This blog post was originally posted on April 14, 2015, and was updated on March 25, 2019.
One of the most important things to choose when you are visiting a city is your hotel. The right area (or the wrong one) can make or break your vacation – but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Planning a trip to a new city is always an exciting, and potentially stressful, experience. Choosing the right part of the city is important – after all, you want to stay in the best location! However, your idea of what’s “best” depends on why you’re visiting. Here’s a rundown of the different neighborhoods to help you plan the best place to stay in Seville – for you!
El Arenal
El Arenal is the best choice if you want somewhere central. If you only have a short time to visit the city, all the main tourist attractions are nearby. You’re five minutes from Cathedral, steps away from the Bull Ring, and dangerously close to the shopping area of Calle Sierpes. You can’t get much more central than that!
You can find great tapas if you wander off the beaten track, and at night there are amazing rooftop terraces and places for cocktails. But be warned – being so close to all the action means that, at times, your hotel may be noisy! We are not known for leaving the fiesta early in Spain.
Our favorite hotels in El Arenal:
- Gran Meliá Colon, Calle Canalejas, 1
- Hotel Bécquer, Calle Reyes Católicos, 4
- Hotel Adriano Sevilla, Calle Adriano, 12
Barrio Santa Cruz
When thinking about where to stay in Seville, it is important to keep the most historic part of the city in mind. Barrio Santa Cruz is filled with cobblestone streets, classic Andalusian balconies, and hidden patios. Plus, you’re mere minutes from the Cathedral and Royal Alcazar Palace. If you are looking for a hotel with true Andalusian feel in the heart of the historic center, Santa Cruz is the best location for your stay in Seville!
Our favorite hotels in Santa Cruz:
- Hotel Murillo, Calle Lope de Rueda, 7
- Las Casas de la Judería, Calle Santa María la Blanca, 5
-
Hotel Casa 1800, Calle Rodrigo Caro, 6
El Porvenir / Viapol
Looking to stay outside the city center, but just a hop, skip and a jump away from it all? Nestled in the southeastern end of the city and right next to Maria Luisa Mark, El Porvenir is the perfect location to take advantage of Seville’s public transportation. In the area you’ll find the city’s second-largest train station, San Bernardo, with connections to nearby cities as well as bus and tram line stops and even a metro station. Get to wherever you’re going in a heartbeat!
Our favorite hotels in El Porvenir:
- NH Sevilla Viapol, Calle Balbino Marrón
- Meliá Sevilla, Calle Dr. Pedro de Castro, 1
- Hotel Sevilla Center, Avenida de la Buhaira, 2
La Macarena
If you don’t mind a bit of walking and want a true taste of local life in Seville, this northern area of the city is the place for you. The neighboorhood gets its name from the Macarena Virgin, housed in a beautiful chapel that sits right next to an ancient city gate and restored portions of the old city walls. A thirty-minute walk or ten-minute taxi ride will get you to the historic center, where you can spend the day sightseeing then return to the barrio at night. Use your evenings to explore Seville’s favorite social scene – the lively Alameda de Hercules with a whole host of restaurants and bars for tapas, cocktails and fun.
Our Favorite Hotels in La Macarena:
- Exe Sevilla Macarena, Calle San Juan de Ribera, 2
- Hotel Alcoba del Rey de Sevilla, Calle Bécquer, 9
- Patio De La Cartuja, Calle Lumbreras, Seville
Triana
Just across the iconic Isabel II bridge, you will find the neighborhood of Triana. The area has a village feel with lots of little shops, local markets, and great tapas bars. This is the best location to stay in Seville if you are looking for an authentic experience and want to make the most of your evenings by exploring the area’s ¡family-run tapas bars! From Triana, you can get to the historic center on foot. It’ll take about twenty minutes, but is well worth the walk, which boasts postcard worthy views of Seville’s skyline!
Our favorite hotels in Triana:
- Ribera de Triana, Plaza de Chapina, S/N
- Monte de Triana, Calle Clara de Jesús Montero
- Zenit Sevilla, Calle Pagés del Corro, 9
We would like to know where a quiet area of Seville is so we can get the action in the other areas but have a good nights sleep. Can you recommend an area. They all look nice.
We don’t mind a walk 🙂
Hi, Sharon. There are a number of great areas to relax in Seville, but perhaps the best places to be near the action without all the noise would be Macarena or Triana (as long as you go a bit further in, by the river can still be noisy). Both places are a bit of a walk, but also have great foodie spots to enjoy and local establishments for when you return to the neighborhood in the evening. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions!
Calling all Seville experts – If you were to spend two weeks in the off season (two adults and a 7 month old baby) where would you stay? We plan to do day trips, but also quite a bit of chilling and working remotely from our vrbo.
Hi, Brittany. I think the best area for your family would be near the Museo de Bellas Artes. This specific area is pretty quiet, full of Airbnb rentals you could look into and near both the major monuments and also the bus station which is really convenient for day trips and you can get a bus from nearby to the train station if you are planning on taking the train elsewhere in Andalucia. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions.
Hi. That sounds like it would suit us too. I can’t work out what area it is from the map, only that is on the opposite side of the river from Triana.
My wife and i with our 21 yr daughter and 24 yr old son will be there in june 2018 for 3 days. Looking for a central area preferably near river and all the night life and restaurants. Please advice
Hi, Kaj. I think the Arenal area would be a good option for you and your family. Located right by the river, you have some amazing restaurants nearby, both modern and super traditional, iconic monuments and it is also a great place to enjoy some rooftop bars or drinks by the river – so it really has a bit of everything! Hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you in Seville in June.
Thanks Jaimie.
Is that area walking distance to restaurants, nightlife, siteseein etc. Ie os it a central location.
Thanks again
Hi, Kaj. Absolutely, there is great nightlife down by the river and the sights and some of the city’s best restaurants are within walking distance – you’ll love it I’m sure!
Near the Museo de Bella Artes sounds good. What area is that for me to narrow my Airbnb search? I can see it’s opposite Triana.
Hi Trish, the area is most commonly referred to as San Vicente, try using this search word and see how you get on!
Hi Jamie, my hubby and I are going to be arriving to Seville on the 1st week of Oct. by train & plan to rent a car. What is the name of the train station we will arrive at? What area can we stay that is nearby? San Vicente? Also, we plan to drive to Portugal while there then go to Malaga. How long should we stay in Seville considering we have 11 days to do Southern Spain by car before going back to Madrid. The places are Cordova, Malaga, Gibraltar, Moroco (maybe), Ronda and Granada.
Jamie,
Sorry, I forgot to ask your opinion about the plan we have about renting a car. Would you rent a car or would your rather take the train? What is the deal with parking should we do Seville on foot and rent the car when we leave?
Seville is a very walkable city—you probably won’t need the car to explore within Seville! Here’s another post on transport within Seville that you might find useful! http://devoursevillefoodtours.com/complete-guide-get-around-seville/
Hi Carmen! Here’s a post of ours on a road trip in Spain that may help: https://madridfoodtour.com/road-trip-in-spain/
It’s not the same itinerary as what you’re planning but there is some overlap, so hopefully it helps!
Hi there, we are planning a visit during the Holy Week to experience the Seville Semana Santa. Which place should we stay if we want to see the parade? Regarding the parade, what route does it go through?
Thank you for your kind advise.
Gracias!
Hi there! Semana Santa is an amazing thing to see, so exciting that you are coming that week. The processions go through all areas of the city, with the Arenal area probably being one of the busiest for processions, while Alfalfa and Santa Cruz are also procession hotspots. The tricky thing is the availability of accommodation at this time, but the good news is that regardless of where you stay, you won’t have far to go in order to see processions that week – they are everywhere in the city!
We will be in Seville with my 17 and 21 yr old children over the Christmas holidays – looking for something quiet for sleeping yet accessible to the restaurants etc — any suggestions on neighborhood to focus on? Do not mind a walk….Probably and Air BNB or HomeAway rental.
As long as you look for a side street and stay off the main pedestrian thoroughfares, any neighborhood will be great! There are quiet streets even in the center. We love Triana, but still: side streets! Calle Betis, Calle San Jacinto and Pagés del Corro are loud so avoid them.
We are looking to come to Seville for 3-4 days this June with 2-18 year olds, 1 – 16 year old and 1-12 year old. We want to be close enough to walk to places, immerse ourselves in the culture and visit some site. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi Valerie! If you want to be right in the heart of things, then Santa Cruz and El Arenal are close to the sights and would be perfect. If you’re looking for something with a more off-the-beaten path feel, then Triana would be great.
We are trying to find a 2 month place to stay in Triana. Everything seems to be on the east side of the river. Advice?
Hi Mike! Where are you searching? Try searching for “Triana” instead of “Sevilla.” We just did a quick search on Airbnb for whole apartments that are available for all of June and July in Triana and there were 72 results.
Hi were a couple 50 plus and will be staying in Seville for a week towards the end of September. Were looking for a safe area with a bit of cafe culture. Which area would you recommend.
Hey Kaz! The area around Calle Féria would be good for you guys! Make sure to check out Otto, La Cacharerria, Virgin Coffee and Caótica.
Hi!
I am a student looking for a peacefull place to live with other students from september-januari. My university is on Loyola andalucia (so in the very south of the center). I was thinking about still living in triana and biking to the campus (30min) every day.
Would you recommend this or would you pick a place that is closer by a metro station?
And which areas would you guys recommend?
Thanks in advance!
Hey Robin! We’re sure you’re going to have an amazing semester in Seville! If you’re planning on using the Sevici bikes, one thing to keep in mind is that you can only take them out for 30 minutes at a time, so you’d have to switch bikes halfway through if you don’t want to be double charged. Also know that the winter can be rainy which would make for a not-very-fun bike ride. Do try to find a place close to a bike station, if you’re planning on using those. We do love Triana, so if you really want to live there, you can make it worth it, just know that it’s a longer commute than it needs to be. If you prefer a closer neighborhood, Porvenir is an up and coming area, that would actually be much closer to the campus. It’s as close to the center as Triana is, but much closer to campus. Best wishes!!
Thank you for the amazing help! I think I will try to buy a bike online for a half semester if possible… I don’t know if that is a good plan! Anyways, I am from now on also looking at places in Porvenir! Thank you very much!
Hi im staying at santiago 13 calle is this close by to sant cruz
Looks like about a 10 minute walk! Santa Cruz is the area around the cathedral. You’re in what we would “el centro.”
Hi! I’m thinking of Teaching English Abroad in the region of Andalucia and am requesting to stay in Seville (I think this would be the best city to stay for 5 months total (from January to May) but if you have other suggestions of cities in Andalucia, I’d love to hear them). I was wondering what neighborhood you think would be best? I’m trying to find a neighborhood that’s close to having the best of everything; from nightlife and close-ish to the city center, to places that are rich in history and culture. I am a female and will be 22 years old. Thank you!
You can’t go wrong with Triana! It’s ideal for a longer stay in the city.
hi, i will fly to seville from barcelona around end of september, stay 2 nights then head off to cordoba by train. which area is better for single female traveller? Please advise.
Hi Meg! Seville is super safe, so you can’t go wrong anywhere! El Arenal and Santa Cruz are great if you want to be right in the middle of the action and close to the sights. Keep in mind though that Spain experiences a lot of tourism in September, so if you prefer to be more off-the-beaten path, check out Triana.
Thanks a lot for your comment, I’ve booked a place in Triana. Again, thank you very much!
Awesome, Meg, so happy to hear it! You’re going to love it!
Hello – I am planning to visit Seville at Christmas, staying for approx. 1 week. I will be joined by my adult son & possibly some friends from the UK. The age range will be from 32 -late 50’s & we are all keen on good food, music, good bars, & the usual sight seeing – especially historic sites. We are not looking for quiet necessarily but having somewhere were we can combine enjoying the food & night life but still get a good nights sleep.
Have researched areas have ticked Arenal & especially Santa Cruz. I’ll probably look at Air BnB – any advice on the best areas for us?
Thank you
Hi Janet! Agreed that Arenal and Santa Cruz are going to be the best areas for you! If you’re looking to stay closer to good eats then Arenal is better, but Santa Cruz is in the literal heart of the city and a very short walk to all of the main sights. Hope to see you while you’re in town 🙂
Hi – I have booked to stay in the historic centre (Casio antiguo) but in Museo not Santa Cruz or arenal. I think it’s the right decision as I’m told you get a more authentic feel in this residential area by the museum of fine arts (so still in the historic part. I’m told the restaurants are, in general, less touristy & more authentic. We would also like access to Macarena so 1/2 way between the main sights & there makes sense too. Thanks
That sounds like a wonderful choice, Janet! We’re sure you guys are going to have a wonderful time. Seville at Christmas is really something special!
Hi i am visiting seville third week august with my 21 yr old daughter. Wanted to stay at a boutique oroperty closer to the main area with enogh sightseeing and a good night life. Pls recommend a good hotel , also would u recommend having a train station nearby making it easy coming into and getting out of srville to other destination. I am planning to stay for two nights . Awaiting to hear.
Hi There! Palacio De Villapanes (Calle Santiago, 31) and Casa del Poeta (Calle Don Carlos Alonso Chaparro, 3) are two great boutique hotels right in the center of the city. Restaurants, bars, shops and markets are all within a 15 minute walking radius from both! Seville’s train station is located a bit away from all of the action, so we’d recommend taking a bus or taxi in from the station when you arrive!
Hola! My wife and I will be traveling to Seville with our then 23 month old daughter and I am concerned about not being able to find a good restaurant open around 6 or 7pm as my daughter won’t be able to stay up until 9pm or later. Don’t want to miss out on our Spanish experience by having to eat at fast food chains. Is this going to be an issue or can we find enough good places to eat that early? Thanks!
Traveling with a little one is no joke and you’re right to be concerned about restaurant opening hours—most kitchens in Spain don’t rev up for dinner until 8 or even 830pm. Some of our favorite tapas bars with all-day kitchens include Bodeguita Antonio Romero on Calle Gamazo and Maestro Marcelino’s on Calle Hernando Colon. It won’t be easy, but there is good local food to be found during off-hours!
Thank you for your advice; I have booked an apartment close to the Museum of Fine Arts – previous reviews say it is right in the middle between the historic centre and the “trendy”neighbourhood of Alameda. Residential but still within the historic part of town & close to great restaurants and bars I’m told. I think its the right decision.
Hola! My friend and I (two older ladies in their 60’s) are visiting Sevilla, September 18 – October 3rd. We have booked an Airbnb in Aresenal/Macarena neighborhoods. We plan to travel to Cordoba for a night and to Granada for 2 nights and back to Sevilla for La Feria de San Miguel. Any suggestions for two women traveling alone? I have found all your other comments to be very helpful.
Hi there Rachel! First, just get ready for a great time! Seville is super safe and we’re sure you’re going to enjoy your time here. Second, we’d love to have you join us on a Devour Seville Food Tour! Make sure and book on one of your first nights in town so you can take advantage of all of the tips and tricks we share with you for eating out in Spain during the rest of your stay. We also have some solo traveler tips that you and your friend might be able to put to use! https://madridfoodtour.com/solo-travel-in-spain/
Hello 🙂
We are planning to visit SEVILLA in 29th of September and visit cities next to it like Granada, Cordoba and probably Malaga … Where do you suggest to stay in SEVILLA ? Activities to do in each city?
Any of the neighborhoods in this post are great, depending on what you’re looking for! Here are some of our favorite things to do in Seville, Malaga and Granada:
https://devoursevillefoodtours.com/things-to-do-in-seville/
https://devourmalagafoodtours.com/what-to-see-in-malaga-our-top-10-picks/
https://devourgranadafoodtours.com/things-to-see-in-granada/
Hiya, I am looking to stay in nature and just chill, paint and stay in one place – , with good weather in october. Is there anywhere like this near seville or somewhere else?
Hi! We think Andalucia’s famous white villages known as Pueblos Blancos are the perfect place for you! Our top picks include Olvera, Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra.
Hi
We are a family of 4 ( 1 & 5 years old boys), will be visiting Seville from 23-31. Firstly do you think that would be enough time? Also do we need to rent a car, give we have little ones with us and just easier to roam around in a car with them in it, or taxis/Uber/ public transportation is good enough?
Also we are torn between Macarena or Triana, Any advice?
many thanks
Hello! You and your family of four will love Seville and we think 8 days is plenty of time to visit the city plus day trips to other Andalusian treasures! Driving and parking in Seville can be quite tricky as many streets are off limits in the city center and there are only a handful of parking garages, which charge hefty fees by the hour. We’d definitely recommend public transport, especially taxis and buses, for getting around, or even on foot if you are traveling with a stroller! As for neighborhood, we’re partial to Triana because of its great family-friendly atmosphere, but both areas will work!
Hola 🙂
My boyfriend and I are visiting for a long weekend in March and trying to gather which area to head to. We’re both 30 from London and looking for great food, bars, music, a bit of a local buzz in a creative, ‘trendy’ (I hate that word!) part of the city. Also really drawn to the beauty of the old Jewish quarter. Is there a neighbourhood that offers both without being too touristy?!
Thanks in advance!
Hi Becca,
The great thing about Seville is that it’s not too big, and it’s very easy to walk around from neighborhood to neighborhood. The Jewish quarter is definitely stunning, but if you’re looking to stay somewhere with a bit more of a local feel, I’d recommend the Alameda neighborhood for its artsy shops and local cafés, or across the river to Triana, which was once the stomping grounds for the city’s most famous flamenco dancers and bull fighters. Hope you have an amazing stay!
HI there. I am a single male visiting Seville in March. I plan on taking day trips out to other cities, but also want to say in a safe area that is close to everything. I do like to walk and explore the city, so a central location would be great for me. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Brad! First off, Seville is super safe, so no worries about being alone. Arenal and Santa Cruz are going to be the best areas for you! If you’re looking to stay closer to good eats then Arenal is better, but Santa Cruz is in the literal heart of the city and a very short walk to all of the main sights. Here’s our guide for solo travelers in Spain: https://madridfoodtour.com/solo-travel-in-spain/
Hope to see you while you’re in town ?
Hi I’m visiting Seville in march. I’m 72 and have some walking difficulties. What’s the best area to stay for sightseeing and restaurants of course. ??David
Hi David! A hotel in the Jewish Quarter would be great since it’s within walking distance of all the major monuments. Some options are Casa 1800, Hotel Murillo, and Las Casas de la Judería. Another option is the Alfonso X Hotel, just off the Jewish Quarter, which is on a main road that taxis can easily drive up to, which can be a challenge in Seville!
Hi, we will be visiting this April. Our son is living in the Calle Bami neighborhood, but in school during the day so we would like to visit and walk and sight see. What is a good area to split the difference between the Calle Bami neighborhood and the City Center.
Hi Nicole! Anywhere near Maria Luisa park in the Porvenir area would be a great option that’s halfway between all of the best sightseeing and Bami. You might also consider looking for hotels near the southern part of the historic center, closer to the Jewish Quarter or Puerta de Jerez, if you’re looking to be closer to where you son is.
Hi! My husband and I are in our 30’s and visiting for 3 days in May. He will have to go to a conference at the Fibes center sometimes, and I will be on my own when he is there. We want to stay in a hip area that is walkable, but also provides easy access to public trans so he can get to the conference center. What do you recommend?
Hi there! Bus 27 stops at the Fibes convention center and takes between 45 min to an hour departing from the center of Seville. If you stay near the Metropol Parasol, known by locals as “Las Setas,” your husband can easily jump on the bus and you are mere minutes from the Alameda and Calle Regina, Seville’s trendy tapas and shopping scene.
I’ll be in southern Spain for about a week & I’m trying to decide if I should stay in Seville most of the time or try to spend any nights in surrounding areas. I don’t have anything scheduled but definitely want to see the ‘best of’. Any thoughts? Single female traveling alone, so definitely want to be safe. My return flight leaves out of Malaga, so I’ll have to head that way at some point, not sure if Ronda should be a stay over or day trip.
Hey Maggie! Seville is a great base for exploring the Andalusian capital as well as day trips to Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz and Cordoba. which are all just a short train ride away. By bus you can reach the sandy beaches of Huelva in less than 2 hours. If you’re looking to explore Andalucia’s famous white villages, Ronda is a great place to stay and will get you closer to Malaga for your flight home. Have a fantastic time!
We are a family of three-husband/wife /adult daughter,First time visiting Seville sometime in Sept,where is the best place to stay?We are there for sight seeing,food and shopping.
Hi! Arenal or Santa Cruz would be great choices for you.
Hi – you are so generous with your replies! I’m travelling to Seville with my 1 year old, 3 year old, partner, and 2 sets of parents/grandparents (phew!) in October. I’ve found a air b+b in Triana that looks lovely, but am a bit concerned it is a bit out of the way. The parents are all relatively fit, but are in their 60s/early 70s – what do you think? Is public transport good and easy if walking every day starts to feel a bit much? Thank you 🙂
Hi Michelle! October is a great time to visit Seville and Triana is our favorite family-friendly neighborhood to stay in. That being said, there aren’t as many public transportation options in Triana compared to other neighborhoods around town. In Triana you can find bus lines 5 and 6 and a metro station in the southern zone of the neighborhood, otherwise taxis will be your best bet if you’re looking to relax your legs.
Hi Devour Seville!
Absolutely love how helpful you guys are. I am travelling to Seville with my boyfriend for my 25th birthday this month. We are spending 3 days here in total out of which one day we’d like to spend on a beach. Which beach would you recommend for a fun birthday vibe? Also we are both students so which area within Seville would you recommend that has affordable accommodation but also is close to all the bars, restaurants and tourist attractions?
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Arunima! Here are our favorite beaches near Seville: https://devoursevillefoodtours.com/beautiful-beaches-near-seville/
and our favorite places to stay on a budget: https://devoursevillefoodtours.com/budget-hotels-in-seville/
Happy birthday!!
Hi. We love your site and your insights! My wife and I and our 14 year old daughter are visiting Seville in April–right around Semana Santa (we might be arriving Easter Sunday)! Spending 4 nights… I really want an area that my teen will enjoy. Any tips. Also, advice on day trips? Can we get to a white town by bus to see it for a day (rent a car?) We’d like to stay in less-touristy/crowded area, and experience authentic Seville. Also, if small hotel recommendations, would appreciate. Thanks so much!
Hi Richard,
Thanks so much for reading! It sounds like you and your family have an exciting trip coming up.
The Alameda neighborhood is great for teenagers—it’s got a very modern and young vibe while remaining close to the city center and the main sights. Another great option is Triana, located just across the river from the main part of town and with its own unique character and culture—you’ll also see many young people out and about here.
Seville’s main bus station, Plaza de Armas, serves the surrounding area well, including the white towns. You can check schedules to the towns you’re interested in here: http://www.autobusesplazadearmas.es/index.php/horarios Renting a car will give you more flexibility on travel times, but be aware that parking in smaller Spanish towns can sometimes be a hassle.
And last but not least, here are some of our favorite small hotels in Seville: https://devoursevillefoodtours.com/top-5-boutique-hotels-in-seville/
We hope this helps—have a lovely trip!