Seville - among the best valued international cities to go in 2018

First, it was the travel guide Lonely Planet, who ranked Sevilla in first place among the international cities that must to be seen in 2018 on its recently published Best in Travel list. Now followed by the New York Times, with the publication of their article 52 Places to go in 2018 and placed Seville and the winegrowing area Ribera del Duero, both representing Spain, among the 20 best international cities to travel through.

2018 will be an exciting year full of new challenges for Seville. By the way, the city is celebrating the IV Centenary of birth of its ingenious painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo with numerous exhibitions and events.

But what are the reasons that have made the decision to make the city so far in the international ranking? Everyone agrees that Seville retains a healthy balance between tradition and innovation in many areas, such as gastronomy and architecture. In the last years for example the city has undergone several transformations. Extensions to the metro and tram lines have improved connections to the outer districts while the city-wide bike paths is preferred by locals and tourists. New additions in contemporary art and architecture such as the Metropol Parasol, or the 2017 inaugurated private cultural center Caixa Forum, are creating an interesting contrast to Seville´s traditions - Flamenco or the great annual festivals Semana Santa or Feria de Abril. 

And then there are tapas which does not have to mean traditional. Sevilla continues to be proud of its tapas culture but at the same time knows how to combine that in a unique way with a new cross-cultural cuisine. Delicious tapas "a la carte" are served in small, modern dining rooms full of atmosphere and the best – they are affordable.

To sum up one may say that Seville continues to offer visitors the convenience and character of a small town coupled with the attractions of a much bigger metropolis.