El Arenal District

The basics

The Seville Bullring (Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza de Cabellería de Sevilla) is a site of great importance to Seville, and features as a stop-off in many guided sightseeing tours of the city, along with the Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla) and Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede). Other key draws for tourists in El Arenal are the 13th-century Torre del Oro watchtower, now a naval museum, and the baroque-style Hospital de la Caridad, where paintings by celebrated Spanish artists hang. El Arenal is also home to the celebrated Tablao Flamenco El Arenal. This 100-year old tavern attracts visitors after dark with its popular flamenco dinner shows.

Things to know before you go

• El Arenal is a must for visitors with an interest in Andalucian culture and bullfighting.
• Siesta time in Seville typically lasts from 2pm to 5pm with some smaller shops in El Arenal closing during this time, though lunch spots and museums usually remain open.
• If you want to attend a bullfight, book tickets in advance as the best seats (i.e. the shaded seats) often sell out quickly.

How to get there

El Arenal is situated on the east side of the Guadalquivir River. To get there by public transit, ride the metro line 1 to the Puerta de Jerez stop and wander north from there. Walking from the Alcázar or the cathedral will take less than 10 minutes.

When to get there

April is a great time to visit, with the festivities of the Seville April Fair (Feria de Abril) bringing a buzz to the neighborhood. Milder spring temperatures also make it more pleasant to explore than in the often sweltering heat of summer. With lots of tapas bars and rooftop terraces in El Arenal, it’s also a good destination for an evening out.

Seville Bullring

Built in the 18th century, Seville’s bullring is the oldest surviving in Spain, and many of the traditions of bullfighting were established here on its sandy surface. Visitors can explore the site and visit the on-site museum as well as the chapel and the infirmary where wounded matadors are treated. The most high-profile bullfights are hosted during the Seville April Fair (Feria de Abril), a weeklong event that typically takes place two weeks after Easter.