Where to Stay in Seville: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
We’ve been to Seville countless times and love it (even in winter). It is one of the nicest cities in Europe; as beautiful as Lisbon, Barcelona or Madrid. The city has a long and rich history. Today, it’s modern, vibrant, and offers just about anything. Therefore, where to stay in Seville depends on your kicks and fancies.
Seville has some of the best hotels in Europe. You can stay at a grand old palace, slick modern tower, or cute boutique traditional building. No matter where you stay, you will be welcomed by some of the best hosts in the world. Sevillanos are polite, professional, warm, and very artistic.
The city is the largest in AndalucÃa and 4th in Spain. Over 1.5 million people live in its Metropolitan Area. Besides, it excels in architecture and parks. So much that UNESCO included three places in its World Heritage Site List. Seville has all types of neighborhoods, from party central to quaint and relaxed.
Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
Santa Cruz
The best hotels in Seville are in the Old Town, near the Cathedral and the Alcázar. The Cathedral with its iconic Giralda Tower and the Alcázar will take your breath away. Check out the Forgiveness Gate and Orange Patio behind the Cathedral. Spend as much time as possible in the gardens around the Alcázar.
The Archivo de Indias is in front of the Cathedral; another UNESCO-listed site. Stop by Triunfo Square, very popular amongst locals. The city’s Tourist Office is on the plaza. Loop all around the Cathedral. Look out for the Farola Fountain and the Archbishop Palace. You’ve got several inner patios to discover in the area.
Though Santa Cruz (the Jewish Neighborhood) is very touristic, it is still pretty authentic. King Alfonso X set up the neighborhood giving Jews 4 mosques to convert into Synagogues. Today, these are churches. Walk around the neighborhood and choose your favorite tapas joint or bar.
The Best Hotels in the Area
Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel – luxury hotel
Hotel Casa Del Poeta – luxury hotel
El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique – luxury hotel
El Arenal
El Arenal is in the Old Town, next to the river, between the San Telmo and Triana Bridges. The walk along the Guadalquivir River is one of the nicest in the city. Begin by the Gold Tower, built in 1222. Stop by Columbus Plaza to admire the views.
The unbelievable Maestranza Bull Ring is on the plaza. The gorgeous 1761 building homes a museum and bullfights! Check their website for info. When you reach the Salt Dock next to Triana Bridge, turn to your right, and go to the Arenal Market.
The market itself is beautiful and not touristy at all. Local people visit to shop, grab a bite, and socialize. Next to the market is the Street of the Catholic Kings. From there, walk across the neighborhood to Cabildo Plaza with arches and frescoes.
The Best Hotels in the Area
Hotel Mercer Sevilla – luxury hotel
Hotel Bécquer – luxury hotel
Hotel Colón Gran Meliá – The Leading Hotels of the World – luxury hotel
Centro
By Centro, we mean the geographical center of the Old Town. We are talking about the districts of Encarnación-Regina, Alfalfa, Museo, San Vicente, San Bartolomé and Santa Catalina. The area is a 10-minute walk north of the Cathedral. You will recognize it from the one and only Mushrooms of Seville. The contemporary masterpiece is a classic in the city.
The streets here are narrow and curvy. Fortunately, some are covered. The Palacio de las Dueñas is two blocks north of the mushrooms. Go inside this 15th Century palace to see a dazzling collection of paintings. To the south of the mushrooms is the Church of the Divine Saviour. The 17th Century beauty replaced a mosque.
Walk 2 minutes west of the mushrooms to reach the Palace of Countess Lobreja. The Arab palace has Roman mosaics! Keep walking west to the Seville Museum of Fine Arts. The collection inside is one of the best in Europe.
The Best Hotels in the Area
Welldone Quality – Crystal pool – midrange apartments
Hotel Gravina 51 – luxury hotel
Aguilas5 SevillaSuites – luxury apartments
Feria
Feria is within walking distance of most attractions but in a quiet neighborhood. It’s a 10 minute walk north of the mushrooms. That is 20 minutes from the Cathedral. The area includes San Lorenzo to the west, San Julian to the east, and San Gil to the north.
The Alameda de Los Hercules plaza is the heart of the area. Locals flock to this long plaza with roman columns. Some of the coolest bars in the city are here. One of the grandest Arab palaces in the city is two blocks away. The Algaba Palace exhibits ancient art and hosts concerts and events.
The city’s nicest baroque church is 2 minutes east of the palace. If you think the San Luis de Los Franceses Church looks stunning from outside, wait till you get inside. Plumarejo House is 2 blocks away. The lavish palace was going to be a hotel, but squatters settled in. Today, it’s a local cultural center.
The Best Hotels in the Area
Apartamentos “El Escondite de MarÃa” – midrange apartments
Hotel Ateneo Sevilla – luxury hotel
Palacio Bucarelli – luxury apartments
Macarena
Macarena packs some of the best bars, tapas restaurants, and vintage shops in the city. The neighborhood is north of the old town. Thus, you can walk there in no time. Besides, the neighborhood is an attraction in itself.
The Andalusian Parliament is in the neighborhood. The massive 16th Century Palace overlooks the ancient city walls. Enter through the Macarena Arch from the 12th Century. Walk along the walls until you reach the Macarena Church, one of the most important in the city. San Gil Church from the 13th Century is in front.
Some of the best hotels in the city are around the area. However, it is still pretty much local. That’s why you will find little shops selling just about everything, different services, and a lively atmosphere. Come in the afternoon to enjoy some tapas and beer with the after-work crowd. There’s live music too!
The Best Hotels in the Area
Exe Sevilla Macarena – midrange hotel
Olala Don Fadrique Apartments – luxury apartments (min 4 days)
Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento – luxury hotel across the river
San Pablo-Santa Justa
Seville’s main train station is called Santa Justa. Most trains from the rest of Spain and Europe depart and arrive here. The fast AVE from Madrid stops here. The third-largest station in the country is safe and well organized.
Seville’s main bus station is here too. Therefore, you’ve got fast train and bus connections to fascinating places nearby. You can go to Córdoba for the day! There’s also a 24 minute train connection to the city’s airport. Thus, it’s a great place if you are planning to move a lot around AndalucÃa.
Buses to all of Seville leave from the bus station too. The Old Town is just a 25-minute walk through some of the quirkiest neighborhoods in Seville. As you can imagine, local people live in the neighborhood. You won’t get a more authentic experience than here!
The Best Hotels in the Area
Ayre Hotel Sevilla – luxury hotel
Hotel Virgen de los Reyes – midrange hotel
AACR Hotel Monteolivos – budget hotel
Nervión
Football fans will be happy to know that Pizjuán Stadium is here. It’s the home of the region’s most famous football team, Sevilla FC. However, it’s a posh neighborhood, super safe and full of young people. Therefore, Nervión offers some of the best accommodation in Seville.
You will love the Buhaira Gardens, in the center of Nervion. Jacaranda and palm trees dot the park. There’s a beautiful Moorish pavilion, fountains, and lots of benches. The park hosts concerts, especially during the summer. The area around the park is full of bars visited mostly by a hip local crowd.
Nervión Metro Station is two stations from Puerta Jerez Station, in the heart of the Old Town. That said, the Alcázar Palace is a 25-minute walk away. It will take you the same time to reach the parks around Plaza de España. Therefore, Nervión is a great neighborhood to stay.
The Best Hotels in the Area
Apartamentos Murillo Gardens Sevilla – luxury apartments
Occidental Sevilla Viapol – luxury hotel
Hotel Alcázar – midrange hotel
Sur
Seville has some of the most beautiful parks in Europe. Maria Luisa Park with the iconic Plaza de España used to be the private gardens of San Telmo Palace. Fortunately, the Duchess donated them to the city in 1893. In 1911, French architect Forestier gave them their current shape. The park provides much needed shade in the summer.
Plaza America is to the south. The monumental pavilions that dot the parks hosted the Ibero American Exposition of 1929. You’ve got two museums to visit: the Archaeological Museum and the Popular Arts Museum of Seville. Take your time and walk around admiring the historic pavilions.
Cross the avenue and walk along the river. The Delicias Garden is next to the river. One of the best restaurants in Seville is here, Casa del Estanque. Dine or have a drink outdoors surrounded by nature and fountains. The gorgeous pavilion that towers above the park is the music conservatorium. Seville’s cruise terminal is here too.
The Best Hotels in the Area
Melia Sevilla – luxury hotel
NH Collection Sevilla – luxury hotel
Pasarela – midrange hotel
Triana
Triana is the best area to stay close to the center. The neighborhood is across the river, in front of the Old Town. Access Triana through the Isabel I Bridge, known locally as Triana Bridge. The iron bridge is from 1852.
Walk along pedestrian San Jacinto Street and mingle with the locals. This working-class neighborhood is known in Spain for its pottery. Walk one block to the Pottery Museum, a revamped industrial complex. The entire area features bars, restaurants, and some of the best flamenco in the city. Visit at night for live performances.
La Cartuja is some 25 minutes walking north of Triana. It’s a big green area that hosted the Universal Exposition of Seville 1992. The best architects in the world designed the buildings. Today, most are cultural centers and museums. The Andalusian Center of Contemporary Art is here too. If you like biking, this area is for you!
The Best Hotels in the Area
Eurostars Torre Sevilla – luxury hotel
Casa del Poeta Triana Suite & Homes – luxury apartments
B&B Casa Alfareria 59 – midrange hotel
Los Remedios
Los Remedios is an off-the-beaten-track neighborhood with a lot of green areas. It’s on the same Cartuja Island, to the south of Triana. You can walk to the center in 20 minutes or take a short metro ride. Chic shops and bars line pedestrian Asunción Street.
Princes’ Park is in the heart of the neighborhood, an oasis of peace. You can grab a bite, walk, and rest under the shade. Further west is the city’s biggest sports park. Vega de Triana Park is massive. The park is next to the other side of the river. It’s the place for rowing and kayaking.
Los Remedios comes to life and takes center stage during Seville Fair. The most spectacular festival in the city takes place on the southern edge of Los Remedios. The entire city dances, sings, eats, and parades in this magical place. Book your hotel in Seville in advance if you want to attend the Feria de Abril.
The Best Hotels in the Area
Eurostars Guadalquivir – midrange hotel
Monte Carmelo – midrange hotel
Setefilla Deluxe Suite by Valcambre – luxury apartment
How Long to Stay in Seville
Some of us think that Seville is the prettiest city in the Iberian Peninsula. In fact, when we were living in Barcelona we thought of moving to Seville. The city is completely unique. There is no other city in Europe like Seville. Thus, you can stay for weeks.
However, we all have time constraints and a big world to discover. Therefore, you may be wondering how many days are needed in Seville to cover the basics. We believe that you must stay at least three nights in the city. You will have to rush, but you will see the best attractions.
That said, it would be such a pity to leave Seville so soon! Walking all day to see the monuments will leave you exhausted. You don’t want to miss on Seville’s late afternoons and nights. The weather is so pleasant at night, even in summer. Locals take over the street, singing, dancing, and welcoming everyone.
