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

Should you visit Malaga or Arles?

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 Arles. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. 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 and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Arles is known for its museums and historical sights. Malaga is more touristy than Arles and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Malaga different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles 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 Arles?

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Arles offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

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.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Arles 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its music scene. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beach. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles 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 Arles can be explored in its historical center. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

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 Malaga or Arles?

Both Malaga and Arles are good shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Families?

Malaga is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Malaga or Arles Better for Students?

Malaga is well known for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Malaga is very popular with students. 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.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Arles offer good public transit options.

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

Arles has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Malaga or Arles a more walkable city?

Malaga and Arles 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.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arles. 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 Arles?

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.

Arles 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.

Five days in Malaga or Arles?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. 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.

A week in Malaga or Arles?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this friendly 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Arles. This town 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Arles?

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

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 Arles in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Arles. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Arles. 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 Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Arles. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles 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 Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malaga is much warmer than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Arles during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Arles. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Malaga