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

Should you visit Seville or Galway?

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 Galway. 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 energetic, elegant, and beautiful 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville and Galway: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Real Alcázar
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Seville or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seville than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seville is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. It is also well known for the Real Alcázar. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Seville different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seville
Galway

Seville is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.


Is Seville or Galway Better for Theater?

Seville
Galway

Seville is a city with good options for theatre. However, Galway 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.

Galway is not a theatre destination.

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

Seville
Galway

Seville is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Seville makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Seville or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Seville
Galway

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Seville and Galway.

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.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.


Is Seville or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Seville
Galway

Seville is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

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.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Galway?

Seville
Galway

Seville is notable for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Seville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Seville or Galway Better for Families?

Seville
Galway

Seville is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Galway is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.


Is Seville or Galway Better for Couples?

Seville
Galway

Seville is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Seville or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seville
Galway

For backpackers, both Seville and Galway are very good places to visit.

Many backpackers 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.

Galway is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Seville or Galway Better for Students?

Seville
Galway

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

Seville is a very popular city 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.

Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.


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

Seville
Galway

Seville and Galway both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Seville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Seville or Galway a more walkable city?

Seville
Galway

Seville and Galway are very good 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.

Galway is a very walkable destination. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Seville?

How long in Seville or Galway?

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

Families should spend more time in Seville than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway 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.


  • How many days in Seville or Galway? Ideal Length of Stay
    Seville 2-3 
    Galway 2-3

One day in Seville or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Seville. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Galway?

Seville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Galway, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Galway has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seville. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Galway 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 Galway?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic destination of Seville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Galway or Seville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Seville is €125, while the average daily cost in Galway is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Seville and Galway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seville 58
    Galway 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seville 116
    Galway 140
Compare Hotels in Seville and Galway

Looking for a hotel in Seville or Galway? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Seville


Hotels in Galway


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Seville Hotel Prices and Galway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seville 18
    Galway 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seville

Also for Seville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Seville city to Seville Airport(SVQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Seville Airport(SVQ) to Seville hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Seville city hotels to Seville Airport (SVQ) - Departure Transfer: $26
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Seville Airport To/From Seville): $27
  • Private Transfer from Seville Airport(SVQ) to Seville City Center: $27
  • Private Transfer from Seville Airport to Seville Cruise Port: $33
  • Transfer to Santa Justa Train Station: $37
  • Private 1-Way Airport or Train Station Transfer: $43
  • Transfer to Seville Airport: $43
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Sevilla Airport: $44
  • Transfer Hotel Seville-Seville Airport: $44
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Seville Airport to Hotel: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
  • Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
  • Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
  • Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
  • Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Seville or Galway?

Prices for flights to both Galway and Seville change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Seville 37
    Galway 33
Typical Food Prices in Seville

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Seville:


  • Lunch
    9.50
  • Ice Cream
    2.30
  • Jamon (Dry Cured Ham)
    12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seville

For Seville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Flamenco at El Palacio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $28
  • Ugly Delicious Food Tour: $38
  • El Patio Sevillano Flamenco Show Ticket & Dinner: $43
  • Paella-Cooking Experience with Sangria & Full Meal: $46
  • Flavors of Andalucía Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $46
  • Flamenco Show at Tablao El Arenal with Drink and Optional Dinner or Tapas : $47
  • Oriental dinner with a view of the Giralda: $57
  • Paella & Sangria Showcooking Experience on a Rooftop: $60
  • Paella Cooking Experience on a Rooftop Terrace: $63
  • The Seville Morning Food Tour: $68
  • Spanish Cooking Class with Dinner: $70
  • 3.5-Hour Spanish Cooking Class & Triana Market Tour: $75

Typical Food Prices in Galway

Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    8.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Galway.

  • Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
  • Galway Food Tour: $107
  • Galway Food Tours: $109
  • Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
  • Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seville 29
    Galway 12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seville

For Seville, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to Cathedral
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Seville

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Seville.

  • SEVILLE in one day: GPS-AutoGuided Audio Tour: $1.07
  • Ticket to the Flamenco Dress Museum: $3.21
  • Barrio de Santa Cruz Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Triana Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio: $3.21
  • Sevilla: Best Monumental Free Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Ticket to the Flamenco Dress Museum: $3.27
  • Walking Tour of Sevilla's Historic Sites: $3.27
  • Self Audio Guided Tour in Seville Cathedral: $4.36
  • Unveil Flamenco's World through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Seville Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour (EN, ES): $5.40
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99

Tours and Activities in Galway

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:

  • Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $82
  • 3 Hours Guided Irish Whiskey Tour and Tasting in Galway City: $180
  • Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $119
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $136
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $163
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $82
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $60
  • Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $36
  • Burren Botany Experience: $16
  • Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: $134
  • City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • City of the Tribes Tour: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seville 10
    Galway 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Seville

Also in Seville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $32
  • Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $34
  • Flamenco show with wine tasting and tapas at Bodega La Jara: $49
  • Half-Day Wine Tour in Andalusia: $95
  • From Tour of Jerez with Horse Show & Wine Tasting: $112
  • Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour: $114
  • Jerez and Cadiz Wine Tasting & Horse Show Day Trip: $150
  • Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Seville Small Groups and Jewish Quarter: $158
  • Wine tourism, visit to a traditional winery and wine tasting: $213
  • Private wine tour to Jerez de la Frontera: $295

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355


When comparing the travel costs between Seville and Galway, we can see that Galway 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 Seville Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Seville or Galway?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Seville and Galway, 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 Galway?

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 Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Seville during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seville for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seville is generally much warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 27°C (81°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Seville. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Galway. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Galway. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Seville 27°C (81°F) 
    Galway 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Seville or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Galway. The autumn months attract visitors to Seville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

Seville is much warmer than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seville usually receives less rain than Galway. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Seville 20°C (67°F) 
    Galway 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Seville or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seville as well as Galway. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Galway. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Seville usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Seville 11°C (51°F) 
    Galway 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Seville or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seville for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Seville is generally much warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 16°C (61°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Galway during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives more rain than Galway. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Seville 16°C (61°F) 
    Galway 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Galway and Seville

Seville Galway
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)