On a trip to Andalusia, a visit to Seville is a must. Referred to as the Andalusian capital, it is the region’s main city. It is therefore particularly popular with tourists. The question of where to stay in Seville is therefore essential.
We’re going to indicate and detail the best areas to stay in Seville, based on their tourist and cultural assets, their location within the city, and the accommodation budget. We’ll also share our recommendations for hotels, B&Bs and apartment rentals.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Seville, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Seville:
- $ this guesthouse in the El Centro district, close to the center so
- $$ this establishment, ideally located in the historic heart of Santa Cruz
- $$$ this luxury hotel, in a former palace and in the same area as the previous one
Map of different areas to stay in Seville
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Seville
Areas where to stay in Seville
Now let’s take a closer look at the neighborhoods we recommend staying in Seville.
Stay in Santa Cruz: immersion in the historic center
Staying in Santa Cruz during your stay in Seville means immersing yourself in Andalusian culture.
Santa Cruz is a lively barrio. Once you've arrived in this labyrinth of small, touristy streets, it doesn't take long to immerse yourself in its warm atmosphere, day and night.
If you want to visit the city on foot, which is usually the case in Seville, it's very convenient to stay at Santa Cruz. You'll be as close as possible to the city's main landmarks, such as the Alcazar and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Seat, recognizable by its Giralda, a former minaret that has become a bell tower. This perfect location makes it a prime option for visiting the city.
What's more, its central location means it's just a stone's throw from other districts. This makes it easy to come and go to enjoy the bars and restaurants that liven up the streets of the Andalusian capital.
When it comes to staying in the historic center, there's a wide range of accommodation on offer. And to suit all budgets. However, the popularity of Santa Cruz means that prices there are higher than in the surrounding area.
A practical tip for those who decide to take a road trip to discover Andalusia, with Seville as a stopover: remember to check that the accommodation you select offers parking. It's hard to find parking in Santa Cruz!
Perfectly located in Santa Cruz, this boutique hotel is the perfect way to extend your discovery of the colorful streets of the old town. The hotel is made up of traditional Sevillian rooms linked by green courtyards. A haven of peace! It also boasts a rooftop swimming pool and parking (extra charge).
This luxury hotel, elegantly decorated with Andalusian touches, is located in a former 18th-century palace on the edge of the historic center. Its many amenities include a rooftop terrace, perfect for watching the sunset. There's also an outdoor swimming pool, spa and fitness center. The restaurant serves traditional Andalusian cuisine.
Lodging in El Centro: the choice of proximity and shopping
The major advantage of El Centro lies in its geographical position. In less than 15 minutes, you can walk to any part of central Seville. It's a charming, quiet district, and not very touristy despite its proximity to the historic center.
There's a wide range of accommodation on offer. But above all, it's more attractive financially than staying in Santa Cruz. Although there's less evening entertainment, there are plenty of small restaurants and snack bars close by. When the stores close, however, Sevillians prefer to head for the city's livelier barrios for a night out.
Culturally, it's home to theAyuntamiento, Seville's town hall. But also, for museum lovers, the Palacio de Bellas Artes in the chic Museo area, quiet and a little away from the tourists.
For modern art enthusiasts, the Parasol Metropol is just a few minutes north. This gigantic wooden structure is one of the city's architectural curiosities. It houses a pedestrian footbridge at the top, from which you can enjoy a superb panoramic view of the city.
If shopping is an essential part of your trip, El Centro also boasts some of the world's biggest names.
This elegant, modern hotel at the foot of the cathedral showcases Andalusian charm. In addition to its spa services, it boasts a rooftop terrace with outdoor pool. All with a view of the Giralda: guaranteed effect! Thanks to its charm and location, this luxury hotel is one of the short-list of refined places to stay in Seville.
Staying at El Arenal, discovering Andalusian culture
As its name suggests, El Arenal is the area surrounding the bullring. It was once the city's port district. It lies right next to the historic center and on the banks of the Quadalquivir.
Lodging in Arenal is an excellent choice for a trip to Seville. It's a lively place, with a warm, sometimes electric atmosphere. Even more so on bullfighting days. Nevertheless, it's still a particularly well-located tourist district, with a wide choice of tapas bars, some of which offer Flamenco shows.
In terms of sightseeing, El Arenal is a must:
- Torre del Oro, a former military observation tower
- the Plaza del Cabildo, a picturesque square lined with painted buildings
- and, above all, the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, Seville's bullring.
If you're looking for accommodation in El Arenal, these points of interest are all less than 5 minutes' walk away.
As with Santa Cruz and El Centro, parking in this area is complicated. However, some of the neighborhood's establishments have parking facilities.
Accommodation in El Porvenir
Located just south of Santa Cruz, and once famous for its royal tobacco factory, the famous Gitane, El Porvenir is home to most of Seville's universities. The northern part of this district is very close to the historic center, making it a good place to stay.
Beyond the accommodation aspect, El Porvenir is a must-see in the Andalusian capital. You can visit several museums and theaquarium. But the main point of interest is the magnificent Luisa Maria Park. This is surrounded by the Plaza de América and, above all, the beautiful Plaza de España, where you can admire the ceramic azulejos depicting the return of Christopher Columbus. Plaza de España is a must-see when visiting Seville.
When it comes to staying overnight in Seville, El Porvenir is not where you'll find the most accommodation. However, staying in the north of the city combines the beauty of the area with the proximity of the city's main attractions. A good compromise.
This luxury hotel is located just below the Alcazar. The elegance of its Arabic-style arcades and ceramic floor tiles make it one of Spain's most prestigious hotels. The swimming pool, bars and outdoor restaurants are set in an Andalusian-style garden, where you're guaranteed a change of scenery.
This hotel is close to Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. The rooms are sober with some Andalusian touches.Very good value for money. The Aparcamiento Gorrillas public parking lot is directly opposite (if space is available), but private parking is also available (extra charge).
Staying in Macarena or Alameda de Hércules
The districts of Macarena and Alameda de Hércules lie to the north of the city.
Renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, Macarena is a good alternative place to stay in Seville. In fact, it's close to the historic center. A twenty-minute walk from the cathedral, to put it in perspective.
It's lively, with plenty of shops, and a pleasant place to stay during your stay in Seville. It's known for its contrasting atmosphere, where grandiose basilicas and silent conventos mingle with noisy, popular bodegas. A pleasant place to stroll, the Dueñas palace is home to patios and gardens. Macarena and Almeda de Hércules also offer small local markets and tapas bars.
These assets make Seville a great place to stay. Prices are affordable and the atmosphere warm. And their location is acceptable, since you only have to walk twenty minutes to visit the must-see monuments of the historic city center. Staying here is a good alternative.
The popular districts of Triana and Los Remedios
Triana and Los Remedios are located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir. Staying here means you can easily stroll along the river's quays, and enjoy breathtaking views over Seville.
Typical and popular, Triana was once a seafaring gypsy town separated from the Andalusian capital. Today, it has become a fully-fledged district of the city, home to craftsmen such as potters and ceramists.
Calmer than those on the other side of the river, Triana and Los Remedios are not very lively in the evening. You have to cross the Isabel II bridge to reach the heart of the city. Staying in this part of Seville means you can recharge your batteries before or after a trip to the historic part of the city.
Culturally, it's home to the ancient Castillo de San Jorge, part of which has been converted into a covered market. And the Mercado de Triana.
If you're looking for budget accommodation, Triana or Los Remedios is the place to be. Prices are lower than on the other side of the river. Parking in this area is also easier than in the historic city center. Whether in public parking lots, or even more simply in the parking lots offered by the establishments.
Santa Justa and Nervion: two districts for cheap accommodation in Seville
Santa Justa is the name of Seville's train station. Staying in this district may therefore be an option if you wish to stay close to the station. On the other hand, you clearly lose the charm of Andalusia in favor of wide avenues.
If you're looking for accommodation in this area, you've come to the right place . It's relatively easy to find low-cost accommodation here.
As for the train station, staying in Nervion is also an inexpensive option. The advantage of Nervion is that it's served by the metro, which means you can get close to the center in about ten minutes (via Puerta Jerez station, next to the Alcazar).
You can then take the tramway (line T1) to extend your journey a little further north. But from a tourist point of view, there's no point. For example, if you book accommodation in this area, you'll be about 2 kilometers from the Cathedral.
This hotel is just a hundred meters from the Nervión metro station. It has a rooftop swimming pool, and is well served by the airport shuttle. Staying here is a good compromise between the services offered by the Novotel chain, access to the city center by metro, and the price.
Stay at La Cartuja, modern Seville
Choosing to stay on the Isla de la Cartuja means staying in the modern area of the 1992 World Expo.
Located to the north-west, this is where you'll find the Caixa Forum, the city's exhibition center. Other attractions include the Isla Magica amusement park, the Torre Sevilla tower and one of the city's oldest monuments: the 15th-century monastery of Santa Maria de Cuevas.
On the whole, La Cartuja is home to offices, university centers and wide avenues that feel a little empty. As with Triana, you have to cross the Guadalquivir to reach the historic center. With little public transport, it's a 30-minute walk. Staying in this part of Seville should therefore be done with full knowledge of the facts.
There are fewer hotels than in other areas. And the offer is rather sober and modern. However, if you're looking for quick access to the Caixa Forum, La Cartuja is the place for you. You can always pop into the historic center out of curiosity. But as you'll have understood, staying in this area is not recommended if you're coming to Seville as a tourist.
Summary
To immerse yourself in Seville and make the most of your time, we recommend staying in the historic city center. Ideally in Santa Cruz, or in the adjoining districts of El Centro or El Arenal.
If you’re on a budget, staying in Seville’s more out-of-town areas can help keep room prices down. The ones that stand out are El Porvenir and Macarena. They represent a good compromise between location and budget.
The districts to target as a last resort for accommodation in Seville are San Justa, Nervion, Triana, Los Remedios, and the worst of all: La Cartuja. Admittedly, you’ll find good-value accommodation here, but the downside of staying in these areas is that you have to walk to get to the sights. But you also miss out on a pleasant overall atmosphere in the evenings.
This guide to the subject of selecting accommodation in Seville is coming to an end. We hope we’ve been able to help you prepare for your trip to Andalusia!