In this article I recommend the best places to stay in Seville. Depending on the needs of each of you and the programs you have organized to spend your days in the city, you can easily choose the best neighborhood in Seville to stay.
Seville is an ideal destination for a vacation in Spain, a city of unique charm with an incredible artistic heritage. To best enjoy your vacation it is very important to choose the right area to stay in Seville.
Located in southern Spain, Seville is part of the famous Andalusian "Golden Triangle" along with Granada and Cordoba. Fascinating city, home to true cultural and historical treasures. Discover the best neighborhoods to sleep in Seville.
Seville is one of the most important Spanish cities, distinguishing itself as the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia. At the same time, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
It is worth mentioning that many of its buildings and monuments have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Among these monuments is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, considered the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
The cultural attractions are many: the Cathedral of Seville, the Giralda, the Alcazar, the Plaza de España or the picturesque Barrio de Santa Cruz. In this article we look at the best places to stay in Seville, to easily visit all its wonders.
Let's say right away that the best option to stay in Seville is its historic center(Casco Antiguo), not being very wide, you can easily walk around and it is not necessary to travel by public transport.
Staying in the center of Seville means being close to the main attractions, such as museums, monuments or churches. Even at night you will have the opportunity to walk to the best clubs.
Much of the historic center is pedestrian or with limited traffic, so the car is useless, in fact it can only be a nuisance, also because the parking lots are far away and payable.
Within the Old Town, any area is fine, but among the best is definitely the Santa Cruz neighborhood, very picturesque and perfect for an evening stroll.
Another recommended area to stay in Seville, near the historic center is the Alamedaby Hercules, a very lively area, full of nightclubs, stores and restaurants. The Alameda is among the best options for those looking for a more authentic and less touristy neighborhood.
Also not to be overlooked are the neighborhoods adjacent to the center, such as Triana,near the riverbank.
The cost of living is low and in the city you can find hotels, B&Bs and apartments that are perfect for all budgets.
Choosing where to stay in Seville, then, simply depends on your specific needs. Here are my tips on where to sleep in Seville.
- Neighborhoods in Seville: a brief description
- Where to sleep in Seville for the first time: The Santa Cruz Neighborhood
- Where to stay in Seville for couples: El Arenal
- Where to sleep in Seville for the nightlife: Triana
- Where to sleep in Seville on a budget: Macarena
- Where to stay in Seville with children: Los Remedios
- Final tips on where to sleep in Seville
Why to visit Seville
Seville is a city linked to traditions, such as La Feria and Semana Santa. During the feast of the commemoration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, the city is filled with aromas of incense and orange blossom. Perhaps this is the best time to decide to visit it by staying in one of its beautiful neighborhoods.
Warning: to get to know the city better, I absolutely recommend and buy the Sevilla Card Pass that allows you to have all the admissions included and skip the line (very important). With the Sevilla Card you can rest assured that you will not have to pay any entrance fees because they are all included.
The best areas to sleep in Seville and enjoy the City
Old Quarter
The favorite area for tourists looking for a hotel is the Casco Antiguo, which is the whole area of the historic center, which also includes the Barrio Santa Cruz. The location is perfect for walking and visiting the main attractions, such as the Cathedral, the Giralda and the Real Alcazar. Choosing the Casco Antiguo as a base to sleep in Seville is the best solution and allows you to move around the city without the need to use public transportation.
Where to sleep in Seville for the first time: El Barrio de Santa Cruz
The Barrio de Santa Cruz is located within the Casco Antiguo, the historic center of the city.
This is the most convenient neighborhood in Seville to stay if you have decided to visit the Andalusian city.
Santa Cruz was once the Jewish quarter of Seville. Although time has inevitably transformed the area, the colorful alleys with flower pots, inner courtyards and orange trees remind you of what it must have once been and make the atmosphere still magical.
Within the Old Town are the main attractions of the city: the Cathedral of Seville, La Giralda and Real Alcazar are right in this area. This will allow you to save time and money: you will be able to move comfortably on foot without the need to take the bus and the metro.
Between Plaza Nueva and Plaza del Salvador there are narrow streets dotted with restaurants and bars where you can enjoy excellent tapas, while in the Avenida de Constitución there are interesting shopping or souvenir stores to take a gift home.
Santa Cruz is the perfect neighborhood to enjoy the typical Spanish atmosphere and stay up late among tapas bars.
If you are interested, just in the discotheques scattered along these streets you will find the opportunity to attend a flamenco show, the original dance of Seville.
Being the central district of the city, in Barrio Santa Cruz the prices of accommodation are a bit more expensive than in the rest of Seville, but the choice is still very wide between duplexes and mostly family hotels.
pros of Barrio Santa Cruz: the most beautiful and comfortable neighborhood to sleep in.
Cons: very touristic, higher prices.
What to see in Barrio Santa Cruz:
- Calle Mateos Gago: admire the Giralda.
- Patio de Banderas: characteristic square leading to the Real Alcazar.
- Calles Judería, Agua and Vida: the most famous streets of the neighborhood.
- Plaza de Doña Elvira: a typical Andalusian square where to stop for tapas.
The best hotels in Barrio de Santa Cruz
Hotel Las Casas de la Judería (average): a 4* hotel in the heart of the city. The rooms are located in 27 traditional houses, connected by patios, corridors and flowery courtyards. There is a swimming pool available to guests and a spa.
Hotel Boutique Corral del Rey: one of my favorite boutique hotels in Spain for unique rooms, incredible breakfasts and wonderful hospitality.
Hotel Patio de las Cruces (middle): Ideally located in Seville's Jewish quarter, a 10-minute walk from the city's cathedral, Hotel Patio offers free Wi-Fi and a traditional Andalusian courtyard.
EME Catedral Hotel (luxury): Luxury lovers should stay at this hotel located next to Seville Cathedral, offering rooms with a sleek, modern design. The panoramic terrace, from which there is an exceptional view, houses a restaurant. One of the best options in Seville.
Where to stay in Seville for couples: El Arenal
El Arenal area is another one of the best neighborhoods in Seville to stay in.
Its central location makes it convenient for traveling to major tourist attractions such as the Cathedral and the Plaza de Toros.
Despite being in a strategic point to visit the city, El Arenal is a bit spread out and this allows you to save a bit on the price of accommodation if you look well, although most hotels are expensive.
The neighborhood is located on a bank of the Guadalquivir, the river that runs through the Andalusian city.
Like Santa Cruz, the neighborhood of El Arenal is very lively: during the day tourists and locals flock to Sierpes street, one of Seville's shopping streets, while at night we all gather at the rooftop bars or in the nightclubs overlooking the river to stay up late sipping a cocktail.
For the more romantic, you can't miss a stroll along Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, the riverside.
This is an area more suitable for young people and couples than for families with children who may be disturbed by the confusion of the night, especially on weekends.
Pros in El Arenal: romantic and close to the main attractions. Wide variety of hotels.
Cons in El Arenal: some hotels are expensive, look around.
What to see in El Arenal:
- Torre del oro: one of the symbols of Seville and one of the best spots to enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
- Jardines del Marqués de Contadero: a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the skyline on the bridges of the city and on the boats that cross the Guadalquivir daily. Nearby you can also embark on a sightseeing boat tour.
- Torre de la Plata: it is little known and together with the Torre del Oro was part of the city walls.
- Barranco Market: excellent idea for a gourmet getaway.
The best hotels in El Arenal
Black Swan Hostel (cheap): my favorite hostel and one of the best options for those looking to sleep but want to spend little. This hostel, located in the center of El Arenal, has a relaxing courtyard garden, a rooftop terrace and spacious rooms with balconies. There's also a full kitchen, common room, linens and wifi.
Hotel Europa Boutique Sevilla (budget/average): a cozy hotel located just steps from Seville Cathedral, and surrounded by restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. despite the moderate price, it offers a wide range of amenities, including free wifi and on-site bike rentals. Rooms are equipped with TV and fridge.
Hotel Mercer Sevilla (luxury): All rooms and suites feature a large double bed, TV with international channels, minibar, free Wi-Fi and a wide range of guest amenities. The bathroom features a glass rain-effect shower and exclusive complimentary toiletries.
Where to sleep in Seville in the Alameda de Hércules: to the north
The northern area of central Seville is the Barrio Macarena, also known as La Macarena. This is also a great area to sleep in Seville. It is located within the city walls, on the east bank of the Guadalquivir River. It is definitely not a very touristy neighborhood, but perhaps for that reason it has a particular charm.
Those who decide to stay in this neighborhood will find themselves immersed in the authentic life of a Sevillian citizen. There is no better way to perceive the true identity of a place than taking the streets where mass tourism does not reach, or at least not in small part. Before the works carried out for the Expo '92, this neighborhood was not recommended. It did not have a good reputation. In the last thirty years the situation has changed.
The Barrio Macarena is full of places to visit. In addition to the many churches, there is one of the most important attractions of the city: La Alameda de Hercules. It is a very large square, which was commissioned by the Count of Barjas at the end of the 16th century. It is the oldest public garden not only in Spain, but even in all of Europe. Those who want to try the experience of sleeping in this area of Seville will certainly appreciate the nightlife. "Around here" is very much alive. It is the Seville most loved by students who come from all over the world to study.
Those who have visited the Alameda de Hercules have found in the streets the same spirit that is perceived in the Raval in Barcelona or in Soho in London. In addition to places to eat and drink, the area is multicultural and full of creative spaces. The cultural life of the Alameda comes alive every night with music festivals, themed gatherings and art exhibitions. Little remains of the old town, where street artists, bohemians and prostitutes used to live. The fun is combined with the ancient traditions of Catholic worship: here the Virgen de la Macarena, you can dance in discos until morning, stroll among the stalls of its busy markets such as the Feria or the antique market of El Jueves, located on Calle Feria.
Finally, architecture lovers will be able to admire important structures such as Metropol Parasol, also known as Setas de Sevilla for the presence of wooden buildings in the shape of mushrooms. It is one of the greatest masterpieces of contemporary world architecture.
Where to stay in Seville on a budget: Macarena
North of the historic center is another of Seville's neighborhoods where to stay: the Macarena.
The area is named after the Basilica de la Virgen de la Macarena, a church worth visiting.
Staying here means getting away from the main monuments, but being able to fully immerse yourself in the neighborhood life of the Andalusian city. At night, along the Alameda de Hercules, you will know many places where you can dine with typical dishes. Macarena is a great option for those looking for a place to sleep on a tight budget.
I recommend you to stay here if you have a little more time to visit the city: to get to the center, in fact, it will take you between 15 and 20 minutes on foot.
Pros in Macarena: very authentic, low prices.
Cons in Macarena: although it has been a bit renovated, it is certainly not the nicest neighborhood in Seville. Budget options can bring unpleasant surprises.
Not to be missed in Macarena:
- Arco de la Macarena: one of the ancient entrances to the city.
- Former Hospital de las Cinco Llagas: now the seat of the Parliament of Andalusia.
- Metropol-Parasol: a viewpoint from which you can admire a magnificent view of Seville.
Where to sleep in Seville for nightlife: Triana
The Triana neighborhood is a true cradle of legends and suggestions.
Famous bullfighters were born in this popular area of the city of Seville and lived artists, dancers, gypsies and flamenco dancers.
Triana is more like a small village than a neighborhood, characterized by narrow streets, colorful houses, local markets and an excellent offer of bars where you can stop to taste tapas and drink excellent wine.
The location is very convenient: just cross the Guadalquivir to find yourself in the center, close to the most famous attractions of the city. On foot it takes between 15 and 20 minutes, otherwise you can take the metro or the bus.
If you have decided to visit Seville during the famous Feria de Abril, which takes place between the neighborhoods of Los Remedios and Barrio Tablada, this is one of the best areas to stay.
Pros in Triana: especially suitable for young people, great variety of restaurants, lively nightlife.
Cons in Triana: at night, some roads may not be safe, so it is better to stick to the ones with more people.
What to see in Triana:
- Calle Betis: the main street that runs along the river, full of places to eat or have tapas.
- Plaza del Altozano: the square houses the monument that pays homage to flamenco and the Triana Market.
The best hotels in Triana
Monte Triana Hotel (medium): my TOP choice in Triana. A comfortable 3 star hotel, close to the Alcazar, the Cathedral of Seville and restaurants and bars.
Ribera de Triana Hotel (average): A hotel across the river from the city center, a 20-minute walk from Seville Cathedral, La Giralda and El Alcazar. It offers spacious, bright rooms and a view of the river and city from the top-floor pool, making it worth every euro spent to stay here.
Where to stay in Seville with children: Los Remedios
The one in Los Remedios borders Triana and is the perfect place to sleep with children because the neighborhood is really very quiet and especially because of the presence of the Parque de los Príncipes.
Los Remedios also overlooks the Guadalquivir river and is well connected to the historic center by public transport.
The main pedestrian street is Calle de Asuncion, where there are many stores and some restaurants and bars.
Pro di Los Remedios: quiet and residential area.
cons: it is not very close to the sights
Don't miss in Los Remedios:
- Old tobacco factory: the first tobacco factory in Spain and all of Europe today is the headquarters of the University of Seville.
- Parque de los Príncipes: a beautiful park in the heart of the city where you can spend a few hours with the kids in the playground or relax with a stroll.
- Museo de Carruajes: the carriage museum located inside the former convent of Los Remedios.
The best hotels in Los Remedios
Monte Carmelo Hotel (average): This cozy 3-star hotel is close to bars, restaurants and is within walking distance of the Real Alcazar.
Its rooms are large enough to accommodate families and feature air-conditioning, minibar and free Wi-Fi.
Final tips on where to stay in Seville
In Seville in summer temperatures reach the 40s, so look for a hotel that has air conditioning.
Just to recap; Barrio Santa Cruz is my first choice for where to stay in Seville if you are visiting for the first time or for a few days. Not only is it home to Seville's most famous monuments and attractions, but it is where you will find excellent tapas bars, restaurants and a wide variety of hotels, from the most luxurious to the most economical.
As for me the BEST choice as a hotel is the Hotel Boutique Corral del Rey. For those on a budget, my vote for the best hostel is for Albergue Black Swan.
Parts of Triana can be less safe at night; it is better to stay in the busier streets where people are out late at night. In Barrio Santa Cruz, El Arenal and Macarena it is best to avoid deserted and dimly lit streets and it is always a good idea to keep your bags and cameras safe from pickpockets.
It is also best to avoid parks at night, as well as the area east of Barrio Santa Cruz, between the neighborhood and the train station.
THE BEST HOTELS TO STAY IN SEVILLE
Important: If you plan to come during the summer, remember that temperatures reach 40 degrees, so make sure the hotel is air-conditioned.
Gran Melia Colon
Canalejas, 1, 41001 Seville, Spain
Centrally located hotel, about 10 minutes walk from the Cathedral. High quality services, professional and helpful staff, excellent breakfast and clean rooms equipped with all amenities.
Monte Carmelo Hotel
Calle Virgen de La Victoria 7, 41011 Seville, Spain
Hotel Monte Carmelo is located in the Triana neighborhood, about a 15-minute walk from the center. Modern and clean rooms with excellent Wi-Fi. Staff available and attentive to any request. Hotel recommended for a stay in Seville, for its location and excellent value for money.
Hotel Abanico Sevilla
Calle Aguilas 17, 41003 Seville, Spain
Very central hotel, located in a beautiful Andalusian-style building in the characteristic streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, a 10-minute walk from the Giralda. Friendly and helpful staff, free coffee service from 11:30 to 22:00. Clean and comfortable rooms. The hotel does not have parking, but has an agreement with a nearby public parking lot.
Considering the location and excellent value for money, Hotel Abanico is the ideal solution for sleeping in Seville.
See price on reservation
Alcantara Hotel
Calle Ximenez de Enciso 28 | Santa Cruz, 41004 Seville, Spain
The Hotel Alcantara is the ideal solution to stay in Seville, is located in the center in the heart of the Barrio Santa Cruz. Clean and comfortable rooms, helpful staff. You can attend a flamenco show in a room next to the hotel.
Excellent value for money.
See price on reservation
Petit Palace Canalejas Seville
Calle Canalejas 2, 41001 Seville, Spain
Truly exceptional value for money for this hotel located in a quiet area just a few minutes walk from the center and close to the main points of interest. Friendly and helpful staff, good and plentiful breakfast buffet.
The only drawback is that the rooms are a bit small, but still clean and well furnished. The hotel offers a free bicycle rental service.
