Overview of the best places to stay in Seville

Before we talk more about each neighborhood, you should know a few things. Many people agree that the best place to stay in Seville is the Barrio Santa Cruz. It’s right in the center, close to the main tourist spots, and simply charming.

However, it’s important to note that Santa Cruz is not the only « barrio » in Seville. The term barrio merely means « neighborhood. » Other areas in Seville are also worth exploring.

Barrio Santa Cruz

Staying in the most picturesque part of town

Seville’s Barrio Santa Cruz is a maze of small, narrow streets with squeezed-in balconies and amazing historical sites. You can’t be more in the heart of Seville’s historic district than here.

Main attractions in Barrio Santa Cruz:

• Real Alcázar de Sevilla
• Catedral de Sevilla
• Giralda
• Hospital los Venerables
• Casa de la Guitarra
• Casa de Salinas

The old Jewish quarter is filled with colorful buildings, and the air honestly smells like oranges. You’ll be just a short stroll away from the Real Alcázar, the Cathedral, and the Flamenco Dance Museum. Staying in Santa Cruz also means you’ll be able to walk to various other neighborhoods.

This area has many tapas places to try, adorable boutique hotels, and beautiful gardens. Santa Cruz is not the most car-friendly of Seville’s neighborhoods, making it a pedestrian haven. But keep in mind that this barrio can be pretty expensive.

Choose to stay here if:

• It’s your first time in Seville.
• You plan to stay for a short time and want to see as much as possible.
• You don’t have a car.
• You want to see the prettiest parts of the town
• You want to do day trips out of Seville (The Santa Justa Train Station is closest to Santa Cruz)

Museo

Where to stay in Seville for the shopping

Museo is one of the busiest areas in Seville’s Centro. If you look at a city map, you’ll see it’s right in the center. It’s Seville’s main shopping area, offering everything from clothes to souvenirs to take home.

Main attractions in Museo:

• Seville Museum of Fine Arts.

Moreover, Museo is great for people who want to be close to everything and enjoy walking. No major attraction is directly in Museo, but it’s close to everything: From the Plaza de España to the April Fairs of Los Remedios and the markets at Alameda de Hercules. You can quickly get to any of the must-sees in Seville from this neighborhood.

Like Barrio Santa Cruz, it’s an excellent neighborhood for a shorter stay in the city. The main downside is that it’s very busy most of the year.

Consider staying here if:

• You want the most central location
• You wants easy access to Seville’s major tourist attractions
• You plan on going a shopping spree

Alfalfa

Where to stay in Seville for the night-life

North of Barrio Santa Cruz, Alfalfa has narrow alleys that compete with its neighbour to the south regarding attractiveness. However, it offers a more vibrant setting than Seville’s old Judería. It is believed to be the oldest part of Seville, where the city was founded.

Main attractions in Alfalfa

• Las Setas de Sevilla
• Flamenco Dance Museum
• Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
• Museo de las Ilusiones Sevilla
• Calle Sierpes (One of Seville’s most well-known shopping streets)

Alfalfa is one of the places in the city where modern meets traditional. The highlight of the barrio is undoubtedly the Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas. These giant wooden mushrooms are a marvel of contemporary architecture and are like a breath of fresh air to a city where old-time Andalusia is echoed everywhere.

This neighborhood boasts a heap of tapas bars and small independent shops where you can find creative crafts to please your traveller’s heart. However, it’s important to note that it is one of the noisiest places in town.

Consider staying here if:

• You want local atmosphere that balances well chic and hipster
• You don’t mind the late-night noise
• You love good tapas
• Other neighborhoods being within walking distance is a must

El Arenal

Where to stay for the bullfights and high-end accommodations

Located between Museo and Barrio Santa Cruz, El Arenal is just by the Guadalquivir River. This beautiful waterfront neighborhood is one of the best in Seville for luxury hotels and fabulous high-end restaurants.

Main attractions in El Arena:

• Torre del Oro and its naval museum
• Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla

During the Age of Exploration, Arenal was where ships docked for the Americas and the Indies. Besides its world-class food, its highlights are the Maestranza, one of the most famous bullrings in the world and the Torre del Oro. 

El Arenal is a riverside neighborhood close enough to the main tourist attractions to be considered « just round the corner. » El Arenal has left its harbor past behind and is now an important cultural center. Music, theater, and bullfighting are crucial parts of this barrio’s spirit. The area becomes especially lively during the bullfight season (from April to September). The main con is that it is expensive if you’re on a budget.

Consider staying here if:

• You are a foodie 
• Upscale hotels are what you’re looking for
• You are in town for the Corrida

Triana

Where to stay in Seville for the local atmosphere

Venturing slightly beyond the heart of the city, you’ll find yourself on the other side of the Guadalquivir River in Triana. The streets here are as bright and colorful as it gets. Traditionally, Triana was the district of gypsies, bullfighters, Flamenco artists, and seafarers. The area is rich in history, though it hasn’t always been as lavish as today.

Main attractions in Triana:

• Centro Cerámica Triana

Its highlight is undoubtedly its authentic atmosphere. If you’re looking for a less touristy and more local vibe, this is probably the best neighbourhood in the city. One of the trendiest barrios of Seville nowadays, Triana will wow you with its distinctive character and delightful azulejos!

It’s the place to go if you’re more laid back about your trip and don’t want always to be surrounded at all times by tourist attractions. Its main downside is that when you want to visit some of Seville’s main sights, you’ll have to take public transit or be ready to walk for a bit.

Consider staying here if:

• It’s a family vacation
• You have friends in town
• You are looking for a local experience
• You are okay with being farther from the main sights.

La Alameda de Hércules

Where to stay in Seville for an extended stay

La Alameda de Hércules is a narrow strip of land just beside La Macarena and, like it, is a very affordable place to stay in Seville. A few decades ago, it was one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Seville (In 1989, you could find about 35 brothels here!). But fear not; things have changed!

Main attractions in La Alameda :

• Mercado de Feria
• Mercado de la Encarnación

Nowadays, it’s quite trendy and growing, with excellent tapas bars, making it one of the most vibrant places for true Sevillians. La Alameda is a good choice if you don’t mind being away from the historic center.

Consider staying here if:

• You are on a budget and looking for a long-term stay
• You like a location with a fantastic local vibe
• You don’t mind that it gets a bit noisy
• You are a solo traveller and want a thriving nightlife scene

Macarena

Where to stay in Seville for a reasonably priced stay

Just north of Alfalfa is the neighborhood called Macarena. It used to be one of the poorest areas in the country and was mostly inhabited by working-class people in the past.

Main attractions in La Macarena:

• Mercadillo El Jueves (The Thursday flea market is the most colorful and celebrated in the city)

Macarena is not very close to the main tourist spots or restaurants, but it has its benefits. If you want a budget-friendly and authentic place to stay for a long time, this is the perfect place to stay in Seville. It is also quieter than Alfalfa, and its animated nightlife.

Consider staying here if:

• You are on a budget 
• You don’t mind being far from the main sights
• You are looking for the best area to live as an expat

Los Remedios

Where to stay in Seville for the spring

Los Remedios is situated to the south of Triana, just across the Guadalquivir River from the Barrio Santa Cruz. In the past, this neighborhood was renowned as one of Seville’s main commercial districts. Unlike the traditional charm of Triana, Los Remedios boasts a more modern atmosphere with its wide streets and tall contemporary apartment buildings.

Main attractions in Los Remedios :

• Feria de Abril!!

For most of the year, it may not stand out much, but when the Seville Fair arrives, everything changes. The neighborhood truly comes alive during April.

Consider staying here if:

• You are in Seville during the Feria de Sevilla and want to be in the heart of it!

La Cartuja

The neighborhood you can skip

La Cartuja is a peaceful neighbourhood known for being the site of the Expo 92. Now, it houses a technology park, university buildings, and several offices. The most notable highlight of the district is the Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art in the Monastery of La Cartuja.

However, I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you’re a tourist. It’s pretty far from the historic centre and other must-see attractions like the Real Alcazar, about 3.3 km away. So, there are better locations for sightseeing and exploring the city.

Tips and FAQ

Don’t Forget These 2 Must-Haves in any Seville Hotel

Everyone has their own must-haves when booking accommodations. On the other hand, I can’t stress this enough: if you’re coming to Seville in the summer, there are two things you must make sure you have access to :

• Access to a pool
• AC in the room

Staying in El Centro

If you have read other guides, you probably came across a neighborhood called El Centro. You may be wondering why I did not include it in this guide. The reason is simple: El Centro is a vague term used to refer to the historic center of Seville. This area of Seville includes Barrio Santa Cruz, El Arenal, Alfalfa, and Museo.

Is 2 days enough for Sevilla?

You can easily enjoy a whole week in Seville without feeling bored. But in reality, you have to make choices. If you want to see more of Andalusia, spending a whole week in each city is impossible. A minimum of 2 days in Seville should be your starting point, and you should be prepared to explore the attractions one after the other.

While Malaga boasts a more modern character with fewer historical sites, Seville impresses with its overall sense of monumentality. It’s hard to say you should skip famous places like the Plaza de España or the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See. Planning for 3 days in Seville is best for a more relaxing trip without rushing.

Where should I stay in Seville without a car?

The top spot to stay in Seville without a car is the Barrio Santa Cruz area. 

1. It’s super close to Seville’s Train Station: Estación de Sevilla-Santa Justa. (Google Maps)
2. It is also one of the most walkable parts of the city.
3. It is close to all its most famous attractions.

On the other hand, if you do have a car, I wouldn’t necessarily wholeheartedly recommend the Santa Cruz neighborhood, as it is unlikely that you’d find parking space or be able to navigate through the labyrinth of narrow streets.

Restaurant suggestions for every area of Seville

Here are a couple fantastic restaurants I’ve had the chance to try:

• Barrio Santa Cruz: El Librero Tapas Y Quesos (Andalusian restaurant)
• Alfalfa: PETRA (Tapas bar)
• El Arenal: Mechela Arenal (Spanish restaurant)
• Triana: Restaurante El Sella Triana (Asturian cuisine)
• Macarena: Taberna El Palomo (Bistro)

Unsafe Areas of Seville

When picking a place to stay in Seville, steer clear of spots like El Vacie, Las 3000 Viviendas, Los Pajaritos, and Polígono Nort. I’d advise against booking a room in one of these areas. Also, just keep in mind, like any city, there might be some areas in Barrio Santa Cruz, Triana, El Arenal, and Macarena that get a bit sketchy at night.