El Arenal

Seville, Spain

Overall Safety
Good
3.9 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

El Arenal is the upscale riverside area between Santa Cruz and the bullring. Safe, good English availability, active evening scene. Moderate to high prices. Good option if you want something more polished than the tourist center but still central.

Upscale and culturalRiverside locationVibrant dining sceneHistoric meets modernProfessional young crowd
Details

El Arenal runs along the eastern riverbank between Santa Cruz and the bullring - historically the port district that connected Seville to the Americas. Now it's an upscale area with a mix of old buildings and modern restaurants. Gets crowded during the day with tourists visiting Torre del Oro and Plaza de Toros. The dining scene combines traditional tapas bars with newer restaurants. Streets around Calle Arfe fill with well-dressed young professionals in the evenings and stay active until late. English is common in restaurants since they get international visitors and business diners. Mercado del Arenal mixes traditional market stalls with modern food stands. Solo dining is normal, lots of outdoor terraces. Good lighting and regular police make evening walks feel safe. The bullring area is touristy - head toward the river or side streets for less of that. Moderate to high prices depending where you go.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Good

Harassment Risk

Low

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Moderate

Scam Risk

Low

Police Visibility

Excellent

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Excellent

Solo Dining

Excellent

Drug Activity

Low

Homelessness Visibility

Low

Getting By in English

Excellent
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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Torch Coffee Roasters
  • Bestiario (coffee/cocktails)
  • Mercado del Arenal cafes

Restaurants

  • La Brunilda
  • Petit Comité
  • Bodeguita Antonio Romero

Bars

  • Bestiario
  • Noha
  • Bars along Calle Arfe

Other Spots

  • Plaza de Toros (Bullring)
  • Torre del Oro
  • Mercado del Arenal
Impressions & Tips

"Very safe at night, well-lit with lots of people around"

"Great restaurants but expect to pay tourist prices"

"Easy to meet other travelers and locals at the bars"

"Solo dining felt completely normal, excellent service"

"Beautiful riverfront walks, felt safe even late"

Similar Neighborhoods in Seville

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Daytime SafetyExcellent
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Triana is across the river with deep flamenco roots and local dining scene. Safe and more residential than the tourist center. Good market, active riverfront, and better prices. Less English but worth it if you want something more authentic.

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La Alameda de Hércules

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33

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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