Seville
Along the Guadalquivir River
Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) - The Torre del Oro, built by the Moors in the 13th century, started out as a watchtower to guard the Guadalquivir River. Over the centuries, the Torre del Oro was used as a treasure storehouse, prison and powder magazine. Today it houses a small museum, with naval exhibits inside, including a mural of the historic port, models of Columbus' ships, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, and Spanish galleons.
Climb up to the top of the tower, and look out over the Guadalquivir River, once the point of departure for historic voyages, including Magellan's journey around the world.
Scenic boat rides - Go for a one hour cruise on the smooth flowing river, up to the Isla de la Cartuja and back. Cruises run hourly, depart every 30 min., year round. Especially nice are the boat rides at sunset, when the Torre del Oro glows like a golden beacon.
Pedal boating - Kids can take a river voyage under their own steam. Rent pedal boats, row boats or canoes from "Pedalquivir," a cafe and boat rental kiosk just up the quay from the Torre del Oro.
Walk along the river - Today the Quadalquivir River is busy with colorful kayakers and scenic boat rides, but if you close your eyes, you can almost smell wooden ships arriving from the New World, the clatter of goods being unloaded, carts rumbling back and forth, and spices in the air.
Start at the Torre del Oro, and walk north along the wide promenade, Paseo de Cristobal Colon, up to the next bridge, Puente de Isabel II. Cross over the bridge to the eastern side of the river, the Triana district. (If you want to take a detour to look at azulejos (ceramic tile) shops, walk down Calle San Jacinto, turn right on Calle de la Alfareria.)
From the bridge, walk down Calle Betis, there are lots of cafes here, this is a great place to stop for a snack. Continue on Betis to Puente de San Telmo, and cross back across the river to the Torre del Oro.
Seville Aquarium (Acuario de Sevilla) - Not a huge aquarium, but what's interesting is kids can follow the route of Magellan's world-wide voyage, starting with the Guadalquivir River (Magellan set out from Seville), and sailing around South America to Asia. Tanks have sea turtles, rays, giant Pacific octopus, tropical fish, and glass tunnel with sharks gliding overhead.
Seville Aquarium is located on Muelle de las Delicias promenade along the river, just above the Puente de las Delicicias (Delicias Bridge)
