Seville is compact, flat and made for walking – so where you stay is mostly about atmosphere. Do you want whitewashed lanes and hidden patios, the bustle around the Cathedral, the river or a park next door?
The quick answer
- First trip: Santa Cruz or the streets around the Cathedral.
- Romantic break: Santa Cruz, Alfalfa or a boutique hotel in El Arenal.
- Families: near María Luisa Park, or on the Isla de la Cartuja for a big pool.
- Local life and flamenco: Triana, across the river.
Santa Cruz
The old Jewish quarter is a maze of narrow lanes, orange trees and tiny squares, right next to the Real Alcázar. It is the most picturesque area – and the busiest with visitors by day.
Around the Cathedral
The streets around the Cathedral and the Giralda put you at the very centre, with the main shopping streets and many tapas bars nearby. Some hotels have rooftop terraces facing the bell tower.
El Arenal and Alfalfa
El Arenal, between the Cathedral and the river, is home to the Maestranza bullring and the Torre del Oro. Alfalfa, north-east of the Cathedral, is lively and local, with small squares and bars, a short walk from Las Setas.
Triana
Across the Guadalquivir, Triana is the old quarter of potters and sailors and a cradle of flamenco. It feels like a town of its own, with its market and riverside terraces, ten minutes on foot from the centre.
María Luisa Park and La Cartuja
Around the Plaza de España, María Luisa Park is perfect for families. On the other side of the river, the Isla de la Cartuja, site of the 1992 Expo, has larger hotels with pools, close to the Isla Mágica theme park.
Tips for choosing a hotel
- A pool is a real plus from June to September, when Seville is very hot.
- Check access by car: many lanes in Santa Cruz and Alfalfa are pedestrian.
- Book early for Holy Week and the April Fair, when the city is full.
Ready to choose? See the 5 best hotels in Seville and the 5 best family hotels in Seville, and plan your time with Seville in 3 days.
