El Arenal

There are fewer tourists in El Arenal than in Seville's other central districts, and that's part of the neighborhood's appeal. As one might expect from a less touristy 'hood, this is not the city's most popular zone for nightlife. That said, its a great place to absorb the local vibe, and great cafés and restaurants are abundant.

The neighborhood is the city's bullfighting hub, and La Maestranza, a sizeable bullring, is a main draw. On the edge of El Arenal is the Museo de Bellas Artes.

El Centro

Centro is, not surprisingly, Seville's hub, anchored by Plazas San Francisco and Nueva. There are Shopping streets, churches, museums, restaurants, cafés and boutiques aplenty here. Another highlight is the Museo de Bellas Artes—or Fine Arts Museum—with its outstanding collection of works by Murillo, Valdés Leal, Zurbarán and other Sevillean masters.

For visitors who must be the center of the action, El Centro is the place to be. Note, though, that because it's so in demand it's also not cheap. Hotels, hostals and restaurants are all a bit more expensive in El Centro. Other hallmarks: loud cathedral bells, an absence of Internet cafés, and the obligatory Starbucks.

La Alameda

La Alameda, with its edgy vibe and nightlife scene, is made for late night revellers. The neighborhood may be in the throes of gentrification at the hands of trendy young professionals, but it retains its rough edges and party-friendly feel. Exhibits A and B: headshops and punk jewelry shops aplenty.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is the Seville of your deepest Andalusian fantasies, with its warrens of tiny streets and alleys, stunningly beautiful small plazas and reservoir of atmospheric touches so gorgeous as to seem dreamlike. (In the summer, homeowners here compete to see who can create the most beautiful flowerboxes.) On the other hand, Santa Cruz is tourist central, so expect company while you're getting lost in Sevillian dreams and noshing on delicious—and expensive—tapas.

Triana

Situated just across the Guadalquivir river, Triana is a skip away from central Seville—with a personality all its own. Residents here sometimes claim they invented flamenco, not their fellow citizens across the river! In addition beautiful homes, ancient churches, the area has one of the oldest ceramics factories in Seville.