Seville is one of the best cities to live in as a young expat, whether you’re moving to Spain to study, work, or learn Spanish. Even though it has fewer international residents than Barcelona or Madrid, it’s still one of the most popular options, thanks to its affordability and laidback lifestyle.
Finding rental homes in Seville is gives you a one-of-a-kind opportunity as you can be a part of a diverse community. But how do you decide which neighborhoods in Seville are best?
Since it’s a difficult job, we've made a list of the best neighborhoods in Seville for young professionals, students, and families, so you don’t have to!
Is it safe to live in Seville?
Seville has one of the lowest crime rates (26.74%) in Spain. So it’s overall a very safe city to live in, especially compared to other major Spanish cities. So you don’t need to worry when wandering the streets of any neighborhood of Seville. Just be extra cautious about pickpockets in tourist areas.
El Arenal neighborhood, Seville
El Arenal is one of Seville's most populated and multiracial neighborhoods in the historical old town, Casco Antiguo. The neighborhood lies on the east bank of the Guadalquivir river, which splits Seville into two.
Things to do
El Arenal's perfect for young and dynamic working professionals who want to have shopping centers and nightlife at their fingertips while living in a traditional Spaniard quarter.
The main advantage of living in El Arenal's the availability of many public transportation options: tram and metro networks mainly cover the central neighborhoods
One of the world's most well-known bullfighting festivals's held annually in Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, a bullring in El Arenal. It’s considered the most spectacular and challenging bullring in the world.
And finally, El Arenal has many tapas bars, chic shops, and tabloas for flamenco shows for a fun night out! Our advice is to go to tablao El Arenal for the world-class flamenco show accompanied by a 3-course delicious meal.
Rental prices
El Arenal is one of the most expensive parts of Seville. But this shouldn’t scare you since Seville is quite an affordable cost of living overall. You’ll be looking at €800–€900 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in this area.
Internationality
El Arenal's undoubtedly the most international neighborhood in Seville. So if you’re looking for a multicultural community where you can have friends from all over the world and experience various cultures, then this’s the place.
Santa Cruz neighborhood, Seville
Right next to El Arenal, there’s a charming and historic neighborhood called Santa Cruz. This small neighborhood has maze-like narrow streets filled with little shops and lively bars.
Things to do
The landmark of Seville, the royal palace Alcázar's one of the main tourist attractions in this neighborhood. Other notable sites are the cathedral tower La Giralda and the stunning Casa de Pilatos gardens.
Living in Santa Cruz's like living in a street festival. The moment you step into the alleys of Santa Cruz you’ll hear the beautiful sound of Spanish guitar, the delicious smell of tasty tapas bars, and the friendly voices of its residents.
Rental prices
Due to its central location, rental prices are more expensive than in the rest of the city. You’ll be looking at €800–€900 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in this area.
Internationality
One of the main reasons why students choose this neighborhood is because the main building of the University of Seville, known as the Old Tobacco Factory, is nearby.
Triana neighborhood, Seville
Triana's a working-class neighborhood with small streets on the other side of the Guadalquivir river. It’s connected to the rest of Seville by the bridge Puente de Isabel II.
Buses are the only means of public transport to get to Triana from central neighborhoods. But thanks to Seville’s extensive bus network, there’re frequent trips.
Things to do
On the one hand, many students live in Triana thanks to its proximity to the centre, lower accommodation prices, and buzzing nightlife. On the other hand, this fast-paced life makes it quite noisy at night. So if you prefer silent nights, this neighborhood might not be for you.
Every day a local market_ called the Mercado de Triana's held near the bridge Puente de Isabel II and it's full of fresh products like vegetables, fruits, poultry, and meat. Alongside the bridge, you’ll find cute locally owned cafes and restaurants.
Triana neighborhood is famous for its flamenco shows. There’re so many venues you can choose from. The most famous one is a small venue called Pura Esencia. In this intimate venue, you’ll watch dazzling flamenco performances alongside tasty Spanish meals and wine.
Rental prices
Rental prices are very affordable in Triana, even compared to the rest of Seville. Expect to pay €500 for a studio and €650 for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Internationality
Triana's one of Seville's less-known neighborhoods, making it less popular for tourists. But nowadays lower rent prices attract both local and expat students.
Macarena neighborhood, Seville
Macarena's a cool and hip Seville neighborhood with its brand of beauty and charm. This neighborhood's home to many artists, writers, and performers.
It’s located in north Seville, and just like Triana, it’s connected to the rest of the city by bus lines.
Things to do
If you choose to live in Macarena you’ll see artists and performers often gather to host workshops and entertain in shared courtyards, which is why life in Macarena's a never-ending fun!
Macerana also has the oldest and busiest flea market in Seville, El Jueves, held every Tuesday. Also, the Calle Feria food market has fresh fruit and vegetable stalls and artisan pastry.
You’ll find many churches in Macarena but the main one is the Basílica de la Macarena, a neo-Baroque church from 1949 loved by locals and tourists alike.
You’ll also find multiple kindergartens and preschools, nurseries, and language schools, making it perfect for families. Some of the main hospitals, such as Hospital de Las Cinco Llagas and Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena are located here as well.
Internationality
Macarena residents are predominantly locals and families, but you’ll come across some international artists and young professionals since many houses have been remodelled recently to attract young professionals.
Rental prices
It’s perfect for people with a low-mid range income. You can find many 1-bedroom apartments for €600 per month.
Alameda neighborhood, Seville
Alameda neighbourhood's a newly renovated neighborhood with inhabitants of young working expats, new families, and the LGBTQ+ community. It lies in the north of the city and is accessible by bus.
Things to do
Alameda has a youthful energy with many bars, outdoor cafes, and clubs. Its audience is always young and dynamic: because hip crowds and a cool dancing scene make this neighborhood an all-time favourite nightlife destination among students__.
In this neighborhood, you’ll find many restaurants adapted to different dietary choices: most have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten dishes on their menus.
Internationality
Due to the low rent, many students and young professionals choose Alameda. So you’re bound to make new friends with many young internationals in this neighborhood.
Rental prices
Alameda's a very affordable neighborhood. Also, most homes are newly renovated and accommodate a growing community of students and young professionals. A 1-bedroom apartment will cost you €450 per month.
Nervión neighborhood, Seville
Nervión is Seville’s most up-and-coming neighborhood, with a train station connecting the city with other Spanish cities like Madrid and Córdoba. The neighborhood connects to central Seville with metro line 1 and 3 bus lines.
So thanks to good transport links and many new residential buildings, it’s one of the most in-demand neighborhoods in Seville.
Things to do
You’ll find many good boutiques, chain stores, and restaurants in the Nervión Plaza shopping centre.
One of the most famous and exclusive places is a Michelin star restaurant called Tribeca. Founded by brothers, this minimalist restaurant has one of the best sea bass dishes you’ll ever have in town.
Nervión's also home to good schools such as the Spanish Institute for Global Education.
Internationality
Nervión neighborhood combines a mix of local and international crowds. Your neighbours will mostly be young families and professionals.
Rental prices
Nervión's home to Seville’s most exclusive and spacious homes built in 1929 — Ciudad Jardín. These residential areas have sports facilities, public swimming pools, and many playgrounds for kids to play in.
Keep in mind that Nervión's one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Seville. Expect to pay about €1,100–€1,400 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. But you’ll also find many family-friendly apartments in large high-rise buildings for more affordable prices.
Seville neighborhood
So here’s your cheat sheet for the best area to stay in Seville:
- The best neighborhoods in Seville for young professionals are El Arenal and Santa Cruz.
- The best neighborhoods in Seville for students are Alameda and Triana.
- The best neighborhoods in Seville for families are Nervión and Macerana.
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