What is the best area to stay in Seville?
By Kristine Vaivode. January 18, 2024
Seville - it’s not only the fourth-largest city of Spain and the capital of Andalusia, it’s also the home to flamenco, bullfighting, stunning architecture marvels and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Embraced by the Guadalquivir River and peppered with fragrant orange trees, this historically rich and important city will surprise you with hidden gems around every corner and cater for all your needs and wants. Be it satisfying your taste buds with some tapas at a traditional taberna, taking a break in one of the lush parks or having a stroll through the ancient cobblestone paved streets of the Old Town.
And it’s exactly the Old Town that hosts some of the best options for accommodation. Wake up, step outside, get embraced by the Andalucian sun, follow the quaint streets to one of the many cute coffee places and start your day of exploration! With designated pedestrian streets you’ll easily find your way to all the major attractions, art galleries, museums, bars and restaurants. If walking is not your thing - Seville has some of the best cycle lanes in the whole country and the bicycles are easily rentable. Buses, trams, a metro line and even horse drawn carriages can effortlessly take you around the city and beyond.
If you are interested in where to stay in Seville, you may also be interested in where to stay in Cadiz, where to stay in Granada or where to stay in Cordoba.
Old Town, the best place to stay in Seville
Tourism | History | Architecture
By staying in the Old Town you’ll tick most of the city’s ‘must see’ boxes - it’s perfect for first time visitors, lovers of shopping, architecture and foodies alike.
Start your exploration of the Old Town by visiting the Unesco Heritage site - the 16th century Cathedral which is not just the largest gothic cathedral in the world, but also a burial place for one the most famous explorers - Christopher Colombus. And just a stone’s throw away, there’s the royal palace - Real Alcazar, which will stun you with its Moorish architecture in addition to the beautiful gardens hidden within the palace’s walls.
For an injection of something more contemporary, head towards La Encarnación Square where lies the grand wooden structure of Metropol Parasol, more famously known as the Mushrooms of Seville, where you can adore the city views and experience stunning sunsets from the top of the structure. A fantastic high street and luxury shopping area is just a few steps away.
Other areas to stay in Seville
Triana
Foodies | Sightseeing | Affordable
Triana is the perfect place to stay if you’re curious to explore your creative side, love strolling through fresh food markets and indulge in some of the best seafood tapas in town.
To get there you’ll have to cross the oldest iron bridge in Spain - the Triana bridge, otherwise known as the Isabel II bridge. Once crossed - you’ll have arrived at the home of tiles, with plenty of workshops, to have a go at tile painting yourself, and colourful stores to purchase hand-made souvenirs.
Here you’ll also find the famous Triana market, built on top of the 12th century castle of San Jorge - local treats and freshly cooked paella awaits you!
The Waterfront of Triana is definitely worth exploring - with its quirky, colourful buildings and ample energy of the Betis street. For a romantic getaway - try one of the waterfront restaurants or tapas bars that will guarantee stunning views across the river, especially at night time.
San Bernardo
Nature | Plaza de España | With kids
A stay in San Bernardo will be particularly enjoyable with children - you’ll find yourself close to the vast botanical gardens for kids to roam as well as fun boat rides at Plaza de España and enthralling Flamenco performances by one of the plaza’s stairways.
One of the most spectacular Seville attractions - Plaza de España or the Spanish Square was built for the Universal Exposition in 1929 and famously known for being featured in the scenes of Star Wars. Wandering further around the district you’ll find many impressive historical buildings, such as the 16th century Royal Artillery Factory and Neoclassical Royal Tobacco Factory, which now serves as part of the University of Seville.
It also houses the charming Prado de San Sebastian bus station, surrounded by even more lush gardens and you certainly won’t miss the impressive baroque style Palace of San Telmo which currently serves as the seat of the regional government.
Alameda
Nightlife | Live Music | Bars
This hip and trendy neighbourhood is very popular amongst students and has a strong international vibe, so if you’re up for a night on the town, fancy a pub crawl or a live music gig - staying in Alameda is the best choice.
Take a 15 minute stroll, to the north from the Old Town, there’s a place for everyone here - from vegan cafes and traditional tapas to open mic nights and jazz bars. Although it’s especially popular for its many nightlife venues - the area really comes alive during the night, no matter if you’re after an LGBTQ+ party or the rhythms of the 90s.
The main square of this neighbourhood is called Alameda de Hercules - a spacious tree lined avenue surrounded with cafes and bars. You will not miss the impressive Romanesque columns that welcome you into the square and date back to the 17th century, and the square itself has been a popular gathering place since the 16th century.
La Cartuja
For Families | Contemporary Art | Peaceful
For art lovers and families alike - enjoy the neighbourhood of La Cartuja away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, which is easily accessed by a car or the bus. You can get immersed in a tranquil atmosphere or find yourself on a waterslide at the Isla Magica theme park.
La Cartuja is the newest of the neighbourhoods, as it was created to host the Universal Exposition of 1992. You can expect a lot of contemporary architecture and monuments, including the Navigation Pavilion, the Morocco Pavilion and the pavilion in Plaza de América, which now serves as the School of Engineering.
Prior to 1992 the area didn’t have much else apart from the 15th century Cartuja Monastery. A phenomenal building that now houses the Andalusian Centre of Contemporary Art - with an outdoors bar and regular open air concerts. And it’s exactly here where Christopher Columbus brainstormed about his voyages.
La Macarena
Religion | Tourism | Food Market
La Macarena is special for the juxtaposition between the spiritual and creative, so lovers of churches and artisan workshops will particularly enjoy the stay in this district. Some unmissables include the Church of San Luis de los Franceses and the church of Santa Marina.
Characterised by an unmissable grand gate and the basilica which gives the neighbourhood its name - La Macarena district is about half an hour’s walk away from the Old Town. It is gently tucked in in the protection of the 12th century Almohad walls and also houses the Parliament of Andalusia which was formerly the Hospital de las Cinco Llagas. The whole area transforms during the Holy week in April - with many processions passing through the streets of Macarena.
Don’t skip out on visiting Calle Feria - with one of the best fresh food markets and a weekly Thursday antique flea market, where you’ll find the most fascinating souvenirs to forever remind you of Seville.
Our recommended hotels in Seville
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in SevilleNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
