Top things to do in Sevilla, Spain

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Why Sevilla should be your hub in Andalucia

Sevilla is the perfect hub in Andalucia — the fourth largest city in Spain. Southern Spain should be high on your travel destination list when planning time in Spain or Europe. Here, you can immerse yourself fully in Sevilla history and night-life, and also enjoyed excursions by car to Cordoba, Ronda, Granada (one overnight), and Nerja.

Urban sprawl mixed with old town charm, Sevilla's downtown is home to many historic sites within easy walking reach. Here, you'll get your fill of centuries of Moorish and Christian history. 

Our home for the week was a spacious 5 bedroom flat just a 10-15 minute stroll from the Alcazar, cathedral, and the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood. Discovered on VRBO.com, we stayed 7 nights in this great apartment in an exclusive, safe area of Sevilla.

This post runs through what we specifically loved about Sevilla. Looking for a peek of our Andalucia itinerary? Read more here.   

What to do in Sevilla, Spain

We were celebrating BIG.

Fiftieth wedding anniversary of my parents to be exact. My parents wanted to usher in their golden date in an unforgettable way. So they chose Spain. And took us along with them - four couples plus them made ten.

Dad planned most of the trip, from dates to flights, to picking the VRBO home away from home, plus an outlined basic itinerary. But he allowed for wiggle room too. He wanted us all to have a great time. 

Our party of ten descended on Andalucia, Spain in September, when the days are bright, sunny, and perfectly warm.

Tapas bars

Tapas galore, like fried eggplant drizzled in honey, washed down with cold cerveza or a fruity sangria. Check out this list of great tapas bars.

Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Go for a hot cup of coffee by asking for cafe americano con leche. 

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Royal Alcazar  

Built by the Moors in the 10th century, taken over by Christian rulers in the 14th century, this extraordinary mixture of architecture and gardens still houses the royal family today.

One of my top favorite sights we visited in Andalucia!

Cathedral & Giralda Bell Tower

The world's largest Gothic church is home to Christoper Columbus' tomb. In life and death, he's traveled so many miles, not everyone's convinced this is his current resting place.

Exquisite detail, architecture, and paintings fill this cathedral, doubling as an art gallery.

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Plaza de Espana  

The city of fountains shows off right here, complete with carriage and gondala rides. Time it right, and you just might score a free flamenco show.

Did you know Kansas City, Missouri is Sevilla's sister city? If you've been to both, you'll immediately see the close ties via architecture.

Flamenco at La Carboneria 

Near nightly free music and dancing showcased here starting at 10:30 p.m. Or, pay to watch flamenco shows at other clubs throughout the old town.

Flamenco at La Carboneria is located here: Calle Céspedes, 21, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood 

Great tapas, cerveza, and coffee here day and night. The lively crowd is half the fun. Crowd in around a table and people-watch while you nibble and sip.

Triana neighborhood  

Perhaps a more authentic neighborhood on the west bank of the river with even better tapas, this is worth the jaunt. More locals and less tourists, you'll really get a feel for social life in Sevilla.

Evening Paseo strolls 

Designed for strolling, the city centro boasts long avenues lined with shops, tapas bars, restaurants, and gelaterias.

Don't miss spending an afternoon AND an evening meandering the paseos.

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Shopping in the city centro 

Starting near Plaza Nueva, shop name-brand clothing stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques along and near Calle Sierpes and Calle Tetuan.

Quite fun people-watching and peering into store windows, even if you don't normally call yourself a shopper.

Sleeping in old town Sevilla

My hubby and I arrived one day ahead of the rest of the crew and stayed one night in the sweet Hotel El Rey Moro with its colorful, spacious courtyard patio and clean, quaint 19 rooms.

Grab one of their free bicycles and peddle around town. Reserve the hotel's roof-top hot tub for a great view of the Cathedral lit up at night. Splurge on the hotel's hot breakfast; you won't be disappointed!

Biking, walking, and metro stations

My husband and I used the city bus once to reach city centro from Sevilla's small airport. After that, our party of ten mostly walked everywhere downtown and in the old-town.

One day we rented bikes for exploring the city. The city rental bikes are big and clunky, but easy to rent. For easier bikes to maneuver, try Rent a Bike Sevilla.

For day trips to other towns in Andalucia, we rented cars.

How to backpack across Europe with kids

Thinking of backpacking across Europe with kids and not sure where to start? Wanderlust Crew provides an essential guide: How to Plan a Europe Backpacking Trip for Your Family

A guidebook for Sevilla

Our go-to guidebooks for any place in Europe really is anything written by Rick Steves. We have never been disappointed with his suggestions. We carried his book everywhere as if he were our own personal tour guide.

Grab Rick Steves Snapshot Sevilla, Granada & Andalucia today.

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