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

Should you visit Malaga or Bern?

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 Bern. 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.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, 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 Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bern attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Bern and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Malaga different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern 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 Bern. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Malaga or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Malaga or Bern Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Bern Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Malaga and Bern.

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 Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Bern?

Bern 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.

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

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 Bern Better for Families?

Bern 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.

Bern is a very kid-friendly city. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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

Is Malaga or Bern Better for Couples?

Bern 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.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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 Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Many backpackers visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Is Malaga or Bern Better for Students?

Malaga is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

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.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern 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.

Bern has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Malaga or Bern a more walkable city?

Malaga and Bern 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.

Bern is a very walkable destination. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Bern?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Malaga is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bern 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 Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the welcoming port city of Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bern. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Bern, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Bern?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern 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 Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bern during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bern. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern 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. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Malaga is a little warmer than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Bern. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Bern in the Winter?

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

Bern can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bern during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Bern. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Bern. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°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 Bern. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Malaga