Seville or Madrid

Going off for a weekend and have decided it is either Seville or Madrid. Was gonna go to Madrid first but a lot of reviews I have read about it say there is quite a high crime rate in terms of muggings and pickpockets...so that is as good a reason as any to go for Seville.

Has anybody been there that could give me an idea of what it is like?
- is it a compact city (partner recovering from a broken ankle and 6 weeks indoors!)
- what areas are nice to stay in - favouring Santa Cruz at the moment
- is it fairly safe, taking the usual precautions of course.

thanks

Hi there,

I live in Madrid, and in a choice between Madrid and Seville, would recommend Seville.

To me Seville is beautiful and has more for tourists to see - the Alcazar, the cathedral, the tiny windy streets of the arabic quarter, the parks, the flamenco shows, the palmtree-lined river. Its also much smaller, so gives a more intimate athmosphere. I was only there once, so sorry, cant advise on hotels.

Having said that, I wouldnt let crime put me off going to Madrid - there are a lot of pickpockets around in the main tourist areas, but if you follow normal precautions, it is safe. (well, I was mugged once, but still feel safe in general). Madrid also has many tourist attractions (the Prado, the large plazas, cathedral, palace etc) , but to me seems like more of a 'working' city than a tourist destination.

Buen viaje!
Applonia.

Hi Ragazza...I certainly wouldnt let the crime put me off going and it's nothing against Madrid at all but i was just undecided as to which to go to and it was as good a reason as any to choose Seville.

From what you say Seville sounds really nice so I can put Madrid on the next schedule and head for Seville! Also the fact that it is smaller than Madrid will suit my partner very well. Thanks a mill for your reply - sounds like just what we need for a few nights away.

yes..i agree...go to seville..i was there on a flying visit a couple of years ago..it is a lovely city...and loads to see and do..you are also not a million miles away from the coast further south if you have the time...

maybe you intend going now/soon...just be warned that between mid april to august/early sept seville will be very very hot...in extreme heat one of the only food crops which will flourish are olives (ie olive trees)...and ou will plenty of those there!

enjoy!
Adios

Spent a very enjoyable week in Seville last year. Great, great place. Plenty to see and do including what has been mentioned above. Also there is a theme park in the old area where the Expo was which is a great day out. Weather was very hot, even for September (around 38-40 degrees!!!)

We stayed in the Hotel Becquer which is pretty central, on a good street with some good restaurants. Picked up a deal on hotels.com

Overall I would thoroughly recommend Seville...