Sevilla or Granada

I'm sketching out an itinerary to both places. Here are my notes of things I'd like to see, maybe it will help you decide which fits you better. Seville • Real Alcazar • Plaza de Espana • La Giralda Cathedral (tomb of Columbus) • (not enough for more than one day, go to Cordoba or Granada) • Museo de Bellas Artes - flamenco dancing • Bario Santa Cruz (Jewish quarter) • Parke de Maria Luisa • Boat ride on Guadalquivir River Granada • Alhambra (full day) • Albaicin old town • Two nights minimum because a full day is taken at Alhambra • Generalife gardens (part of Alhambra) • Capilla Real • 11th Century Arab baths
• Botanical Park

Been to both - slightly apple to orange question as they are very different. But if I have to choose one it would be Granada because of the Alhambra. If you are into Spanish history and how it relates to the Moors then it is Granada.

both are must see and not far apart. but if you have to pick just one you can just stick with whichever closer to your earlier stop. they represent different points in spanish history. seville has more sites but granada is special. you'll regret not seeing both on your way home.

Been to both and would also choose Granada. There is a reason that the Alhambra is the most visited site in Spain. Granada is a very nice city to stroll around with lots of other interesting sights and views of the mountains.

Can't you extend another two days more and do both???
Hard decision, I really like both. If leaving for home at the end of your time, can you not connect from Seville airport? That might buy you time from backtracking... this is the only factor, for me, that would swing the decision in favor of Sevilla. Aside from that, I concur: Granada IS magical.

We really loved Seville as a city - a great place to spend a few days, lots to see and do and just a great feeling. Having said that, the Alhambra truly is incredible - so a tough decision. Guess you'll have to plan on returning some day!

Easy decision for me: Granada. I liked the sights in Seville, though that took less than a day, and it wasn't a place I much enjoyed wandering and exploring. Granada is magical. The Alhambra is one of the most amazing places I have ever been, and there is lots to explore elsewhere. Don't miss the sunset view of the Alhambra at the San Nicholas viewpoint.

As already stated, apples to oranges. For sights, on balance, I'd agree with Granada. But for overall city experience (once done with the sights), I'd go with Sevilla.

Granada is all about the Alhambra. It has its other charms but the Alhambra is magical and that's why people go there. Sevilla has great sites but is just a wonderful city to be in. Plus there are more dining options and flamenco is amazing when done right. If you choose Sevilla, the Alcazar is pretty amazing too - much like the Alhambra but just representing Catholic era history.

I've been to Spain several times and LOVE it......lucky for me my son did a semester there, and I got to go again..........with no hesitation whatsoever, Granada! If you haven't seen the Alhambra you haven't been to Spain........you can see the gardens in the same day! Seville is lovely, but can easily be done in half a day. Enjoy!

Sevilla vs Granada is a tough choice ! I dont think I could pick which one !
Sevilla has a great atmosphere , its a beautiful city. food is awesome! and there is a lot to see ! if possible I would give a day to each ! 6 hours is enough for Granada it is magical but Alhambra is the main thing to see there. The arab baths were closed for no reason what so ever when we went there and I didnt feel that we missed much. We walked around albyzin which is worth an hour long stroll with lunch at the end.

At the expense of high-jacking Gil's post, is one full day each for Cordoba, Seville, and Granada enough time to visit the must-see sites in each city? Which of these 3 would you spend a second full day in if you could choose only one for the extra day (or is an extra day not really necessary)?

i'd probably use more time in sevilla. there are lots of history in sevilla and if you're there in april with all the flowers blooming, the whole city smells so good you can easily spend half day just sit and drink sangria. you can do alhambra in 1 day, the church and shopping alleys are not super impressive, just be sure to watch the sunset on on alhambra. you can also walk around the corner to see a few gypsy bars - beautiful houses, good music and fun.

Michael - the extra day should be for Sevilla. Granada only needs one full day (typically 2 nights) to see Alhambra and a few hours to stroll the old town. Cordoba can be done in half day to see the Mezquita and stroll the old town. Sevilla is a bigger city with lots of sights. Just the Alcazar alone is a half-day visit. And the extra nights are great for the dining and flamenco.