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

Should you visit Seville or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik. 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 historic, energetic, and elegant 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 theater, nightlife, and food.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Seville and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seville than Reykjavik. 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, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Seville is more touristy than Reykjavik 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. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Seville different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seville is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for Theater?

Seville is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

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

Seville is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in 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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Seville is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Seville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Seville is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Seville to see the historical old town. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for hiking. However, Seville is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Seville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Reykjavik?

Seville is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Seville and Reykjavik are great 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.

Reykjavik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Seville and Reykjavik both great 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.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seville is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Seville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Seville or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Seville is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Seville is a great destination 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Seville and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik has a few public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Seville or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Seville and Reykjavik are great 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Seville?

How long in Seville or Reykjavik?

In either Seville or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Seville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Seville. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Seville or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Seville. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Seville or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful city of Seville. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seville or Reykjavik?

Seville is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seville and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Seville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seville or Reykjavik?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Seville and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Seville in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Seville is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Seville usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seville or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Seville as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Seville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Seville is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. In the autumn, Seville often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Seville because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Seville is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seville in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Seville usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seville usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seville or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Seville during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Seville is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 16°C (61°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Seville. In the spring, Seville often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Seville