A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Music, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Malaga or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona. 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 friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural, friendly, and high energy 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Malaga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Barcelona is more touristy than Malaga and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Barcelona offer a number of very good 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.

Barcelona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Malaga or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Barcelona are fantastic when it comes to partying.

Malaga is a world class party destination. 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.

Barcelona is a must-see party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

Is Malaga or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

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 Malaga or Barcelona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Barcelona both offer nice beaches.

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

Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Malaga or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Malaga and Barcelona.

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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Barcelona?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Barcelona are nice family-friendly destinations.

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

Barcelona is a family-friendly port city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Malaga or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Malaga and Barcelona both nice 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.

Barcelona is a good port city for couples to visit. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Malaga or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Malaga and Barcelona are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

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.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Is Malaga or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona 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.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Malaga is a very popular port 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 Malaga or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona 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.

Barcelona has some very good public transit options. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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

Is Malaga or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Malaga is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable port city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Barcelona?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Malaga 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 Barcelona.

One day in Malaga or Barcelona?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

A weekend in Malaga or Barcelona?

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona 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.

Five days in Malaga or Barcelona?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the friendly port city of Malaga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Barcelona?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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 Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Barcelona. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Malaga