A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Malaga for Nightlife, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Malaga?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Malaga. Kyoto is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kyoto is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Kyoto different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Kyoto and Malaga.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Malaga Better for Music?

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

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kyoto or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the beache. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Kyoto can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Malaga?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Malaga Better for Families?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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

Is Kyoto or Malaga Better for Couples?

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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

Is Kyoto or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Kyoto or Malaga Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Kyoto 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.

Kyoto has some very good public transit options. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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

Is Kyoto or Malaga a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Malaga?

Both Kyoto and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Kyoto. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 beautiful 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 Kyoto or Malaga?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. 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 Kyoto or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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 Kyoto or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Kyoto. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Malaga?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Malaga in the Summer?

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

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Malaga. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Malaga. Many travelers come to Kyoto 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.

In the autumn, Kyoto is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. In the autumn, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kyoto 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.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much colder than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Malaga. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Kyoto during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Kyoto