I’m sharing a recap of my adventures in Seville! I have another post coming soon with food, Q&A, and you can check out my packing list for Spain here.
Hey friends! How’s your morning going so far? Just a quick note: I’ve updated my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post with the items that are currently in stock and will update it throughout the week as well.
In today’s post, I’m going to share some of the highlights from our recent trip to Spain. It’s taken me a while to write this post because I have SO MUCH to say about this magical vacation. It will undoubtedly go down in history as one of our favorite family trips and I’m so excited to share the details with you.
From its vibrant streets to its rich culture and stunning views, Seville truly captivated us. In this post, I’ll tell you about our excursions and adventures. Don’t miss another post about the amazing food and restaurants we discovered, plus some Q&A!
We went to Seville to visit some good friends who have been living there for the past year. Their oldest daughter is P’s best friend. It’s hard to explain, but these two kids are soulmates and belong on the same planet, so we try to get them together at least once a year. We’ve been friends with this amazing family since the girls were three years old, and obviously spending time with them was our number one priority and a big highlight of the trip.
They showed us around this amazing city and we got to see their favorite spots, enjoy delicious meals, hang out on the rooftop, and even a night out with the parents. The girls lived the BEST LIFE; we are all so happy.
Things to do in Seville with children
The charm of Spain
Much like my favorite parts of Italy and Mexico, Spain is packed with amazing food, vibrant culture, and heartwarming hospitality. The streets are lined with wrought iron balconies, and the houses display a perfect palette of cream, red, yellow, pink, and deep green. The parks, often lined with cafes and bars, are packed with plants and are lovely places to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Transportation is super easy, so exploring is a breeze. We also stayed in Seville, where pretty much everything was within walking distance or a quick bus ride.
(The kids also got to take a painting class with an amazing local teacher while we were there, which was a huge treat! They wish they could do this every week.)
Style tips for traveling
When packing for a trip to Spain, you need to think about casual and versatile clothing. I usually pack smart sneakers and sandals, day clothes, and a dressier dress for dinner. This time, I packed some sportswear just in case, but it stayed in my suitcase. Sportswear is not a good choice either; everyone brings “real clothes,” even if they are more casual.
The views
Cathedral
Visiting the Seville Cathedral was one of the highlights of our trip. This Gothic masterpiece is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and is also home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. As you wander through the vast interior, you’ll be mesmerized by the intricate details of the altarpiece, which is covered in gold leaf. The climb to the top of the Giralda, originally built as a minaret during the Almohad dynasty, will reward you with stunning views of the city.
Fun fact: The Giralda was designed with ramps instead of stairs so that the muezzin could ride to the top on horseback to call the faithful to prayer.
*Buy tickets in advance and make sure your shoulders are covered for entry. Shawls are also sold in nearby shops.
Mushrooms
Las Setas, or the Metropol Parasol, is a striking 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 provides panoramic views of Seville, which are especially impressive at sunset. Below the structure, you’ll find a lively market and an archaeological museum displaying Roman and Moorish remains discovered during construction.
It is also surrounded by restaurants and we tried many of them while the kids played in a nearby playground. It is a very fun and picturesque place to spend an afternoon.
*It is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance.
House of Memory
For an authentic cultural experience, visit Casa de La Memoria, a space dedicated to traditional flamenco performances. This intimate setting, housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century palace, allows you to get up close and personal with the passion and intensity of flamenco. Performances feature incredible guitarists, singers, and dancers who bring this art form to life.
Another note: this was one of the top 10 events of my life. I have loved flamenco for a LONG time and it was a real treat to see it in Seville. It was everything.
(P’s dress is here // Mine is here // Liv is here)
*Buy tickets in advance. (Children over 6 years old)
The river
Spending an afternoon by the Guadalquivir River is a lovely change of scenery and a chance to spend some time on the water. You can go paddle boarding or kayaking, which are a fun way to see the city from a different perspective. One of the highlights for the kids was visiting the replica of Magellan’s ship, the Nao Victoria, which completed the first circumnavigation of the globe. It’s 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 aquatic 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 appeared in several films and television 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 nicknamed this one The Rizzler lol.
*Buy your tickets in advance. Next time I would like to take a guided tour or an audio guide to learn more about the place. We spent a whole morning there and there was so much to see.
Cadiz beach
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 a chilled Albariño wine (my new favourite), paella, sardines, croquettes and salad from the restaurant.
Flamenco Museum
One afternoon we popped into this museum to check it out. It is located in the heart of the city and offers an interactive and immersive experience that delves into the exciting world of flamenco. Visitors can explore the history and evolution of this art form through vibrant exhibits, including costumes, photographs and audio-visual displays. They also offer dance classes and live flamenco shows.
Spain Square
Seville’s Plaza de España is a stunning blend of Spanish and Moorish Renaissance architecture. This semicircular plaza features an impressive palace and a series of bridges over a picturesque canal representing the four ancient kingdoms of Spain.
Each of Spain’s provinces is beautifully represented by colorful ceramic tiles along the balustrades, which display intricate designs and historical scenes. The central fountain and majestic towers at either end add to the grandeur of the square, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls or a scenic boat ride along the canal.
There was also live flamenco in the square, which was a real treat. This was one of the first places we visited and I thought: I NEED TO LIVE HERE.
Parks!!
We went to several parks (one had a zip line which was a big hit) and many of them had restaurants and cafes nearby or attached. Parents could enjoy a coffee, beer or glass of wine, while the kids ran free and had a great time playing. The kids were also very happy hanging out at our friends’ houses, playing games, learning dances, making friendship bracelets and having water balloon fights on the rooftop.
Honorable mentions
Here are a couple of places our friends recommended that we ended up not visiting, but would definitely like to visit at some point.
Bullring and Bullfighting Museum
The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería in Seville 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 this controversial sport, but a symbol of Seville’s deep-rooted traditions. Visitors can take guided tours of the plaza, exploring the grandstands, the chapel where matadors pray before a bullfight, and the royal box. The attached museum offers a fascinating look at the history of bullfighting, displaying matador outfits, posters, and bullfighting memorabilia.
Magic Island
The kids highly recommended it to us and it’s a family-friendly theme and water park. It has roller coasters, water rides and live shows. I know the girls will insist we go next time.
Warning
A couple of things to keep in mind if you are planning a trip to Seville:
– Bring toilet paper or paper towels with you, as they are not usually provided.
– Toilet paper should not be thrown into the toilet, there are usually containers for its disposal.
– Vegetables can be a little harder to find, so take advantage when you see them on the menu 😉 By day three, I thought, “okay, I’m ready to eat some fruits and vegetables.”
Another tip:
It’s worth mentioning here that we’re obsessed with our Amex Platinum card (You can use this link to get up to 80,000 points). We use it for everything (I pay business expenses with my Southwest card, but that’s about it) and pay it off every two weeks, so it’s an easy way to earn points. The 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, luxury hotel credits ($200), and often upgrades like hotel credits, room upgrades, free breakfast, early check-in, and late check-out. I book almost all of our tickets with Amex Travel, and when you’re Platinum, you have a separate customer service line and they’re always extremely helpful. If you’re interested in learning more about that, My referral link is here.
Next…
I can’t wait to share more about the food and restaurants we discovered in Spain, as well as some Q&A about our experience.
Spain was a dream come true with its food, culture, shopping, agriculture and warmth. The girls keep asking to go there and honestly I would agree too 🙂
hugs and kisses
Gina
