Frugal Travel Tips For Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the prettiest towns in all of Spain, filled with plazas and history. One of the highlights of Seville, Alcazar, an ancient Islamic palace, is well worth the pricey entrance fee. To offset that expense, there are a number of free sights to see, including the other must, the Seville Cathedral with its free entrance on Sundays.

Seville Cathedral With Giralda Tower On Sunday

Normally the Seville Cathedral with Giralda Tower charges a high entrance fee. When I went, I paid the fee and did not begrudge the expense. One of the few cathedrals with the private rooms open to the public, and a tower that overlooks almost all of old Seville (the ramp in the tower, instead of stairs, allowed ancestors to ride a horse up instead of walking), it is one of the top Seville attractions.

However, if you plan your trip right, and are in Seville on a Sunday, the entrance fee is waived. Yes, its free.

Plaza de Espana

Any true Star Wars fan will recognize Plaza de Espana as George Lucas’ inspiration for the Palace of Naboo. Any other traveler will simply appreciate it as an example of beautiful architecture. Tile work covers every inch, including the multiple bridges. Along the base of the buildings, there’s a contribution from each province, illustrating in tile a significant historic event.

Entrance to the plaza is free.

Torre del Oro on Tuesdays

The Torre del Oro or Golden Tower was exactly that, a 13th century tower covered in golden tiles. Now it hosts a maritime museum. Normally there is an admission fee but on Tuesdays, this fee is waived.

El Alamillo Bridge

For those looking for more modern architecture, El Alamillo provides a perfect example. A huge bridge connecting the island of La Cartuja to the old town of Seville, El Alamillo is primarily a bridge for vehicles. However, down the center is a raised pedestrian walkway.

There are many pedestrian walkways in Seville, perfect for people watching and crowded with artists and street performers.

Real Fabrica de Tabacos

This former tobacco factory was built over 500 years ago and was made famous by Bizet’s opera Carmen. Once it had a moat and a jail. Now a university building, it is open and free for all travelers. Inside, frugal visitors can find cheap university budget food and beverages.

It is impossible to say that you’ve seen Spain without seeing Seville. A beautiful, walkable city, Seville is also a frugal traveler’s paradise.