5 Things to do in Seville, Spain, for Beginners

Whatever their age — whether a couple, young family or multigen group — first-time visitors to Seville, Spain, shouldn’t miss these five experiences that define that Spanish city.

Tour Alcazar and its Gardens

The history of Andalusia was heavily influenced by centuries under Islamic Caliphate rule, and the Islamic artistic influence lasted long after Catholic kings regained control. The beauty of their architecture and grandeur of their palaces was so admired King Pedro employed Islamic artists to enlarge the former Muslim palace into his own grand palace in the heart of Seville.

Alcazar, Seville, Spain. Photo: Stillman Rogers

The Alcazar remains today as a monument to the artistry of these later craftsmen and walking through its intricately decorated rooms and cool courtyards is like stepping into the Arabian Nights. The gardens are delightful to stroll through, with flowers, formal beds, pools, fountains and never-ending surprises, including mazes (one small one for kids) and a water organ. Shaded benches invite savoring the green oasis in the center of the city.

Visit the Cathedral

One Europe’s largest churches, Seville’s cathedral awes visitors with its soaring ceilings and ornate decoration. The massive altar is entirely encrusted in gold, with layers of golden statues, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus (where he may or may not actually be) is held aloft by four giants. Kids and energetic travelers can climb the Giralda, a tower soaring higher than the cathedral’s roof. The steps are low, making it easier to climb (King Ferdinand III rode his horse to the top of this tower to proclaim he reconquered Seville from Islamic rulers).

Relax in Maria Luisa Park

On Sundays it may seem the entire population of Seville comes to this park that spreads for half a mile on the opposite side of the river from the busy center. Shaded walkways lead to hedge-surrounded pools, a faux rock mountain with a waterfall that kids love to climb, giant trees, palms, flower beds, playgrounds, gazebos and benches. Walk through it, ride in a horse-drawn carriage or rent a pedal cart that will hold the whole family.

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Climbing the Grotto waterfall at Maria Luisa Park. Photo: Stillman Rogers

At the head of the park is the impressive Plaza de España, a huge semi-circular pavilion with colonnades, pools, bridges and colorful tile murals depicting the provinces of Spain. Built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, it has become a favorite place for local families. You can rent a rowboat to ride under the bridges or be entertained watching inexperienced rowers trying to maneuver boats. At the other end of the park is an excellent small archeological museum with Roman mosaics, ancient gold jewelry and Visigoth jeweled crosses.

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Plaza España in Seville, Spain. Photo: Stillman Rogers

See a Flamenco Show

To feel the heartbeat of Andalusia, you’ll want to see this fiery dance to the staccato tapping of castanets. Several clubs in the Santa Cruz neighborhood offer these, but for an authentic show guaranteed to have the highest quality dancers and guitarists, book a performance at the Museum of Flamenco Dancing (Museo del Baile Flamenco). You’ll want to visit the museum itself, where interactive stations with screens and headsets follow its history and let visitors watch and listen to various styles, moving at their own pace.

Eat Tapas

Tapas, the tasty bites that accompany drinks in Seville, differ from the recent adaptation of the word to mean small servings of any dish. While you’ll find many different foods offered on an extensive tapas menu in Seville (and these are a good choice for sampling several dishes or as small servings for children), to find the traditional tapas served in a local setting, cross the Guadalquivir River to the old sailors’ district of Triana. Although they won’t be without tourists, the old-fashioned tapas bars here serve the real thing. Don’t worry that you won’t like something — if you don’t, it’s small and cheap. Crispy little codfish balls, chorizo, squares of Spanish tortilla (like an omelet with potatoes) and local cheeses are favorites, and the atmosphere of a real tapas bar is part of the experience.