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

Should you visit Dubai or Malaga?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Malaga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Malaga

Malaga is a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Dubai and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Malaga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, museums, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its historical sights. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Malaga is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Malaga is not a skiing destination.

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

Dubai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dubai. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Dubai and Malaga both to be high quality destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Dubai or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find first-rate options in both Dubai and Malaga.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Malaga Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. 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.

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai and Malaga both offer good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Dubai and Malaga are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Malaga has a beach worth visiting. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great port city for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Malaga. 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Malaga?

Dubai 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 Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Malaga Better for Families?

Dubai 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.

Dubai is a very kid-friendly city. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Malaga are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Malaga Better for Students?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Malaga is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Dubai or Malaga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai and Malaga both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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

Is Dubai or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga is a great port city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known 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.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Malaga?

Both Dubai and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Dubai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dubai than Malaga. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Malaga?

Dubai 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Malaga?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this welcoming destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Malaga?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Dubai or Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Dubai usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dubai is much warmer than Malaga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Malaga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Malaga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Malaga. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Malaga averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Malaga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Malaga. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Dubai