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

Should you visit Malaga or Bruges?

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 Bruges. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bruges is known for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba.

How is Malaga different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges 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 Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Bruges offer a number of excellent 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.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga draws a good crowd. 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.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

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.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Bruges can be explored in its historical center. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Bruges?

Both Malaga and Bruges are good shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Bruges are good family-friendly destinations.

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

Bruges is a family-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges 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.

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Is Malaga or Bruges Better for Students?

Malaga is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Bruges offer good public transit options.

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

Bruges has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Malaga or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges 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 Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored 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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Bruges?

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

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

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

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

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 quaint destination of Bruges. 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 Bruges?

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.

Bruges 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges. 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 Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful 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 cultural destination of Bruges. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Bruges?

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

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 Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Bruges. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Bruges. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bruges. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Malaga is much warmer than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Bruges. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Bruges. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bruges. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Malaga