Before the Spanish Inquisition that started in the late 15th Century, Santa Cruz served as Seville's Jewish quarter – many of the churches in this neighborhood were originally built as synagogues. Today, the area is composed of winding pedestrian-only streets and plazas lined with orange trees. Many visitors choose to stay or spend time in this quaint neighborhood for its artisan shops, tapas bars and connection to the Seville of yesteryear. Flamenco shows (like those at La Carbonería) and lots of shady relief from the sun abound in Santa Cruz. The barrio sits adjacent to Seville's El Centro neighborhood, a short walk east of the Catedral.

Seville's El Arenal neighborhood rests on the eastern shore of the Guadalquivir River (west of El Centro) and is recognizable by the prominent 13th-century Torre del Oro sticking out in the skyline. The neighborhood is built along Paseo de Cristóbal Colón close to the river, which is often filled with tourists and locals mingling in bars. Head east from the river into this neighborhood and you'll find the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza bullring.

If you're looking to venture into a less crowded (and arguably more authentic) portion of the city, head northwest from El Centro to discover the Alameda and Macarena districts. Full of artist communities, trendy thrift stores and flea markets, La Macarena has changed considerably since its beginnings as a poor, largely working-class district of the city. The Alameda area is centered around the popular Alameda de Hercules, a large plaza that's lined with quirky bars and ethnic vibe restaurants; it is also a popular spot for the local LGBTQ community. A portion of Seville's former defensive city walls still stand in the Macarena, the last remaining section of the Muralla, which formerly surrounded the entire historic center, most of which was torn down in the 19th century.