From Historic Centres to Peaceful Corners: Where To Stay in Seville

Whether it’s a solo jaunt, a romantic getaway or a friends and family trip, Seville has just the right neighbourhood for the perfect stay

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Seville skyline in the Old Quarter, featuring La Giralda and Seville Cathedral, Seville

Andalusia’s vibrant capital is one of Spain’s most enchanting cities. It offers something for everyone, whether you want to surround yourself with art, learn flamenco, or fiesta all night long. Choosing where to stay in this city can be overwhelming, especially when there’s so much to see and do. Lucky for you, our travel experts at Plum Guide are here to help. We know Seville like the back of our hand, and have all the inside knowledge for an unforgettable trip. Take a look at our guide on where to stay in Seville and discover our favourite neighbourhoods.

Centro

Flowers and palm trees in the walled gardens of the Royal Alcázar, Seville

Flowers and palm trees in the walled gardens of the Royal Alcázar, Seville

If it’s your first time in the city, we recommend staying in Centro. As you can guess from the name, this is the central part of Seville, which lies between Plaza Nueva to the south and Plaza de la Encarnación to the north. The centre is a bustling area with plenty of bars and restaurants, so it’s perfect for those who like to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be close to the city’s most visited attractions, including the Museum of Fine Arts.

Centro is also a fantastic place to stay for shoppers, as you’re surrounded by fashionable streets such as the famous Calle Sierpes. A part of the city since the 15th century, this commercial heart of Seville is where you’ll find everything from flamenco dress boutiques and hat shops to stationery stores and clockmakers. Neighbouring streets like Tetuán, O’Donnell, Rioja and Velázquez are also pedestrianised and chock-full of shops.

Nervión

Nervión is a great spot to be based if you’re looking to explore other cities in Spain. Home to the Santa Justa train station, you can catch high-speed connections to Madrid, Córdoba and other cities from here. But Nervión has much more to offer besides a train station. In fact, it’s one of Seville’s most contemporary neighbourhoods, with endless shopping, dining and entertainment options. The main attraction for football fans is the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, the home of Sevilla FC. You can even take a tour of the stadium and visit the most exclusive areas, including the changing room and the press room. Not far from the stadium is the Nervión Plaza Shopping Centre, a haven for shoppers with an excellent selection of stores, restaurants, coffee shops and a twenty-screen cinema.

Barrio Santa Cruz

Charming street lined with white-washed houses, cafes, and orange trees in Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville

Charming street lined with white-washed houses, cafes, and orange trees in Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville

Wondering where to stay in Seville to soak up the city's vibrant culture? Formerly the Jewish Quarter of Seville during medieval times, Barrio Santa Cruz is the most charming neighbourhood in Seville, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and intriguing past. The labyrinth of winding streets means it’s easy to get around on foot, with many of the alleyways leading onto pretty plazas, such as the beautifully tiled Plaza de doña Elvira or the shaded Plaza de Santa Cruz. Lined with gorgeous Moorish architecture, this neighbourhood is a photographer’s dream.

It’s also home to many of the city’s top attractions – the most famous of which is Catedral de Sevilla. This is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the city’s must-visits, elaborately designed with high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows and ornate decorations. Facing the cathedral is another of the city’s top sights, the Royal Alcázar. Originally built by the Moors in the 14th century, this striking palace is a blend of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles with intricate tilework, arches, courtyards, gardens and water features.

El Arenal

Torre del Oro and sightseeing boats on the Guadalquivir River at dusk, Seville

Torre del Oro and sightseeing boats on the Guadalquivir River at dusk, Seville

To the west of Barrio Santa Cruz on the east bank of the Guadalquivir River is El Arenal, Seville's former port area. It's more residential, so it offers a more peaceful stay compared to bustling Centro or buzzing Barrio Santa Cruz. Make the most of its beautiful riverside location with a boat tour where you can learn about Seville’s history and how it was an important place for trade and exploration. Cruise past some of Seville's most iconic landmarks, including the Torre del Oro and the Maestranza Bullring, as well as the beautiful bridges that span the river.

Packed with some of the city’s best tapas bars, taverns and traditional restaurants, El Arenal is the best neighbourhood for foodies to stay in. Mechela Arenal comes highly recommended, serving up traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.

Triana

Fruit and vegetable stall with vendor inside Mercado di Triana, Seville

Fruit and vegetable stall with vendor inside Mercado di Triana, Seville

Across the river from El Arenal is the historic neighbourhood of Triana. It was once a separate town from Seville, and has maintained its distinct character. Known for its ceramics, flamenco dancing and lively markets, this is the best place to stay in Seville if you want to soak up the local atmosphere. The most popular attraction in this neighbourhood is the Triana Bridge which connects it to the centre of Seville – it’s our favourite spot for a walk where you can catch incredible views of the city.

Calle Betis is another scenic spot – it's a wide street running along the river lined with colourful buildings and shaded trees. You’ll come across plenty of bars and restaurants with alfresco seating where you can enjoy a glass of wine with a side of river views. When you get hungry, swing by Mercado de Triana, a sprawling indoor bazaar set within the centuries-old Castillo de San Jorge. The focus here is meat, so if you’re in the market for cured Iberian ham, you’re in the right place.

Los Remedios

Just a stone’s throw away from Triana is Los Remedios, a mostly residential district with wide boulevards, elegant buildings and pretty gardens. It’s a good base if you want to be close to the city’s restaurants, shops and attractions, but prefer to come home to quieter surroundings. Los Remedios is also an ideal place to stay if you’re travelling with the family, as the nearby Parque de los Príncipes, complete with a lake and children’s playground, offers plenty of opportunities for walks and picnics amongst the manicured gardens.

If you’re visiting Seville for the famous Feria de Abril (April Fair), this neighbourhood is the place to stay. This exciting event takes place in a huge fairground here in Los Remedios, where you can join in the festivities and celebrate Sevillian culture. Get ready for some serious dancing, singing, eating and drinking.

Macarena

Pedestrians walking past the yellow Arco de la Macarena, a 12th-century gate in the ancient city walls, Seville

Pedestrians walking past the yellow Arco de la Macarena, a 12th-century gate in the ancient city walls, Seville

To the north of the city centre is Macarena. Popular with creatives and young professionals, it has a more laid-back, residential feel – but don't worry, there are enough tapas bars and restaurants to keep the atmosphere lively. Be sure to pop by the Mercado de Feria, one of the city’s oldest and most popular markets. As well as fresh produce, you’ll also find traditional ready-made dishes like fish, paella and arepa – Bar La Cantina does excellent tapas.

The neighbourhood’s most iconic landmark is the Basílica de la Macarena, a striking Baroque church dedicated to the Virgen de la Macarena. It’s home to a beautiful 17th-century statue of the Virgin, which is paraded through the streets of Seville during the famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) festival. Other sights to keep an eye out for include the 16th-century Hospital de las Cinco Llagas, the bright yellow Arco de la Macarena, and the Torre de los Perdigones with its large camera obscura.

Alameda

Two tall columns in the Alameda de Hércules with a colourful square in the background, Seville

Two tall columns in the Alameda de Hércules with a colourful square in the background, Seville

Those looking for where to stay in Seville for nightlife should look no further than Alameda. This neighbourhood is centred around the 16th-century Alameda de Hércules, the city’s oldest public garden. Surrounded by trees, benches and cafes, the plaza makes for a lovely place to enjoy the sun during the day and take a quick breather from sightseeing.

But nightfall is when the square really comes alive, with a great selection of tapas bars, restaurants, live music venues and gay bars. It’s particularly popular with young people and students who come for the lively atmosphere. You can also catch art exhibitions and flamenco performances at Espacio Santa Clara, a former monastery in neighbouring San Vicente. One thing to note is that Alameda is not very central, and it takes about twenty to thirty minutes to walk here from the city centre.

La Cartuja

The neighbourhood of La Cartuja is a great option for those looking for peace and quiet. With few hotels and restaurants around (but within walking distance to the tapas bars in Triana and Macarena), you’re guaranteed a good night’s rest away from the crowds. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, this island on the Guadalquivir River is one of the more interesting areas to stay in. Having undergone significant development in recent years, the area boasts a wonderful mix of residential spaces and shops, restaurants and cafes.

The neighbourhood takes its name from the 15th-century Monasterio de la Cartuja de Santa María de Las Cuevas. Today, it’s a cultural centre which hosts a packed calendar of events, exhibitions and performances. While you’re here, you can also visit the many museums, including the Contemporary Art Center of Seville.

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