Share a recap of your adventures in Seville! I have another post with food, questions and answers, and you can see my Spain packing list here.
Hello friends! How’s the morning going so far? Just a little note that I updated my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post with items that are currently in stock and will be updating it throughout the week as well.
For today’s post, I’m sharing some of the highlights of our recent trip to Spain. It’s taken me a while to get this post together because I have SO much to say about this magical holiday. It is sure to become one of our favorite family trips and I am so excited to share the details with you.
From the lively streets to the rich culture and amazing sights, Seville really charmed us. In this post, I will take you through our tours and adventures. Stay tuned for another post about the amazing food and restaurants we discovered, as well as some Q&As!
We went to Seville to visit some good friends who have lived there for the past year. Their oldest daughter is best friends with P – it’s hard to explain, but these two kids are soul mates and from the same planet – so we try to get them together at least once a year. We have been friends with this amazing family since the girls were three and obviously spending time with them was our #1 priority and a huge highlight of the trip.
They showed us around this incredible city and we were able to get the scoop on their favorite spots, enjoying great meals, rooftop parties and even a parents night out. The girls lived their BEST LIVES. our cups are all too full.
Things to do in Seville with children
The charm of Spain
Like my favorite parts of Italy and Mexico, Spain is brimming with incredible food, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. The streets are lined with wrought iron balconies and the houses present a perfect palette of creams, reds, yellows, pinks and deep greens. Parks, often surrounded by cafes and bars, are lush with plants and make great places to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Transport is super easy, making it a breeze to explore. We also stayed in Seville where almost everything was within walking distance or a qiuck hop on the bus.
(The kids also took a painting lesson from an amazing local teacher while we were there which was a huge treat! Wish they could do this week)
Travel style tips
When it comes to packing for Spain, think casual and flexible. I usually pack sneakers and trendy sandals, day clothes and a nicer dress for dinner. This time, I brought workout clothes just in case, but they stayed in the suitcase. Athleisure is also prohibited. Everyone wears “real clothes”, even if it’s more on the casual side.
The sights
Cathedral
Visiting the Seville Cathedral was the highlight of our trip. This Gothic masterpiece is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and also houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. As you wander the vast interior, you will be mesmerized by the intricate details of the altar, which is covered in gold leaf. Climbing to the top of the Giralda Tower, originally built as a minaret during the Almohad dynasty, rewards you with stunning views of the city.
Fun fact: the Giralda was designed with ramps instead of stairs so that the muezzin could ride a horse to the top to call worshipers to prayer.
*Purchase tickets in advance and ensure shoulders are covered for entry. They also sell shawls in nearby shops.
Las Setas
Las Setas (The Mushrooms), or the Metropol Parasol, is an impressive modern structure that provides a fantastic contrast to Seville’s historic architecture. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, it is the largest wooden structure in the world. Walking along the paths at the top, you will have a panoramic view of Seville, which is especially amazing at sunset. Underneath the structure, you’ll find a lively market and an archaeological museum showcasing Roman and Moorish relics discovered during construction.
It is also surrounded by restaurants and we tried many of them while the kids played in a nearby playground. It’s such a fun and quaint place to spend an evening.
*No need to buy tickets in advance
Casa de la Memoria
For an authentic cultural experience, we visited Casa de La Memoria, a venue dedicated to traditional flamenco performances. This intimate setting, located in a beautifully restored 15th century palace, allows you to experience the passion and intensity of flamenco up close. The shows feature incredible guitarists, singers and dancers who bring the art form to life.
Another note: this was a top 10 event of my entire life. I loved flamenco so much and it was a real gift to see it in Seville. It was everything.
(P’s dress is here // mine is here // Liv’s is here)
* Get tickets in advance. (Children over 6 years old)
The river
Spending an afternoon by the Guadalquivir River is a wonderful change of scenery and change to be on the water for a bit. You can paddleboard or kayak, which is a fun way to see the city from a different perspective. One of the highlights for the children was visiting the replica of Magellan’s ship, the Nao Victoria, which completed the first circumnavigation of the globe. It is fascinating to see how such a small vessel managed such a monumental journey.
The riverside is also lined with lively bars and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing drink after your water adventures.
Royal Alcazar
The Royal Alcazar of Seville is a must-see for its stunning blend of Moorish and Renaissance architecture. Originally a Moorish fortress, it is one of the oldest palaces still in use in Europe. The palace has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including “Game of Thrones.” The lush gardens, filled with fragrant orange trees and beautiful fountains, are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
We especially enjoyed the resident peacocks…the girls dubbed this The Rizzler lol.
* Get tickets in advance. Next time, I would like to take an audio or tour to learn more about it! We spent a whole morning here and there was so much to see.
Beach in Cadiz
We rented cars for a day trip to Cadiz. The golden sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing and swimming, while the old town, with its narrow streets and picturesque squares, is full of charm. The water was perfect and we enjoyed cold Albariño wine (my new favorite), paella, sardines, croquettes and salad from the restaurant.
Museo del Flamenco
We wandered into this museum one afternoon to check it out. Located in the heart of the city, it offers an interactive and immersive experience that delves into the passionate world of flamenco. Visitors can explore the history and evolution of this art form through live exhibits, including costumes, photographs, and audio-visual exhibits. They also organize dance classes here (TI) and live flamenco shows.
Plaza de España
The Plaza de España in Seville is a fascinating combination of Spanish Renaissance and Moorish architecture. This semi-circular square features a stunning palace and a series of bridges over a picturesque canal, representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain.
Each province of Spain is beautifully represented by colorful ceramic tiles along the railings, featuring intricate designs and historical scenes. The central fountain and majestic towers at each end add to the grandeur of the square, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls or a scenic boat ride on the canal.
They also had live flamenco in the square which was such a treat. This was one of the first places we visited and I felt like I HAD TO LIVE HERE.
Parks!!
We went to several parks – one had a zipline which was a big hit – and many of them had nearby or neighboring restaurants and cafes. Parents could enjoy a coffee, a beer or a glass of wine while the kids ran free and had an amazing time playing. The kids also had a lot of fun hanging out at our friends’ house, playing games, learning dances, making friendship bracelets and doing water balloons on the roof.
Honorable mentions
Here are a few spots recommended by friends that we didn’t end up doing, but definitely want to check out eventually.
Bullfighting Arena and Museum
The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is one of the most famous and historic bullrings in Spain. Built in the 18th century, this iconic arena is not just a venue for the controversial sport, but a symbol of Seville’s deep-rooted traditions. Visitors can take guided tours of the arena, explore the stands, the chapel where matadors pray before a fight, and the royal box. The attached museum offers a fascinating look at the history of bullfighting, displaying matador costumes, posters and bullfighting memorabilia.
Isla Mágica
This is highly recommended by children and is a theme park and water park for the whole family. They have roller coasters, water rides and live shows. I know the girls will insist we go next time.
Head up
A few things to keep in mind if you are planning a trip to Seville:
– Bring toilet paper or paper towels with you, as they are often not provided.
– You should not flush the toilet paper. bins are usually provided for disposal.
– Veggies can be a little harder to find so take advantage when you see them on the menu 😉 Day 3, I was ok, ready for some produce.
Another tip:
It’s worth mentioning here that we’re obsessed with our Amex Platinum (you can use this link to earn up to 80,000 points). We use it for everything – I put business expenses on my Southwest card, but that’s about it – and we pay it off every two weeks, so it’s an easy way for us to earn points. Benefits make a huge difference for travel, especially for things like hotels (our hotels are almost always free with points), flights and lounge access. You also get rewards like Uber credit, Saks credit, fine hotel credits ($200) and frequent upgrades like hotel credits, room upgrades, free breakfast, early check-in and late check-out. I book almost all of our tickets using Amex travel, and when you are platinum you have a dedicated customer service line and they are always super helpful. If you are interested in learning more about it, my referral link is here.
Immediately after…
I look forward to sharing more about the food and restaurants we discovered in Spain, as well as some questions and answers about our experience.
Spain was a dream come true with its food, culture, shopping, agriculture and warmth. The girls keep begging to move there, and honestly, I’d be fine with that too 🙂
ho ho
Gina
