Of all the cities that I have visited in Spain, Seville is my favorite – no doubt about it. It is the perfect mix of charm, growth, and history. If you stay near the city center, all of the city highlights are within walking distance and the streets beckon you to amble about and discover new finds for yourself. Whether it be an eccentric art gallery, a cozy coffee shop, or a lively little bar… you are bound to find something that delights everyone. Along with its local charm, Seville is rich in history and has a handful of wondrous sites for you and your family to discover!
Activity Highlights
Royal Alcazar of Seville
The Royal Alcazar was one of my absolute favorite sites of the entire trip! It is oozing with so much history that it is almost palpable as you wander through the endless maze of extravagant rooms and lush gardens. Oh the gardens! Tranquil and teeming with greenery, they are otherworldly and transport you back to another point in time. They were my favorite part of the tour and I would love the chance to go back and explore them more!
The audioguide for this tour is self-guided and very well done. It is informational and I loved learning more about the history and reasoning behind each room. There is also mythical folklore sprinkled throughout, which we found intriguing and exciting to learn about!
* For the budget-savvy traveler, check out the free entry timeframe that the Royal Alcazar offers. I imagine demand is higher and entry is not guaranteed during these times, but if you’re looking to save money, it’s worth a shot! For the most up-to-date information on ticket pricing and hours of operation, check out the official site here.
The detail was astonishing.
It is said that the statue of this fountain comes alive at night and is the protector of the gardens.
Plaza de Espana
Another must when visiting Seville. We had no real agenda while at the plaza, but rather we strolled through and embraced the slow pace of the day. Regions of Spain are tiled along the half moon shape of the plaza, each one represented in their own unique way. We found individuals selling fans and other trinkets for a fraction of the price that the tourist stores sell them for – so bring some cash! We also caught the end of a flamenco show right in the heart of the plaza. It was comprised of a handful of musicians and one talented flamenco dancer – stamping her feet to the beat of the music on a slab of wood she brought out for the performance. Another activity you could do in the plaza is rent a rowboat to ride around in the plaza’s central water feature. It looks like a blast and I would love to do it if I ever go back! Plaza de Espana is a part of Parque de Maria Luisa. If you choose to explore the rest of the park, you will be delighted to find green, tropical walkways awaiting you that offer tranquility and beauty, transporting you away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Fun Fact: Plaza de Espana was a filming location for Star Wars, representing the exterior of the Theed Palace on the planet Naboo.
Breath of fresh air in Parque de Maria Luisa
Catedral de Sevilla + La Giralda
This stop offers a full experience –
- a climb to the top of a bell tower with panoramic views of the city
- a stroll through the historic orange groves
- astounding views of the cathedral’s interior
- a viewing of Christopher Columbus’ grave!
We bought tickets ahead of time to guarantee entry and to avoid long lines. The Cathedral’s site has a number of different activity packages, so make sure you buy a ticket that satisfies everything you want to see. The museums, the cathedral’s interior, climbing up the bell tower (La Giralda), and extended tours are all separate experiences and need to be accounted for when purchasing your ticket. Audioguides are available as well. For the most up-to-date information on ticket pricing and hours of operation, check out the official site here.
*For the budget-savvy traveler, look into the free entry timeframe The Cathedral / La Giralda offers. I imagine demand is higher and entry is not guaranteed during these times, but if you’re looking to save money, it’s worth a shot!
View from the top
Setas de Sevilla (Mushrooms of Seville)
This is a really neat part of town with plenty of activities to fill your day! The main attraction is the massive art installation known as Setas de Sevilla, the largest wooden structure in the world! It is cool to witness during the day, but nighttime is when it steals the show. ”Aurora” is a light show put on at Setas de Sevilla and they claim that, “…just like no two nights are the same, no two Auroras are the same.” You can stroll around beneath the structure (for free) or you can pay for entry to climb to the top and soak in the city’s views.
- The large “I heart Sevilla” statue sits under the Setas de Sevilla and it makes for a great photo op!
- There are a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area to fuel your adventure. We went to La Cacharrería and it was wonderful! Great service, hip vibe, and good food.
- Located beneath the Setas de Sevilla is The Antiquarium – a museum that houses Roman ruins, mosaics, pottery, and more. I did not experience it myself, but it might be worth checking out!
- The kids spotted a carousel that sits at the base of the Setas de Sevilla, so naturally, we bought them a few rounds on the vibrant ponies and that was a highlight for them!
I hope you enjoy my favorite Spanish city!
DriftBound 