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

Should you visit Seville or Cologne?

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 Cologne. 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 beautiful, world-renowned, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Cologne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Seville than Cologne. While Cologne is larger than Seville, Seville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seville is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Cologne is known for its christmas markets and big city activities. Seville is more touristy than Cologne and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. It is also home to the Real Alcázar. Cologne is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River.

How is Seville different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cologne 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 Cologne?

Seville is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Seville on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Theater?

Seville is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Cologne is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show 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.

Cologne is not a theatre destination.

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

Seville is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Seville and Cologne.

The nightlife in Seville has something for everybody. 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.

Cologne offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Seville is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Cologne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Seville and Cologne both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Seville does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Seville does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Seville does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Cologne are not to be missed. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Seville does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Families?

Both Seville and Cologne are superb family-friendly destinations.

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.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Couples?

Seville is well known for couples. Also, Cologne 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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seville is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Seville or Cologne Better for Students?

Seville is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Seville. 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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can take you anywhere. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne a more walkable city?

Seville and Cologne are superb 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.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Seville?

How long in Seville or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seville and Cologne. In our opinion, Seville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Seville than Cologne. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seville than Cologne 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 Seville.

One day in Seville or Cologne?

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 Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Seville or Cologne?

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 Cologne 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Cologne?

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.

Cologne is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Seville or Cologne?

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 Cologne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seville and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Seville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seville or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Seville and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seville as well as Cologne. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seville is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seville in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Cologne in the Autumn?

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

In October, Seville is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 20°C (67°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seville usually receives more rain than Cologne. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Seville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cologne can be very cold during winter. Seville is much warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Cologne. Most visitors come to Seville for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Seville is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seville in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Seville