Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sevilla, Spain

1. Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza

Historic bullfighting arena. Watch out for pickpockets during crowded events.

Crowded Events: Increased number of people can attract opportunistic thieves.
Nighttime Events: Darkness can make it easier for pickpockets to blend in unnoticed.
Unattended Belongings: Leaving bags or wallets unattended, even for a moment, increases the risk of theft.

Iconic bell tower with panoramic views. Beware of overpriced souvenirs near the entrance.

Tourist Attraction: Popular sites often have vendors selling overpriced goods.
Entrance Area: Areas close to attractions are common locations for these scams.
Negotiation Skills: Bargaining can help reduce the price of overpriced souvenirs.

Vibrant market selling local produce and handicrafts. Watch out for fake products.

Local Produce: Genuine local goods are popular targets for counterfeiters.
Crowded Market: The bustling environment can make it difficult to spot fakes.
Reputable Shops: Established, well-reviewed shops are less likely to sell counterfeit items.

Royal palace with beautiful gardens. Be cautious of unofficial tour guides.

Tourist Attraction: Popular sites often have unlicensed tour guides offering services.
Official Guides: Look for badges or official identification to verify a guide's legitimacy.
Crowded Tour Groups: Larger tour groups are less likely to be scammed by unofficial guides.

Vibrant neighborhood filled with narrow streets and flamenco dancing. Watch out for overpriced drinks in bars.

Tourist Area: Popular tourist areas often have higher prices due to demand.
Advance Purchase: Purchasing drinks in advance can help avoid overpricing.
Local Recommendations: Asking locals for bar recommendations can lead to cheaper, authentic experiences.

Equestrian school offering riding lessons. Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics.

Equestrian School: Some businesses may use high-pressure sales to sell overpriced services.
Research Prices: Researching prices beforehand can help avoid overpaying.
Reviews and Recommendations: Look for positive reviews and recommendations from other travelers.

Beautiful park with various monuments. Be aware of pickpockets during crowded events.

Tourist Attraction: Popular sites often have opportunistic thieves.
Crowded Events: Increased number of people can attract pickpockets.
Secure Belongings: Keeping belongings in a secure location, such as a zippered pocket or bag, can deter theft.

Iconic plaza with a massive semi-circular building. Be cautious of overpriced food and drinks near the monument.

Tourist Attraction: Popular sites often have vendors selling overpriced goods.
Entrance Area: Areas close to attractions are common locations for these scams.
Negotiation Skills: Bargaining can help reduce the price of overpriced food and drinks.

Impressive Gothic cathedral with a famous bell tower. Be cautious of fake guides inside the cathedral.

Tourist Attraction: Popular sites often have unlicensed tour guides offering services.
Official Guides: Look for badges or official identification to verify a guide's legitimacy.
Crowded Cathedral: The busy environment can make it difficult to spot fake guides.

Golden tower with maritime museum. Watch out for pickpockets near the entrance.

Tourist Attraction: Popular sites often have opportunistic thieves.
Entrance Area: Areas close to attractions are common locations for these scams.
Secure Belongings: Keeping belongings in a secure location, such as a zippered pocket or bag, can deter theft.

Boat tours offering views of the city. Be cautious of overpriced tickets and fake operators.

Tourist Activity: Some activities are popular targets for overpricing or fraud.
Reputable Companies: Look for well-reviewed, established tour companies to avoid scams.
Advance Purchase: Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid overpricing and ensure availability.

Traditional Spanish dance performances. Be cautious of overpriced tickets and fake shows.

Tourist Activity: Some activities are popular targets for overpricing or fraud.
Reputable Venues: Look for well-reviewed, established venues to avoid scams.
Advance Purchase: Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid overpricing and ensure availability.

Traditional Spanish bars serving small dishes. Be cautious of inflated prices during peak hours.

Tourist Area: Popular tourist areas often have higher prices due to demand.
Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours can help avoid inflated prices.
Local Recommendations: Asking locals for bar recommendations can lead to cheaper, authentic experiences.

Taxis offering rides around the city. Be cautious of overpriced fares and fake taxi services.

Transportation Service: Some services are popular targets for overpricing or fraud.
Metered Taxis: Using metered taxis can help avoid overpricing and ensure fair fares.
Prepaid Services: Prepaying for the fare can help avoid disputes about the final cost.

Double-decker bus tour offering city views. Be cautious of overpriced tickets and fake operators.

Tourist Activity: Some activities are popular targets for overpricing or fraud.
Reputable Companies: Look for well-reviewed, established tour companies to avoid scams.
Advance Purchase: Purchasing tickets in advance can help avoid overpricing and ensure availability.