Leisure activities in Seville for solo expats, couples and families
Seville is bursting with beautiful parks, world-class attractions, great markets and shopping districts, top sporting facilities, and buzzing nightlife. The city's recreational activities are vast, and in our Things to do on weekdays in Seville article we made a few suggestions about how to occupy your spare time after work. But what about your weekends and days off? Here are a few ideas of things to do in Seville on your own, with a partner or family and friends.
Things to do in Seville on your own
Familiarise yourself with your new city by exploring its districts and neighborhoods. No doubt you will want to see all the main sights that everyone gets around to, such as the Real Alcázar of Seville and the Giralda but step away from the main tourist drag to discover hidden gems. Explore Bellavista, the city's southernmost neighborhood, which is home to an 800-year-old chapel. Visit the centuries-old San Leandro Convent and purchase traditional egg-yolk sweets made by the nuns. Travel back in time with a visit to Italica, the ruins of an old Roman city located a few miles north of Seville.
For sublime moments of relaxation, surrender your body to the blissful waters of the AIRE Ancient Baths Sevilla, Arabic baths in the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood. This chilled-out oasis is housed inside a Mudejar-style palace and features baths with water at different temperatures and massage treatments.
Freshen up your wardrobe with a trip to Seville's shopping malls and shopping districts. Look for shoes and clothes in the chain stores and independent boutiques along the pedestrianized Calle Sierpes and the parallel Calle Tetuán, which are in the heart of Seville's main shopping area. Other popular shopping destinations include the Avenida Constitución and the Nervión and Triana districts
Things to do in Seville with family and friends
In the summer, cool off by hurtling down the slides and chutes of Guadalpark, a water park filled with both adrenalin-pumping and moderate attractions. If you feel the need for speed, descend the rapids and ride the Black Hole. For quieter moments, jump into the jacuzzi and swim in the Blue Lagoon.
Another great way to spend your downtime with family and friends is to enjoy days out at Seville's parks, tranquil green spaces that are spread across the city. They include Maria Luisa Park, which was once part of the royal gardens of San Telmo Palace, and Alamillo Park which boasts two lakes and is home to dozens of bird species.
When you're feeling adventurous and want to fill your lungs with fresh air, tackle some of the short and long-distance hiking trails around the city. They include the San Nicolas del Puerto trail and routes through the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park, a green-covered semi-mountainous area in the north of Seville province.
Things to do in Seville with a partner
Browse the Sunday collectors' market in the Plaza del Cabildo for antiques and other interesting items to furnish and decorate your home in Seville. Even if you are not interested in making a purchase, the market is still worth a wander for its arts, crafts, antiques, coins, military medals, and other curiosities.
Investigate Seville's many other markets for fresh produce, local specialties, clothes, and much more. Among them are the Mercado Lonja del Barranco, the Mercado de Triana, and Calle Feria's Thursday morning flea market.
If you want to get out of the city for a bit, head to one of the nearby beaches. With approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, you can enjoy year-round visits to the seaside. Among the sandy stretches within a 90-minute drive of the city are Punta Umbria and Matalascañas.
