SEVILLE IN JANUARY

While you won't find much snow (nor freezing temperatures) in Seville, the city has plenty of holiday activities. The streets in the city center will be filled with shoppers and plenty of lights. Chestnuts will be roasting and holiday markets will be open. El Corte Inglés and the local convents will sell enough sweets to cause a sugar crisis. Long lines will form for many reasons: to see the best nativity scenes in churches, purchase the famous Christmas lottery tickets and of course in just about any store in the city center. High-velocity hard candy will be thrown to and at children and adults during the Cabalgata de los Reyes. For more information, check out my Guide to the holidays in Seville.

Most people want to know what are the must see or do activities in Sevilla. While many already know to visit the Cathedral or the Alcazar there are plenty of other activities which might not make every guide book or be recommended by your friends who've been to Seville before. With the help of some locals and visitors, plus my own experiences, I put together a list of 51 things you don't want to miss when you're in the city. Well, now it's grown to 85 as it's taken some time since I first started. I hope there's something listed will peak your interest. To find out more take a look at the new section, now appropriately named 85 things you should do in Sevilla.

Real Betis - Real Madrid Past Photos of the Week

Real Madrid came to town over Valentine's Day weekend, but there wasn't much love for the team in Seville. Entering as heavy favorites - Madrid has been dominating the league, far out in front of Barcelona, while Betis is at the other end of the table - the game turned into a nightmare for Real, and happiness for us beticos. Thorsten, my coworker, took some photos. Above you can see Palmerín, the Betis mascot, shaking hands with Raul before the start. The good thing about Seville is the two first division teams (well, the good thing is Betis), so you can catch a match just about every weekend: Consult the Betis and Sevilla combined home match schedule.

From money to mobile phones, accommodations to the sites, or technology and the internet, you can read a little about it all here. You'll find some useful information as well as a few of my general observations on life and culture in Sevilla to help you understand some of the quirks and differences of life here. I've also included sections on tourist info such as transportation, shopping, nightlife (la marcha), hotels and hostals as well as where to buy food when you're sick of eating out. With some recommended books and helpful links I hope to assist those of you looking for more information on some specific topics. Finally, if you're looking for a more long term stay in Seville take a look at the living and moving sections.

I frequent many tapas bars and restaurants in Sevilla, hoping to discover a few surprises hidden in the back alleys. I've also added international and vegetarian options. And with some recent work, the sections have been reworked and launched, with even more informatio. Soon to come: some photos and helpful tips on eating out. I've broken down the restaurants in Sevilla by neighborhood, but even if you don't know Sevilla that well you shouldn't have any problems locating these places with a map! And of course I've added a number of new places to eat and there are now over 60 bars and restaurants, from places for locals only (until you show up!), tapas or a complete meal.