Seville: The Heartbeat of Andalusia

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyas]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh syen-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver la carta, por favor
  [kee-syeh-rah vair lah kahr-tah, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-syeh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-thee-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon may-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-seh-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Y media
  [ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-thyon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs ehn-seh-nyar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

Seville's history can be traced back to its origins as a small Iberian town. It gained prominence under Roman rule when it was known as Hispalis. The Romans left an indelible mark on the city's infrastructure, including the construction of roads, aqueducts, and public buildings. The remains of the Roman city walls and the columns of the Alameda de Hércules stand as a testament to this era.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Seville came under Visigothic control until the early 8th century when the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula. Under Islamic rule, the city flourished as Ishbiliyah, becoming a significant center of culture, learning, and commerce. The Moorish legacy is evident in the iconic Giralda tower, originally a minaret, and the Alcázar of Seville, a stunning palace complex with intricate Islamic architectural details.

Seville was recaptured by the Christian forces in 1248 during the Reconquista, led by King Ferdinand III of Castile. The city underwent significant transformation, with the construction of many churches on former mosque sites, including the magnificent Seville Cathedral. This period also saw the integration of Gothic and Mudéjar styles in architecture, blending Christian and Islamic influences.

Seville became the gateway to the New World following Christopher Columbus's voyages. The city's port on the Guadalquivir River turned into a bustling hub of commerce and exploration during the 16th and 17th centuries, known as the 'Golden Age.' The Casa de Contratación (House of Trade) was established to control trade with the Americas, and the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) was constructed to protect the port.

The 18th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Seville, including a devastating plague and economic difficulties. However, the city experienced a resurgence in the 19th century with industrial advancements and urban development. Landmarks such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, were constructed during this period.

The 20th century saw Seville hosting significant events like the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, which left a lasting legacy with the creation of the stunning Plaza de España and the Maria Luisa Park. The city continued to grow and modernize, while preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage. Seville's vibrant traditions, including flamenco music and dance, Semana Santa (Holy Week), and the Feria de Abril (April Fair), continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Seville is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Seville Airport (San Pablo Airport) offers both domestic and international flights. For those traveling by train, the Santa Justa Train Station services high-speed AVE trains from major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Bus services are also available via the Plaza de Armas and Prado de San Sebastián bus stations. If you prefer to drive, Seville is accessible via several major highways.

Seville has an extensive public transportation system including buses, trams, and a metro line. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle; the city is quite bike-friendly with numerous bike lanes. Sevici, the public bike-sharing system, is a popular option. Walking is also a great way to explore Seville’s historic center.

The currency in Seville is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially in local markets and small establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is customary in restaurants.

Seville is generally a safe city, but like any tourist destination, it’s important to stay vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like the Cathedral and popular shopping streets. The neighborhood of El Vacie is best avoided after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items conspicuously.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical services. Seville has several hospitals including Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío and Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena. Pharmacies (farmacias) are abundant and can provide assistance for minor health issues. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly or pregnant women. Don’t speak loudly. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A casual 'Hola' is commonly used. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like tapas and paella. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Seville.

To experience Seville like a local, visit the Triana neighborhood for authentic flamenco shows and ceramics. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Guadalquivir River or join locals for a siesta in the late afternoon. Don’t miss the local markets like Mercado de Triana for fresh produce and local delicacies. For an authentic experience, attend a local festival such as Feria de Abril or Semana Santa.