Which place is cheaper, Madrid or Seville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Seville or Madrid?
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 Madrid. 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.
Madrid
Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
Seville and Madrid: Pros and Cons
Seville
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
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Real Alcázar
- Public transit not as usable
Madrid
Pros- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Seville or Madrid?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Seville than Madrid. While Madrid is larger than Seville, Seville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seville is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Madrid attracts visitors for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities. Seville is more touristy than Madrid and is known 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. Madrid is famous for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing.
How is Seville different from Madrid?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Madrid 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 Madrid?
Seville
Madrid
Seville is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
Travelers visit Seville from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.
Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Is Seville or Madrid Better for Theater?
Seville
Madrid
Seville is a city with good options for theatre. However, Madrid is not a theatre destination.
If you have some extra time in Seville, take in a show. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.
Madrid is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Seville or Madrid? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Seville
Madrid
Madrid 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 Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
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 Madrid Better for Nightlife?
Seville
Madrid
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Seville and Madrid.
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.
Madrid offers plenty to do in the evening. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
Is Seville or Madrid Better for Music?
Seville
Madrid
Madrid 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 Madrid. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Seville is not a live music destination.
Is Seville or Madrid Better for its Old Town?
Seville
Madrid
Seville is a great city for its historic old town. However, Madrid 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.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Madrid?
Seville
Madrid
Madrid 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, Madrid draws large crowds to its stores. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
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 Madrid Better for Families?
Seville
Madrid
Both Seville and Madrid are very good 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.
Madrid is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
Is Seville or Madrid Better for Couples?
Seville
Madrid
Seville and Madrid both very good destinations for a couple.
Seville is a great city if you're traveling as 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.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Is Seville or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Seville
Madrid
For backpackers, both Seville and Madrid 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.
Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Seville or Madrid Better for Students?
Seville
Madrid
For students, both Seville and Madrid are fantastic 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 Madrid. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Is Seville or Madrid Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Seville
Madrid
Madrid 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 Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
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 Madrid a more walkable city?
Seville
Madrid
Madrid is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.
Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Seville Worth Visiting? and Is Madrid Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Madrid or Seville?
How long in Seville or Madrid?
In either Seville or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Seville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.
Couples should spend more time in Madrid than Seville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Madrid that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Madrid 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 Madrid.
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How many days in Seville or Madrid? Ideal Length of StaySeville 2-3Madrid 2-5
One day in Seville or Madrid?
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.
Because Madrid 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 Madrid?
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.
Because Madrid 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 Madrid has to offer.
Five days in Seville or Madrid?
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.
Madrid 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 Madrid has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Seville or Madrid?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world-renowned 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 Madrid. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Madrid. 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 Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeville €125Madrid €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Seville is €125, while the average daily cost in Madrid is €136. 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 Madrid in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeville €58Madrid €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeville €116Madrid €154
Compare Hotels in Seville and Madrid
Looking for a hotel in Seville or Madrid? 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.
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 Madrid Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seville €18Madrid €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seville
Also for Seville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Seville Airport (SVQ): Private Transfer to Granada hotels: $945
- Seville Airport (SVQ): Private Transfer to Malaga hotels: $772
- Transfer Algarve/ Seville city center or for Airport Private: $410
- From Private Transfer to Granada with Tour of Ronda: $394
- Private Transfer from Seville to Granada: $372
- Transfer from Seville to Malaga: $319
- Seville Airport SVQ to Malaga City Hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $281
- Private Transfer Seville SVQ to Cadiz,Cordoba, Ronda or Chiclana by Business Car: $280
- Private One-Way Transfer from Seville to Ronda: $277
- Transfer from Seville to Cadiz: $266
- Private Transfer from Osuna to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $242
- Airport transfer from Monte Gordo to Seville: $213
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Segovia: Full-Day Tour with Transfer to and from Madrid: $447
- Private Transfer Madrid City to Valladolid City by Sedan: $299
- Private Transfer from Moratalla to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $273
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Segovia City by Van: $266
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $261
- Private Transfer from Bolnuevo to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from La Manga strip dos Mares to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $237
- Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid City: $234
- Private Transfer from La Manga Club to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $227
- Private Transfer from Corvera Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $218
- Private Transfer from Cieza to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $205
- Private Transfer from El Verger to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $191
Is it cheaper to fly into Seville or Madrid?
Prices for flights to both Madrid 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
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Food Meals for one daySeville €37Madrid €34
Typical Food Prices in Seville
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Seville:
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Lunch€9.50
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Ice Cream€2.30
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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: $43
- 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
- The Seville Morning Food Tour: $58
- Paella Cooking Class with 2-Courses and Sangría: $59
- Paella Showcooking Experience on a Rooftop: $60
- Paella Cooking Experience on a Rooftop Terrace: $63
- Spanish Cooking Class with Dinner: $69
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $32
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Torres Bermejas Flamenco Show in Madrid with Dinner, Tapas or Drink: $38
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $42
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $60
- Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seville €29Madrid €34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seville
For Seville, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance to Cathedral€8.00
Tours and Activities in Seville
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Seville.
- 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Seville with Optional Trip to Osuna: $51
- Flamenco tour of Seville: $39
- Seville Electric Bike Private Tour: $76
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Isla Canela: $158
- 2 Hour Tour Discover Seville like a local on an ELECTRIC BIKE: $38
- 2´5 - 3 Hours Private Guided Tapas Walking Tour in Seville: $256
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Triana: $148
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Triana: $138
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Alcazar of Seville: $160
- 2-Hour Seville Panoramic Walking Tour: $95
- 2-hour Private Tour in Alcázar of Seville: $103
- 2.5-Hour Seville City Bike Tour: $48
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Photo Tour with Pro Photographer Lifestyle and Portrait: $82
- Private Combo Tour Prado Museum and Reina Sofia: $221
- Toledo with Cathedral from Madrid Full Day Tour: $134
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $65
- 1 Hour Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $98
- 1-Hour Private Flamenco Class in Madrid Experience: $45
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.35
- 2 Hours Private Tuk tuk Tour in Madrid: $163
- 2-Hour Tour of the Madrid of Mysteries: $14
- 2.5-Hour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid: $37
- 3 Hours Walking Tour in Madrid: $266
- 3-Hour Tapas Walking Tour of Madrid Food and Drink Included: $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeville €10Madrid €20
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: $27
- Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $32
- Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $37
- Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $38
- Half-Day Wine Tour in Andalusia: $95
- From Tour of Jerez with Horse Show & Wine Tasting: $112
- Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour: $113
- Wine tourism, visit to a traditional winery and wine tasting: $212
- Jerez Winery Tour and wine tasting: $212
- Full-Day Private Jerez & Cadiz Wine Tour Experience from Seville: $287
- Private wine tour to Jerez de la Frontera: $294
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.58
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
When comparing the travel costs between Seville and Madrid, we can see that Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seville or Madrid?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Seville and Madrid, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.