Seville is a hot, low-lying Andalusian city on the Guadalquivir, where summer daytime temperatures routinely climb above 35 °C. Its historic centre is large and well preserved, and much of what you will want to see sits inside it. Expect to slow down in the early afternoon and to eat and go out late, because Sevillanos are known for their nightlife.
For a visitor the city divides fairly simply. The old town holds the Cathedral, the Giralda, the Alcázar and the General Archive of the Indies, with the Barrio de Santa Cruz and the Judería wrapped around them. West across the river lies Triana, and Los Remedios sits on the same west bank. North of the centre are quieter residential streets around Encarnación, and further out are modern areas near the main transport stops. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, what each is like for different kinds of traveller, and roughly what your money buys at each level.
Best areas to stay in Seville
1. Barrio de Santa Cruz and the Judería
This is the old Jewish quarter, a dense grid of narrow streets immediately around the Cathedral and the Giralda, and it puts the city's headline sights within a few minutes on foot. It suits first-time visitors above all, and anyone who wants to step out of the door and be in the middle of things. Accommodation here ranges from simple pensions in converted old buildings to upscale places, including some spread across several historic houses.
The trade-off is noise and access. Streets are pedestrianised, so do not plan on bringing a car, and rooms facing the street can be noisy. If you are not planning to be out at all hours, ask for a room set back from the street.
2. Triana
Triana sits west of the river, roughly a kilometre from the old centre, in a neighbourhood of narrow streets and old houses. It is a good choice if you want a quieter base with its own character while still being within walking distance of the centre, and it works well for budget travellers. Hostels and simple hotels are the norm here, and some places have parking.
You will cross the river to reach the Cathedral and the Alcázar, so weigh up whether you would rather walk to the sights each day or stay among them.
3. Around Encarnación and north of the centre
The streets north of the centre, around Encarnación Square, are quieter and more residential than the old town, and several small hotels sit on these streets. This area suits travellers who want calm and value, and who do not mind a walk of several hundred metres to the main sights. Rooms tend to be small and simple, and some properties are on quiet side streets.
Some hotels further north are around a kilometre from the centre, so check the exact position before booking if walking distance matters to you.
4. Los Remedios and the west bank
Los Remedios lies on the west bank of the river and is served by modern hotels, some with parking. It is about a ten-minute walk to Plaza de España, which makes it practical for travellers who want newer, more efficient accommodation and are happy to be outside the historic core.
This is a reasonable base if you are arriving by car or want a quieter setting, but you will be walking or using transport for most of the old town sights.
5. Around Plaza de España and the south of the centre
The area just east of Plaza de España has a handful of clean, friendly places within a short walk of the plaza. It suits visitors who want the park and plaza on their doorstep and a slightly less crowded feel than the streets around the Cathedral.
It is still central enough to reach the old town on foot, though you will cover more ground than if you stayed in Santa Cruz.
6. Outlying and transport-linked areas
Further out you find larger modern hotels, some with pools, parking and restaurants, including properties near the main bus station, near San Bernardo metro stop, and one about ten kilometres south of the city on a bus and metro route. These suit travellers arriving late or leaving early, those with a car, and anyone who prioritises facilities over location.
Several of these sit on airport bus and other transport routes, which makes them convenient for transit, but you will not be walking to the Cathedral from most of them.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds in hostels, including some with roof terraces and shared kitchens, and simple pensions or budget rooms in old houses. Rooms are often small, some are on upper floors without a lift, and air conditioning may struggle in the heat.
- Mid-range: small hotels and hostales, often in converted town houses, plus serviced apartments with kitchens that suit families and small groups. Expect compact rooms, a range of locations from the Judería to Los Remedios, and street noise as a common issue.
- Splurge: upscale and destination hotels, including historic buildings, with facilities such as pools, spas, restaurants and parking. Some suites sit in the main historic buildings while other rooms are in nearby houses.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Barrio de Santa Cruz and the Judería. The Cathedral, the Giralda and the Alcázar are on your doorstep, so you spend your time seeing the city rather than crossing it. Just choose a street without a lot of bars and restaurants, or ask for a room away from the street, if you want quiet at night.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need air conditioning in Seville?
Most places have it, but ask before you book if you are travelling in summer. Daily highs in July and August are routinely above 35 °C, and you will probably spend the early afternoon in your room to escape the heat.
Which areas are quiet at night?
Sevillanos are known for their nightlife, so streets with many bars and restaurants stay lively. If you do not plan to be out at all hours, look for accommodation on a street without them, or ask for a room set back from the street.
Should I stay in the old town if I am arriving by car?
Parts of the centre are pedestrianised, and some hotels there advise against bringing a car. If you are driving, look at areas such as Los Remedios, Triana or the outlying hotels, where parking is more likely to be available.
Where should I stay if I want to walk to the main sights?
The Barrio de Santa Cruz and the Judería put the Cathedral, the Giralda and the Alcázar within a few minutes on foot. Triana and Los Remedios are also walkable to the centre, though you will cross the river or cover more ground.
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