Exploring Seville: A Family-Friendly Travel Guide
Seville is definitely an incredible city, with endless streets and pathways weaving and winding into one another. This city is what I believe people imagine when they think of Spain – hot, colorful, and full of life.
The people in Seville are very chatty and kind, with many speaking English in the tourist areas. The architecture, weather, and lifestyle are unique with old-time flair and sophistication.
I was happy to see little cafés on triangular corners or in plazas, where people were drinking their morning coffee and eating pan con tomate (bread with tomato). This is the quintessential Spanish breakfast (often with cured ham and a potato/egg tortilla).
At night, the restaurants and café patios were filled with locals and travelers alike eating, drinking, and catching up with friends.
Whether you travel to Seville with family, a large group of friends, or solo, you are sure to have a great time.
There is a vibe that is inclusive, warm, and friendly. Whether I walk around this city with my family, my young son, or alone, everything feels manageable and safe… even with my basic Spanish level.
I have now visited Seville seven times! We have stayed in hotels and Airbnbs all over the city center. I should probably write a separate blog post about our accommodations, as all were excellent. We have stayed in two hotels and a variety of Airbnb rentals from the Feria Market, near the Setas, to our latest spot close to the Torre de Oro.
A trip to Seville for most would include visiting the Alcázar, the old town, many cathedrals, and Plaza de España. After that, there are many ways to enjoy Seville. The food is excellent, as is the café culture. There is also a large shopping area where you can pick up a variety of souvenirs and shop at big-brand stores.
Seville is also known for its beautiful ceramic tiles and housewares. If you think you can get them home safely, be sure to buy some of the lovely bowls, platters, and tableware. Otherwise, a beautifully decorated fan might be just the gift to bring home to friends or to enjoy on hot, sunny days where you live.
Must-see Sites
Traveling with Kids?
Seville is a great place for family travel. In addition to all the regular sites, there is a good museum, CaixaForum, an amusement park, Isla Magica , a water park Guadalpark, or spend time at the Setas day or night. They have some nice children’s play areas, plenty of space to run, and light shows on top of the Setas after dusk.
On our last trip, my son and I ventured out in the rain and visited the Pabellón de la Navegación (Navigation museum). Can I just say that it was one of the best museum experiences we’ve ever had. Whether you are fascinated by ships and voyages of the past or just like history in general, this interactive, immersive experience was well designed.
There is also a shopping centre, Centro Comercial Torre Sevilla, across the street, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and an arcade/bowling centre, Ozone City, to play some games and win tickets to trade in for prizes, or try your luck at bowling. We had so much fun that we went back a few days later with our cousins.
If you’re visiting in the hotter months, definitely consider visiting the waterpark. It’s not too far from the city center and has lots of swimming pools, slides, and even a wave pool. I’m not sure about the vegan options, as we brought a picnic lunch of empanadas and food we picked up from the supermarket, but there are definitely places to get drinks or quick snacks.
There is quite a bit to see in Seville. You could easily spend a week here and be busy the entire time.
I’ll admit we didn’t make it to some of our favorite spots on this trip, but we did see some other places that were long on our bucket lists. This was my 7th time in Seville, and I have to say that it has been an interesting experience getting to know this town slowly.
I remember when I first visited as a newlywed to attend my husband’s cousin’s gorgeous Sevillano wedding, to when our kids were babies, and now they are almost 8, with another little one who’s 4.
This was a really interesting way to learn about the history of Seville. Julio, the guide, showed me 5 locations and told me the stories and legends of each place. You can see the University Faculty of Fine Arts Department pictured below. It is one of the most haunted buildings in Seville. This area has a lot of paranormal activity.
Museo del Baile Flamenco show C. Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla
You have to! This was a truly fascinating and inspiring experience. This show was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time.
I knew the general idea of Flamenco, but seeing a show in person is different. There is a lot going on between the dancers, singers, and guitarists – a real team effort. The talent, athleticism, and skill of everyone on the stage were astounding.
So tasty and fun! The guides are friendly and very informative about the vegan/vegetarian scene in Seville and Spanish history in general. As well, this tour attracts great travelers from all over the world.
It felt more like being invited to a fun tapas crawl or dinner party than a highly scheduled tour – exactly what you want on a night out in Seville!
One more thing! A vegan guide to Seville is included with the tour! I had a look through it, and there are so many great places on the list. Some I had heard of and tried, but many I didn’t know at all.
There are quite a few regular meat/fish serving establishments that offer great vegan and vegetarian options. I return to Seville yearly, so I’ll use this guide for my next visit.
I recommend taking the tour at the beginning of your stay, then using the guide for the rest of your time. Restaurants, coffee shops with milk alternatives, shops with vegan ice cream options, traditional food, or international – the guide has everything!
Restaurants Where to eat in Seville
There are so many great restaurants for every time of day! But this family tends to specialize in breakfast and lunch! We were very happy with our options, even though none of these restaurants were solely vegan.
We usually go for savory items at breakfast, but most of these places offered acai bowls, pancakes, or waffles, and some offered smoothies, along with vegan baked goods—carrot cake loaves, banana-and-chocolate bread, etc.
Seville is a world-class place to dine, and it was nice to see how many restaurants had a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian options. You can’t go hungry or miss out on flavor and taste in this town.
To be honest, if you are someone aspiring to open a restaurant, Seville should be on your list for research purposes. Besides the wonderful food and service, the restaurants and cafes are so stylish, well-designed, and decorated.
Breakfast
BioMio C. Mateos Gago, 9B, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla
So cute! This place had a nice selection of savory and sweet vegan options and smoothies! My son tried the Pina Colada – top shelf!
Naturalmente C. Rodrigo Caro, 7, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla
Another great spot. Savory and sweet vegan options with a nice selection of baked goods.
Aba de Sevilla Pl. de S. Francisco, 4, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla
Fresh and tasty! This spot had lots of vegan toasts, acai bowls, and smoothies.
Lunch/Dinner
La Lupe cocina actual Mexicana Alameda de Hércules, 56, Casco Antiguo, 41002 Sevilla
This is a great Mexican restaurant with so many vegan and vegetarian options. This resto is located on a hip and busy promenade with many bars and eateries. I first discovered it on a vegan food tour on a previous trip.
When I suggested it, my family was skeptical, as my husband has spent time in Mexico and refuses to believe Mexican food can be done well anywhere else – but he loved it! We will take the cousins back next time!
Macheroni&Co C. García de Vinuesa, 26-28, Casco Antiguo, 41001 Sevilla
My son has been obsessed with spaghetti and tomato sauce-based dishes all summer. This place is an award-winning Naples pizza and pasta place. I have to say that something as simple as pasta with tomato sauce was unbelievably delicious – they’re doing something extraordinary in the spice and flavor game.
Fatouch C. Feria, 33, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla
Hip Spot in the Feria Market area; we never knew falafels, hummus, and salad could be so good! I’m still thinking about that salad dressing…
Veganitessan c/Pastor y Landero, 0 S/N (at Mercado del Arenal)
What a fun and wonderful establishment. Located inside a market selling everything from fish, flowers, to bike rentals, this restaurant has everything from pizzas, burgers, wraps, hot dogs, to nachos.
They also have delicious desserts, including chocolate cakes, Neapolitans, and croissants. You can choose to indulge or try their bean burgers on multigrain buns with fresh side salads and home-cooked potato wedges.
We ordered two types of burgers, a pizza, and some baked goods, but I’m pretty sure I could eat here on every visit to Seville and never be bored. I will definitely try the nachos next time.
Habanitas Callejon Golfo, 3, 41004
This is one of my favorite restaurants. Tucked at the bottom of a small side street, it has ample indoor and outdoor seating.
Habanitas has an extensive vegan menu and the option for half and full-size orders. This is helpful because the menu has many great options. You will want to try at least 5 dishes when dining with 2-4 people.
Helado
Bolas Helados Arte-Sanos C. Orfila, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla
This was a new discovery. They have a lot of interesting and creative vegan flavors.
Olmo Helados Artesanales Cta. del Rosario, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla
This is my favorite! I dream about this vegan helado with so many interesting flavors, for example, La Medina – orange, cinnamon, and ginger!
Créeme Helado, Helado Pl. del Museo, 2, Casco Antiguo, 41001 Seville
This is my husband’s favorite. We walked quite a distance for this tasty treat. It’s right across from the Museo de Belles Artes, so it’s the perfect place to stop and have a delicious ice cream while you reminisce about your visit.
Well, that is it for now! I hope you visit this magical city, and if you do, tell me about it!
