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

Should you visit Seville or Mexico City?

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 Mexico City. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and theater.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Real Alcázar
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Seville or Mexico City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seville than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Seville, Seville has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seville is more popular for its theatre productions, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Mexico City is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Seville is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. It is also home to the Real Alcázar. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

How is Seville different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seville
Mexico City

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

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 Mexico City on the map. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.


Is Seville or Mexico City Better for Theater?

Seville
Mexico City

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

You'll find a nice selection of shows 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.

Mexico City is not a theatre destination.

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

Seville
Mexico City

Mexico City 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 Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

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 Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Seville
Mexico City

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

Mexico City is a must-see party destination. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

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 Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Seville
Mexico City

Seville is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Mexico City?

Seville
Mexico City

Mexico City 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, Mexico City draws large crowds to its stores. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

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 Mexico City Better for Families?

Seville
Mexico City

Both Seville and Mexico City 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.

Mexico City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.


Is Seville or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Seville
Mexico City

Seville is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Seville makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Seville or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seville
Mexico City

For backpackers, both Seville and Mexico City are superb 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.

Mexico City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Seville or Mexico City Better for Students?

Seville
Mexico City

Seville is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.


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

Seville
Mexico City

Mexico City is a great city 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 public transit in Mexico City can get you around easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

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 Mexico City a more walkable city?

Seville
Mexico City

Seville is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

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.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Seville?

How long in Seville or Mexico City?

In either Seville or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City 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 Mexico City.

Families should spend more time in Seville than Mexico City. 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 Mexico City. 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City.


  • How many days in Seville or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Seville 2-3 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Seville or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful city of Seville. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Mexico City 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 Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the elegant destination of Seville. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Mexico City 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 Mexico City?

The energetic city of Seville offers theater and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City 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 Mexico City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seville or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Seville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Mexico City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City 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 Mexico City is €195. 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 Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seville 58
    Mexico City 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seville 116
    Mexico City 76
Compare Hotels in Seville and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Seville or Mexico City? 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 Mexico City


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 Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seville 18
    Mexico City 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seville

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfeR in Seville APT-HTL (SVQ): $64
  • Transfer from Seville to Malaga: $323
  • Transfer from Seville to Jerez: $262
  • Transfer from Seville to Cadiz: $269
  • Transfer from Seville to Cadiz: $273
  • Transfer Hotel Seville-Seville Airport: $44
  • Transfer Algarve/ Seville city center or for Airport Private: $414
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Seville Airport: $47
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Seville Airport to Hotel: $47
  • Transfer to Seville Airport: $43
  • Transfer to Santa Justa Train Station: $38
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $147

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    1.09
  • Uber Ride
    3.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City to San Luis Potosi - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $299
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $269
  • Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $254
  • Mexico City Private Airport Transfers To or From Hotels: $250
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $237
  • Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $197
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
  • RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
  • Mexico City to Puebla - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
  • One-way transfer + City Tour: $143
  • Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Seville or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City 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
    Mexico City 25
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
  • Paella Showcooking with Rooftop Views in Seville City: $43
  • El Patio Sevillano Flamenco Show Ticket & Dinner: $43
  • Flavors of Andalucía Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $46
  • Paella-Cooking Experience with Sangria & Full Meal: $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 Showcooking Experience on a Rooftop: $60
  • Paella Cooking Experience on a Rooftop Terrace: $64
  • The Seville Morning Food Tour: $69

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    4.27
  • Dinner for 2
    25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $60
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $71
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
  • Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seville 29
    Mexico City 14
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 Electric Bike Private Tour: $76
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Isla Canela: $159
  • 1 Hour Seville Panoramic Segway Tour: $38
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Triana: $140
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Triana: $149
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Alcazar of Seville: $161
  • 2-Hour Seville Panoramic Walking Tour: $96
  • 2-hour Private Tour in Alcázar of Seville: $103
  • 2.5-Hour Seville City Bike Tour: $48
  • 3 Hour Private Guided Tapas Walking Tour in Seville: $172
  • 3 hours Bike tour all over Sevilla: $33
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour of Seville: $33

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour/español-ingles: $68
  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $129
  • Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Teotihuacan Half-Day Tour with Tequila tasting: $37
  • The best of Mixquic walking tour: $150
  • VIP - FULL DAY - Mexico City Private Tour : $209
  • 1 Day Hot Air Balloon Tour to the Pyramids in Teotihuacan: $295
  • 2 Hours Private Tour with Electric Scooter in Mexico City: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seville 10
    Mexico City 19

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: $33
  • Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $39
  • Sherry Wine Tasting with Views of Sevilla: $43
  • Half-Day Wine Tour in Andalusia: $96
  • From Tour of Jerez with Horse Show & Wine Tasting: $113
  • Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour: $114
  • Jerez and Cadiz Wine Tasting & Horse Show Day Trip: $128
  • County Wine Tasting: $164
  • Wine tourism, visit to a traditional winery and wine tasting: $213
  • Jerez Winery Tour and wine tasting: $213
  • Private wine tour to Jerez de la Frontera: $295

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $24
  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seville and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City 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 Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Seville or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Seville and Mexico City, 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.