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

Should you visit Malaga or Antwerp?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Antwerp. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Antwerp?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Malaga, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Antwerp is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Malaga different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp 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 Antwerp. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. 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.

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Many people head to Antwerp for the nightlife scene. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its live music scene. However, Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. 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.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beache. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Malaga and Antwerp.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Antwerp?

Antwerp 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 Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

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 Malaga or Antwerp Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Antwerp are notable family-friendly destinations.

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

Antwerp is a family-friendly port city. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Malaga and Antwerp both notable destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Antwerp 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Malaga or Antwerp Better for Students?

Malaga and Antwerp are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Antwerp is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

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

Both Malaga and Antwerp offer notable public transit options.

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

Antwerp has some public transit options. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Malaga or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Malaga and Antwerp both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Antwerp is a very walkable destination. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Antwerp. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Antwerp?

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.

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

Five days in Malaga or Antwerp?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

A week in Malaga or Antwerp?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Antwerp. This port 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Antwerp, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Antwerp?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Antwerp, 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 Malaga or Antwerp?

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 Malaga or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Antwerp. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is a little warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Antwerp in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Malaga is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Antwerp in the Winter?

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

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

Malaga is much warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Antwerp. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Malaga