For a first visit to Seville, stay in Santa Cruz or El Arenal. Both are a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral and the Real Alcázar. Choose Triana for a local feel across the river, the Alameda de Hércules for bars and a younger crowd, and Nervión if you arrive by train at Santa Justa.
Information was checked on 18 October 2026.
Seville’s areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Transport | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | First visit, the main sights | Metro L1 Puerta de Jerez, tram Archivo de Indias | Crowds, narrow lanes |
| El Arenal | First visit, tapas, the river | Tram Plaza Nueva, metro Puerta de Jerez | Busy streets near the cathedral |
| Triana | Local feel, flamenco, market | Metro L1 Plaza de Cuba (on the edge) | No metro in the heart of Triana |
| Alameda de Hércules | Bars, younger crowd, budget | Buses only | Lively at night |
| Nervión | Train arrivals, shopping | Metro L1 Nervión, Gran Plaza | Further from the old town |
Seville’s tourism office divides the city into ten areas on its interactive map, including Santa Cruz, El Arenal, Triana and Los Remedios, La Macarena and Nervión.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is Seville’s old Jewish quarter, a maze of narrow lanes and small squares next to the cathedral, the Giralda and the Real Alcázar. It is the classic base for a first visit: the three biggest sights are on your doorstep.
The lanes fill with tour groups during the day. Some streets are too narrow for cars, so check how close a taxi can get if you have heavy luggage.
See places to stay in Santa CruzEl Arenal
El Arenal lies between the cathedral and the Guadalquivir river. It has the Maestranza bullring, the Torre del Oro and the riverside walk, and it is close to Plaza Nueva and the main shopping streets. Plaza de Armas, the end of the airport bus route, is nearby.
It is as central as Santa Cruz but feels a little less like a museum, with plenty of tapas bars.
See places to stay in El ArenalTriana
Triana is across the river from the centre, reached by the Isabel II bridge. It is known for its market and its flamenco and ceramics traditions. Los Remedios, next door, is close to the April Fair grounds.
It suits travellers who want a neighbourhood feel and don’t mind a 10 to 20 minute walk to the cathedral. Metro line 1 stops at Plaza de Cuba and Parque de los Príncipes, on the edge of Triana and in Los Remedios.
See places to stay in TrianaAlameda de Hércules
The tourism office’s food guide treats the Alameda de Hércules and La Macarena as their own area. The long tree-lined square is surrounded by bars and restaurants and is popular with a younger crowd.
It suits a budget or nightlife trip. There is no metro here, only buses, and the square is lively until late.
See places to stay around the AlamedaNervión
Nervión is a modern district east of the old town, with shopping centres and the Santa Justa station for high-speed trains nearby. Metro line 1 stops at Nervión and Gran Plaza.
It is practical if you arrive or leave by train, but you will need the metro, a bus or a long walk to reach the historic centre.
See places to stay in NerviónFrom the airport to your area
There is no metro or train to Seville Airport. The airport bus is the only public transport.
| Option | To | Fare (official) | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus EA (TUSSAM) | City centre, ending at Plaza de Armas | €6 single, €8 return on the same day | from the airport about 4:30 to 00:05 |
You can pay by card on board. The provincial bulletin has published a plan to replace the return ticket with 48-hour and 4-day cards, but we could not find a start date, so check the fare when you travel.
Tourist tax in Seville
As of October 2026, Seville has no tourist tax. The mayor has asked the Andalusian government to allow one, and hotel associations oppose it. In Andalusia a tourist tax needs a regional law, which has not been passed. See our tourist tax guide for the cities that do charge one.
Summer heat and apartments
July and August are extremely hot in Seville. Air conditioning is not optional, so check the listing. Since October 2024, the city limits tourist apartments to 10% of the homes in each neighbourhood, and the old town and parts of Triana no longer get new licences, according to legal guides. Hotels are the easier option in the centre. To search the whole city, compare places to stay in Seville.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Seville for a first visit?
Santa Cruz or El Arenal. Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, is next to the cathedral, the Giralda and the Real Alcázar. El Arenal, between the cathedral and the river, is just as central and has many tapas bars.
Is Triana a good area to stay in Seville?
Yes, if you want a more local feel. Triana is across the river from the centre, known for its market and its flamenco and ceramics traditions. The historic centre is a 10 to 20 minute walk over the Isabel II bridge.
Does Seville have a tourist tax?
Not as of October 2026. The city council wants one, but in Andalusia it needs a regional law and the regional government has not approved it.
How do I get from Seville Airport to the city centre?
There is no metro or train to the airport. The EA airport bus costs €6 one way, or €8 for a return on the same day, and runs from about 4:30 to just after midnight. You can pay by card on board.
When is it too hot to visit Seville?
July and August are the hottest months, with afternoon temperatures that are often very high. If you travel in summer, choose accommodation with air conditioning and plan sightseeing for the morning and evening.
Sources
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