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Walking along the cobblestone streets surrounded by the distinct waft of Tapas foods, the laughter of locals, and the stomping of feet as a Flamenco show was being performed at Plaza de España.
It was at this moment I realized Sevilla was one of my favorite cities as a solo traveler.
The capital of Andalusia, Sevilla is located in the Southwest region of the country within close proximity to other popular parts of Spain.
I’ve traveled here twice now and have also visited many, many cities around Europe: but this one certainly has a special place in my heart.
If you’re new to solo travel or are a seasoned pro, Sevilla should definitely be on your list if you’re looking for a safe starting point in Spain. Easy to navigate, extremely friendly locals, and a homely feel — these are some of the many reasons Sevilla is a must for solo travelers!
Safety
After traveling around Spain and most of Europe, I’ve definitely felt the safest exploring Sevilla. During the day, tourists and locals are buzzing around the streets, but similarly at night the city comes alive with people looking for good food and better drinks.
The Spaniards are known for taking mid-day siestas and resurfacing as the sun sets. It’s pretty common here to eat dinner after 9 pm, so as a solo traveler, you’ll always see people around the streets- which is a comforting feeling in a new city.
Crime rates in Sevilla are extremely low, and the streets are well-lit, so if you’ve had a long evening, you’ll be okay here alone. Taxis, Ubers, and public transportation are also very safe and reliable. Like any city, pickpockets are around occasionally, so just be careful with that.
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Hostel Culture
If you’re into hostels, there are so many scattered throughout Sevilla. I stayed at Oasis Backpackers during my stay and had the best time.
With organized bar crawls, events, and a bonus pool on the rooftop, it’s a surefire way to meet other like-minded travelers.
Most of the hostels are located close to each other, so you’ll also sometimes meet others in the area. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are quieter hostels or ones that organize a few more social events. I always opt for the social ones when I’m solo to get to know people.
Location
Sevilla is the prime spot to explore other parts of Spain. While I was here, I managed to squeeze in the White Villages, Ronda, and Cadiz.
It’s also really close to Faro in Portugal- which I also recommend as a solo traveler. It’s easy to hop on the local buses or trains to travel around Spain but be prepared for cancellations and delays during the busier seasons.
If you’re in the mood to see some monkeys, Gibraltar is also a popular day trip from Seville. Malaga and Granada are just under 3 hours from the city but book your transportation well in advance because they sell out quickly in the summer with locals and tourists looking to explore.
The People
A big draw for me when choosing a travel location is always the people- and in Sevilla, they’re some of the friendliest! Even with a slight language barrier, you’ll always be greeted with a smile.
I was in a restaurant here where the waiter had no idea what I was saying, but he still spoke to me in Spanish and helped me out with the menu.
Most of the locals are willing to offer up tips and recommendations of what to eat and where to go: so you’re in luck!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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