We are a family of 12 including 3 children under 5 years and a 1 year old baby.

We have a choice of renting apartments in El Arenal or Barrio de Santa Cruz for the 3 nights we are there. we would like to do as little walking as possible because of the children but we still want to see the major attractions. Which area would you recommend for our family? Is it likely to be more noisy in Santa Cruz? Is one area more safe than the other?

Due to walking requirements, go for Barrio de Santa Cruz. It's central to the most attractions.

It will be noisy, full of tourists but it's around the central area and it's the heart of Sevilla.

My opinion

Blackduff

Thanks Blackduff, would you describe Barrio de Santa Cruz as a much more picturesque part of Seville than El Arenal, or isn't there much difference?

I'm not blackduff, but I'd say yes, Barrio de Santa Cruz is considerably more "picturesque" than El Arenal.

Certain Barrio Santa Cruz is must more pictoresque. First, you have the Giraldo (sp.?) which is the big cathederal. Alcazar is right near. You can walk very easily to the park Maria Luisa and visit the Plaza Espagne. This park was built during the world's fair in 1929, if I remember.

Foodwise I would place the El Arenal area finds better restaurants. Certainly Barrio Santa Cruz has lots of restaurants but there's lots of bad ones too.

If you can drop off the kids for the evening, take a walk around in the Barrio-after 10-11 pm. You will see wall to wall of Spaniards having a good time.

Blackduff

Thanks to both of you, Barrio de Santa Cruz it is!