Some cities take a while to grow on you, others win you over instantly – and Seville was definitely in the latter group, one of my new favourite cities, not least because there are so many great things to do in Seville with kids.
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The Spanish city had been on my wishlist for a long time, but while I’d been to Granada and Ronda, somehow Seville had kept eluding me. But if you’re in a similar situation, I’d urge you to book the flights and go.
Half the joy of being in Seville is just soaking up the atmosphere, wandering around pretty streets and stopping for a drink under an orange tree (maybe not right underneath), but there are a few fun tours and sights to include in your Seville itinerary. Here’s my pick of the best things to do in Seville with kids.
Take a bike tour
I always love a tour to introduce me to a city – it’s a great way to get your bearings, discover some of the highlights you’ll be returning to, and get some tips from a local guide.
And as Seville can get quite hot, I loved this three-hour bike tour – the city is well set-up for bikes, with cycle lanes and plenty of sections off main roads, which is great for families. Just remember to dodge the horses and carriages which clop around.
The tour takes you to a lot of the key sights, from the Triana District across the river, past the Torre del Oro, San Telmo Palace, the cathedral, the Alcazar and the Plaza de Espana, plus plenty of quirky stories and tips along with the main information.
This bike tour is for age 12+. If you’ve got younger kids, you can also hire bikes with options for different ages, or this slightly shorter bike tour of Seville is suitable for age 1+.
Join a walking tour
Although I loved our Seville bike tour to see all the main city highlights, there are also some great walking tours of Seville with kids, mostly focused on smaller areas of the city.
We chose one from Seville Unique Experiences, visiting the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, which packed in lots of history (better for tweens/teens than younger kids) but there’s also a City Highlights walking tour if you’re not planning a bike tour.
This Seville city walking tour also ticks off the highlights in around 2 1/2 hours and can also be done with kids.
Or for something a bit different, explore Seville as part of an outdoor escape game with puzzles and challenges to keep everyone entertained.
Get out on the river
As well as seeing the city from on foot (or on two wheels), save some time for a short river cruise – most last around an hour, unless you’re doing a lunch/dinner cruise, and take you in a loop along the Guadalquivir river.
We went for a cruise on an eco-boat from Guadaluxe just before sunset, with some fantastic views, comfy seats and a bar on board. The pre-recorded commentary left something to be desired (and a distinctly non-eco motor came on at the end) but if you prefer a smaller boat and just want to look out at the scenery, the guided narration isn’t essential.
For another small boat tour of Seville with kids, there’s a maximum of 12 aboard this one, or this larger two-deck boat also runs a one-hour tour with recorded commentary. Or there’s an option to combine a boat tour with hop-on hop-off bus tour and walking tours.
If you fancy something a bit more active, you can also join a Guadalquivir river kayaking trip (for age 8+) or a sunset kayaking trip.
Visit the Alcazar
As soon as I had our trip booked for Seville, I knew the Alcazar was top of my list to visit – officially the Real Alcazar, this royal palace complex was built on the site of a 10th century fort, with most of the buildings dating from the 14th century.
After walking in through the Lion Gate, you’ll wander through several courtyards to the Palace of King Pedro, whose alliance with the Muslim emir of Granada saw artisans who had worked on the Alhambra being sent to help create this new palace – if you’ve seen the Alhambra, much of the artwork and decoration will look very familiar.
You can also wander through the former royal private quarters, as well as seeing the pools dotted throughout little courtyards, and heading into the gardens to see the peacocks – there’s a hedge maze and you can also explore the Galeria de Grutesco, a raised gallery made from an Islamic-era wall.
Parts of the gardens featured as a location in Game of Thrones, but even if your kids haven’t watched it, and aren’t big fans of history, the Alcazar really is spectacular – and I say that despite our visit not going smoothly. Having booked tickets well in advance, it closed unexpectedly the day we were due to visit and I only just managed to get more tickets for the final slot of the last day of our holiday… at which point, it then closed unexpectedly early as well.
Definitely well book in advance, as otherwise you’ll need to arrive very early and stand in a very long queue for a chance to get any on the day. If you can get an early morning slot, you’ll see this Moorish-style palace at its best without too many people inside. And if you want to see the Upper Royal Quarters (Cuarto Real Alto), you need a separate ticket and there are very limited slots.
You can also book general timed entry tickets to the Real Alcazar on GetYourGuide but unlike most tickets, there’s no free cancellation and it usually works out slightly more expensive, so I’d suggest booking direct unless you’re also arranging a tour
You don’t need a guide, although there’s limited information inside, so if you want to wander around looking at the tiles and ornamentation, stroll through the gardens and past the fountains and imagine yourself in a medieval royal world, you can.
Personally next time I would book a guided tour of the Alcazar to get the most out of a visit and understand more background about what we’re seeing. But whatever you choose, this is one place not to miss in Seville with kids.
The Cathedral and La Giralda
For some fantastic views, climb La Giralda Tower, the belltower of the cathedral. This is another good one to prebook as it lets you skip one long queue to buy tickets (and risk there being no availability on the day, as it’s another popular site).
When you enter, you can go straight up to the belltower before exploring the cathedral – and rather than endless steps, there are 34 sloping ramps (designed to allow a horse to be ridden to the top of the tower) with just one flight of stairs at the top.
The views are fantastic with a chance to look out on each side, as well as up to the huge bells above. Then you can head back down to exploire the vast and spectacular cathedral.
If you buy tickets directly, you get an audioguide to download to your phone – lots of detail, but you can also just play the parts you’re interested in rather than having to listen to everything. Or you can book tickets without an audioguide – they’re only slightly cheaper so if you’re not sure, this is another good one to go direct and get the audioguide thrown in.
Among the highlights is the chance to see the tomb of Christopher Columbus, a huge monument with the tomb held off the ground by four figures representing the four historical kingdoms of Spain; Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and León. After much controversy, DNA testing proved it was the explorer inside the tomb – although part of his remains may well still be in the Dominican Republic.
One of the world’s largest churches and with 80 separate side chapels, there’s too much to pick out when it comes to what you can see inside the cathedral of Seville with kids – even an adult would struggle trying to see everything, but don’t miss the imposing altar in the Capilla Mayor, the Chapter House, and the art in the Sala del Pabellón and Sacristy of the Chalices.
At the end is one of the loveliest corners, the Courtyard of the Oranges, a peaceful space to sit, which dates back to Moorish times when worshippers would wash their hands and feet in the fountains here.
Before you leave, look out for the stuffed crocodile known as the ‘largarto’ or lizard, which hangs from the ceiling in one corner of the courtyard. A gift from the Sultan of Egypt who wanted to marry the king’s daughter, his proposal was declined but the crocodile stayed.
See Plaza de Espana
Even if you’ve never visited Seville before, the chances are you’ve see the Plaza de Espana – for starters, it turned up in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones as the Theed Palace on Naboo, while it’s THE shot that’s used to sum up Seville. Colourful, quirky, unmissable.
Surrounded by the Maria Luisa Park, the square itself was designed for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929, and is full of symbolic elements intended to make peace between Spain and its former colonies in the Americas.
Today, most of the semi-circle of buildings is now used as government offices. You can climb the stairs to the top floor for views out and some lovely photos though.
As you wander round, look more closely at the 48 benches with tile mosaics behind, as each one represents one of the Spanish provinces (there were 49 provinces, now 52, and if you search carefully, you’ll discover Seville is also missing). There are also other scenes from Spanish history depicted in tiles.
In the centre, a little canal curves for 515m around the plaza with four bridges crossing the water – you can hire a boat to paddle around (around 6 Euros for half an hour), or just climb one of the bridges to look out onto the water, each one representing one of the four historic kingdoms of Spain.
Right at the heart is a fountain, which seems so much part of the square, it’s hard to believe that the designer Anibal Gonzalez Alvarez-Ossorio didn’t want it there. In the end, the city’s will prevailed and it was added – but you can still see a statue of him at the entrance of the square, his head turned away from the fountain!
Most city tours will at least pass through the Plaza de Espana – our bike tour included a stop, for example – but it’s a public square, so you can go back as often as you want. There’s simply too much to spot in 10-15 minutes.
If the list of other provinces inspires to take a day trip from Seville, Ronda is easy to reach within a day, as is Cordoba with its astonishing mosque-cathedral, the Mezquita. You’ll need longer to get to Granada, but that’s also another Seville day trip option, as is Cadiz and even Gibraltar – if you can drag yourself away from the city of course.
Cross the Triana Bridge
Linking the Triana district with El Arenal and the historic heart of Seville, the Triana Bridge (also called the Puente de Isabel II) is well worth a visit for several reasons.
Not just because it’s the oldest iron bridge in Spain (although it is, opened in 1852) or because it takes you to Triana, and its historic market (both well worth a look, for a chance to see a less touristy side to Seville, as well as providing one of the most spectacular processions during Semana Santa, Holy Week).
But the best reason of all is because you get some fantastic views along the Guadalquivir river from the centre of the bridge. Save some time to wander down to the riverbank as well, to get a look back up at the curves and arches reflected in the water.
Incidentally if you do walk along the river from the Triana Bridge, you’ll pass by the Plaza de Toros, Seville’s bullfighting ring – while it’s the largest in Spain and it’s possible to visit when bullfights aren’t on, it’s not something I’m personally happy to recommend
Climb Las Setas
Perhaps the most unusual place to visit in Seville with kids, you shouldn’t miss a chance to go up the mushrooms. Las Setas, as the Sevillanos have nicknamed the Metropol Parasol sculpture, is a lot bigger than you might expect with some great views.
The world’s largest wooden structure, you can admire them for free from below, but it’s well worth booking tickets to go up and gaze out at the views – and do prebook, the queues for those who hadn’t were huge when we visited in October. I don’t think it’s worth getting a guide though, unless you particularly want to know every building you’re seeing.
If you can time your visit for sunset as we did, it’s spectacular. Ideally book a timed entry slot around 30 minutes before sunset, which gives you chance to watch the short video whisking you virtually through Seville’s culture and skyline, and then some extra time to head up to get a good viewpoint.
There are great views from all round the sculpture, so you can easily change viewpoints as the sky changes colour too. As you return to ground level, there’s a light show at dusk illuminating the base too. Possibly the world’s most magical mushrooms…
Get a taste of what sunset at Las Setas looks like in my short video
Isla Mágica Theme Park
Isla Mágica is a small New-World-themed adventure park in the north of the city that makes for a fun family day out in Seville and something a bit different if your kids are getting bored of historic landmarks.
The theme park has a string of rides and attractions for kids of all ages, from large roller coasters, log flumes, and a towering free-fall, to carousels, peaceful boat rides, and an immersive pirate-themed play area. You can even take a tethered hot air balloon ride over the park and enjoy the city from above.
The park also has an on-site waterpark called Agua Mágica (open May to September), with a wave pool, water slides, and a sandy beach – a great place to cool down on a hot summer day in Seville with kids.
Buy tickets with free cancellation for Isla Magica and Agua Magica here
Watch a flamenco dance show
Introduce little ones to Andalusian culture at a traditional flamenco dance show. Not only is it an educational experience, but kids are sure to love the dramatic moves and the colourful costumes of Seville’s famous 500-year-old dance.
For a family-friendly experience, look for flamenco venues with earlier and shorter show times to hold shorter attention spans. Casa de la Memoria (tickets with free cancellation also available) and El Museo del Baile Flamenco (tickets with free cancellation also available) are good options, both offering hour-long shows with explanations in English.
Flamenco shows may still be too much (and too loud) for very young children – most venues don’t admit children under 6 years old.
If you’d like a more relaxed way to experience some flamenco with kids, hang around the Plaza de Espana in the afternoons, where there’s often a free show around the central steps of the semi-circle (donations welcomed) – no guarantees, but it’s a good option to try if you’re visiting then anyway.
Explore María Luisa Park
María Luisa Park is a large green space just behind Plaza de España in south Seville, with plenty of room for kids to run around and explore. The park has two children’s playgrounds, fountains, historic statues, and a small pond with many ducks and swans you can feed.
You can even rent a family-sized bike cart (from the Cyclotour location here) for a fun way to explore the park’s many scenic pathways. The bikes hold up to 4 adults and 2 children. A 30-minute rental is enough time to see the main highlights.
Visit Seville Aquarium
The Seville Aquarium (Acuario de Sevilla) is another fun family activity in Seville and a welcome indoor escape from the city’s intense summer heat.
The large aquarium has over 400 marine species, including stingrays, sea turtles, and tropical fish, which you can see up close in the oceanarium’s large glass tunnel, as well as one of the biggest shark tanks in Europe. Interactive screens and touch areas allow kids to learn more about the creatures they can see.
There’s also an interesting display focused on the travels of Ferdinand Magellan too, who led Spain’s first expedition to circumnavigate the globe in the 14th century.
It’s right at the riverfront, within the Parque de Maria Luisa, so easy to combine with the Plaza de Espana or time in the park too.
Visit the House of Science
Located inside a beautiful historic building on the edge of María Luisa Park, the House of Science (Casa de la Ciencia) is a lovely little family friendly museum in Seville, with plenty of interesting exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities for kids.
The small science museum covers topics like biology, geology, and palaeontology, with most of the displays and information tailored toward younger visitors. Kids will especially love the huge dinosaur skeletons, screen projections, and interactive games.
The museum is also home to Sevilla’s planetarium, which is only open on weekend evenings, with shows for children in Spanish.
Check out Casa de Pilatos
Casa de Pilatos is a historic mansion in the city centre and a great alternative to Seville’s larger and busier attractions, especially for families with younger kids who want to avoid big crowds.
Despite being smaller than the better-known Real Alcázar, Casa de Pilatos is also a lovely spot to admire Seville’s unique mix of Renaissance and Mudéjar architecture.
This historic house has beautiful gardens, intricate colourful tilework, and many charming hidden corners to explore. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful moment away from the busy city streets outside.
Browse the Mercado de Triana
Mercado de Triana, located across the river in Seville’s Triana district, is a busy historic market where the whole family can try plenty of delicious local foods. Kids will love the colourful stalls, friendly local vendors, and lively atmosphere.
Grab some tapas and find somewhere to people-watch in the market for a while, or grab a seat by one of the stands and order a selection to try. Alternatively, pick up a few snacks to go and enjoy a scenic stroll along the nearby Guadalquivir River.
If you love exploring a city’s markets, on the opposite side of the river Mercado del Arenal is worth a look too, with plenty of places to browse and eat. Nearby, the Mercado del Barranco isn’t a traditional market but has a string of food outlets around a central section with bar and tables (plus more traditional restaurants) so it’s a good place if you have picky eaters or a mix of people who want traditional Spanish food and those who don’t.
See the Museum Of Illusions
If you want to take a break from Seville’s many cultural landmarks, you can stay in the heart of the historic centre and still have a bit of family fun at the Museum of Illusions.
The quirky interactive museum is packed with mind-bending exhibits that kids and adults will both enjoy including ways to trick your senses – with similar ones popping up in cities across Europe, you’ll probably have come across them before, and this is on similar lines but always an entertaining way to spend an hour in Seville with kids.
You can walk through a dizzying vortex tunnel, step into an anti-gravity room, and test your teamwork with challenging 3D puzzles. It’s also a fun place to capture some cool family photos, with many unusual optical illusions offering fun backdrops.
Eat ice cream
Answering the question, ‘Where is the best ice-cream in Seville?’ is not easy – you’ll find plenty of places to grab a cone (or three) while you’re exploring.
Our favourite was definitely Heladeria Bolas with several shops across Seville, and great quality ice-cream, including some deliciously quirky flavours.
Creeme Helado near the Museo de Bellas Artes is another good bet if you’re in that corner of the city, along with Helados Rayas, which has one branch near Las Setas.
TOP TIP: You’ll see oranges growing everywhere but don’t think of eating them – they’re way too bitter. Most actually get exported to the UK to be made into marmalade, although some are turned into orange wine; grab a glass at Alvaro Peregil bar near the cathedral to try it
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Images: flamenco dancer/Maria Luisa Park/Casa de Pilatos/ice cream courtesy of Depositphotos, all other images copyright MummyTravels
