Seville

Seville is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. It is crammed with elegant shops, bars and restaurants, yet within the old quarter of the Barrio Santa Cruz lies a tangle of shaded alleyways, plazas and patios of almost village-like character. The Capital of Andalucía is a compact and relaxing city with a rich cultural heritage. Conveniently, many if its principal sights can be found within or very near to the city centre which is set on the east bank of the Río Guadalquivir.

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El Arenal

Once home to the port of Seville, El Arenal also housed the artillery headquarters and ammunition works. Now its atmosphere is set by Seville's bullring, the majestic Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza.

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Santa Cruz

The maze of narrow streets to the east of Seville's cathedral and the Real Alcázar represents Seville at its most romantic and compact. As well as the expected souvenir shops, tapas bars and strolling guitarists, there are plenty of picturesque alleys, hidden plazas and flower-decked patios to reward the casual wanderer. Many of the best known sights are grouped here such as the Cathedral & La Giralda - the bell tower.

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La Macarena

A stroll in this area provides a glimpse of everyday life in a part of Seville that has so far escaped development. Calle de la Feria, the main street for shopping and browsing, is best visited in the morning when there is plenty of activity and its market stalls are filled with fresh fish and vegetables. Early evening, meanwhile, is a good time to discover the area's large number of fine churches, which are open for Mass. The evenings are also the time when local people visit the bars of the district for drinks and tapas.

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Parque María Luisa

This area is dominated by the extensive, leafy Parque María Luisa with its fountains, flower gardens and mature trees. It provides a welcome place to relax and stroll during the hot summer months. Nearby is the Royal Tobacco Factory, forever associated with the fictional gypsy heroine Carmen, who toiled in its sultry halls. Today the factory is part of the Universidad, Seville's university.

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Across the River

On the west bank of the Río Guadalquivir, old Seville meets the new. Triana has been making pottery since Roman times. With cobbled streets and shops selling ceramics, it still has an authentic, lived-in feel. La Cartuja, to the north of Triana, where Columbus once resided and planned his future exploits, was the site for the Expo '92. The site has now been redeveloped into different theme parks.

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