Seville - The city's neighbourhoods and how to enjoy them

Seville is made up of neighbourhoods that differ clearly in mood and pace. In a city that is so easy to explore on foot, that is a gift: within a few steps you move from the bustle around the cathedral to quiet lanes with orange trees.

This overview helps you make sense of the city. It works for a day as well as for a long weekend, and most distances are short.

Santa Cruz

The former Jewish quarter lies right beside the cathedral and the Alcázar. White houses, wrought-iron grilles and flowers in courtyards shape the winding lanes. It is loveliest early in the morning or in the evening, when the day trippers have gone.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and lies on the Guadalquivir, which linked the city with the world for centuries. Ships sailed from here to the New World, and that shaped trade, buildings and character. The old town is one of the largest in Spain and is surprisingly easy to explore on foot. Lanes are often narrow and shady, which is a blessing in summer. If you take the districts one after another, you experience the city as a mosaic of moods that only shows its picture as a whole.

Triana across the river

• Location: The district lies on the west bank of the Guadalquivir, reached via the Isabel II bridge.
• Tradition: Triana is famous for its ceramics and flamenco history.
• Riverside: The promenade by the water is a favourite for an evening walk.

Arenal and the river

In the Arenal district stands the Real Maestranza bullring, one of the oldest in Spain. On the riverbank, the Torre del Oro recalls the city's Moorish past. The promenade is a good place for a break after a long day.

Alameda and the northern old town

Around the Alameda de Hércules, Seville feels young and lively, with small bars, galleries and terraces. A little further north lie districts of churches and squares that see fewer visitors, where you can watch the city in everyday life.

Plaza de España and María Luisa Park

The semicircular square with bridges, tiled benches and a small canal was built for an exhibition in 1929. The neighbouring park invites you to rest in the shade. A visit is worthwhile at any hour, especially when it is hot outside.

When and how

Seville is very hot in summer, so it pays to schedule walks for early morning or evening. At midday many locals take a break and shops close. The districts lie so close together that you can link them on foot, and bicycles make a pleasant addition. Eating means small tapas, tried from bar to bar. Wear a hat and sun cream, and drink plenty of water. In spring, when the orange trees blossom, the scent in the lanes is especially lovely.

Every district of Seville is worth a visit. If you have little time, choose two areas and give them room: that beats rushing through everything. Combine sightseeing with breaks in the shade, because the rhythm of the city is slow and relaxed. Sit down on a square, order a drink and watch the world go by. That is how you notice what sets the districts apart: the sounds, the smells and the way people spend their day.