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Catedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower Marvel at the immense Baroque and Gothic style Cathedral (formerly the site of an Almohad mosque) and the bell tower La Giralda. Attend mass on Sunday; afterwards, look for the reputed tomb of Christopher Columbus, found inside the cathedral's southern door. Centro; Av. de la Constitución s/n; 011-34-954-56-31-50; catedraldesevilla.es .(Spanish only)
Alcázar Europe’s oldest active royal residence was built upon the remains of a Moorish palace in 1364. Spend a day getting lost among the fairy-tale like gardens, knowing that Ferdinand and Isabella once lived here, and that Spanish royalty continues to visit to this day. Santa Cruz; Plaza del Triunfo; Patio de Banderas s/n (between the Jardines de Murillo and the Cathedral); 011-34-954-50-23-24; www.patronato-alcazarsevilla.es
Archivo General de Indias Thanks to King Carlos III’s obsession with exploration in the 18th-century, guests can now browse an extraordinary number of documents relating to the “New World,” including Columbus’ journal. The archives also contain a magnificent collection of furniture. Centro; Constitución 3; 011-34-954-500-528
Plaza de Toros Real Maestranza Between Easter and October, spend a Sunday at one of the largest bullrings in Spain. Purchase tickets at least three days in advance at the ticket office (despacho de entradas) on Calle Adriano, or at kiosks along Calle Sierpes (day-of tickets are available, but shows often sell out). Arenal; Paseo de Colón 12; 011-34-954-22-45-77; www.realmaestranza.com
Parque de María Luisa Aníbal González redesigned this park for the 1929 World’s Fair and the area is now known for its massive Art Deco and Mudejar buildings, many of which are clustered around the Plaza de España. Palm, elm, and orange trees dot the park’s parameters. El Arenal; Paseo de las Delicias; 011-34-954-422-1404
Museo de Bellas Artes Originally only a space for religious art, this former convent now houses one of Spain’s finest collections of 15th to 17th-century paintings. See works by Goya, Murillo, Zurbarán, Valdés Leal, Ribera, and El Greco. Centro; Plaza del Museo 9; 011-34-954-219-500
Isla Mágica Shows, games, and attractions transport families to 16th-century cities, the Amazon rain forest, and pirate ships. Each area has roller coasters and water slides, free fall towers, and audiovisual shows. There’s even a special area just for tots. Isla de Cartuja; Pabellón de España; 011-34-90-216-17-16; www.islamagica.es
