20 fun and unique things to do in Seville

Seville is famed for its culture: flamenco shows, Moorish architecture and sun-washed plazas create a spellbinding atmosphere that’s hard to resist. But beyond its well-trodden attractions, you’ll find a city packed with fun things to do, no matter your interests.

See the River Guadalquivir in a new light, standing on a paddleboard, or head to the city's Museum of Illusions for dazzling tricks that will change the way you think. Elsewhere, learn to make authentic tapas, or sate your need for speed at the city’s theme park. Here are 20 of the most fun things to do in Seville.

Fun things to do in Seville as a couple

1. See the sunset from a paddleboard

Sunset cruises are such a cliché. Instead, hop onto a paddleboard and glide down the mighty River Guadalquivir. It’s the perfect thing to do if you're visiting the city in summer, offering a fun way to cool down after a long, hot day.

Highlights:

A guide will point out the most interesting sights along the way, but the best part of this activity is seeing the sun setting over the water.

Meeting point:

Calle Betis 14, 41010 Seville. Start time: 9:00 PM.

2. Hike the dramatic Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey hiking trail is one of Europe’s most famous walks. Its vertiginous trails along a narrow gorge have been carefully revamped, and now its wooden walkways provide jaw-dropping views from the sheer cliff face. It’s an adventurous date, to be sure, but there’s nothing more romantic than natural beauty, and the Caminito del Rey offers it by the bucket.

Highlights:

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles, and mammals including wild boar and Iberian ibex

Address and opening hours:

El Caminito del Rey, 29550 Ardales, Málaga. Open daily 9:00 AM-3:30 PM.

3. Tour the city by horse-drawn carriage

Want to see the city on a romantic date to remember? Try a tour in a horse-drawn carriage. You and your partner can snuggle up together as you trot around the city center. Your driver will act as a guide, pointing out the most interesting sights, so don't forget your camera.

Highlights:

You'll get some of the best views of the Triana neighborhood, known as the cradle of flamenco.

4. Learn how to stomp and twirl at a flamenco class

No trip to Seville would be complete without a live flamenco show, but how about learning the moves for yourself? Attend a flamenco dance lesson and learn how to feel the rhythm. Your instructor will take you through the basic poses, moves, and, most importantly, attitude.

Meeting point:

Calle Evangelista 7E, 41010 Seville. Start times vary.

5. Live the high life with a yacht river cruise

Get around the city in celebrity style, kicking back on the deck of a yacht. You'll enjoy a VIP experience as you cruise down the Guadalquivir sightseeing in style. Sip a glass of the local favorite rebujito, a refreshing blend of sherry and lemon soda.

Highlights:

Opt for a two-course meal of jamón iberico and other classics to really take your cruise to the next leve.

Meeting point:

Muelle de Nueva York, 41013 Seville. Start times vary.

Fun things to do in Seville with kids

6. Let the Museum of Illusions play tricks on you

The question on everyone's lips as they wander through the Museum of Illusions is: how? You'll be utterly mystified by this museum, where every exhibit is a separate illusion. The kids will spend the rest of the day trying to work out the secrets.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the mesmirizing collection of holograms, a vortex tunnel, and the stomach-churning upside-down room.

Address and opening hours:

Calle San Eloy 28, 41001 Seville. Open daily 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

7. Walk through the shark tunnel at the Seville Aquarium

With over 400 species to see, the Seville Aquarium is perfect for a fun family morning out. One of the major highlights is the shark tunnel, which features two fierce-looking bull sharks swimming around you. Prefer something gentler? Stick to the rock pools, where you can admire colorful starfish.

Highlights:

This aquarium goes further than the see: the Amazon zone is home to snakes like anacondas.

Address and opening hours:

Muelle de las Delicias, 41012 Seville. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Go wild at Isla Mágica

At Isla Mágica, Seville's theme park, you'll find thrilling rollercoasters, captivating horseriding shows, and gentle boat rides. There really is something for the whole family in this colonial-themed amusement park. In hot weather, head next door to the Agua Mágica water park, where you can cool off in the wave pool.

Highlights:

The Amazon zone is where you'll find the biggest thrill rides. These include the water rollercoaster Anaconda and the dizzying Jaguar, which boasts five inversions, so it isn’t for the faint of heart.

Address and opening hours:

Pabellón de España 41092 Seville. Open daily 11:00 AM-11:00 PM.

9. Go horseback riding at Doñana National Park

For an unforgettable day trip from Seville, head out to nearby Doñana National Park. This little slice of seaside heaven is on the rugged Atlantic coast and offers windswept beaches and exciting wetlands to explore, and adventurous kids will jump at the chance to go horseback riding in nature.

Highlights:

Stop for lunch in the picturesque, traditional village of El Rocío.

Address and opening hours:

Almonte, Huelva. Open daily 9:00 AM-1:00 AM.

10. Rent a kayak for fun on the water

Enjoy a family outing by kayak. It's a great way to see the River Guadalquivir and the surrounding city, and you can go at your own pace. There's no guide, so you can have a real adventure as you plot your route along the river.

Highlights:

This activity is suitable for kids aged 8 and up. You'll have a safety briefing first, and you'll be given life jackets.

Meeting point:

Calle Radio Sevilla, 41001 Seville. Start times vary.

Fun things to do in Seville on your own

11. Combine sightseeing and cruising on a monumental tour

Combine two of Seville’s biggest highlights with a tour of the cathedral and Alcázar, and a river cruise. It’s a great way to tick off the main sights, while the river cruise is a relaxing way to end a busy day.

Highlights:

This is a great activity in the hot summer months when a full day of sightseeing can be challenging. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the water.

Meeting point:

 C. Francos, 30, 41004 Seville. Start times vary.

12. Go back to Roman times at Itálica

The ancient site of Itálica has something to offer all kinds of visitors. If you're interested in history, you'll be excited to stand in the birthplace of two emperors, Hadrian and Trajan. Prefer modern culture? No problem — a scene from Game of Thrones was filmed right here, in the amphitheater.

Highlights:

A tour of Seville’s Roman City and medieval monastery will take you to the charming medieval Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo.

Address and opening hours:

Avenida Extremadura 2, 41970 Santiponce, Seville. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

13. Discover the women behind Seville

For a walking tour with a difference, try a tour that focuses on Seville's female history. You’ll learn the role that these extraordinary women played in shaping Seville, and hear lesser-known stories about the city.

Highlights:

You'll visit several different sites on this tour. Don't miss the Royal Tobacco Factory, where the operatic heroine Carmen worked.

Meeting point:

Plaza de las Delicias 3, 41001 Seville. Start times vary.

14. Learn spine-tingling secrets on a night tour of the city

Like most cities with a long history, Seville has its fair share of myths and legends. Discover them for yourself on a walking tour that will share Seville’s darker side and take you to some of its most interesting and unusual areas.

Highlights:

Along with the city’s paranormal history, you’ll learn about the legends of San Leandro Square and the Elvira Bells.

Meeting point:

Plaza de la Encarnación, 41003 Seville. Start time: 9:00 PM.

Fun things to do in Seville if you like food and drink

15. Learn how to make authentic tapas

Many of Spain's most popular dishes are remarkably easy to prepare. When you attend an Andalusian tapas class, you'll learn some timeless recipes like gazpacho, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet), and gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic oil). Sounds like the best kind of souvenir to us…

Highlights:

Start with a guided tour of Triana Market, where you'll learn how to find the very best produce for your culinary endeavors.

Meeting point:

Calle San Jorge 6, Seville 41010. Start times vary.

16. Explore the city's history through tapas

Seville's Santa Cruz neighborhood is famous for its buzzing bars, where you can eat delicious tapas night after night. On a tapas tour, you’ll head off the beaten path into the kinds of authentic bars the locals love.

Highlights:

Don’t miss salmorejo, a richer version of gazpacho served with an egg and ham garnish, and the vino de Naranja (orange wine) is delightfully refreshing.

Meeting point:

Santa Cruz, Seville, 41004 Seville. Start time: 6:30 PM.

17. Join in the fun of a sangria tasting session

Forget everything you think you know about sangria, and learn how to make it properly in a tasting session that will take you through the different varieties of this popular Spanish punch. It's the flavor of summer in a glass.

Highlights:

Sangria is made with far more than just red wine and lemonade: try the cava sangria for sparkling twist.

Meeting point:

Plaza de las Delicias 1, 41001 Seville. Start times vary.

18. Eat churros and chocolate

Churros are one of Spain's greatest contributions to world cuisine, and they’re best eaten at breakfast. Like a moreish version of a donut, these deep-fried cylinders of batter are so much more than the sum of their parts. Enjoy them as the locals do, dunked in thick hot chocolate for brunch.

Meeting point:

Calle Resolana 2, 41009 Seville. Start time: 10:30 AM.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Seville at night?

Take a night tour to see the city lit up. Some of these tours focus on spooky legends and dark history. You could also watch a flamenco show or relax with tapas and sangria in a bar.

Are there any fun day trips from Seville that I should consider?

Seville is a great location for many day trips. To take in a different city, try Granada, Córdoba, or Cádiz. If you want nature, Doñana National Park is a real treat, while the monkeys of Gibraltar are always fun.

What are some popular festivals or events in Seville?

The most popular events in the year are the Feria de Abril, a traditional Andalusian fair with street parties where women dress up in flamenco outfits, and Holy Week, which is a more solemn affair, with religious processions in the streets.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Seville?

You can take the kids kayaking down the river or visit the Isla Mágica theme park.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Seville?

Many of the best outdoor activities in Seville focus on the river. Go kayaking or paddleboarding, or chill out on the deck of a boat.