Regardless of where you choose to stay in Seville, it is a small and charming city that is easy to visit

Seville is one of the more important Spanish cities. It is perhaps most famous for the April fair where people dress in “trajes de flamenco” and dance sevillanas while celebrating with their friends. Seville also has beautiful processions during Holy Week. It is home to various monuments, museums, historic buildings, and is considered a Cultural Patrimony. This is the city that made me fall in love with Spain, its food, and its culture. I love all of Andalucía, but if you are short on time, Seville is a good option to experience some of what the South of Spain has to offer.

Barrio Santa Cruz

This is the old Jewish quarter, and for me it is the part of Seville that holds the most charm. It is located in the center of the city and is full of winding streets, flowers bursting out of balconies, and small interior patios. This area of the city evokes a kind of magic as you walk around and is perhaps what you imagine when reading about Seville. Don´t miss the church of Santa Cruz and the Patio de Banderas where you will get a great look at the La Giralda (the tower on the Cathedral of Seville).

La Macarena

La Macarena is an area named for the Basilica of the Virgin of the Macarena. It is found in the north, center of the city, and it’s a good option if you don´t want to stay in the historic center of town. The most impressive piece of architecture in this area is by far the Arch of the Macarena and the Basilica itself. You can also find the Parliament building and good connections by city bus. Also in this area, you can visit part of the old wall from when Seville was a walled city.

La Cartuja

Located on a small island between two arms of the Guadalquivir river, this is the area that gained fame as part of the 1992 Expo. The buildings are modern looking. It is also home to the Jardín Americano and the amusement park Isla Mágica. Another point of interest is the contemporary art center, El Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo. Some university buildings can be found and the area is now mainly used by businesses, and this may be a good option if you are in Seville for a conference.

Triana

Located on the other side of the Guadalquivir River, this neighborhood is full of local shops and bars, as well as a characteristic markets. Places to visit include the Church of Santa Ana and the bars along Calle Betis. Triana is also considered to be one of the birth places of flamenco and there are lots of artists who got their start in this Seville neighborhood. And, if you are lucky enough to visit during the festival of Santa Ana and San Juan, the patron saints of Triana, you will experience a great street party that is like a mini fair.

Los Remedios

Located just to the north of Triana and bordered by the Guadalquivir, this residential neighborhood is a calmer place to stay. It is best known for being the neighborhood closest to the April fair grounds, the Parque de los Principes and the Carriage Museum. While it is well connected by public transportation, down sides include the fact that you are removed from the city center and the neighborhood is perhaps less vibrant in that sense, although if you are coming to enjoy the April fair or Holy Week processions, this is a good option, but a little bit expensive. As always, it depends on what you are looking for.

Nervión

This area of Seville, located not far from the train station, is the geographical center of the city. It is a newer area. While it lacks some of the charm of the historic center, there are several points of interest including the Seville Football Stadium, shops, the Factory for Cruzcampo Beer, and the Greco-roman style church of the Immaculate Conception. This is a good option if you prefer to be closer to the train station, or if you don´t mind being a little bit farther out from the center of town and the main tourist attractions. Again, it is a calmer area as it is more of an economic and commercial area.

El Arenal

This area of Seville is part of the historical section and is located next to the Guadalquivir and the Barrio de Santa Cruz. This is perhaps the most touristic area of Seville and includes a lot of the attractions that appear in the guide books. That being said, if you are on a tight schedule, this might be a good option for you, as you can see the Bull Ring, the Torre de Oro, the Cathedral, the Real Alcazar with its beautiful gardens. You are a stone´s throw away from the shopping streets of CalleS ierpes and the plaza of la Campana where you can take in the sights, and in Semana Santa the processions.

So…where should I stay?

Regardless of where you choose to stay in Seville, it is a small and charming city that is easy to visit. Make sure to try some of the local foods (especially the Serranito sandwich with its fried green pepper) and enjoy the old streets and beautiful architecture. This is a city that is very open to tourism, but if you dig a little deeper and go off the beaten path, the Seville of the locals is well worth discovering. Want more information about where to stay? Take a look on GowithOh to find the place to stay that is right for you.