Sharing a recap of adventures in Sevilla! I have another post coming up with food, Q&As, and you can check out my Spain packing list here.
Hey 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, too.
For today’s post, I’m sharing some of the highlights of our recent trip to Spain. It took me a while to put this post together because I have SO much to say about this magical vacation. It will definitely go down as one of our favorite family trips and I’m so pumped to share the details with you.
From the vibrant streets to the rich culture and stunning sights, Sevilla truly captivated us. In this post, I’ll take you through our excursions and adventures. Stay tuned for another post all about the amazing food and restaurants we discovered, as well as some Q&As!
We went to Sevilla to visit some good friends who have lived there this past year. Their oldest daughter is best friends with P – it’s hard to explain, but these two kids are soulmates and from 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 #1 priority and a huge highlight of the trip.
They showed us around this incredible city, and we were able to get an inside scoop of their favorite spots, enjoying lovely meals, rooftop hangs, and even a parents’ night out. The girls lived their BEST LIVES; our cups are all very full.
The Charm of Spain
Like my favorite parts of Italy and Mexico, Spain is bursting with incredible food, vibrant culture, and heartwarming hospitality. The streets are lined with wrought iron balconies, and the houses showcase a perfect palette of cream, red, yellows, pink, and deep green. The parks, often surrounded by cafes and bars, are lush with plants and make for lovely spots to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Transportation is super easy, making it a breeze to explore. We also stayed in Sevilla, where pretty much everything was walking distance or a qiuck hop on the bus.
(the kids also got to take a painting class from an amazing local teacher while we were there, which was a huge treat! The wished they could do this weekly)
Travel Style Tips
When it comes to packing for Spain, think casual and versatile. I usually pack sneakers and dressy sandals, daytime clothes, and a nicer dress for dinner. This time, I brought workout clothes just in case, but they stayed in the suitcase. Athleisure is pretty much a no-go, too; everyone is wearing “real clothes,” even if they’re more on the casual side.
The Sights
Cathedral
Visiting the Cathedral of Seville was a 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 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 Tower, originally built as a minaret during the Almohad dynasty, rewards you with breathtaking 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 the faithful to prayer.
*Get tickets in advance and make sure that shoulders are covered for entry. They sell shawls in nearby shops, too.
Las Setas
Las Setas (The Mushrooms), or the Metropol Parasol, is a striking modern structure that offers a fantastic contrast to Sevilla’s historic architecture. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, it is the largest wooden structure in the world. Walking along the pathways at the top, you get panoramic views of Sevilla, which are especially stunning at sunset. Beneath the structure, you’ll find a vibrant market and an archaeological museum showcasing Roman and Moorish remains discovered during construction.
It’s also surrounded by restaurants, and we tried many of them while the kids played at a nearby playground. It’s such a fun and picturesque spot to spend an evening.
*No need to get 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 get up close and personal with the passion and intensity of flamenco. The performances feature incredible guitarists, singers, and dancers who bring the art form to life.
Another note: this was a top 10 event in my entire life. I’ve loved flamenco for SO long and it was truly a gift to see it in Sevilla. It was everything.
(P’s dress is here // mine is here // Liv’s is here)
*Get tickets in advance. (Children over age 6)
The River
Spending an afternoon by the Guadalquivir River is a lovely change of scenery and change to be on the water 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 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 riverbank is also lined with lively bars and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing drink after your water adventures.
Royal Alcázar
The Royal Alcázar of Sevilla is a must-visit for its stunning blend of Moorish and Renaissance architecture. Originally a Moorish fort, it is one of the oldest palaces still in use in Europe. The palace has been featured in several films 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 one The Rizzler lol.
*Get tickets in advance. Next time, I’d like to do an audio or guided tour to learn more about it! We spent an entire morning here and there was so much to see.
Beach at Cádiz
We rented cars for a day trip to Cádiz. The golden 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 perfection and we enjoyed cold Albariño wine (my new fave), paella, sardines, croquetas, and salad from the restaurant.
Museo del Flamenco
We wandered into this museum one afternoon to check it out. It’s nestled in the heart of the city, and 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 vibrant exhibits, including costumes, photographs, and audiovisual displays. They also host dance lessons here (WHAT), and live flamenco performances.
Plaza de España
Plaza de España in Seville is a breathtaking blend of Spanish Renaissance Revival and Moorish architecture. This semi-circular plaza features a stunning 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, showcasing intricate designs and historical scenes. The central fountain and the majestic towers at each end add to the grandeur of the plaza, 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 was like I NEED TO LIVE HERE.
Parks!!
We went to quite a few parks – one had a zipline that was a huge hit – and many of them had nearby or attached restaurants and cafes. The parents could enjoy a coffee, beer, or glass of wine, while the kids ran free and had an amazing time playing. The kids were also very happy just hanging out in our friends’ house, playing games, learning dances, making friendship bracelets, and having water balloon fights on the rooftop.
Honorable mentions
Here are a couple of spots out friends recommended that we didn’t end up doing, but I’d definitely like to check them 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 bullfighting arenas 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, exploring the grandstands, the chapel where matadors pray before a fight, and the royal box. The attached museum offers a fascinating look into the history of bullfighting, showcasing matador costumes, posters, and bullfighting memorabilia.
Isla Mágica
This was highly recommended by the kids 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 that we go next time.
Heads Up
A couple of things to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip to Sevilla:
– Carry some toilet paper or paper towels with you, as they’re often not provided.
– You shouldn’t flush toilet paper; there are usually bins provided for disposal.
– Vegetables can be a bit harder to find, so take advantage when you see them on the menu 😉 By day 3, I was like ok, I’m ready for some produce.
Another tip:
It’s worth mentioning here that we are obsessed with our Amex platinum (you can use this link to get up to 80,000 points). We use it for everything – I put business expenses on my Southwest card, but that’s it – and pay it off every two weeks, so it’s an easy way for us 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, fine 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 using 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 it, my referral link is here.
Coming Up Next…
I can’t wait to share more about the food and restaurants we discovered in Spain, as well as some Q&As about our experience.
Spain was a dream come true with its food, culture, shopping, agriculture, and warmth. The girls are constantly begging to move there, and honestly, I would be ok with that, too 🙂
xoxo
Gina