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

Should you visit Seville or Messina?

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 Messina. 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.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port 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 Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seville than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seville is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its beaches. Seville is more touristy than Messina 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. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Seville different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seville is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Is Seville or Messina Better for Theater?

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

Messina is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Seville or Messina Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Messina offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Is Seville or Messina Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for the beache. However, Seville is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Seville is not a beach destination.

Is Seville or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Seville is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Messina?

Seville is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Seville or Messina Better for Families?

Both Seville and Messina 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.

Messina is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Is Seville or Messina Better for Couples?

Seville is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Seville or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seville is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Seville. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Seville or Messina Better for Students?

Seville is renowned for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

Seville and Messina 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.

Messina has a few public transit options. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Seville or Messina a more walkable city?

Seville and Messina 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.

Messina is a very walkable destination. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Seville?

How long in Seville or Messina?

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

Families should spend more time in Seville than Messina. 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 Messina. 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 Messina 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 Messina?

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.

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port 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 Messina?

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.

In Messina, 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 Messina has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Messina?

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.

Messina 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 Messina?

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 Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Messina?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Seville and Messina, 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 Messina?

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 Messina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seville as well as Messina. Most visitors come to Seville for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seville is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 27°C (81°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Messina. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

Seville is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In October, Seville usually receives less rain than Messina. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Seville during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Seville is cooler than Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seville in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Messina. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seville usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Messina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Messina. Many travelers come to Seville for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Seville is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 16°C (61°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina 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 Messina during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Messina. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Messina and Seville