Luckily, the city is also ripe with charming family-run hotels that are quite affordable. Whether you prefer something simple, historic, or modern, there’s a budget hotel for you. So start planning your itinerary through Spain and add a stop in Seville.

More tips for exploring Spain:
• 10 first-time mistakes to avoid in Spain
• How to buy tickets to the Alhambra in Granada
• The best SIM cards for your trip to Spain

The top budget hotels in Seville, Spain

Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite affordable hotels across the city.

Hotel Simon

Neighborhood: El Arenal
Doubles from $70

With historic touches throughout, the Hotel Simon is a wonderful cheapo pick. The hotel is nestled within an 18th-century mansion, and some rooms have balconies with excellent street views. You can enjoy peace and quiet here, too, as there are no TVs and no Wi-Fi (in the guest rooms, at least). Read the full review

Now that’s a patio!

Un Patio al Sur

Neighborhood: El Arenal
Doubles from $89

Un Patio al Sur offers pristine modern rooms at excellent rates. Guests can enjoy an array of amenities, from air conditioning and flat-screen TVs to free Wi-Fi and private marble bathrooms. You’ll also find plenty of delicious restaurants and cafe in the area. Read the full review

Soak in the sun on the roof terrace of Callejón del Agua.

Callejón del Agua

Neighborhood: El Centro
Doubles from $45

The quaint Callejón del Agua offers lovely rooms in the center of the city. Guests can enjoy the air conditioning and stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi. The rooftop terrace also provides wonderful views. Read the full review

We like the rooms and the price at the handsome Hotel Maestranza.

Hotel Maestranza

Neighborhood: El Centro
Doubles from $70

Rooms at the Hotel Maestranza are simple and elegant with chic headboards and a neutral color palette. You’ll enjoy air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and soundproof windows. Be sure to ask for a room with a balcony for the best views! Read the full review

The impressive entrance to Alcántara Hotel.

Alcántara

Neighborhood: Santa Cruz
Doubles from $45

If you’re looking for a little excitement, check out Alcántara. Sharing a space with a flamenco salon, the hotel experiences a bit of a hustle and bustle on show nights. On the flip side, rooms are calming and offer air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and sparkling private bathrooms. Read the full review

Take in the regal scenery at Hotel Abanico.

Abanico

Neighborhood: El Centro
Doubles from $54

Near the lively Plaza de Alfalfa, the Abanico offers cozy rooms and bright, attractive communal spaces all at budget-friendly rates. You’ll find all the comforts of home, like AC, flat-screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy breakfast, available for an extra fee, in the beautifully tiled dining room. Read the full review

Sleep peacefully and the family-run Pension Córdoba.

Pension Córdoba

Neighborhood: Santa Cruz
Doubles from $55

While rooms at Pension Córdoba are simply, they are immaculately clean and comfortable thanks to the attention and care of the family that runs the place. Guests will enjoy perks like AC and free Wi-Fi. For anything you need, from breakfast to sites to see, the thoughtful staff is happy to share their best recommendations. Read the full review

Looking for more budget hotels in Seville?

Read through out Seville hotel guide or check out more than 10,000 hotels in Andalusia.

The post Spain: Our favorite budget hotels in Seville appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Spaniards age 30 and under have had plenty of English language lessons at school—generally more than enough to help you order lunch or find your size at local shops.

Even so, the following key Spanish phrases will come in handy and could even save you some cash on your next trip to Spain. More often than not, a little Spanish will get a smile and better service than babbling in English from the get-go.

For maximum politeness, all verbs are conjugated using “usted”, Spanish’s more formal you.

Related: 7 Phrases to help you save in Barcelona

1. ¿Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?

It’s best to ask, and not assume that someone will understand English. Nine times out of ten, people in shops and restaurants will do what it takes to reach an understanding, even if their English is limited to the basics. In Barcelona’s famous La Boquería Market, I know a fishmonger who gets called away from her stand to help other vendors with English-speaking clientele.

2. Perdón/Perdone: Excuse me.

This is a biggie. This will save you from all kinds of dirty looks, and the occasional scene when you accidentally bump into someone or need to elbow your way out of a crowded bus or subway wagon. It works especially nicely when paired with #1, as in, “Perdone ¿Habla inglés?” Translation: “Excuse, me, but do you speak English?”

Knowing a little Spanish can go a long way with a waiter in Madrid. Photo: rafa_luque

3. Por favor and gracias: Please and thank you

Just like everywhere else in the world, add a please and thank you to your sentence, a pleasant tone of voice, and a smile, and you’ll be on your way to a much friendlier encounter.

Related: When (and when not) to tip in Barcelona

4. ¿Dónde está? + name of place or attraction: Where is it?

If your Spanish isn’t great and the place you’re looking for isn’t nearby, it’s best to use this phrase with a map out, so the person can physically point you in the right direction.

Two of my most used combinations with this one are “¿Dónde está el metro?” And “¿Dónde está el lavabo?” Respectively “where’s the subway?” and “where’s the bathroom?”

5. ¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost?

This is one you don’t have to ask as often in Spain, as prices are generally posted for everyone to see outside restaurants and inside shops and markets. Still, on the odd occasion, you’re not sure, it’s best to know before you find yourself shelling out far more euros than you expected at the register.

6. ¿Tenéis alguna oferta?: Do you have any sales or special deals?

It never hurts to ask if something’s on offer — some shop attendants are cagey and won’t volunteer this information on their own while others are busy and may forget. Either way, it’s a question that may save you money — maybe your café con leche and your friend’s croissant can be rung up as the breakfast special for €2, as opposed to separately for €3.40.

7. Entrada libre y gratuita: Free/Open Entrance

This sign on doors of galleries and museums means you can come in and have a look around at your leisure — for free. Keep an eye out for these words at several attractions around Spain including Madrid and Barcelona.

8. Tarifa reducida: Reduced price

This one is usually divided into groups — Jóvenes (young people) usually under a specific set age of 15 or 18, Mayores de 60 (over sixty), and Estudiantes (students, with a valid student ID), just be aware that in some museums only International Student IDs are accepted.

You can ask for a sample but just do it very politely. Photo: binderdonedat

9. ¿Se puede probar?: Can I try it on/out?

This is an important phrase. In specialty food stores, chances are you should sample that expensive cheese before you cart a big chunk of it home. However, it’s still not typical in Spain to leave out trays of samples. If you want to try something, you have to ask very nicely first.

The same goes for that trendy shop with locally designed threads — there’s a dressing room, we promise. It just might be tricky to find, and besides, local culture dictates asking first. It works in both circumstances by asking and pointing at what you want to try out or on.

10.  ¿Se acepta tarjetas?: Do you take credit cards?

Believe it or not, lots of establishments, even in big Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona won’t allow you to pay with your trusty Visa or MasterCard. You’re best off always having a little cash on hand, but for the times you don’t, or would prefer to use your card, it’s always better to ask. Also, forget about paying with American Express or Discover pretty much everywhere in Spain.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget Hola and Adiós.

Hello and goodbye are in a lot of traveler’s arsenal of Spanish, but aren’t always used when they should be. In Spain, common courtesy dictates greeting staff when you come in, and when you leave — courteous customers always get the best deals and friendliest service.

The post 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should know appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not feeling in the groove? No worries: The city has plenty of other nightlife options as well. From international bars to dives serving beer for €1, Seville’s after-hours scene has something for every Cheapo.

For a local scene: El Tremendo Cervecería
C/ Previsión, 10
Tel: + 34 954 358 952
Hours: Open daily from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Web site

A popular cervecería in the Santa Catalina district, El Tremendo is popular among locals for its social atmosphere and its seriously cheap beer. A beer will set you back a mere €.90, and the lack of tables means you’ll get to mingle with the locals outside. Other than some chips and nuts, El Tremendo has little in the way of food.

For a historic setting: El Rinconcillo
C/ Gerona 40 y Alhóndiga 2
Tel: + 34 954 223 183
Hours: Open daily from 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Web site

If it’s atmosphere you’re after, look no further than El Rinconcillo, the oldest bar in Seville. Dating back to 1670, this historic place is still owned by the same family who opened its doors centuries ago. The restaurant serves tapas, a la carte items and prixe-fixe meals (though the latter range from €27-47). Stick to the tapas and small plates, and consider shelling out for some of El Rinconcillo’s famous house wine.

For live music and flamenco: El Perro Andaluz
Bustos Tavera, 11
Tel: + 34 954 222 029
Hours: Open 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Tuesday-Saturday)
Web site

Another pick in the Santa Catalina hood, El Perro Andaluz is known for hosting live bands most nights of the week. (Thursday is usually Flamenco night.) Shows are usually free—beside the cost of a drink, that is.

For all-night partying: Sala Fun Club
Alameda de Hercules 86
Tel: +34 650 489 858
Hours: Open from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Tuesday-Saturday)
Web site

Home to plenty of rock and alternative performances, the Sala Fun Club is also the place to go if you want to dance all night, as it stays open till 8 a.m. (Come on a Thursday if you want to dance; this is when the DJ spins.) The club boasts a central location in La Alameda, so it shouldn’t be hard to find another spot if you reach your limit of pounding bass and metal bands.

For an international crowd: Texas Lone Star Saloon
C/Placentines, 25
Tel: +34 954 560 491
Hours: Open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Monday-Thursday), 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Friday to Sunday)
Web site

Before you snicker at the decidedly un-Spanish theme of this popular bar, know that it is cheap. Also known as the “Tex-Mex Bar,” this place is owned by the director of a study-abroad program, and it shows: The bar is decked out with college banners and the multiple TVs broadcast NBA games and American sitcoms.

We recommend hitting up this bar if your wallet is getting empty but the night is still young. Happy hour specials include €1 beer and sangria. The Texas Lone Star Saloon sits in the center of Seville near the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.

And if you need a place to stay, check out our favorite cheap hotels in Seville.

The post Seville: Bars and restaurants for a cheapo night on the town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Conveniently, most of these attractions are located in the city center, within walking distance of each other. And best of all, several have free admission.

We recently put together a list of our “Top 10 Seville Attractions” in our Seville city guide, and found the following attractions offered free admission daily, or at least at some point during the week:

Top free attractions in Seville

1. Catedral de Sevilla/Giralda Tower — The entrance fee is €7 for adults and €2 for children and students, however stop Admission is €5 for the first floor, €8 for both floors, and an extra €5 for the gardens! However, on Tuesday afternoons the whole shebang is free from 1-5 PM.

3. Archivo de las Indias — Admission to this priceless collection of rare documents is always free!

4. Museo de Bellas Artes — One of Spain’s best art museums, second only to Madrid’s Prado. Admission is only €1.50, and free for visitors with an EU passport.

5. Alcázar — A ticket to the palace will cost €7, but students always get in free.

Want more? See all 10 top attractions in Seville, with complete descriptions, hours, prices, and budget tips for when to get for free!

Also see: Our list of recommended budget hotels in Seville.

The post Seville: Top attractions with free admission appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Take home prize for bullies-

The violent dance between man and bull has been a custom since prehistoric times, when its beginnings were linked to bull worship and sacrifice. Spain put their footprint on the sport in 1726. Francisco Romero was the first matador (torero) to publicly fight a bull (toro) without riding an animal for assistance. Soon, fancy equestrians were replaced by commoners on foot.

The easiest and safest way to be a bullfighter, without exactly throwing yourself into the ring, is to purchase a personalized bullfighting poster, touting your own name. Stroll up and down Tetuan and Sierpes Streets for a picturesque walk, and to track down posters and flamenco trinkets. Look for the words, Tu Nombre Aqui, on sample posters and put ‘Your Name Here.’ Prices start at €7.

If it’s a real fight you’re after, check out Plaza de Toros’ web site for bullfight schedules.

While you’re at it…

Grab anything with a bull and go. Napkins, beer coasters, pamphlets, ticket stubs. Little items that seem trivial while on the road take on a whole new meaning miles from the bullring. Ole!

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Free flamenco in Seville (for a drink)

La Carboneria is a hot spot located in the Barrio Santa Cruz, a neighborhood known for its free flamenco shows. Although dismissed by some as a tourist trap, La Carboneria will have you tapping your feet as the dancers stomp to the beat. Its energy is infectious. When the weather is warm, you can take in the free show on La Carboneria’s outdoor patio (tapas and drinks not included).

La Carboneria is open daily, excluding Mondays, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

For 13 more places to catch free flamenco in Seville, including places that welcome you to join the dancing, check out Explore Seville’s article on flamenco.

Another spot is Lola de los Reyes in Triana (pictured above). It’s not free but it is affordable and lots of fun.

Also see: our list of recommended budget hotels in Seville.

The post Seville: Free flamenco dancing (for a drink) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.