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

Should you visit Malaga or Bergen?

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

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Malaga is more touristy than Bergen 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. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Malaga different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bergen is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Dining out in Malaga is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Malaga or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Malaga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Malaga or Bergen Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for its music scene. However, Bergen 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.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a popular place for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

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

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Bergen?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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

Is Malaga or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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 Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is very popular for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Malaga or Bergen Better for Students?

Malaga is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen 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.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Malaga or Bergen a more walkable city?

Malaga and Bergen both are superb 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.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Bergen?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. This port 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nostalgic destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Bergen?

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

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bergen. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Bergen. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Malaga is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bergen. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Malaga