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

Should you visit Osaka or Seville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka 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.

Osaka

Osaka is a cultural, high energy, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville

Seville is a historic, energetic, and elegant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Osaka and Seville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Seville?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seville than Osaka. While Osaka is larger than Seville, Seville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seville is more popular for its theatre productions and impressive beauty, while Osaka is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Seville is more touristy than Osaka and is known for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. It is also home to the Real Alcázar. Osaka is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city.

How is Osaka different from Seville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Seville and Osaka.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Osaka has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Seville that are not to be missed. 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 Osaka or Seville Better for Theater?

Seville is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Osaka is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seville. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Osaka is not a theatre destination.

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

Osaka 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 Osaka, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

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 Osaka or Seville Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Osaka is a must-see party destination. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

Seville offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Osaka or Seville Better for its Old Town?

Osaka and Seville both have great historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Osaka to see the historical old town. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Seville is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Osaka or Seville?

Osaka is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Osaka draws large crowds to its stores. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Seville. 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 Osaka or Seville Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Seville is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Osaka or Seville Better for Couples?

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

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

Couples visit Seville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Osaka or Seville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Seville are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Seville. 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 Osaka or Seville Better for Students?

Seville is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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 Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

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

Osaka 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 Osaka can take you anywhere. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

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 Osaka or Seville a more walkable city?

Seville is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Seville is a very walkable destination. 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.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Seville or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Seville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Osaka and Seville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Osaka than in Seville. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seville.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka 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 Osaka.

One day in Osaka or Seville?

Because Osaka 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.

In Seville, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Osaka or Seville?

Because Osaka 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. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Osaka has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seville. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Osaka or Seville?

Osaka is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seville is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the destination of Seville. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Seville?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Osaka. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Seville. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Seville, we can see that Seville is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Seville is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Seville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seville than you might in Osaka.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Seville?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka or Seville?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Osaka or Seville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Seville. Many travelers come to Osaka 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 July, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Seville. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Seville fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Seville during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Seville receives 360 hours of full sun in the summer.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Seville. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Seville receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Seville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Seville. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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.

Osaka is around the same temperature as Seville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Seville fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. In the autumn, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Seville. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seville receives 208 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Seville. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Seville receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Seville in the Winter?

Both Seville and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Seville because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Osaka is much colder than Seville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Seville averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Seville during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Seville receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Seville. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seville receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Seville in the Spring?

Both Seville and Osaka during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seville this time of year.

In April, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Seville. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Seville fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Seville. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seville receives 221 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Seville. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Seville receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seville and Osaka