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

Should you visit Seville or Chicago?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Seville and Chicago. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Seville

Seville is a world-renowned, historic, and energetic 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. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and theater.

Seville and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Seville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Seville is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Seville is more touristy than Chicago and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Seville different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Seville and Chicago.

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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chicago on the map. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Seville or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is terrific for its theatre productions. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shows and theatre.

Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

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.

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

Chicago 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 Chicago, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Seville or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

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

Chicago is a must-see party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Seville or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is terrific for its live music scene. However, Seville is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Seville is not a live music destination.

Is Seville or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a good destination for the beache. However, Seville is not a beach destination.

Chicago offers a nice beach destination. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Seville is not a beach destination.

Is Seville or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Seville is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Chicago?

Chicago 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, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Seville or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Seville does not offer Christmas activities.

Chicago is a very popular destination during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Seville does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Seville or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Seville does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Seville does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Seville or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Chicago is very family-friendly. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Seville is known to be 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 Seville or Chicago Better for Couples?

Seville is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Seville or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seville is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Seville or Chicago Better for Students?

For students, both Seville and Chicago are first-rate places to visit.

Seville is a very popular place to visit 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.

Many students frequent Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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

Chicago 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 Chicago can take you anywhere. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Seville or Chicago a more walkable city?

Seville and Chicago are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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.

Chicago is a very walkable destination. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Seville?

How long in Seville or Chicago?

In either Seville or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Seville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Seville or Chicago?

In Seville, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Chicago is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seville or Chicago?

In Seville, you'll find theater and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seville has to offer.

Because Chicago 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Seville or Chicago?

Seville 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.

Chicago is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chicago has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seville or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seville. Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Seville. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Chicago. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seville and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Seville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seville is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, 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 Seville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seville 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Seville.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Chicago?

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

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 Seville or Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seville as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Seville for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seville is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seville in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Seville usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Chicago in the Autumn?

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

In October, Seville is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 20°C (67°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chicago. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Chicago in the Winter?

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

The weather in Chicago can be very cold. Seville is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Chicago in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Seville is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seville in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Seville usually receives less rain than Chicago. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Seville