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Don't Get Too Lost In Seville

Where: Seville, Spain
April 23, 2009 at 2:07 PM | by egw | 6 Comments

It's hard to know whether the experts are giving you useful information or just the same old song and dance. That's why we're introducing Guidebook Says to commend or correct other travel media. Feel free to commend or correct us in the comments below! This week, we head for the sol in Seville, Spain.

Sevillemay have just been killed 4-0 in football by FC Barcelona, but it's still a major tourist destination for first-time visitors to Spain who want to get a taste of the countryside. At just a train ride away from Madrid, it imparts a vastly different sense of the country -- but what's as real as a bullfight and what's as fake as the flamenco fans they sell in gift shops? Just in time for the Feria de Abril beginning next Tuesday, we make the call with the help of a few travel authorities, below:

Guidebook Says: In the "Getting Around" section: "Buses C1, C2, C3 and C4 do useful circular routes linking the main transport terminals and the city centre." -- Lonely Planet

Jaunted Says: What's wrong with this section is not what's there, but what's missing: Sevilla is probably the most walkable city in the South. And walking everywhere is the best way to city, not taking a bus or tram where you're liable to get dumped off on the fringes of the city where there's no help for you.

Guidebook Says: "[The Museo de Bellas Artes]is second only to Madrid's Prado in Spanish art." -- Fodor's

Jaunted Says: It's okay, but if you only have a day or two in Sevilla, this collection is nothing special. See the El Grecos at the cathedral and spend your afternoon walking to the Plaza de Toros to envision how Spaniards really spend their free time.

Guidebook Says: Frommers provides a list of 28 bars, pubs and performing venues

Jaunted Says: This is probably the prime example of a book inadvertently treating its readers like children who are incapable of finding anything by themselves. In a city with a bar or teeny restaurant on every corner, you don't need a list of places to eat or drink; we trust you to find them on your own! All you have to do is avoid establishments with these things outside: Drunk Americans (sorry, countrymen!) or pictures of paella. Go, drink, stumble into some great flamenco, feel superior.

Related Stories:
· Europe Loves "Free" Bikes [Jaunted]
· Open Thread: Are You Still Going To Europe This Summer? [Jaunted]
· Guidebook Says coverage [Jaunted]

6 Comments

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  1. BS

    Jaunted Contributing Editor

    Great Walking City!

    I literally walked all over Sevilla in the three days I was there - one of the loveliest cities I've ever been to just for strolling or gazing - never once needed any kind of transportation.
    April 23, 2009 at 3:10 PM
    #Permalink

  1. juliab

    Jaunted Contributing Editor

    agreed

    walking all the way, and the gallery is a big letdown...
    April 24, 2009 at 7:49 AM
    Parent #Permalink

  1. Birdie

    Jaunted Member

    a little misleading

    If you're using the same LP book that I have, it totally encourages walking. They have to give public transport options too, though. Can you imagine if they didn't?
    April 24, 2009 at 1:16 PM
    #Permalink

  1. egw

    Jaunted Editor

    re: a little misleading

    Birdie, I used the Web page I liked to up top and I agree that some public transport options should be included. I just think they should have been a little more insistent about the walking bit in the Web-only version.
    April 25, 2009 at 2:11 PM
    Parent #Permalink

  1. philadelphiaguy

    Jaunted Member

    Navas de Rio Frio

    I spent the summer in a small town like 20 min outside of Seville and went into the city often...it's probably my favorite within all of Spain! So beautiful!
    May 4, 2009 at 1:27 PM
    #Permalink

  1. Spaniard

    Jaunted Member

    A piece of advice...

    Seville is a magnificent city with loads of remarkable sights. However, hotel apartments here are quite expensive. Therefore, I recommend staying in Carmona ( http://www.andalusia-travel.com/165/Seville_province/Carmona.html ). It is also an interesting historical town that is situated less then 40 kilometers form Seville. Tourists can stay in Carmona, where accommodation is really chipper than in Seville, and then visit Seville every day ;)
    July 12, 2009 at 9:03 AM
    #Permalink

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