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

Should you visit Shanghai or Seville?

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 Shanghai and Seville. 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Seville

Seville is a elegant, beautiful, and world-renowned city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Shanghai and Seville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Seville?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Seville than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Seville, Seville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seville is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, and historical sights, while Shanghai is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Seville is more touristy than Shanghai and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Also, Seville is famous for the Real Alcázar. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade.

How is Shanghai different from Seville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seville and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Seville?

Plenty of people visit the terrific sights and museums in both Shanghai and Seville.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Seville has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Is Shanghai or Seville Better for Theater?

Seville is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Shanghai is not a theatre destination.

Seville offers a number of shows and performances. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Shanghai is not a theatre destination.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Seville Better for Nightlife?

Seville is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Seville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Seville Better for its Old Town?

Seville is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Seville?

Shanghai 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, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Seville Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Seville are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seville. 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.

Is Shanghai or Seville Better for Couples?

Shanghai is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Shanghai or Seville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Seville are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Shanghai or Seville Better for Students?

Seville is a world-class destination for students. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Shanghai is a great port 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 Shanghai can get you around easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai or Seville a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Seville both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Seville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seville or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Seville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Seville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Seville. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seville.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Seville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Shanghai or Seville?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Shanghai or Seville?

Because Shanghai 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 Shanghai has to offer.

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.

Five days in Shanghai or Seville?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Shanghai or Seville?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Seville, we can see that Seville is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Seville is in Europe, 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 Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Seville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seville than you might in Shanghai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Seville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Seville?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Seville. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Seville, 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 Shanghai or Seville?

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 Shanghai or Seville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Seville. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seville this time of year.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Seville in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Seville fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Seville. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seville receives 360 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Seville. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Seville receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Seville in the Autumn?

Both Seville and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seville for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Seville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Seville averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Seville. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Seville during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Seville receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seville. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seville receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Seville in the Winter?

Both Seville and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Seville. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Seville fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Seville. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seville receives 173 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Seville. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Seville receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Seville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Seville. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seville for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Shanghai is cooler than Seville in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Seville fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seville this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Seville during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Seville receives 221 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Seville. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Seville receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seville and Shanghai