The Best Hostels in Seville, Spain

While many hostels claim eco-friendly credentials, the Nomad goes the extra mile, with everything from organic bed sheets to fair trade coffee. Accommodation ranges from private rooms with double beds to dorms sleeping up to 10 in bunks (handmade locally, of course). There’s the bonus of free breakfast, plus use of a shared kitchen and a lounge with computers. Explore the old town surrounds with free walking tours or mingle with other guests at regular organised events.

Situated on a cobbled tree-lined lane in the central Museo district, For You Hostel scores high on both location and setting. It’s been artfully integrated into a 19th-century building, all sleek and clean and with a sense of fun. Everything from private rooms to mixed and female-only dorms are available; each has a bathroom and some open onto a terrace. Common zones include a coffee bar and kitchen, plus the hotel holds regular language exchanges where you can improve your Spanish with local students.

Once the headquarters of the Saimaza coffee company, the Koisi Hostel is set in a rather impressive piece of modernist architecture. Original busy tiling, marble columns and twirly wrought iron contrast with the contemporary minimalism in the rooms, which range from private quarters to dorms (mixed and female-only). An all-day bar is also the setting for morning breakfast and evening drinks. While the location, a block from Las Setas (a striking multi-use venue, and the largest wooden structure in the world) means there are plenty of eating and drinking options on your doorstep.

A book-tower reception desk sets the tone for this utterly charming and cheerful hostel. An open-air chill-out lounge and private cinema set it apart from most, as does the funky cafe offering everything from breakfast (with great coffee) to tapas and cocktails. Private suites sleep two or four guests, and dorms up to eight, all with nifty fingerprint room access. The hostel is in the Santa Cruz district, so many of the best city sights are just minutes away on foot.

The colourful and friendly La Flamenka Hostel is located in one of the most beautiful areas of central Seville, less than a 10-minute stroll from all the major attractions. Beds are in shared dorms or cosy private rooms, and communal areas include a spectacular rooftop terrace and a fully equipped kitchen. Charming owners Ana and Jaime are only too happy to help you plan your sightseeing and arrange tickets to shows and monuments. This is top-notch budget accommodation.

Situated a couple of streets from the beautiful 18th-century bullring, La Banda is one of the most creatively designed hostels in the city. Inspired by everything from London bars to music festivals, the dorms and communal areas are packed with home-made furniture and quirky features. Hostel life revolves around the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy cathedral views, creative cocktails and a home-cooked meal every night.

Offering daily dinners and breakfasts at no extra charge, Black Swan is one of the best-value hostels in Seville. Other activities that won’t set you back a cent include a Free Night Out (designed to bring solo travellers together), a guided tour of the enchanting Santa Cruz barrio and a flamenco evening. The trendily decorated accommodation comes either in ensuite doubles (one with a terrace) and mixed or female-only dorms.

Free communal dinners every evening will get you mingling with your fellow travellers, as will the pub crawls that follow. Chill-out spaces include a sun-drenched roof terrace, a patio, a spacious kitchen and a lounge equipped with communal computers. The trendy nightspots of the Alameda are a five-minute walk away.

If you want to be close to all the attractions yet away from the busiest part of Seville, this is the place for you. Located in the heart of gorgeous Triana, Seville’s former Gypsy neighbourhood, this cosy hostel offers private and shared accommodation, a lovely roof terrace and a common room with computers and a TV. Pilgrims starting the 1,000km (621mi) trek to Santiago de Compostela from Seville (along Via de la Plata) receive a discount.

The second Hostel One in Seville is sandwiched between the cathedral and Moorish Alcazar, making it a great base for sightseeing. Hostel One Catedral’s free breakfasts and dinners also provide a great opportunity to meet travellers from all over the world, as do the guided tours and pub crawls (neither of which cost extra). The comfy dorm beds are fitted with privacy curtains and each comes with a spacious locker.