In 1519 five ships left Seville to seek the spice route, and in 1522 only one, Elcano's Victoria, returned having sailed around the world. Seville's Aquarium tells that epic tale through 35 tanks: the river, the ocean, Atlantic sharks and a tunnel where fish swim over the children's heads. With the sealed entrance and family audio guides, the visit becomes an explorers' adventure. The second half of the plan is simpler: stroll along the Guadalquivir to the Torre del Oro, watch the boats and finish with an ice cream by the river.
Getting there & around
Bus C1/C2 or taxi from the apartment to Prado de San Sebastián (10 min), then a 10-minute walk through the park to the Muelle de las Delicias. You can return by tram T1 from Puerta de Jerez or by taxi.
The route
Apartamento Esencia Sevilla
Starting point towards the river bank: bus C1/C2 or taxi (10-12 min) to Prado de San Sebastián.
Tip: The Aquarium opens from 10:00 to 18:00 (weekends until 19:00). Tickets bought online are cheaper.
Acuario de Sevilla
Twenty marine ecosystems in 35 tanks: the Guadalquivir river, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the tropical rainforest and the great shark tank. The route follows Magellan and Elcano's voyage.
History: The aquarium opened in 2014 on the Muelle de las Delicias, next to the spot from which 16th-century expeditions departed. Its tanks recreate the first voyage around the world: from Seville to the Pacific and back via the Indian Ocean and the Cape of Good Hope.
Tip: The visit lasts 1.5-2 hours. The underwater tunnel and the otter area are the favourites. Ask about the expedition stamp activity: children take home a souvenir.
Muelle de las Delicias y paseo del río
The friendliest bank of the Guadalquivir: a flat promenade with ducks, moored boats and picnic spots. From here you can see the Remedios bridge and, upstream, the Torre del Oro.
Tip: Scooters and bikes roll perfectly along this promenade. There are fountains and shade near the park.
Puente de San Telmo
The bridge where the Cádiz road enters the city, with the San Telmo palace on one side. The perfect spot to watch the river boats go by.
Tip: Right below lie the remains of the old docks. Children ask about the bronze horses at the palace entrance.
Torre del Oro
The Almohad tower of 1221 that closed the river with a chain. Its maritime lookout, full of ship models and navigation tools, is climbed by a spiral staircase that children see as a castle.
Tip: Very cheap entry (under 5€, young children free). From the top, the views of the river and the bullring are the best around. Queues are usually short in the mid-afternoon.
