having a go yourself.

I am pretty hopeless at manoeuvring a kayak, I managed to go around in circles in one in the South China Sea, but that’s another story . Or maybe a gentle cruise along the Guadalquivir River is more your style.

Climb Torre Del Oro

On the other side of the river, you will pass the Torre del Oro, “Tower of Gold”. Once it was a prison, then a watchtower and later on a chapel, nowadays it is open for tourists who want a better view of the river.

Restaurants line the streets and lead you to the Teatro De La Maestranza (Opera House) and the Plaza de Toros (Bull Ring).

Visit the Church of El Salvador

Holding the spot as the second-largest church in Seville is the Church of El Salvador.

It was built between 1674 and 1712 on the remains of a former mosque converted to a Catholic church in 1340.

Its unmissable pink facade stands monumentally proud overlooking the Plaza del Salvador, and its magnificent doors invite you to look inside.

What greets you inside is breathtaking.

Baroque carvings and gilding surround you and are an elaborate backdrop for the sculptures and paintings that fill the enormous space.

Several religious brotherhoods are connected to this church.

During the Holy Week of Seville, 30 or more men will carry the large floats, called pasos , depicting Jesus and the Virgin Mary on their backs as penance for their sins for anything from 6 to 12 hours.

Being part of the back-breaking procession is considered an honour, and the position is often handed down through generations of the same family.

Day One – Evening

Book a tapas tour.

I must admit that I’m a bit fussy when it comes to eating local cuisine (my husband may call it irritating!)

I’m not particularly adventurous when it comes to food, so when I discovered a tapas tour, I thought it would be a fantastic introduction to the authentic food of Seville and one of the great things to do in Seville at night. 

Carlos, a local Sevillian, was our guide and took us to three original tapas bars to try their specialities.

He was very knowledgeable and quick to tell us that Seville is famous for tapas, which originates in this city.

I should tell you that tapas is in just about every restaurant in Seville and is one of the  most popular foods in Spain . It is tough to know where to eat, so a food tour is an excellent way to find the best tapas in Seville.

Mouthwatering Menus

We sampled braised pork cheeks, spinach with chickpeas, fried fish, cold potatoes and tuna and a dish called ” pringa ”, a sandwich of different meats. It seems that these are firm favourites on most menus. 

The tapas were washed down with various beers and wine from Jerez, the town known worldwide for its sherry production.

My favourite was a dark sweet orange wine, a regional speciality; there are 40,000 orange trees in Seville, so you would expect a few of them to go into winemaking.

We had a lot of fun on our tour and may have come away just a little tipsy and full to bursting with tapas. You can  book online here to do a similar best tapas in Seville tour.

Day Two – Morning

Seville cathedral and bell tower.

One of the most important landmarks in Seville is the cathedral adjacent to the famous Real Alcazar de Sevilla.

In the heart of the old town of Barrio Santa Cruz, it is the third-largest Gothic church in the world.

A mosque stood on the site in the 12th century, and by the 17th century, additions of gothic and baroque architecture completely changed its appearance and religious standing in Seville.

Buy tickets online to skip the queues before you arrive; otherwise, you will wait a while to enter.

The Giralda bell tower is accessible by stairs and ramps, and if you want to climb to the top, you will see some incredible views over Seville.

The Tomb of Christopher Columbus

Seville Cathedral was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1987, and inside is the resting place for the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the great explorer.

Other cities had laid claim to have his remains, but DNA testing has proved that the bones inside Seville Cathedral are indeed those of Mr Columbus.

Alcazar Real Seville

The Alcazar Real is next to the Cathedral and needs to be on your Seville bucket list.

The mega-organised person inside my head must have been having a day off when she decided to try her luck and turn up without pre-booked Alcazar Seville tickets. They are like gold dust and have to be pre-booked well in advance.

The results of not having pre-booked entry tickets were a disaster. We took our place in the queue that weaved its way from the Alcazar of Seville’s entrance, around the corner and to its exit, and after the first hour, we were getting fed up.

Out of the crowd, a seller appeared and offered tickets that would allow us immediate access, and the bonus was that she would also give a narrated tour of the interior. She disappeared into the crowd, but like a skilled ninja and with hubby in tow, I stealthily followed her to purchase my tickets.

One problem, unbeknown to us, she only had a certain amount available and had just sold the last two!

Not only had we lost our coveted position in the queue, but we would have to rejoin it and queue in line for another 3 hours to reach the ticket desk!

The moral of the Alcazar Seville ticket story is don’t waste valuable time queuing in the scorching Spanish heat when you can buy tickets online for Alcazar Seville before you arrive and waltz straight through the doors and into the Alcazar Real!

Day Two – Afternoon

The metropol parasol (las setas).

After the disappointment of not getting tickets for the Real Alcazar, I decided to change tactics from visiting one of the oldest landmarks in Seville to one of the newest.

The contemporary form of the Metropol Parasol claims to be the world’s largest wooden structure and is in Seville’s central area, and was constructed in 2005. It costs millions of euros, but the sky-high walkways give you undulating views over Seville and further to the hills.

The structure is also called Las Setas (meaning mushrooms in Spanish) due to the six “mushroom” shapes that hold up the structure. They cast shade on the area below, allowing a respite from the blistering midday sun. 

On the ground floor, you will find a market alongside coffee shops and on the lower ground is the ticket office and the archaeological remains of the previous buildings that stood here.

The walk will only take a few minutes, but you have to admire the artistry that has gone into this incredible structure, and the views are pretty cool.

A coffee shop recommendation would be to try “ Virgen Coffee ” on the road next to the Metropol Parasol; their flat white was the best in Seville!

Barrio de Santa Cruz

Finish your afternoon with a stroll around Seville’s old historic Jewish quarter, a place Jews were banished to after Ferdinand III conquered Seville.

You will find a maze of cobblestoned alleyways, charming courtyards and colourful houses here. If you want to discover the secrets of this part of the city, you can book a guided walking tour of Barrio de Santa Cruz.

Day Two – Evening

Relax in ancient spa baths.

After a full day of sightseeing, we were ready for an evening of relaxation. We headed to Aire Ancient Baths , a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of Seville’s centre.

Along a narrow unassuming street and behind a large wooden door, Aire Ancient Baths claim that once within its walls, “time does not exist,” and I tend to agree with them.

Candles line the courtyard of this 15th-century palace, and you immediately feel at ease within this exclusive sanctuary. The ambience transports you back to a time when “taking to the waters” was a natural past-time.

Once I had donned my swimsuit and complementary slip-proof water shoes, we descended the candlelit stairs. We would be trying out six experience pools during the evening.

Tepid, warm and cold pools relaxed and invigorated us and the “thousand streams bath” worked our circulatory system.

Time Melts Away in Aire Baths

The Laconium, “steam bath’ and the Flotarium, “salt bath”, let us drift away with our thoughts. The salt bath was fabulous.

My body floated around doing its own thing while the soothing Arabic underwater music took me to a faraway land; a time and place when the ritual of a spa bath was part of an ancient civilisation.

At the end of our 90-minute experience, we realised we had been in Aire for nearly 3 hours. We had been left to relax and enjoy the facilities for well past our 90-minute time slot. I then remembered their motto, “time does not exist”; on this occasion, it certainly had not.

Aire was the perfect way to unwind after a day of Seville sightseeing was one of my favourite experiences.

Day Three – Morning

Real alcazar – one of the most important things to see in seville.

I had to see the Alcazar on my trip to Seville, so Plan B came into action.

Up bright and early, we had been told tickets are held back for daily admissions. We headed into town and joined the walk-up queue for 8.30 am, ready for the ticket sale at 9.30 am.

We were amazed that we were not even near the start of the queue, but our plan worked. After ninety minutes of queuing, we were inside the oldest functioning royal palace in Europe; mission complete!

Through the centuries, Real Alcazar has been used as the capital for the conquering civilisations that settled in the Iberian Peninsula.

From the Christian King Pedro I of Castile in 1364, who built the Alcazar (castle), to the current Spanish royal family, who keeps apartments on the first floor.

The Islamic architecture in the Real Alcazar and the stunning use of colourful tiling and intricately carved details made it clear why it was a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Imposing interior rooms, courtyards, and stunning gardens made it a dream to wander around, and I wish I could have been there to smell the air when the orange blossom trees come into bloom.

We spent 3 hours in the Alcazar enjoying the beautiful surroundings, although the formal flower gardens looked quite sparse and, in some areas, just mud patches were visible.

I can only imagine the hot summer Seville had encountered had left the plants gasping for shade and water. Temperatures can rise to 45 degrees!

No trip to Seville would be complete without a visit here, so make sure you put it on your list of things to do in Seville.

Day Three – Afternoon

Wander through maria luisa park.

After a spot of lunch, we walked to Parque Maria Luisa. It is a large green space with hundreds of trees lining its shady avenues. As you wander around, you will find Moorish fountains and pools home to swans and other birdlife.

Visit Seville’s Museums

Several of Seville’s finest museums are within the park, including the beautiful Museum of Popular Arts And Traditions and the Archaeological Museum of Seville.

Historic buildings are all located close to the entrance of Seville’s impressive museums. We stopped in the small cafe near them for a drink and watched the park visitors do their daily activities.

The park is a lovely place to walk around before making your way to its centrepiece, Plaza de Espana, but if walking isn’t for you, then bikes and four-seated buggies can be rented for you to explore on wheels.

The bike hire station is located just before you reach Plaza de Espana.

Watch the world go by at Plaza de Espana

The lovely Plaza de Espana at the end of the Parque de Maria was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. It mixes Moorish and Spanish architecture with intricately detailed tiling on every surface.

Horse-drawn carriage rides start and finish here and will take you around the park. You can also take a rowing boat around the small lake beneath the bridges in Plaza de Espana.

If you arrive at the right time, you may also see some local musicians playing flamenco music.

Discover Palacio de las Duenas

I have included the Palacio la Duenas as one of the unique things to do in Seville, as it was one of our favourite places to visit. 

Home to the current 19th Duke of Alba, eldest son of the Duquesa de Alba, the palace, which is small in stature but timelessly beguiling, is a joy to discover.

Located on a quiet side street in the Macarena district, the Palacio de las Duenas is like the younger sibling of the grand Real Alcazar.

Constructed in the late 15th century with Gothic and Arabic influences, it was once the home of the Duquesa de Alba, who passed away in 2014. 

She was one of Spain’s most famous aristocrats and one of Seville’s best-loved personalities, who was happiest wandering around her gardens at this property despite having palaces and castles throughout Spain.

The ground floor and gardens of the house opened to the public in 2016, and it is now a place to find peace and tranquillity in beautiful surroundings.

The Palacio de las Duenas is a quieter option to discover the architecture of this area without the hoards of visitors that the Alcazar attracts.

Day Three – Evening

Watch an authentic flamenco show.

To finish off our fantastic Seville city break, we booked to watch a flamenco show.

Flamenco is the beating pulse at the city’s heart, and as you wander through the streets, you will hear the word “Ole” coming from all around.

Flamenco is the dance of Andalusia, and the influences of Arabic, Christian and Jewish interpretations give us the flamenco we see today. I can recommend a show at the  Museum of Flamenco , the only museum of its kind in the world, so I guess it has to be perfect when performed there!

The 60-minute show was full of passion, and the speed of the dancer’s feet was unbelievable. Musicians tapped feet, clapped hands, and sang the intoxicating flamenco lyrics that set the scene for the dancers.

No photography or videoing is allowed during performances, so while you may leave without proof of the fantastic skills of the dancers, you are guaranteed to enjoy the show without any interruptions: a memorable experience and one of the great things to do in Seville.

My honest opinion of Seville, Spain

What month did I travel?

How was the weather?

It was hot and sunny.

Would I recommend the hotel?

Yes. Becquer Hotel is a 10-minute walk to the river and a 20-minute walk to the historic city centre, so ideally located. It has a rooftop pool with views of Seville Cathedral.

Would I recommend three days in Seville?

Seville is full of history and charm, with enough activities to keep visitors busy. I loved the Moorish architecture, tapas, bars and Andalucian culture and would recommend a trip here for anyone looking for a weekend break in Spain.

Please Pin for Future Travel to Spain

Read Next: Porto, Portugal: The best 3-night itinerary .

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latitude adjustment

Sunday 13th of August 2023

Great information. Better than a guidebook! Going in October! Cheers!

WhereAngieWanders

Monday 14th of August 2023

I am glad you found it informative and have a fantastic time in Seville in October!!

Saturday 24th of October 2020

Seville sounds quite wonderful! I love the idea of finding the "real Spain" away from the Costas. Hoping to be able to travel soon so I can discover this beautiful city.

Renata Green

Friday 23rd of October 2020

Sevilla is just amazingly beautiful - and very majestic. However, I would never again visit in Summer. We were there twice and were sooo hot. Finally, we migrated into the Corte Ingles department store - only for the air condition. The other time, we migrated to a movie theater. While at the Corte Ingles, we didn't even buy anything, at the cinema we at least did watch the movie ;-)

Thursday 22nd of October 2020

Seville sure is a popular tourist city! There seems to be a lot of do and see here especially historical locations and architecture. Spanish food is delicious! Your pictures are stunning! :-)

This brought back some memories & I would love to go back to Seville. I visited with my husband at the start of a road trip around Andalusia. We were staying at a hotel next door to the Cathedral. After just picking the car up we did several fraught circuits around the city as I tried to read the map & he struggled in the traffic. Eventually we decided to give up & put that car in a car park before getting a taxi. Then we realised it was all pedestrianised & there was no parking anyway! We left the car there for 2 days, as we payed for parking & car hire & didn't use the car at all. It was the best idea as I loved wandering the pedestrian streets & exploring the tapas. Great post - plenty of reasons to return!

It's great that you can look back on these types of memories and laugh about them now. I expect you have many stories like this to tell. Perhaps a return to Seville will enable you to relive the time you were there with your husband and also make some new memories for yourself x

Guadalquivir river boat cruise in Seville

One of the highlights while visiting Seville is going on a river boat cruise on the waters of the Guadalquivir.

Join one of the cruises and let the friendly crew guide you through several centuries of history on Seville’s most exciting sightseeing tour. From the awe-inspiring Giralda to the ancient Torre del Oro (with its mysterious past) and onto the Barrio de Triana, experience the best views the city has to offer while enjoying a relaxing cruise along the River Guadalquivir.

A journey along the river provides a unique insight into the surprising and ancient history of Seville. And this is true whether you are a local or a visitor.

For one hour you will cruise along the city’s main river and enjoy the wonderful views of Seville’s most beautiful panoramas, including the historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for some years now. Observe the picturesque 19th century popular houses of Triana, and the enchanting bridges. You will also sail around the Parque de Maria Luisa to get a view of the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition.

Table of Contents

Book a Guadalquivir river boat cruise

Experience the beauty of Seville as seen from the only navigable river in Spain, the Guadalquivir. Get a complete perspective of both riversides, confronting the old part of town with the most modern one.

Book the evening cruise, especially in winter, and offer yourself one of the most amazing sunsets you can dream of. The light after the sun sets is one you will never forget.

Alternatively, you can take the whole family together and hop on a ship for an amusing morning or afternoon ride. The Guadalquivir cruise is perfect if you plan a romantic and peaceful ride and for the whole family participating in the city’s discovery.

Book your Guadalquivir river boat cruise tickets »

The Guadalquivir river boat cruise highlights

While on board you get a wide perspective of both riverbeds. It’s amazing the number of famous Seville landmarks you can see from a boat on the Guadalquivir and how close together they truly are.

On one hand you’ll see a large part of the sights starting with the Torre del Oro itself, the Maestranza bullring and some of the pavilions of the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. On the other hand, you’ll see a much modern Seville with a panoramic of the Remedios neighborhood and part of the Cartuja Island.

The most beautiful stretch is the Calle Betis (Betis Street), one of the most picturesque landmarks of Seville. This street is part of Triana, a very popular neighborhood where you can truly sense the deep Andalusian culture.

Furthermore, the boat will go under nine bridges being the Quincentenary Bridge the closest to the sea and the Alamillo Bridge the furthest.

Out of these bridges, I would like to point out two of them. Both were built for the Universal Exposition that was held in Seville in 1992 (Expo’92). This Exposition was organized to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.

The first one is the Barqueta Bridge, popularly known as ‘the basket’. It was built as part of the infrastructure improvements accomplished for the Expo’92. Actually, it is the main entrance gate or access to the Cartuja Island where the Universal Exposition site was. Today, most of the island has been transformed into offices but there are some place worthwhile a visit such as the Cartuja Monastery where the Contemporary Art Centre (CAAC) is, the Pabellón de la Navegación and to Isla Mágica, an amusement park.

The other one is the Alamillo Bridge. Designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it provides access to the Cartuja Island, where the most of the Expo’92 pavilions were. It is probably the most beautiful bridge in Seville because of the contrast it gives between its modern design and the colonial architecture of the city. Moreover, it can be seen from everywhere: if you take an AVE train from Madrid you will spot it from your seat.

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Pictures of Seville

Welcome to the Best city in the World

Visit Seville and explore the Best City in the World

Visit Seville and explore the rich, intimate streets of the city , become captivated by the immemorial culture surrounding you, and fall in love with heart of Andalucia . Discover a city brimming with life and history and learn how its evolved through the centuries and inspired the rest of the world. The city of Seville is a welcoming one and will captivate you immediately .

Seville UNESCO Heritage Sites

Timeless icons recognized by the entire world: this is what Seville is known for. These wonders should be your first stops.

+ Things to See in Seville

Whether you are here to learn, mentor, or just take a good picture, these are the cornerstones of history that can’t be missed.

Seville Guided Tours & Experiences

Hit every site and learn everything you could ever want about this illustrious city all while skipping the queues.

Best Day Trips from Seville

Stray outside the city and discover that the beauty of southern Spain is vast, ancient, and unlike anything else in the world.

Itineraries & Useful Information

Tips and Tricks: Use these maps and time tables to make your experience fun and easy.

Seville in 5 days Itinerary

A lively city with activities and events all year round, while here for even a few days you can still dive into rich culture and activities.

Flamenco in Seville

Find the best places to never miss one of the highest form of art and expression in Southern Spain. 

Shopping in Seville

The style of Seville is unique, often mimicked but never perfected and here you will find the best stores and districts in the city.

Seville Gastronomy

Tapas are the the highlight of Seville and finding the best place to relax and enjoy is an important choice.

Picture perfect proof. Seville’s beauty cannot simply be captured in pictures, however. You must see it for yourself.

Seville Tourist Map

Here you can download and print the only map you’ll ever need here in Seville.

Seville Monuments Prices and Schedule

Find here the schedules and information of all the monuments of the city.

Trending Tours and Experiences in Seville

Seville Bike Rental

Seville Bike Tour

Cathedral and Giralda of Seville Guided Tour

Seville Kayak Tour

Wine Cellar Visit from Seville

Horse Riding Tour in Aljarafe from Seville

Bulls Farm Visit from Seville

Visit an Olive Oil Farm in Seville

Italica Guided Tour from Seville

Trending day trips from seville.

Carmona Half Day Trip from Seville

Seville to Ronda and White Villages 2 day 1 night trip

Ronda and White Villages day trip from Seville

Seville to Tangier Morocco day trip

Seville to Tangier 2 day 1 night trip

Seville to Gibraltar day trip “The Rock Tour”

Tarifa to Tangier day trip

Seville to Granada day trip. Visit the Alhambra

Seville to Aracena day trip. Cave of Wonder and Rio Tinto Mines

Why do you have to visit seville, a unique and different lifestyle.

Come to Andalucia and live like a Sevillano. Enjoy the tranquility of the city and wander the streets during the day, taking in the Guadalquivir river, followed by tapas and flamenco as you watch the city come to life.

An Incomparable Historical Heritage

The 22 hundred years of history of this city and its influencers are obvious in its structure and architecture. The Muslim and Christian occupation throughout its history has molded Seville into the accepting and intellectual city it is today. The city itself tells its own story of art, expression, and exploration unlike any other.

Seville and its Cultural Heritage

Seville and it’s geography make it a mixing bowl of people and culture. Influenced clearly by their neighbors to the south, African and Arab accomplishment and influence can be seen throughout all aspects of the city, especially from its inhabitants.

Andalusia a Privileged Natural Environment

There is more to see in Andalucia than just its timeless architecture. The Iberian peninsula is home to some of the most spectacular sites on earth, the most gorgeous surrounding Seville. Journey to the Rock of Gibraltar and through Morocco, or visit breathtaking beauties such as the Alhambra in Granada and the lush Doñana National Park.

Our last posts to enjoy your holidays in Seville

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Districts [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Saint Petersburg was built by Peter the Great in 1703 on the Neva river, on the land he had just conquered from the Swedish Empire , outside the area then populated by the Russian people. Pre-planned rather than spontaneous almost from the very beginning, the city, called by Peter "my window on Europe", was designed to look European rather than Russian, and many European architects were invited to work here. As the capital of the Russian Empire from the early 18th century to the early 20th century, the city grew steadily, saw many crucial events of the Russian history, and was a major cultural center. Many world-famous artists, scientists, writers and composers, such as Mendeleev, Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky, lived and worked here.

In 1917 the Russian Revolution started. The significance of Saint Petersburg has declined somewhat after the transfer of the Russian capital to Moscow in 1918, but this allowed its cityscape to remain largely intact to this day. During World War II , the city was besieged by the Wehrmacht for 872 days, resulting in more than a million of civilian losses, mainly from starvation.

The city has undergone several name changes since its founding. Due to the German origins of the name "Saint Petersburg", its name was changed to the more Russian-sounding "Petrograd" in 1914 in the wake of World War I . Subsequently, its name was changed to "Leningrad" in honour of the founding leader of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. It was only in 1991, after the breakup of the Soviet Union that the original name was restored, though the surrounding area remains known as Leningrad Oblast.

Saint Petersburg has almost always been, or at least tried to be a city with strong foreign connections, and this is where its authenticity lies. Don't expect it to be overly indigenous. Matryoshkas and other such souvenirs popular among foreigners have very little to do with its authentic life.

Talk [ edit ]

The language spoken in Saint Petersburg is Russian, as in most parts of Russia. English is usually taught in schools and universities, so younger people are supposed to understand it to some extent, but the chance of finding anybody who is fluent in English on the streets is, though better than elsewhere in Russia including Moscow, still not that great. Average people will probably be able to point out a direction, but don't expect much more. The signs and labels in most places, especially off the beaten path, are still in Russian only, with a notable exceptions of metro (subway) and street signs in the city centre. It may be a good idea to get familiar with the Russian Cyrillic alphabet before the travel, as this is easy and lets you recognize street names and so on.

There is a local weekly English-language newspaper, The St. Petersburg Times [dead link] .

Get in [ edit ]

Russian visa requirements are complex but are not hard to manage with some online research. See the Get In section of the article on Russia for information. A visa is not required for a trip of less than 72 hours if you arrive in St. Petersburg by ferry or by cruise liner and you have a pre-arranged program of excursions by an approved local company.

Starting October 1, 2019 tourists from a number of countries can visit St.Petersburg and the surrounding regions by e-visa, obtained free of charge from the Russian Government website . This site lists the particular border crossings where this class of visa is accepted. This visa has been suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions.

By train [ edit ]

Tickets can be bought at the train stations or online . Long distance train tickets are generally more expensive if bought close to the date of travel. See Russia#By train 2 for more details on travelling in Russia by train.

There are five principal train stations in Saint Petersburg:

From Finland [ edit ]

Karelian Trains, a joint venture of the state railway companies VR (Finland) and RZD (Russia), operates highspeed Allegro trains running at up to 220 km/h between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg (travel time 3½ hours, 4 departures in each direction per day, €59-79 for 2nd class). Tickets originating in Finland can be purchased from the VR Group [dead link] website, via some travel agencies, and at major VR train stations in Finland. Border crossing formalities are completed on board the train immediately after departure from Helsinki. The trains are almost always on time and there are no delays in crossing the border. On-board currency exchange is available. On 26 March 2022 the Allegros will stop because of the Russian war on Ukraine.

By bus [ edit ]

International buses and buses to major cities in Russia all leave from the 59.9132 30.35747 7 main bus station (Avtovokzal) , near the Obvodny Kanal metro station. Some may make additional stops elsewhere in the city; see below. Buses are the preferred method of travel to/from Estonia and Latvia , but generally do not make sense for travel to Finland or within Russia.

The process of crossing the border by bus takes much longer than when travelling by train or air. Border agents only speak Russian and are sometimes not aware of visa requirements, which leads to delays.

The train is much more preferred method of travel than the bus within Russia. Domestic bus schedules can be accessed on AviaBus [dead link] .

• Lux Express operates service to/from Helsinki (€15-20, 7 hours, 3 per day). This is the cheapest way to travel to Helsinki, although it takes twice as long as the train.
• Matkahuolto provides information on traveling by bus to/from Finland. There are direct buses between Saint Petersburg and Helsinki (7-8 hours, 4 per day, €35) and Lappeenranta (6 hours, 3 per day, €31), with further connections to other cities in Finland.
• Sovavto [dead link] operates daily buses between Saint Petersburg and Turku (10 hours, €53), with stops at several cities including Helsinki (7½ hours, €35).

From the Baltics and other cities in Europe [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

If you join a cruise tour of St. Petersburg, then you don't need a Russian visa but you have to stay with the tour. See Russia#Visa free entry by ship .

• St. Peter Line [dead link] operates visa-free cruises to St. Petersburg from Helsinki , Tallinn , and Stockholm .
• RechFlot and Stolichnaya Sudokhodnaya Kompania (SSK) operate river cruises on the inland waterway "Volga-Baltic" which links Moscow , the River Volga, and Lakes Onega, Ladoga and Neva.

Get around [ edit ]

Bridge draw schedule [ edit ].

Except during the winter, the 9 low bridges in St. Petersburg are drawn during the night to allow for the passage of boat traffic. Therefore, if you don't make it to the side of the river where you are staying before the bridges are drawn and there are no high bridges to cross, you will be stuck until the bridges are lowered. There are "breaks" when some the bridges are lowered in the middle of the night for approximately 30 minutes to briefly allow everyone to get home. The bridge schedule is particularly noteworthy for those staying on Vasilyevsky Island, which is unreachable at certain times of the night. Seeing the bridges drawn in the middle of the night is a must for all visitors to the city!

The Bolshoy Obukhovskiy Most, 14 km south of the Alexander Nevsky Bridge (Most Aleksandra Nevskogo), is never drawn, allowing for 24-hour crossing of the Neva River. However, the bridge is out of the way and will increase the cost of your taxi or Uber.

The official bridge draw schedule is published online .

The following are the times when the bridges are drawn and will not be able to be crossed:

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are always available but are much more expensive at night. Every private vehicle is a potential taxi. Flagging down a vehicle and paying for a ride somewhere is perfectly normal in Russia and quite popular although ill-advised for tourists. Safety is, of course, an issue. As a rule, you should never get in a private cab if it already has passengers inside.

Refuse requests from the driver to take on more fares unless you reached your destination; if he insists, ask to stop at a safe-looking place, pay and leave. If the driver stops for gas, step out of the car, take your belongings, and get some fresh air while he is fuelling it. Those travelling alone (men and women) should wave off any suspicious ride for any reason whatsoever. Gypsy cabs which linger near popular bars and restaurants at night have been known to be especially dangerous, with several instances of druggings and robberies.

Drivers do not usually speak English. Watch out for overpriced taxis outside Hermitage museum. They have meters that run at 4 times the rate of regular taxis. Negotiate a flat fare before getting on the taxi. If the driver insists on using the meter you should walk away.

By ridehail [ edit ]

Uber is a safer and cheaper method of transport than taxis. In Russia it works under the franchise of Yandex.Taxi , the subsidiary of Yandex - the local Internet giant, so you will need to download the corresponding app. Drivers usually don't speak English, but communicating with the driver is not necessary since the fares and destinations are all handled through the app. Other alternative for ridehail is Bolt [dead link] .

By bicycle [ edit ]

While the terrain in Saint Petersburg is flat, the city is not bicycle-friendly due to limited bike lanes, bad weather, and dangerous car traffic. However, you are allowed to take a bicycle onto the elektrichka trains upon payment of a small fee and go to a less crowded suburb to enjoy a ride.

See [ edit ]

Saint Petersburg is simply put one of the greatest sightseeing cities on earth. No visit can do it justice—you'll have to move here to really be able to see all the sights. Really, budgeting a month of full-time tourism would not be unrealistic. And that's after all dramatic events of the 20th century that took place here! Perhaps only Rome , Paris and London can compare in sheer volume of beautiful, grand things to see.

As the center of the Russian world for 200 years of the Romanov Dynasty, the city reaped the rewards of Peter the Great's impossibly grandiose and tyrannical vision, and the Empire's extreme inequality. The wealth of the wealthy in Imperial Russia was almost unfathomably extreme, and led to the extreme opulence of the palaces and ecclesiastical buildings throughout the city center, as well as the suburban palaces at Peterhof , Gatchina , Strelna , Pushkin , and Pavlovsk . The greatest concentration of sights is found within the huge area of the center inside the Obvodny Canal , along the south embankment of Vasilievsky Island , and in the southern half of Petrogradsky Island .

Highlights [ edit ]

So, OK, you don't have months to explore the city—what are the highlights? It's a difficult question to answer. The most obvious destination is the Winter Palace on Palace Square (right by the Admiralty and the Bronze Horseman ), which houses the Hermitage Museum, and which was the winter residence of the Romanov Tsars and essentially the center of the Russian Imperial government. The Hermitage Museum is easily one of the top five art museums in the world, but even if you don't care about art, wandering around the enormous palace itself is extremely rewarding. The nineteenth century, whimsical Church on the Spilled Blood nearby is another internationally recognized icon of the city, with a spectacular setting on the Griboedov Canal near the Mikhailovsky Garden, and filled—literally filled—with beautiful mosaics.

Speakings of canals, strolling the palace-lined banks of the Moika, the Fontanka, and the Griboedov Canal in the historic center is a must. During the summer months, you can also enjoy this magnificent architecture from the boat by joining any of the popular (albeit expensive) "channel tours," or opt for a budget boat trip along the Neva river on a so-called riverbus , which is a tiny boat zooming along the river on several routes that are integrated into the system of public transport.

In the same neighborhood, walk down Nevsky Prospekt, which serves as Saint Petersburg's main grand avenue for shops (especially the historic mall of Gostiny Dvor ), theaters, and another realm of palaces and cathedrals, most notably the massive Kazan Cathedral . The Kazan Cathedral is functioning, so its easier to visit than the other big cathedrals (no lines, entrance fees, etc.). In the same neighborhood, but off Nevsky, are the Square of the Arts , where you'll find the Russian Museum —an absolute can't-miss for art lovers. The Mariinsky Theater is one of the world's most beautiful performance venues, and you should check it out even if you can't see an opera or ballet performance. Mammoth Saint Isaac's Cathedral [dead link] , with its impressive balcony views, is another obvious sightseeing destination.

Across the Neva River are more can't-miss sights. The Peter and Paul Fortress on the Petrograd Side is easily one of the city's top three attractions. Aside from its sheer beauty, visit it for its immense history as the final resting place of the Romanov Tsars, as well as its role as a notorious prison for the most high-profile political prisoners under their rule. On Vasilievsky Island , you must at least take a taxi over to the Strelka for the views by the Rostral Columns, across the street from the Old Stock Exchange, home to the Naval Museum , surely one of the best of this kind on the planet. Then take another ride along University Embankment before heading back across the river. Better yet, stop along the way at the weird and wonderful Kunstkamera museum of ethnology, home to Peter the Great's bizarre collection of oddities.

Complicating the desire to see the city's highlights in a short period of time are the magnificent suburban palaces at Peterhof , Pushkin , Lomonosov , Strelna , and Pavlovsk . Any tourists who visit Saint Petersburg and don't see neither the Tsarskoye Selo palaces at Pushkin, nor the Bolshoi Palace at Peterhof, really should be a bit ashamed of themselves. It's like going to Paris and skipping Versailles. Of the three, the Pavlovsk Palace would be the least unforgivable to miss, but if you have the time—go.

Exploring more [ edit ]

More time? The center has a world of more sights. Mars Field with the Memorial to the Revolutionary Fighters and the Eternal Flame, the Circus, wonderfully baroque Smolny Cathedral, Peter the Great's Cabin, the rolling parkland of the Tauride Palace and Gardens, Alexander Nevsky Monastery, the Yusupov Palace where Rasputin was killed (if you get the chance to see a performance in the theater inside, jump on it), the neoclassical bust-filled Summer Gardens, Mikhailovsky Castle, the Marble Palace, the small but powerfully heartrending Museum of the Defense and Blockade of Leningrad. Literary buffs should seek out Dostoevsky's local haunts, including the famous "Murder Walk" from Crime and Punishment , which will take you right from Raskolnikov's apartment to the door of the very apartment where the grisly deed was done.

Head back across the river to the Petrograd Side , past the Peter and Paul Fortress, you'll find the Saint Petersburg Mosque, the really impressive Military Museum, the museum-ship of the Cruiser Aurora, the ever... interesting Museum of Political History, and the Botanical Gardens. On Vasilievsky , the whole Neva embankment is filled with great museums and grand buildings. Especially great places to visit (aside from the aforementioned Naval Museum and Kunstkamera) include the Menshikov Palace (run by the Hermitage), the Twelve Collegia, and the Mining Museum. And don't forget to hunt down the some 3,300 year-old sphinx statues from the Theban Necropolis!

Further afield [ edit ]

Few tourists make it out of the city center, south of the Obvodny Canal and north of Petrogradsky Island, but there are still huge amounts of things to see in the north and south of the city—especially in the south. Southern Saint Petersburg is home to the Narva Triumphal Arch and its sister monument—the Moscow Triumphal Gate, the huge Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad (which honestly should be one of the main attractions in this city, if not for its distance from the center), Moscow Victory Park, and one of the best examples of Stalinist architecture (more interesting than you'd think) at the House of the Soviets, fronted by a very large Lenin statue. The most wonderful sight in southern Saint Petersburg, though, may be the whimsical, candy cane-colored Chesme Church.

The eastern part of the city (colloquially known as the Right bank ) is renowned for its nineteenth century industrial architecture in the districts of Okhta and Porokhovye (former gunpowder factories).

Northern Saint Petersburg is a bit less notable, but adventurous travelers can find some things of interest, especially in the old industrial district around the Finliandskii Station, at the Forestry Academy and Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery for the fallen in the Siege of Leningrad.

The naval fortress of Kronstadt at Kotlin island, nowadays accessible by road across the dam, is a very significant site for fans of the history of military architecture, and makes for enjoyable day trips by boat.

Do [ edit ]

Events [ edit ].

Other Theatres [ edit ]

Circus [ edit ], concerts [ edit ].

The music scene in St. Petersburg is diverse, with several classical, jazz, and pop concerts to choose from each week. Tickets are available at the same Teatralnaya Kassa locations as ballet and opera tickets, although tickets to pop concerts - especially US and European stars on tour - sometimes use exclusive distributors. For pop and rock concerts, unless you buy tickets for the dance floor (tanzpol), you are expected to sit quietly in your seat as if you were at a ballet - ushers are vigilant about keeping the audience from standing up, dancing, or cheering (polite applause is allowed, but that's about all).

Several of the ballet and opera theaters above also offer orchestral and recital performances, so those are not repeated below. Also, don't forget the many small clubs where up and coming bands play.

Film [ edit ]

Most cinemas in St. Petersburg show Hollywood films dubbed in Russian. Art cinemas like Dom Kino often show independent American or British movies subtitled in Russian. DVDs of American/European films are also often dubbed. There have been crackdowns on sellers of bootleg DVDs, so it may be difficult or expensive to find DVDs in English these days. There are several DVD stores in the city - often near Metro stations - and it is worth asking about films in English.

Annual Message to Man international documentary, short, and animated films festival takes place in June or July, screening many films in English.

Sport [ edit ]

Watch football: FC Zenit Saint Petersburg play in the Russian Premier League, the top tier of Russian football. Their home ground is Krestovsky Stadium, on Krestovsky island 10 km north of city centre. Take Metro M3 (Green Line) west towards Begovaya and get off at Novokrestovskaya. The stadium will host matches at the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament.

Private language schools [ edit ]

• CREF - Centre of Russian, English & French Studies .  
• EducaCentre , 2 locations: Komendantskaya square #1, Atmosphere Shopping Mall, 6th floor and 12th line of Vasilievskiy Island , ☏ +7 812 676 0075 , [email protected] . (20) 45-minute group lessons per week: €180, (30) 45-minute group lessons per week: €225; €60 administrative fee .  
• EDUCA Russian Language School , 3 Bolshaya Morskaya ( Metro: Gostiny Dvor ), ☏ +7 812 954 7320 , [email protected] . Not to be confused with the similarly-named school listed above. Central location, although teachers are younger and less experienced. (20) 45-minute group lessons per week: €195, (30) 45-minute group lessons per week: €240; €65 enrollment fee .  
• Liden & Denz , Italyanskaya ulitsa #17 . Highly rated, although pricier than other schools. (20) 50-minute group lessons per week: €280, 2-week minimum .  
• ProBa Language Centre , Zagorodnyi prospekt #17 ( Metro: Vladimirskaya or Dostoyevskaya ), ☏ + 7 812 9061308 , [email protected] . Facilities are very basic. 2 week minimum. Group classes: €450 for 2 weeks .  

Buy [ edit ]

There are plenty of ATMs and legit currency exchange booths. Do not exchange money on the street: the rate won't be any better, and you run a high risk of encountering any of numerous scams .

Small cornerstores are not necessarily more expensive than larger stores.

Churches often have small souvenir/religious shops with a large variety of items.

The famous place to shop is of course on Nevsky Prospekt in the Center . The streetfront shops there, Passazh, and the historic mall at Gostiny Dvor skew upscale, but there are street markets just off Nevsky, most notably Apraksin Dvor (south on Sadovaya from Gostiny Dvor) where you can get anything on the cheap (especially cheap if you speak Russian).

Luxury shopping with world-class brands is available in two places in St. Petersburg: DLT luxury multi-brand store and Staronevsky fashion district . Due to the difference in exchange rates, prices for some positions may be better than in Milan . The staff at the luxury stores speak English (always) and Chinese (often)

Sleep [ edit ]

The best area for a tourist to stay in is generally considered to be near the Nevsky Prospekt Metro. You'll be able to walk to most of the main attractions, and there are tons of restaurants, shops, cafes, clubs, etc. right on Nevsky. Staying off Nevsky along one of the beautiful canals, though, would also be a fabulous idea.

Connect [ edit ]

For information on using telephones and buying SIM cards in Russia, see Russia#Connect .

The emergency service number is 112.

WiFi [ edit ]

Free WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Corruption [ edit ].

Policemen & bureaucrats. For any Western traveller disturbing the system, permission to visit the country can be refused at the border. The average street policeman usually cannot speak any foreign language, but if you look like a tourist, you could be a target for money income source. Don't panic! Always ask for a receipt and the names of the officers.

Crime [ edit ]

Saint Petersburg has a somewhat undeserved reputation for being a dangerous city. Things have calmed down since the Wild West (or Wild East) days immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but some common sense is still required.

Guards at metro stations require random passengers to show carry items and inspect their backpacks. If you prefer to avoid this, ride by bus or taxi.

Take care of money, documents, cameras, mobile phones, and anything of value because of pickpocketing . Especially watch out on the Metro during busy times, as people start pushing at the train doors, and pickpockets are frequent, particularly (but not only) at Gostinyy Dvor Metro Station . When riding the Metro, keep in mind that robbery can be a real threat; you should constantly watch what is going on around you and who is standing very close to you. Nevsky Prospekt and nearby markets are also pickpocket hangouts.

Theft of photo equipment is really a big problem in Saint Petersburg. Photo bags probably won't save your camera—it can be opened in less than 5 seconds; the straps can be slashed with a knife even more quickly. Cameras should be kept in bags slung across the body at all times, with your hands keeping a firm grip on them, and no watches or jewelry should be visible at all. Quite obviously, do not show in public that you have a lot of money. Robberies are not uncommon, and many foreigners have been threatened at gun and knife point. However, foreigners are not targeted specifically, and robbers will attack both foreigners and natives that carelessly reveal their wealth.

By night [ edit ]

As with most other major cities, avoid traveling alone at night, and do not get into altercations with drunks. If traveling at night, it is recommended to stay on the main sidewalks and avoid any dark alleys or yards.

Downtown and western parts of the city are safest. Suburbs like Kupchino , Veteranov and Ligovo are struggling with criminality and poverty.

As a general rule, the farther you are from the city center, the more dangerous it is.

Gangs are a problem, although mafia gang wars are unlikely to affect tourists. Some gangs, however, such as neo-Nazis or angry hooligans, are out looking for problems and commit crimes that can affect tourists. Hatred toward people with darker complexions is not uncommon, and neo-Nazism is a concern. St. Petersburg, and Russia in general, can be regarded as a seriously dangerous destination for tourists of darker complexions so travelling in groups is highly advised.

Saint Petersburg's football club, Zenit Saint Petersburg , is one of the biggest clubs in the country, and has its own band of hooligans. If you decide to visit the football stadium to watch the club play, you should buy tickets to center sectors. If you do not do this and a fight starts, you are likely to get dragged into it by either the hooligans or the police, since both will think you are part of the brawl.

Take special care on Nevsky Prospekt , particularly the area with the city tour buses, a favorite spot of pickpockets and particularly of those after photo equipment. On the bright side, "Nevsky Prospekt" sees little mugging.

Russian driving is wild . Drivers attack their art with an equal blend of aggressiveness and incompetence. Guidelines are lax and rarely followed. As a pedestrian, take care when crossing the roads, since it might be difficult for drivers to notice you. If you are thinking of driving yourself, bear in mind that the local traffic police are corrupt, but this issue has improved drastically. Pedestrian crossings with a traffic light are quite safe to use, most car drivers will stop.

Bar fights do occur. In the center of the city and around Nevsky Prospekt , they are rare. However, in the suburbs and local cheaper pubs, fights occur almost daily. If you are staying with locals living in these areas, it might be a good idea to avoid these bars. Police are unlikely to show up as they consider fights as small, unimportant, regular and a waste of time, and they will probably laugh at you for calling.

Tourist traps [ edit ]

Gypsy cabs are ubiquitous and a little risky; never take one lingering near bars/clubs where expatriates and tourists congregate.

Saint Petersburg has a relatively big problem with street children who make their living out of stealing. They can be a hassle and can beg you aggressively. Act like any other Russian would: say no, then just ignore them and go away. If they start touching you, be very firm in pushing them away.

Gay travelers must practice extreme caution while staying in Saint Petersburg, as attacks often occur. Many Russian people look upon public demonstrations of homosexuality with undisguised contempt. It is advised to not openly display one's sexuality.

Natural hazards [ edit ]

Another subtle danger that can affect your trip is the inevitable effect of winter weather. Poor harvesting of snow and ice is a big problem in the city. Caution is advised in snowy winters because of falling ice from roofs, and pedestrians should pay special attention to ice on the streets. Snow on marble is very, very slippery—take small steps and watch your feet!

St. Petersburg regularly experienced floods during its history, sometimes catastrophic. However, the construction of the preventive dam has been completed, and catastrophic floods are unlikely to happen again.

Overall, be warned that if you are used to living in the US and/or Western Europe, Saint Petersburg, as well as the rest of Eastern Europe, will seem different, and, at times, a bit intimidating. On the other hand, Russian people are usually friendly, welcoming and interested towards foreigners, and nothing should happen to you unless you put yourself in harm's way. If you don't care about them they don't care about you, and nothing should get in your way of having a great holiday.

Cope [ edit ]

Saint Petersburg is plagued by a number of mosquitoes during the summer, especially in June, as the swampy surroundings of the city give the mosquitoes excellent living conditions. In budget accommodation with few countermeasures against the mosquitoes, this can be a problem at night, putting your well deserved sleep at risk. Less of an issue in the city center, mosquitoes can be much more numerous on the outskirts. They are not dangerous, though, just a nuisance.

Consulates [ edit ]

Visa centers [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Overnight trips [ edit ]

If you leave Russia and plan to return, make sure you have a multiple entry visa.

• Novgorod — Ancient town with churches and museums, 180 km from St. Petersburg, can be accessed by high-speed trains.
• Narva , Estonia — 160 km southwest of Saint Petersburg on the Narva river, which serves as the border between Russia and Estonia. Twin castles (Russian, established Grand Duke Ivan III, and Danish/Swedish).
• Vologda — this city is considered the heart of Russian North, a popular local travel destination. Reachable by overnight train, from there you can go to Moscow or further north to Arkhangelsk .
• Petrozavodsk and the rest of Karelia — popular Russian travel destination for its beautiful nature and access to White Sea islands. Reachable by overnight or high-speed train.
• Moscow — the Russian capital is reachable by overnight train or in the daytime by the high-speed Sapsan train (about 4 hr) or by plane. As much to see as in St. Petersburg, so plan on several days here.

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The Marine Façade, launched in 2004, is the largest and most recent of Petersburg’s urban development plans.

The Marine Façade and the Petersburg Myth in Post-Soviet Russia

Published: June 23, 2012

St. Petersburg has always been Russia’s “window to the West.” At the time of its construction in the eighteenth century, Peter the Great envisioned a city encompassing the greatest architectural achievements of Western Europe: the romantic island-canal systems of Venice and Amsterdam, luxurious baroque architecture, and a court rivaling that of the French in power and elegance. However, the city has not always lived up to its intended purpose—to prove that Russia could leave behind her backwards ways and enter modernity with the rest of Europe (Figes 10). Thus the Petersburg myth was born—its foundations lying in this discrepancy between the idealized city and its real counterpart. The myth, which expresses Russia’s complicated experience of modernity, continues to be prevalent in contemporary St. Petersburg. The Marine Façade development project embodies the Petersburg myth and the three-hundred-year-old dichotomy between dreams and reality that lies at the heart of the city.

Watch a documentary that Sophia Kosar made using this research!

The Marine Façade, launched in 2004, is the largest and most recent of Petersburg’s urban development plans. A joint project between the St. Petersburg City Administration and several private firms, the plan involves a commercial passenger port (which has already been built and is currently operating), a new business district, neighborhoods, and an expansion of the city’s transportation system. The port was the main justification for constructing the Marine Façade; until the port’s construction, Petersburg was the only major European city without a passenger seaport (Shimberg).

Considering Peter the Great’s intent to turn the city into his empire’s main commercial port, the Marine Façade is already part of Petersburg’s cultural tradition. In order to render Petersburg a more prominent trading location, Peter increased production of Russian ships and encouraged foreign merchants through trade concessions (Massie 358). Years later, a modern Petersburg facing the same challenge finds remedy in the new Marine Facade, welcoming luxury cruises in place of freight liners. (Mitiurev, MFMC). Until the Passenger Port was built, passenger ships had to share limited port space with cargo ships and oil tankers (Marine Port SPb). In order to cope with the pressures of a modern city and popular tourist destination, Petersburg had to create incentives for ships to utilize this new port. Thus the idea for the grandiose Marine Façade district was born, an ultra-modern contrast to the rest of the city that would provide comfort and leisure for tourists.

In this attempt to innovate we can see that the weight of the Petersburg myth still rests upon the city. The downtown, now the historic center, was the pinnacle of modernity in its day. It was also just as contrived as the Marine Facade. Dostoevsky critically called Petersburg “the most intentional city” (Munro 15). The completed Marine Façade is to be a sleek downtown area that will cater to tourists, professionals, and wealthy residents. It will cover 450 hectares of reclaimed land, nearly half the size of Vasilievsky Island as it exists today. The port, opened in 2008, consists of a rectangular bay in which international commercial cruise liners can dock at one of four terminals. The business and residential are still in construction; the intended finish date is 2020, when the land will be sold to private entities (Shimberg). The reclaimed land, called the “precoat,” is gathered from the Gulf of Finland, and, once completed, will serve as the foundation of the district. The precoat, like the rest of Petersburg, is created by man’s domination over nature; the very islands and embankments of the historical city were also reclaimed from the Neva three centuries ago.

This artificiality is key to the Petersburg myth and the city’s history. The city is seductive with its beauty and symbolic modernity, but these qualities hide the city’s darker half—the unnatural and autocratic. The Marine Façade exhibits these same traits. By facilitating increased tourism, it will help the city, its economy, and infrastructure. However, these benefits come at the cost of the environment and the city’s residents.

Appropriate for St. Petersburg, the Marine Façade plans are decidedly utopian. Scale models in the Marine Façade Management Company’s office show a sophisticated district that will stand in stark contrast to the Kruschev-era cement apartment buildings on the edge of Vasilievsky today. The Western High Speed Diameter highway is to run horizontally through the district, alleviating Vasilievsky’s congestion issues by providing an alternative to the city’s famous bridges. There is a plan to expand the metro system, adding two more stations to the two currently on the Island (Kuznetsova, MFMC). Just as Petersburg was extremely fashionable in the 1700s, the Marine Façade is designed to be the most contemporary district in all of Russia.

There are, however, several drawbacks to the project that residents of St. Petersburg do not fail to notice. Locals still have major reservations about the motives behind the project, its implementation, and its effect on the city. Debate over the Marine Façade has focused on two sensitive sets of values: the aesthetic and the practical. Generally, proponents are the city authorities and corporate developers, who will benefit economically from the project. Detractors include architects, residents of Vasilievsky Island, ecological groups, and political groups that oppose the authorities currently in office.

Those who feel that the Petersburg’s aesthetic tradition should be preserved worry that the Marine Façade will change the city’s aura. The classic Petersburg style is characterized by a horizontal skyline, linear architecture, symmetry, and a strong contrast between water and stone. An architect, historical restoration expert, and city native, Rafael Maratovich Dayanov considers the Marine Façade “upsetting” from an aesthetic point of view. He sees it as a question of forgetting Petersburg’s architectural identity and is afraid that the city will change beyond all recognition for the worse.

The city’s distinctive style is a direct reflection of the Western architects Peter commissioned to build his city. Completely departing from traditional Russian form, he ordered the Moscow nobility to build palaces in Petersburg in the new fashion. He forced thousands of peasants from across Russia to come construct the new city and live there afterward. The combined human toll of building accidents, disease, and flooding illustrate the autocratic nature of Peter’s project (Massie 356, 360-62). In Dayanov’s words, the city was the dream of “one man.” The commoners and nobles hated the location and the hardships it caused for them, “but Peter would not listen” (Massie 360-61).

Similarly, the Marine Façade completely departs from the Baroque aesthetic of the city. The government and managing firms want it to look like a 21 st -century business district, totally incongruous with the existing style. Again paralleling the city’s birth, the Marine Façade is a top-down execution; the residents of St. Petersburg and Vasilievsky Island have had little say in the project’s implementation, though it disrupts the lives of many, as well as the surrounding environment.

In fact, Vasilievsky Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Because it is protected by UNESCO, the Petersburg government regulates the style of all new construction within the city limits. Under the City Administration are two architectural committees that have jurisdiction over the city’s design. One, the Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, passes all legislation concerning new development in the historical area. However, the Marine Façade area lies under a different municipal authority, and is therefore not subject to the same set of architectural and structural regulations (Assembly ZAKS Website). This means that the 450 hectares of new development are not required to conform to the historical style.

Aside from aesthetic concerns, many see the Marine Façade as an impractical and harmful endeavor. They argue that it is detrimental to the environment in the coastal area and to the daily lives of those who live there. Journalist Victoria Rabotnova, a resident of Vasilievsky Island, wonders why the port complex could not be built somewhere else along the coast. Before deciding on Vasilievsky, other options were on the table—such as Kanonersky Island, located to the south of Vasilievsky and far enough from the historical center that it would not be as controversial. Rabotnova’s theory is that Vasilievsky was chosen because placing the port near an existing residential district would give the developers an excuse to build the new district (Robotnova).

Ecological groups were furious at the lack of concern over the project’s environmental impact, as the land reclamation process causes extreme turbidity around the coast and where the Neva meets the bay (Medvedev and Zaitseva). In 2010 the St. Petersburg People’s Democratic Union of Youth protested against the destruction of local fish populations, caused by the land reclamation process (RPDU Website). Other ecologists complain that the project will destroy the coast, reduce the number of green areas in the city, and make the Neva Bay unfit for wildlife (ZOV petition).

Yet the government approved the Vasilievsky project for construction, and it passed all the necessary tests concerning environmental safety. Journalists Nadezhda Zaitseva and Alexander Medvedev quote an unnamed member of parliament who took part in the Marine Façade meetings of the Standing Committee on Health and Environmental Legislative Assembly in 2005: “’We asked the experts questions about the impact … on the surrounding area, the impact … on the water quality in the Gulf of Finland and came to the conclusion that … it does not adversely affect either the health of the air or water.’” He also said he believes Vasilievsky is the only place where a port like this could be located, although many experts are quick to argue to the contrary.

Again, the Marine Façade echoes the city’s construction. Before Peter the Great developed it, the swampy mouth of the Neva was nearly uninhabitable. However, Peter desperately wanted a port, and its construction would allow him to move away from Moscow, the capital he so hated. Foreigners and nobles did not believe the city would survive past Peter’s reign as the climate was so poor and the residents so despised it. However, for Peter, “no obstacle was great enough to prevent his carrying out his design” (Massie 364-65).

Economically, many Vasilievsky residents are upset about the Marine Façade’s effect on apartment values. People who bought expensive waterfront property in the Primorskaya area are extremely angry and have formed lobbying coalitions protesting Marine Façade construction. Not only will they lose the beautiful view of the Gulf, they will also lose value on their once-prime real estate. One NGO, “Protecting the Island Vasilievsky” (abbreviated ZOV in Russian), filed a lawsuit in 2006 attempting to stop development of the Western High Speed Diameter on the grounds that it would decimate the value of surrounding real estate (Teplouhov).

Although Peter’s nobles built the city’s original palaces, they too endured economic hardship because of construction. Having no choice but to move to the new capital, the costs of construction and food led many to estimate they had lost two thirds of their wealth (Massie 361). The people hated St. Petersburg; they “suffered greatly but did not complain” (Massie 364). Today’s residents have no problems raising their voices against the Marine Façade, but they are no more effective than their 18 th -century counterparts.

It is a fact that public opinion has not been acknowledged in the project’s implementation. Groups such as ZOV and the St. Petersburg Youth League have tried laboriously to change the plans, but to no avail. ZOV has held rallies and written to both Presidents Medvedev and Putin during their terms in office (Sharagina). They have also petitioned the local Petersburg government (ZOV petition). Tatiana Sharagina, who owns an apartment next to the port, is a prominent member of ZOV and elected representative of Vasilievsky Island. She admits the group has not had much success with accomplishing their goals, considering the port is already functioning. Residents of an apartment building located on Morskaya Naberezhnaya, right next to the construction, wrote a petition expressing their grievances about the way the noise of the construction was disrupting their everyday lives. With the estimated deadline of the project set at 2020, they will have to put up with the disturbances for a while to come (House no. 15/17 petition). But as long as the city can get its makeover, the people’s plights do not seem to be an obstacle.

American journalist David Greene published an article on St. Petersburg, in which he really does consider it Russia’s façade. “Peter the Great,” he says, ” imagined a luxurious playground for the ruling elite … [now] some residents think Russia’s current leaders are using the city for the same purpose.” Petersburg is a special city, as tour groups from cruise liners can enter without a Russian visa as long as they are accompanied at all times by a licensed tour guide. Greene says that this, combined with the atmospheric discrepancy between Petersburg and the rest of Russia, gives the Russian government control over foreigners’ impressions of the country. Not only does the Marine Façade facilitate this superficial tourist experience of the country, but the surrounding areas will also send these types of visitors a different perception of the country than what really exists, purposefully disguising its negative attributes.

Petersburg was built to be, and remains to this day, Russia’s “window”—not “door”—to the West; as in image, it is “more constricted … more subject to control” (Munro 266). The Marine Façade facilitates this same control, as the connection between Russia and tourists can be controlled. The façade of modern business may hide the similarities between the Marine Façade and Peter’s vision, but they are both utopias of modernity. Both stem from the intent to put Russia on a par with Western Europe, but both are, in actuality, monuments to Russia’s top-down power structure. The Petersburg myth lives on into the present: the Marine Façade exemplifies the myth and shows that it is still an important part of the city and its culture. The conflicts between new and old, the powerful and powerless, vision and reality can all be found under the surface of the Marine Façade.

Works Cited

Committee on City Planning and Architecture Official Website. Saint Petersburg City Administration. Accessed 26 July 2011. http://www.kgainfo.spb.ru/.

Dayanov, Rafael Maratovich. Personal interview. 5 July 2011.

Figes, Orlando. Natasha’s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia. New York: Picador 2002.

Greene, David. “St. Petersburg: A Glimpse Of What Russia Is Not.” NPR. 26 Aug. 2010. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129435807>.

Kuznetsova, Svetlana. Personal interview. 12 July 2011.

Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg ZAKS. “The MP is Looking for Owners of the ‘Marine Facade.’” ZAKS.ru. 13 April 2011. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://zaks.ru/new/archive/view/79086>.

Marine Façade Management Company . Marine Façade Management Company.  Accessed 27 April, 2011 <http://www.mfspb.ru/>.

Marine Port St. Petersburg. 2006. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://www.seaport.spb.ru/>.

Massie, Robert K. Peter the Great: His Life and World . New York: Knopf, 1980.

Medvedev, Alexander and Nadezhda Zaitseva. “Deputies Think that the ‘Marine Façade’ is Environmentally Friendly.” Nevastroika: Petersburg of the Future . 26 Sep. 2005. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://www.nevastroika.ru/a0/ru/archive/view.thtml?i=2989>

Mitiurev, Yurii. Personal interview. 19 July 2011.

Munro, George E. The Most Intentional City: St. Petersburg in the Reign of Catherine the Great . Madison: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2008.

Rabotnova, Victoria. “Behind the Façade of the “Marine Façade”: the Interests of the Residents Are Not Included.” “Guarantor” Center for Legal Services. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://legalru.ru/document.php?id=7758>

Residents of House no. 15/17 of Morskoy Naberezhnaya. “Statement on the effects of construction on neighbors’ quality of living.” ZOF Website . NGO ZOV

“Vasilievsky Island Residents Against the Western High Speed Diameter, Passenger Terminal, and Alluvial Areas.” Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://voinfo.narod.ru/galo.doc>.

Reznik, Maxim. Personal interview. 14 July 2011.

Russian People’s Democratic Union (RPDU). “St. Petersburg Youth League Has Stood Up For the Ecology of the Gulf of Finland.”

Russian People’s Democratic Union . 12 May 2010. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://rnds-sz.ru/news/129>.

Saint Petersburg Encyclopaedia . Alexander Margolis. The Likechev Foundation. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://www.encspb.ru/en/index.php>.

Sharagina, Tatiana. Personal interview. 22 July 2011.

Shimberg, Alexander. Personal interview. 11 July 2011.

Teplouhov, Andrei. “On the Gulf of Finland, NGO Activists of Vasilevsky Island Believe That the Western High Speed Diameter Will Reduce the Cost of Their Property.” St. Petersburg Building. 31 January 2007. Accessed 26 July 2011. <http://www.zastroyka-spb.ru/?id=34300>.

ZOV. “Petition to Governor Matvienko and the Legislative Assembly.” ZOF Website . NGO ZOV “Vasilievsky Island Residents Against the Western High Speed Diameter, Passenger Terminal, and Alluvial Areas.” Accessed 26 July 2011.      <http://voinfo.narod.ru/st30.htm%3Fi%3D19966%26p%3D0&usg=ALkJrhiUZtGL3-771sTV3FVP8FSxxoglsA >.

About the author

Sophia Kosar

Sophia Kosar, at the time she wrote for this site, was a sophomore at The College of William and Mary. She spent the summer of 2011 in St. Petersburg, conducting research on the Marine Façade urban development program taking place on the edge of Vasilievsky Island as part of William and Mary's research program. This included interviewing NGO activists, the leader of the St. Petersburg branch of Yabloko political party, the Chief Architect of St. Petersburg, and representatives of Gazprom and the Marine Façade Management Company. She planned to spend the 2012/2013 academic year at Kazan State University studying Russian. In the future she hoped to continue her study of Russian and Central Asian cultures, and following her interests to a profession dealing with Russian infrastructure and civil engineering.

Program attended: Challenge Grants

View all posts by: Sophia Kosar

• City Break St. Petersburg

Table of contents

1. Visit the Tsarist palaces

2. cruise the pretty canals, 3. indulge in art spanning the centuries, 4. visit the awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals, 5. catch a performance, lotte hotel st petersburg 5**, so sofitel st. petersburg 5*, corinthia hotel st. petersburg 5*, the best time of the year to go to st petersburg, going on a city break in st petersburg, where to eat the best districts and restaurants, nightlife in st petersburg, our practical advice for a city break in st petersburg.

The resplendent former home of Russian royalty and the country's artistic centre, St Petersburg holidays are a true delight. The city has breathtakingly beautiful canals, palaces, mansions and museums, a rich cultural history and world-class ballet and concert halls. With all this historical importance, you might be fooled into thinking St Petersburg is something of a relic; this couldn't be further from the truth. Expect a contemporary edge with buzzing modern art galleries and cutting-edge bars and restaurants.

5 things to do in St Petersburg

St Petersburg contains the best-preserved Tsarist-era palaces and gardens in the country. You simply can't visit the city without wandering through this living museum of royal history. Many palaces have even been turned into actual museums which are impeccably maintained: The Winter Palace is now the unmissable Hermitage Museum and Mikhailovsky Palace is the spectacular Russian Museum.

St Petersburg is often described as the "Venice of the North" due to its network of picturesque canals and bridges. Wandering the canals is a delight, but cruising them offers a truly unforgettable experience. As you sail along the Neva and Moyka Rivers, you'll come across many of the city's major attractions. There are plenty of smaller canals to explore as well, including the romantic Winter Canal (Zimnyaya Kanavka).

As an unrivalled centre of art and collections, you can spend days exploring treasure troves in the Hermitage and still just scratch the surface. The Russian Museum, for instance, holds one of the greatest collections of Russian artworks in the world. If you're looking for more contemporary fare, head to the impressive Erarta Museum or the former-industrial Street Art Museum.

The city has a rich religious history with many majestic cathedrals and picturesque churches. The most elaborate and dazzling of these is the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, a classic Russian Orthodox structure with a lavish exterior resembling Moscow's St Basil's Cathedral. St Isaac's Cathedral is another jaw-dropper with an impressive golden dome that can be climbed for excellent panoramic views.

St Peterburg is a city of shows with many resplendent theatres and concert halls. The Mariinsky Theatre should be at the top of any visitor's list. This importance ballet centre premiered many major works by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. To experience the theatre at its finest, it's best to catch a live performance.

The best hotels for a city break in St Petersburg

Beautifully situated in a historic 19th-century mansion, the Lotte Hotel offers an unforgettable city break. The hotel itself is tastefully decorated with elegant and ornate furnishings. It's also close to many of St Petersburg's most resplendent sites, including the must-visit Hermitage Museum. 2.

SO Sofitel offers a slice of modernism within the confines of a pretty 18th-century mansion. Renovated with a chic and contemporary Baroque edge, the rooms are spacious with pretty rooftop views from higher floors. The hotel is ideally located right next to the impressive St Isaac's Cathedral with excellent links throughout the city. 3.

The Corinthia is something of an institution in St Petersburg, once featured in the Michael Caine spy film Midnight in Saint Petersburg . The rooms are bright and airy, with Art Deco finishing's throughout the hotel. It is also ideally located on Nevsky Prospect, the city's high street with excellent links to shops, restaurants and attractions.

Plan your break in St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a treat to visit whatever the season, but May to September sees the best weather. Summer months are particularly busy, especially in mid-July during the White Nights Festival, so attempt to visit in May or September if you'd like to avoid the crowds and get cheaper deals. Having said that, winter is also breathtaking - if cold - in the city as it's like stepping directly into a Russian historical novel when the city is quilted in snow.

St Petersburg is well connected with Pulovo Airport and five major train stations which transfer international passengers every single day. The transfer from the airport is easiest done by taxi cab, but you can also take a cheaper combination of public bus and Metro. Once in the city, the 5-line Metro system is one of the best ways to get around town, with buses, trolleybuses and trams also available. As for taxis, ride-hailing apps are all the rage in the city.

The food scene in St Petersburg is superb, running the gamut from cheap eats to expensive haute cuisine. Modern Russian, international and local chains and world-leaning foods are all found throughout the city, along with a scattering of vegan/vegetarian options. Some stand-outs include Moyka 3, Cococo and Palkin, three modern Russian offerings with a focus on fresh produce. Bakery cafe chains like Bulochnye F. Volcheka make fine pick-me-ups, while canteen-style options make excellent offerings for when you just can't choose. For canteens, try Marketplace and Obed Bufet.

St Petersburg has a rich and varied nightlife, from sophisticated late-night classical performances to hip-and-happening bars and clubs. For the latter, Dumskaya Street is among the most popular neighbourhoods, filled with nightclubs like Belgrade and Lomonosov Bar which run into the early hours. For bustling craft beer bars, head to Bakunin, a brewery-come-bar with an expansive bottle menu.

What to pack for a city break in St Petersburg

St Petersburg's weather is changeable with the constant threat of rain, so be sure to bring waterproof and thermal clothing. In winter, you'll need to dress accordingly in snow-proof boots and layers. If you plan on visiting one of St Petersburg's renowned theatres for a performance, be sure to dress-up in something classy. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes and a European plug adaptor for your trip (if needed).

What budget to plan for city breaks in St Petersburg

You can expect to pay anywhere between R1000 to R2000 for a nice two-course meal in the city. Museum entry fees run between R100 to R400, with ballet and classical tickets costing around R3500. As such, you can expect to pay anywhere between R1500 to R15000 per day for a comfortable, mid-range city break stay, depending on your activities.

Useful information before arriving in St Petersburg

Be sure to book certain tickets in advance. You'll need to sort your travel visa three months before you arrive. You should also book your Mariinsky tickets - or other performance - a month in advance. You can download a range of apps to make your travel more convenient before you arrive, including Google Translate (as English is not widely spoken), Yandex Taxi and the St Petersburg Metro Route Planner.

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