Some cities take some time to develop on you, others win you over immediately – and Seville was undoubtedly within the latter group, certainly one of my new favorite cities, not least as a result of there are such a lot of nice issues to do in Seville with children.
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The Spanish metropolis had been on my wishlist for a very long time, however whereas I’d been to Granada and Ronda, someway Seville had stored eluding me. However should you’re in an analogous scenario, I’d urge you to e book the flights and go.
Half the enjoyment of being in Seville is simply absorbing the environment, wandering round fairly streets and stopping for a drink underneath an orange tree (perhaps not proper beneath), however there are just a few enjoyable excursions and sights to incorporate in your Seville itinerary. Right here’s my choose of the most effective issues to do in Seville with children.
Take a motorbike tour
I all the time love a tour to introduce me to a metropolis – it’s a good way to get your bearings, uncover a number of the highlights you’ll be returning to, and get some suggestions from a neighborhood information.
And as Seville can get fairly scorching, I beloved this three-hour bike tour – town is nicely set-up for bikes, with cycle lanes and loads of sections off fundamental roads, which is nice for households. Simply bear in mind to dodge the horses and carriages which clop round.
The tour takes you to lots of the important thing sights, from the Triana District throughout the river, previous the Torre del Oro, San Telmo Palace, the cathedral, the Alcazar and the Plaza de Espana, plus loads of quirky tales and suggestions together with the primary data.
This bike tour is for age 12+. Should you’ve bought youthful children, you may as well rent bikes with choices for various ages, or this barely shorter bike tour of Seville is appropriate for age 1+.
Be a part of a strolling tour
Though I beloved our Seville bike tour to see all the primary metropolis highlights, there are additionally some nice strolling excursions of Seville with children, principally centered on smaller areas of town.
We selected one from Seville Distinctive Experiences, visiting the previous Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, which packed in plenty of historical past (higher for tweens/teenagers than youthful children) however there’s additionally a Metropolis Highlights strolling tour should you’re not planning a motorbike tour.
This Seville metropolis strolling tour additionally ticks off the highlights in round 2 1/2 hours and will also be finished with children.
Or for one thing a bit totally different, discover Seville as a part of an outside escape sport with puzzles and challenges to maintain everybody entertained.
Get out on the river
In addition to seeing town from on foot (or on two wheels), save a while for a brief river cruise – most final round an hour, except you’re doing a lunch/dinner cruise, and take you in a loop alongside the Guadalquivir river.
We went for a cruise on an eco-boat from Guadaluxe simply earlier than sundown, with some improbable views, comfortable seats and a bar on board. The pre-recorded commentary left one thing to be desired (and a distinctly non-eco motor got here on on the finish) however should you want a smaller boat and simply need to look out on the surroundings, the guided narration isn’t important.
For one more small boat tour of Seville with children, there’s a most of 12 aboard this one, or this bigger two-deck boat additionally runs a one-hour tour with recorded commentary. Or there’s an choice to mix a boat tour with hop-on hop-off bus tour and strolling excursions.
Should you fancy one thing a bit extra lively, you may as well be part of a Guadalquivir river kayaking journey (for age 8+) or a sundown kayaking journey.
Go to the Alcazar
As quickly as I had our journey booked for Seville, I knew the Alcazar was prime of my listing to go to – formally the Actual Alcazar, this royal palace advanced was constructed on the location of a tenth century fort, with many of the buildings relationship from the 14th century.
After strolling in by way of the Lion Gate, you’ll wander by way of a number of courtyards to the Palace of King Pedro, whose alliance with the Muslim emir of Granada noticed artisans who had labored on the Alhambra being despatched to assist create this new palace – should you’ve seen the Alhambra, a lot of the art work and ornament will look very acquainted.
You too can wander by way of the previous royal non-public quarters, in addition to seeing the swimming pools dotted all through little courtyards, and heading into the gardens to see the peacocks – there’s a hedge maze and you may as well discover the Galeria de Grutesco, a raised gallery made out of an Islamic-era wall.
Components of the gardens featured as a location in Recreation of Thrones, however even when your children haven’t watched it, and aren’t large followers of historical past, the Alcazar actually is spectacular – and I say that regardless of our go to not going easily. Having booked tickets nicely upfront, it closed unexpectedly the day we had been because of go to and I solely simply managed to get extra tickets for the ultimate slot of the final day of our vacation… at which level, it then closed unexpectedly early as nicely.
Positively nicely e book upfront, as in any other case you’ll have to arrive very early and stand in a really lengthy queue for an opportunity to get any on the day. If you may get an early morning slot, you’ll see this Moorish-style palace at its greatest with out too many individuals inside. And if you wish to see the Higher Royal Quarters (Cuarto Actual Alto), you want a separate ticket and there are very restricted slots.
You too can e book normal timed entry tickets to the Actual Alcazar on GetYourGuide however in contrast to most tickets, there’s no free cancellation and it normally works out barely dearer, so I’d recommend reserving direct except you’re additionally arranging a tour
You don’t want a information, though there’s restricted data inside, so if you wish to wander round wanting on the tiles and ornamentation, stroll by way of the gardens and previous the fountains and picture your self in a medieval royal world, you’ll be able to.
Personally subsequent time I’d e book a guided tour of the Alcazar to get probably the most out of a go to and perceive extra background about what we’re seeing. However no matter you select, that is one place to not miss in Seville with children.
The Cathedral and La Giralda
For some improbable views, climb La Giralda Tower, the belltower of the cathedral. That is one other good one to prebook because it helps you to skip one lengthy queue to purchase tickets (and threat there being no availability on the day, because it’s one other standard website).
If you enter, you’ll be able to go straight as much as the belltower earlier than exploring the cathedral – and quite than limitless steps, there are 34 sloping ramps (designed to permit a horse to be ridden to the highest of the tower) with only one flight of stairs on the prime.
The views are improbable with an opportunity to look out on either side, in addition to as much as the massive bells above. Then you’ll be able to head again right down to exploire the huge and spectacular cathedral.
Should you purchase tickets straight, you get an audioguide to obtain to your telephone – plenty of element, however you may as well simply play the elements you’re serious about quite than having to take heed to every thing. Or you’ll be able to e book tickets with out an audioguide – they’re solely barely cheaper so should you’re unsure, that is one other good one to go direct and get the audioguide thrown in.
Among the many highlights is the possibility to see the tomb of Christopher Columbus, an enormous monument with the tomb held off the bottom by 4 figures representing the 4 historic kingdoms of Spain; Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and León. After a lot controversy, DNA testing proved it was the explorer contained in the tomb – though a part of his stays could nicely nonetheless be within the Dominican Republic.
One of many world’s largest church buildings and with 80 separate facet chapels, there’s an excessive amount of to pick with regards to what you’ll be able to see contained in the cathedral of Seville with children – even an grownup would battle attempting to see every thing, however don’t miss the imposing altar within the Capilla Mayor, the Chapter Home, and the artwork within the Sala del Pabellón and Vestry of the Chalices.
On the finish is without doubt one of the loveliest corners, the Courtyard of the Oranges, a peaceable house to take a seat, which dates again to Moorish occasions when worshippers would wash their fingers and toes within the fountains right here.
Earlier than you allow, look out for the stuffed crocodile often called the ‘largarto’ or lizard, which hangs from the ceiling in a single nook of the courtyard. A present from the Sultan of Egypt who needed to marry the king’s daughter, his proposal was declined however the crocodile stayed.
See Plaza de Espana
Even should you’ve by no means visited Seville earlier than, the probabilities are you’ve see the Plaza de Espana – for starters, it turned up in Star Wars: Assault of the Clones because the Theed Palace on Naboo, whereas it’s THE shot that’s used to sum up Seville. Vibrant, quirky, unmissable.
Surrounded by the Maria Luisa Park, the sq. itself was designed for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929, and is stuffed with symbolic parts supposed to make peace between Spain and its former colonies within the Americas.
At present, many of the semi-circle of buildings is now used as authorities workplaces. You possibly can climb the steps to the highest flooring for views out and a few beautiful pictures although.
As you wander spherical, look extra carefully on the 48 benches with tile mosaics behind, as each represents one of many Spanish provinces (there have been 49 provinces, now 52, and should you search fastidiously, you’ll uncover Seville can be lacking). There are additionally different scenes from Spanish historical past depicted in tiles.
Within the centre, a little bit canal curves for 515m across the plaza with 4 bridges crossing the water – you’ll be able to rent a ship to paddle round (round 6 Euros for half an hour), or simply climb one of many bridges to look out onto the water, each representing one of many 4 historic kingdoms of Spain.
Proper on the coronary heart is a fountain, which appears a lot a part of the sq., it’s arduous to imagine that the designer Anibal Gonzalez Alvarez-Ossorio didn’t need it there. Ultimately, town’s will prevailed and it was added – however you’ll be able to nonetheless see a statue of him on the entrance of the sq., his head turned away from the fountain!
Most metropolis excursions will no less than cross by way of the Plaza de Espana – our bike tour included a cease, for instance – nevertheless it’s a public sq., so you’ll be able to return as usually as you need. There’s merely an excessive amount of to identify in 10-Quarter-hour.
If the listing of different provinces conjures up to take a day journey from Seville, Ronda is straightforward to achieve inside a day, as is Cordoba with its astonishing mosque-cathedral, the Mezquita. You’ll want longer to get to Granada, however that’s additionally one other Seville day journey choice, as is Cadiz and even Gibraltar – should you can drag your self away from town after all.
Cross the Triana Bridge
Linking the Triana district with El Arenal and the historic coronary heart of Seville, the Triana Bridge (additionally referred to as the Puente de Isabel II) is nicely value a go to for a number of causes.
Not simply because it’s the oldest iron bridge in Spain (though it’s, opened in 1852) or as a result of it takes you to Triana, and its historic market (each nicely value a glance, for an opportunity to see a much less touristy facet to Seville, in addition to offering one of the crucial spectacular processions throughout Semana Santa, Holy Week).
However the most effective purpose of all is since you get some improbable views alongside the Guadalquivir river from the centre of the bridge. Save a while to wander right down to the riverbank as nicely, to get a glance again up on the curves and arches mirrored within the water.
By the way should you do stroll alongside the river from the Triana Bridge, you’ll cross by the Plaza de Toros, Seville’s bullfighting ring – whereas it’s the most important in Spain and it’s doable to go to when bullfights aren’t on, it’s not one thing I’m personally completely satisfied to advocate
Climb Las Setas
Maybe probably the most uncommon place to go to in Seville with children, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to go up the mushrooms. Las Setas, because the Sevillanos have nicknamed the Metropol Parasol sculpture, is so much greater than you may count on with some nice views.
The world’s largest wood construction, you’ll be able to admire them without spending a dime from under, nevertheless it’s nicely value reserving tickets to go up and gaze out on the views – and do prebook, the queues for individuals who hadn’t had been big once we visited in October. I don’t assume it’s value getting a information although, except you significantly need to know each constructing you’re seeing.
Should you can time your go to for sundown as we did, it’s spectacular. Ideally e book a timed entry slot round half-hour earlier than sundown, which supplies you likelihood to observe the brief video whisking you nearly by way of Seville’s tradition and skyline, after which some additional time to move as much as get a very good viewpoint.
There are nice views from all around the sculpture, so you’ll be able to simply change viewpoints because the sky adjustments color too. As you come back to floor degree, there’s a lightweight present at nightfall illuminating the bottom too. Presumably the world’s most magical mushrooms…
Get a style of what sundown at Las Setas seems like in my brief video
Isla Mágica Theme Park
Isla Mágica is a small New-World-themed journey park within the north of town that makes for a enjoyable household day trip in Seville and one thing a bit totally different in case your children are losing interest of historic landmarks.
The theme park has a string of rides and points of interest for teenagers of all ages, from giant curler coasters, log flumes, and a towering free-fall, to carousels, peaceable boat rides, and an immersive pirate-themed play space. You possibly can even take a tethered scorching air balloon trip over the park and benefit from the metropolis from above.
The park additionally has an on-site waterpark referred to as Agua Mágica (open Could to September), with a wave pool, water slides, and a sandy seashore – a terrific place to chill down on a scorching summer time day in Seville with children.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation for Isla Magica and Agua Magica right here
Watch a flamenco dance present
Introduce little ones to Andalusian tradition at a standard flamenco dance present. Not solely is it an academic expertise, however children are positive to like the dramatic strikes and the colorful costumes of Seville’s well-known 500-year-old dance.
For a family-friendly expertise, search for flamenco venues with earlier and shorter present occasions to carry shorter consideration spans. Casa de la Memoria (tickets with free cancellation additionally accessible) and El Museo del Baile Flamenco (tickets with free cancellation additionally accessible) are good choices, each providing hour-long exhibits with explanations in English.
Flamenco exhibits should still be an excessive amount of (and too loud) for very younger youngsters – most venues don’t admit youngsters underneath 6 years previous.
Should you’d like a extra relaxed technique to expertise some flamenco with children, grasp across the Plaza de Espana within the afternoons, the place there’s usually a free present across the central steps of the semi-circle (donations welcomed) – no ensures, nevertheless it’s a very good choice to strive should you’re visiting then anyway.
Discover María Luisa Park
María Luisa Park is a big inexperienced house simply behind Plaza de España in south Seville, with loads of room for teenagers to run round and discover. The park has two youngsters’s playgrounds, fountains, historic statues, and a small pond with many geese and swans you’ll be able to feed.
You possibly can even hire a family-sized bike cart (from the Cyclotour location right here) for a enjoyable technique to discover the park’s many scenic pathways. The bikes maintain as much as 4 adults and a pair of youngsters. A 30-minute rental is sufficient time to see the primary highlights.
Go to Seville Aquarium
The Seville Aquarium (Acuario de Sevilla) is one other enjoyable household exercise in Seville and a welcome indoor escape from town’s intense summer time warmth.
The big aquarium has over 400 marine species, together with stingrays, sea turtles, and tropical fish, which you’ll be able to see up shut within the oceanarium’s giant glass tunnel, in addition to one of many greatest shark tanks in Europe. Interactive screens and contact areas permit children to be taught extra in regards to the creatures they will see.
There’s additionally an fascinating show centered on the travels of Ferdinand Magellan too, who led Spain’s first expedition to circumnavigate the globe within the 14th century.
It’s proper on the riverfront, throughout the Parque de Maria Luisa, really easy to mix with the Plaza de Espana or time within the park too.
Go to the Home of Science
Positioned inside a stupendous historic constructing on the sting of María Luisa Park, the Home of Science (Casa de la Ciencia) is a beautiful little household pleasant museum in Seville, with loads of fascinating reveals and hands-on studying alternatives for teenagers.
The small science museum covers matters like biology, geology, and palaeontology, with many of the shows and knowledge tailor-made towards youthful guests. Children will particularly love the massive dinosaur skeletons, display screen projections, and interactive video games.
The museum can be house to Sevilla’s planetarium, which is just open on weekend evenings, with exhibits for kids in Spanish.
Take a look at Casa de Pilatos
Casa de Pilatos is a historic mansion within the metropolis centre and a terrific various to Seville’s bigger and busier points of interest, particularly for households with youthful children who need to keep away from large crowds.
Regardless of being smaller than the better-known Actual Alcázar, Casa de Pilatos can be a beautiful spot to admire Seville’s distinctive mixture of Renaissance and Mudéjar structure.
This historic home has stunning gardens, intricate vibrant tilework, and plenty of charming hidden corners to discover. It’s the right spot for a peaceable second away from the busy metropolis streets outdoors.
Browse the Mercado de Triana
Mercado de Triana, situated throughout the river in Seville’s Triana district, is a busy historic market the place the entire household can strive loads of scrumptious native meals. Children will love the colorful stalls, pleasant native distributors, and vigorous environment.
Seize some tapas and discover someplace to people-watch available in the market for some time, or seize a seat by one of many stands and order a variety to strive. Alternatively, choose up just a few snacks to go and luxuriate in a scenic stroll alongside the close by Guadalquivir River.
Should you love exploring a metropolis’s markets, on the alternative facet of the river Mercado del Arenal is value a glance too, with loads of locations to browse and eat. Close by, the Mercado del Barranco isn’t a standard market however has a string of meals shops round a central part with bar and tables (plus extra conventional eating places) so it’s a very good place when you’ve got choosy eaters or a combination of people that need conventional Spanish meals and people who don’t.
See the Museum Of Illusions
If you wish to take a break from Seville’s many cultural landmarks, you’ll be able to keep within the coronary heart of the historic centre and nonetheless have a little bit of household enjoyable on the Museum of Illusions.
The quirky interactive museum is full of mind-bending reveals that youngsters and adults will each get pleasure from together with methods to trick your senses – with related ones popping up in cities throughout Europe, you’ll in all probability have come throughout them earlier than, and that is on related traces however all the time an entertaining technique to spend an hour in Seville with children.
You possibly can stroll by way of a dizzying vortex tunnel, step into an anti-gravity room, and take a look at your teamwork with difficult 3D puzzles. It’s additionally a enjoyable place to seize some cool household pictures, with many uncommon optical illusions providing enjoyable backdrops.
Eat ice cream
Answering the query, ‘The place is the most effective ice-cream in Seville?’ will not be straightforward – you’ll discover loads of locations to seize a cone (or three) when you’re exploring.
Our favorite was undoubtedly Heladeria Bolas with a number of retailers throughout Seville, and nice high quality ice-cream, together with some deliciously quirky flavours.
Creeme Helado close to the Museo de Bellas Artes is one other good wager should you’re in that nook of town, together with Helados Rayas, which has one department close to Las Setas.
TOP TIP: You’ll see oranges rising in all places however don’t consider consuming them – they’re manner too bitter. Most really get exported to the UK to be made into marmalade, though some are was orange wine; seize a glass at Alvaro Peregil bar close to the cathedral to strive it
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Photos: flamenco dancer/Maria Luisa Park/Casa de Pilatos/ice cream courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photos copyright MummyTravels