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.
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.
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.
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.
