A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Malaga for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bangkok or Malaga?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Malaga can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a cultural, alluring, and spirited capital 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bangkok and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Malaga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Malaga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Bangkok different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Malaga?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bangkok are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bangkok or Malaga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bangkok, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bangkok or Malaga has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Bangkok just to party. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is a great destination for live music. However, Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Malaga has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Bangkok is not a live music destination.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Bangkok is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Malaga. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Bangkok is not a beach destination.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Malaga?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Bangkok make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Families?

Bangkok is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bangkok is a very kid-friendly capital city. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Malaga is a family-friendly capital city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Couples?

Bangkok is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Bangkok is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Malaga is a good capital city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and Malaga are fantastic places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Students?

Malaga is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

Is Bangkok or Malaga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bangkok and Malaga.

You'll find some public transit in Bangkok, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

While Malaga offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Bangkok or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Malaga is very walkable. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Malaga?

Both Bangkok and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Malaga has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Malaga than Bangkok. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Malaga. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bangkok, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Bangkok 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 Malaga.

One day in Bangkok or Malaga?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port 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 Bangkok or Malaga?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bangkok or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Malaga?

Bangkok is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This capital city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Malaga?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Malaga, 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 Bangkok or Malaga?

Malaga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Malaga. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Malaga. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bangkok is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.

Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bangkok is much warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Malaga. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.

Should I visit Bangkok or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Bangkok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Bangkok