Seville or Barcelona: which Spanish city to visit?

Are you deciding between Seville or Barcelona for your next Spanish getaway? I don’t blame you, as both cities are wonderfully vibrant and full of historical and cultural depth. 

While they may have similarities, these cities do have distinct personalities; whether you’re drawn to the flamboyant flamenco rhythms of Seville or the avant-garde architecture of Barcelona.

I wholeheartedly love both of these cities and I’ve used my own personal experiences to help you decide which is best for you.

So, grab a café con leche, sit back, and let’s compare these two Spanish cities to see which is the best fit for your travel needs.

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A brief overview: Seville or Barcelona 

Seville: the heart of Andalusian culture

Seville is the quintessential Andalusian city, with its postcard-perfect streets and unforgettable landmarks. 

It’s perhaps most famous for its breathtaking gothic and Mudejar architecture, which can be seen in its many historic attractions like the Seville Cathedral and the Alcázar Palace.

I love that the streets of Seville are often filled with the sounds of flamenco music, and you can happen upon various performances simply by wandering the city.

Known for its intimate tapas bars, vibrant festivals like Feria de Abril, and the solemnity of Semana Santa, Seville offers a deeply immersive cultural experience.

Here you’ll discover a relaxed pace of life, with sunny plazas and orange-scented streets that leave a lingering memory.

Barcelona: a hub of artistic innovation

In contrast, Barcelona is a bustling cosmopolitan city known for its pioneering art, architecture, and design.

It’s the city of Gaudí, whose architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell dot the cityscape.

I love the distinctly dynamic and vibrant vibe of Barcelona. It’s a city where you’ll find chic rooftop bars, bustling marketplaces like La Boqueria, and a lively nightlife that doesn’t slow down until the early hours.

This is also the place to combine an urban escape with a beach getaway, as Barcelona is home to some beautiful beaches. 

Getting to Seville or Barcelona

Both Seville and Barcelona are well-connected and accessible from various international destinations, particularly for travellers visiting from the UK and US.

However, the connections differ slightly due to the cities’ different roles and sizes.

Travellers from the UK can reach both cities with ease, while those coming from the US will only be able to reach Barcelona via direct flight.

Getting to Seville

Seville, while slightly less connected than Barcelona, is by no means isolated.

Seville Airport offers direct flights from major cities in Europe. Though travellers from the US may need to connect through a larger European hub like Madrid, Barcelona, or London. 

The airport is smaller but still well-equipped. There are easy transport options into the city centre, which is about 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.

For those already in Spain or coming from other parts of Europe, Seville is also accessible via high-speed trains. For example, there is a 2.5 hour train from Madrid to Seville. 

Getting to Barcelona

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, offering numerous direct flights from major cities across the UK and the US.

As a major hub, the airport is served by a wide range of international airlines, making it extremely accessible.

From the airport, the city centre is easily reachable by bus, train, or taxi, with a travel time of about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the mode of transportation.

As with Seville, Barcelona is well-connected by Europe’s extensive train network, including high-speed options like the AVE and international services. 

Things to do in Seville and Barcelona

Both Seville and Barcelona offer plenty of cultural attractions, with a number of impressive landmarks.

Of course the most notable difference is the various beaches in Barcelona, although there are a few beaches near Seville if you fancy a day trip away from the city.

Here I’ve picked out the best things to do in each city.

Top things to do in Seville

Explore the Royal Alcázar: You simply cannot miss a visit to the Royal Alcázar, a remarkable example of Mudéjar architecture.

Visit Seville Cathedral and La Giralda: Explore one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and make sure you climb the Giralda bell tower for panoramic views of the city.

Enjoy flamenco: Experience the passion of flamenco in its birthplace – attend a show, catch a street performance or visit a flamenco museum.

Wander through Barrio Santa Cruz: Take your time exploring the narrow, winding streets of this charming old Jewish quarter.

Taste Andalusian cuisine: The perfect excuse to indulge in plenty of tapas, or try a sherry tasting.

Discover more amazing things to do in Seville.

Top things to do in Barcelona

Marvel at Gaudí’s works: I don’t think a visit to Barcelona would be complete without seeing the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló.

Stroll along Las Ramblas: A bustling boulevard full of life, street performers, and markets.

Relax on the beach: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax on one of Barcelona’s beaches – my favourite is the popular Barceloneta.

Visit the Picasso Museum: Explore the fascinating works of Pablo Picasso in a gallery dedicated to his artistic evolution.

Discover the Gothic Quarter: This area offers a mix of beautiful medieval buildings – don’t miss Barcelona Cathedral. 

Find more of the best things to do in Barcelona.

Food and drink scenes: Seville or Barcelona?

As someone who travels primarily for the food, one of my favourite things about visiting Spain is the tapas. 

Both Seville and Barcelona have fantastic tapas cultures. Seville leans more towards traditional recipes and regional wines, while Barcelona takes a more creative approach with broader international influences.

Here’s what you can expect from the food and drink scene in each city.

Seville: a taste of Andalusian tradition

In Seville, the food scene is deeply rooted in Andalusian traditions with a focus on local, fresh ingredients.

Walking through the city, you’ll encounter numerous tapas bars where small dishes are shared and enjoyed with friends and family.

Seville is also famous for its sherry wines, which are produced in the nearby Jerez region. 

In Seville, sherry is generally served as part of the rebujito cocktail, which is a refreshing drink with fino sherry, lemon and mint.

Read my guide to the best bars in Seville.

Barcelona: a culinary innovation hub

Barcelona’s food scene offers a blend of Catalan culinary traditions and innovative dining trends.

As you’d expect, the city’s location on the Mediterranean coast means you can expect plenty of seafood.

Dining in Barcelona can range from intimate tapas bars to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants.

While rebujito is the signature drink in Seville, it’s Cava in Barcelona, a local sparkling wine.

Food-lovers must visit the famous La Boqueria market, which offers everything from fresh fruits to seafood, meats, and cheeses.

Barcelona or Seville: other considerations

Time of year

Both cities bring hot summers and plenty of sunshine from spring through autumn.

That said, Seville is generally considered to be the hottest city in Spain, so this is worth bearing in mind if you’re visiting during the peak summer months.

Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, Barcelona has a slightly cooler climate but it can still get scorching in the heart of the city.

I consider the shoulder seasons to be the best time to visit both cities, such as May, September and October. 

Local events and festivals

Seville is perhaps most famous for its spring Holy Week (Semana Santa) with its colourful and dramatic processions.

This is followed two weeks later by the lively Feria de Abril, a week-long festival filled with flamenco dancing, traditional outfits, and decorated casetas.

Both these festivals are a marvel to see but they do also draw large crowds which is worth bearing in mind if you’re visiting during March or April.

Barcelona hosts several major events, such as the Sonar Festival, a cutting-edge music and multimedia arts festival.

There’s also La Mercè, a week-long festival that features hundreds of activities including concerts, dances, and a spectacular fire-run.

City atmosphere

I find the atmosphere in Seville to be a bit more laid-back, with a strong sense of traditional Spanish culture.

While Barcelona is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse population, and an artsy, progressive spirit.

Cultural enthusiasts who have a passion for history and architecture might prefer Seville’s well-preserved historical sites and traditional Andalusian culture.

But art and architecture lovers will find Barcelona’s modernist landmarks and museums particularly appealing, with works by famous artists such as Gaudí and Picasso.

Beyond the cities 

What I love about visiting Seville is that it can be easily combined with other Andalusian destinations like Granada and Córdoba. 

For more inspiration, have a read of my guide to the best day trips from Seville.

Barcelona could be a starting point for a broader itinerary that includes other parts of Catalonia. Or even nearby countries like France or Andorra.

Accommodation and budget

If budget is a primary concern for you then it’s worth noting that Barcelona is considered to be the most expensive city in Spain. You’ll generally find more budget-friendly options in Seville.

But if you are looking for some stunning hotel finds then I’d suggest checking out my guides to the best luxury hotels in Barcelona and Seville. 

Final words

My personal favourite city? It’s very close but I think it has to be Barcelona. It’s a city that has everything, from history, architecture and culture to beaches, rooftop bars and incredible food.

That’s not to say Seville isn’t worth a visit too – because it absolutely is! 

Overall I’d say that if you prefer a more laid-back vibe then you’ll be better off in Seville. But if a lively metropolis is more your scene, then go with Barcelona.

What’s your favourite city: Seville or Barcelona? Do let me know in the comments below!

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• 18 gorgeous luxury hotels in Seville