A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Seville for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Istanbul or Seville?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Seville, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a high-energy, historic, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville

Seville is a historic, energetic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Seville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Seville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Seville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Seville attracts visitors for its theatre productions. Istanbul is famous for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Seville is famous for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine.

How is Istanbul different from Seville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seville and Istanbul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Istanbul or Seville?

Both Istanbul and Seville have world-class landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

The museums and tourist attractions in Seville are world-renowned. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for Theater?

Seville is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

Seville offers a number of shows and performances. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Istanbul is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Istanbul or Seville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

Dining out in Seville is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Istanbul and Seville.

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

Seville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is terrific for its old town. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Istanbul has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Seville?

Both Istanbul and Seville are great shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Seville is well-known for its shopping. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for Families?

Istanbul and Seville are both great destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Seville is very family-friendly. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Seville are both great to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Seville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Istanbul is extremely popular for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

Seville is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for Students?

Seville is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Seville is a great destination for students. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Is Istanbul or Seville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Istanbul is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Istanbul can take you anywhere. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Seville has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

Is Istanbul or Seville a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Seville both are great when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

For even more information, also check out Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Seville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seville or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Seville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Seville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Seville. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seville.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Seville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Istanbul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Istanbul than Seville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Istanbul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul than Seville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Istanbul.

One day in Istanbul or Seville?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Seville offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Seville?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Seville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Seville?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seville is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Seville?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Seville is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Seville, we can see that Seville is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Seville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Seville?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Seville, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Seville?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Istanbul or Seville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Seville. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Seville in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is cooler than Seville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Seville averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Seville. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seville receives 360 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Seville. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seville receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Seville in the Autumn?

Both Seville and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Seville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Seville. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Seville fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Seville. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Seville during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Seville receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Seville. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seville receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Seville in the Winter?

Both Seville and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seville because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Istanbul is much colder than Seville in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Seville fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Seville. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seville receives 173 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Seville. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Seville receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Seville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Seville. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seville this time of year.

In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Seville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Seville averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Seville during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Seville receives 221 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Seville. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seville receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seville and Istanbul