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

Should you visit Malaga or Basel?

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 Basel. 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. 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.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. 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 Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Basel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Malaga than Basel. Malaga is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Basel is more popular for its museums and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Basel and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Malaga different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel 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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Malaga or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Malaga just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Malaga or Basel Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy 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.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Basel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Basel Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

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.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Malaga and Basel.

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 Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Basel?

Basel 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.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel Better for Families?

Basel 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.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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

Is Malaga or Basel Better for Couples?

Malaga and Basel 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.

Basel is a good port city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Malaga or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Basel is a good port city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Malaga or Basel Better for Students?

Malaga and Basel are both great 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.

Basel is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Basel 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.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Malaga or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Basel?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Malaga than Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic 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 Basel. 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 Basel?

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.

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Basel?

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 Basel. 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 Basel?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this historic 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 historic destination of Basel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Basel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Basel?

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

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 Basel in the Summer?

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

Malaga is a little warmer than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Basel during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Basel. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Basel. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Basel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Basel. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Basel. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Basel. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.

Malaga is a little warmer than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Basel. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Malaga