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

Should you visit Seville or Portland?

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 Portland. 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.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Seville and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seville than Portland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seville is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, and small town charm. Seville is more touristy than Portland 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. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Seville different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seville is very popular for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Theater?

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

Portland is not a theatre destination.

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

Seville is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seville. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Seville is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Seville has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Seville is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Seville is not a live music destination.

Is Seville or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Seville is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. However, Seville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Seville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Portland?

Seville is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Families?

Seville is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Seville is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Couples?

Seville is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Seville and Portland 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.

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Seville or Portland Better for Students?

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

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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Seville and Portland 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.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Seville or Portland a more walkable city?

Seville and Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Seville?

How long in Seville or Portland?

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

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

The beautiful city of Seville offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Portland?

Seville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Portland?

Seville is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland?

Seville is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Portland?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Seville and Portland, 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 Portland?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seville or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Portland. Most visitors come to Seville for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seville is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 27°C (81°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland 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 Portland during summer. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Seville usually receives less rain than Portland. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seville or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seville as well as Portland. 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Seville is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the autumn, Seville often gets more sunshine than Portland. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. In the winter, Seville is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seville in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Seville usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Seville usually receives less rain than Portland. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seville or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Seville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seville for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Seville is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 16°C (61°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seville. In the spring, Seville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portland. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Portland. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Seville