A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Birmingham for Nightlife, Music, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Malaga or Birmingham?

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 Birmingham. 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 beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Malaga and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Birmingham?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Malaga than Birmingham. While Birmingham is larger than Malaga, Malaga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Birmingham attracts visitors for its museums, theatre productions, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Malaga is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere.

How is Malaga different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Malaga or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Malaga is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Malaga is not a theatre destination.

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

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Malaga or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Malaga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Birmingham has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

Is Malaga or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

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 Birmingham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Birmingham Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for its beaches. However, Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Birmingham?

Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

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 Birmingham Better for Families?

Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly city. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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

Is Malaga or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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 Birmingham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.

Is Malaga or Birmingham Better for Students?

Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very popular place to visit for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

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 Birmingham Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Malaga and Birmingham offer nice public transit options.

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

Birmingham has some public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Malaga or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Malaga and Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Birmingham?

In either Malaga or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Birmingham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

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

With live music and food around the friendly port city of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Birmingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Birmingham?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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 Birmingham?

Malaga, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Birmingham?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this port city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic destination of Birmingham. 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 Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Malaga or Birmingham in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Birmingham. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Birmingham. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Birmingham in the Autumn?

Both Birmingham and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

Malaga is much warmer than Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Birmingham. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Birmingham in the Winter?

Both Birmingham and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Birmingham can be very cold. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Birmingham. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Birmingham in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Birmingham. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Malaga