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

Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Beijing and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Malaga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Malaga and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Beijing different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Beijing 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 Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is a great destination for its music scene. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Malaga?

Beijing is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Beijing is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Beijing or Malaga Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Malaga are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Malaga offers lots of family activities. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Beijing or Malaga Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Malaga are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Malaga is a nice destination for couples. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Beijing or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Beijing or Malaga Better for Students?

Beijing and Malaga are very good places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Many students visit 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.

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

Beijing is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Beijing has some very good public transit options. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Beijing or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Malaga?

Both Beijing 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 Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Beijing 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 Beijing or Malaga?

Beijing 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 Beijing or Malaga?

Beijing is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Beijing or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. 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 Beijing or Malaga?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Malaga?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Malaga?

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 Beijing or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Malaga. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Malaga. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Malaga. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Beijing is cooler than Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, 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 Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Malaga. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Beijing is generally cooler than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Beijing