Where to stay in Seville? Best areas and hotels

Wandering the streets of Seville, strolling along the riverbank of the Guadalquivir, in the shadow of the Giralda or among the rooms of the Alcazar is an experience as wonderful as it is tiring: the lively and welcoming atmosphere of the city will make all the tiredness fade into the background, but when evening comes you will long with all your might for a hot shower and a bed to rest in, before setting off to discover the nightlife of Seville. For this reason, when planning your trip, one of the most important questions is precisely this: where to stay in Seville?

In this article I want to provide you with a useful guide to choosing the best area to stay in Seville: it doesn’t matter whether your precious Andalusian retreat will be a hotel, a hostel or a B&B, the important thing is to choose the neighbourhoods of Seville best suited to the needs and plans you have devised for your visit to the city. Let’s discover the best neighbourhoods to stay in Seville.

Guide to the neighbourhoods

Search for a Hotel in Seville

Where to stay in Seville? The neighbourhoods of the Casco Antiguo

The areas most popular with travellers looking for a hotel are undoubtedly those of the Casco Antiguo, in the centre of Seville: the Barrio Santa Cruz, El Centro, El Arenal. All these neighbourhoods occupy a privileged position for getting around the centre: you can move on foot, without the pressing need to use public transport.

In just a few minutes you’ll reach the main attractions (Cathedral, Alcázar, Museum of Fine Arts, Plaza de España and María Luisa Park etc.) The only drawback: parking. These neighbourhoods are not designed to be explored by car: if you have one, you’ll need to search carefully for a parking space (perhaps by asking your hotel) or leave the car outside the centre.

Parking available in Seville

Barrio Santa Cruz: between winding alleyways and patios, the Andalusian spirit

I can say, without fear of being contradicted, that the Barrio de Santa Cruz is by far the most charming neighbourhood to stay in Seville. We mentioned it in the article on the best things to do in Seville: getting lost in the tight, winding tangle of lanes in this barrio means immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Andalusian life, among little ceramics shops tiled with azulejos, bars set in former hammam (we also discussed these in our article on where to eat in Seville), Moorish palaces, convents and patios that will leave you open-mouthed.

Many of the accommodation options are housed in palaces in the elegant mudejàr style, in harmony with the nearest attractions: the Giralda, the Alcázar of Seville, the Casa de Pilatos, the Hospital de los Venerables… However, the Barrio Santa Cruz isn’t just the most charming: it’s also the most expensive. Just consider the luxurious Hotel Alfonso XIII, the most famous hotel in Seville and one of the best-known in all of Spain. In short, if you want to find a cheap room you’ll have to search very carefully!

I recommend these properties:

• Hotel Casa del Poeta: a wonderful, high-class boutique hotel set in a former convent in the heart of the barrio. This is exactly what you should expect from this kind of stay: endless surprises, including a flamenco concert at aperitivo time.
• Nua Plaza Santa Cruz: an excellent hostal located in the heart of Barrio Santa Cruz, offering very nice rooms in a welcoming atmosphere. Just steps from Seville Cathedral, perfect for immediately soaking up the city’s vibe. Honestly? Much better than many more expensive hotels
• Alcazar de Maria: I stayed here with my wife in this small, very well-kept B&B in the heart of the historic center, on a quiet street literally just steps from the Alcázar and the Cathedral. What stands out most is the extremely convenient location and the rooftop terrace, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the city. Breakfast is also good, especially the traditional tostada.
• Hotel Goya: according to many, this hotel’s 2 stars are worth at least double. An elegant property, decorated in Andalusian style, very close to the Cathedral.
• Hotel Alcantara: a hotel in an excellent location, set inside an 18th-century building. Rooms are small, but prices are quite reasonable.

All hotels available in Barrio Santa Cruz

El Centro (Old Town), a shopper’s paradise

Another place to stay in Seville is north of the Cathedral, in the area of El Centro, a neighbourhood well connected to the main attractions by the famous Calle Sierpes, an elegant street popular with locals. Even in this part of Seville it is by no means difficult to find a lovely hotel in a strategic location, perhaps down one of the quiet, secret side streets. In these parts you’ll find two remarkable monuments, very different from one another but certainly worth seeing: Metropol Parasol and the palace of the Countess of Lebrija.

I recommend these places to stay:

• La Casas de los Mercaderes: the beautiful inner courtyard alone would be worth the price of booking. A charming atmosphere and a very central location. Overall, an excellent choice.
• The Nomad Hostel: great prices for this interesting, high-quality hostel. While it may lack a bit of the typical Andalusian atmosphere, its real strength is the ideal location for visiting Seville’s main attractions.

All available hotels in El Centro

El Arenal, a stone’s throw from the river and the Plaza de Toros!

Approaching the Guadalquivir River, we find the neighbourhood of El Arenal, which is situated to the west of the Cathedral: an area recommended for those looking for somewhere to stay not far from some of Seville’s best-known attractions: the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, the Torre del Oro and the Museo de Bellas Artes of Seville.

Here are some hotels to consider:

• Las Casas de El Arenal: a small and charming hotel, tucked away just enough from the main streets to feel quiet and intimate. Hard to ask for more, especially given its very central location. A real gem.
• Hotel Zaida: a very interesting option for its excellent value for money. The Andalusian architectural style stands out, but what travelers appreciate most is the great location.

All available hotels in El Arenal

Alfalfa: the liveliest place in the centre

The area of Alfalfa is located in the heart of the historic centre of Seville, ideally situated between the the Santa Cruz neighbourhood and the main streets of El Centro. This small district takes its name from the lively Plaza de la Alfalfa, one of the busiest squares in the centre, full of tapas bars and restaurants frequented by both tourists and Seville locals. In the evenings, the bars and venues fill up and the atmosphere becomes particularly lively and fun. 

Here’s where to stay:

• La Rosa de La Alfalfa: This property offers several apartments in the heart of the historic center, clean, modern, and well equipped, with a kitchen and air conditioning. Everything you need for a comfortable stay, within easy reach of the main attractions.
• Appartamento in Callejon Celinda: Some time ago, I stayed here with my family (two children) in this apartment, tucked away in a quiet alley in the Alfalfa district. It’s a two-bedroom apartment, very well equipped, overlooking a charming inner courtyard that creates a more relaxed atmosphere despite the very central location. The rooftop terrace is also a nice touch..

Where to stay in Seville? Popular neighbourhoods

Here are some of Seville’s slightly less touristy areas: Macarena, Alameda de Hercules, Barrio Triana, Los Remedios and Nervión. From these neighbourhoods you can reach the centre on foot in about half an hour on average, otherwise you can get there by public transport: by bus as regards Macarena and the Alameda de Hercules; by bus or the Metro de Sevilla for Los Remedios, Nervión and Barrio Triana. If you have a car, you’ll be able to find a parking space more easily than in the other neighbourhoods, but don’t underestimate how difficult the search can be!

Macarena, historic working-class neighbourhood of Seville

The neighbourhood of Macarena (Barrio Macarena) is located to the north of Seville’s historic centre, beyond the city’s ancient walls. It is an authentically working-class area, defined by the importance of the famous Basilica de la Macarena and alive with markets, bars and small taverns mainly frequented by locals.

Here the atmosphere is very different from the areas around the Cathedral, less touristy and contrived, ideal for those who want to experience the city truly like a Sevillian. The centre is still easily reachable on foot or by taking a bus, which makes the Macarena neighbourhood an ideal choice for those who want to spend a little less while remaining within easy reach of the city centre.

Here are a couple of recommended properties based on their location and quality:

• Exe Sevilla Macarena: A large four-star hotel located at the edge of the neighborhood, right in front of the Basilica de la Macarena and the ancient city walls. Its standout feature is the panoramic rooftop pool, perfect on hot Andalusian days; from here, the historic center can be reached with a 15–20 minute walk..
• Oasi Macarena: A cozy Andalusian-style apartment in the heart of the neighborhood, appreciated for its quiet location and excellent convenience for reaching the city center. Well cared for in every detail and very clean, it features two wonderful terraces. The host is very helpful with advice and resolving any issues..

All available hotels in Barrio Macarena

Alameda de Hercules, the nightlife paradise

The area of Alameda de Hercules, on the southern edge of the Barrio Macarena, is a lively public space known for its nightlife, packed with bars and venues popular with younger crowds. In this area there are hotels at lower prices than in the city centre, and some hostels for those who prefer not to lighten their wallet too much. In addition, this neighbourhood is conveniently close to the Isla Magica theme park in Seville. From the tree‑lined Alameda to the Cathedral it takes about 20 minutes on foot; alternatively you can take the bus to get as far as the Plaza del Duque and then continue on foot.

I suggest these places to stay:

• Patio de la Alameda: A hotel with beautiful Andalusian-style courtyards: in short, the aesthetic experience continues even when you’re relaxing at the hotel.
• Nua Alameda: One of the many budget-friendly hostales scattered throughout this area. Good location and solid value for money..

All hotels available in the area of Alameda de Hercules

Barrio Triana, the gypsy heart of Seville

There is a time of year when Triana’s hotels are swamped, and it is themad week of the Seville Fair (Feria de Abril). But its fame is not limited to those seven days: the best-known working-class neighbourhood, we might even call it legendary, is precisely the Barrio Triana, the old quarter where gypsies, dancers and musicians of the famous Seville flamenco once lived.

From the riverside opposite the Puente de Triana (which marks the border of the barrio with the old town) to the Cathedral it takes about 15/20 minutes on foot. Alternatively, you can take the metro (Plaza de Cuba station) or the bus from Calle Adriano (on the city-centre side, though) and get off at the very central Avda Constitución.

Consider these accommodation options:

• Hotel Monte Triana: Once again, if the three-star rating has convinced you, this hotel deserves at least four. A classy property, perfect for those who want to stay in Seville—specifically in the more authentic, local side of Barrio Triana—while still enjoying a refined experience.
• Triana Backpapers: A highly rated hostel in Seville, well suited for those who don’t want to spend a fortune. A fresh, youthful atmosphere.

All available hotels in Barrio Triana

Los Remedios, a residential neighbourhood close to the city centre

The Los Remedios neighbourhood lies on the western bank of the Guadalquivir, adjacent to the historic Triana district. It is a tidy, elegant and peaceful residential area, with broad avenues, shops and several restaurants mainly frequented by locals. Compared with the historic centre, as with other outlying neighbourhoods, the atmosphere is more relaxed and less touristy.

The location is very convenient for exploring the city thanks to the Metro: by crossing the river you can quickly reach the centre and landmarks such as the nearby Plaza de España and Parque de Maria Luisa (practically on the other side of the Guadalquivir).

Some recommended places to stay:

• Monte Carmelo: An elegant four-star hotel in the Los Remedios district, a very comfortable and quiet option for staying in Seville without being in the city center. The rooms are modern and well-appointed, with very comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. The breakfast is varied and high quality.
• Rental Sevilla Robledo: This property offers modern, well-equipped studio apartments with a full kitchen (fridge, microwave, and stovetop) and useful amenities such as a washing machine and Wi-Fi. From here, Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España are easily reachable on foot.

All available hotels in Los Remedios

Nervión, modern Seville

Finally Nervión: an area you probably won’t find in your Seville guide, but one we find interesting for those seeking a hotel in a more modern, lively Seville. The distance from the centre isn’t excessive (there is public transport if you don’t fancy walking) but the urban setting and the types of hotel are completely different from those described so far. A selling point? Besides the easier chance of finding parking, this neighbourhood is home to the Cruzcampo brewery, which Sevillians drink by the bucketful, usually accompanied by tapas. Also, Sevilla play around here…

Anyway, this neighbourhood is the furthest from the centre: on foot it takes at least 30 minutes. The quickest way is the Metro: from Gran Plaza station to Puerta de Jerez it takes about 20 minutes.

I recommend these hotels:

• Hotel Virgen de los Reyes: A good-quality hotel, satisfying in every respect. It’s not an Andalusian-style property, of course, but that’s expected given the modern neighborhood. A great option for those who need accommodation near the Santa Justa train station.
• Melia Lebreros: A good modern hotel, featuring a pool and comfortable rooms. The property is very close to the metro station, making it well connected to the city center. It’s also just a short walk from Sevilla FC’s stadium.

 All available hotels in Nervión

Map of accommodation in Seville

Best places to stay in Seville on a budget?

This question is one of the most common among travellers who want to explore Seville without spending a fortune. In fact, compared with other towns in the region, hotel prices here are slightly higher, especially in the central neighbourhoods, where luxury hotels, historic townhouses and upmarket suites abound.

If you have a limited budget, you should therefore focus your search on the popular neighbourhoods, such as Triana and Barrio Macarena, or perhaps opt for one of the many apartments available, or a private room with a shared bathroom in good-quality hostels right in the city centre, such as Flamenka Hostel o The Nomad Hostel.

By clicking below, you’ll find a list of good-quality accommodation at prices a little more favourable than average:

Budget accommodation in Seville

Neighbourhoods to avoid in Seville

In general, Seville is a fairly quiet and safe city for visitors, especially in the central areas and the neighbourhoods mentioned in this article. However, some outlying areas have a less favourable reputation and are certainly not recommended for staying in, though these are in any case neighbourhoods far from the centre and the main tourist attractions, which a visitor is unlikely to end up in by chance. Choosing accommodation in the historic centre or in the neighbourhoods most frequented by tourists should not present any particular problems, but take note of the neighbourhoods to avoid in Seville:

• Polígono Sur / Las 3.000 Viviendas (tra i quartieri più pericolosi di Siviglia)
• Los Pajaritos
• Torreblanca
• El Vacie
• Polígono Norte