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

Should you visit Malaga or Brussels?

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 Brussels. 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 historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Malaga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Malaga different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels 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 Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Brussels 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.

Brussels has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Malaga or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Malaga or Brussels Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment 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.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Brussels Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for its beaches. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Malaga and Brussels.

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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Brussels?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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

Is Malaga or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Malaga or Brussels Better for Students?

Malaga and Brussels are both excellent 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.

Brussels is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination 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.

Brussels has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Malaga or Brussels a more walkable city?

Malaga and Brussels both are excellent 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.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Brussels?

In either Malaga or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Brussels 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 Brussels.

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

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

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

The beautiful port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Brussels?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Brussels?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

A week in Malaga or Brussels?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. This port city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Brussels. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Brussels, 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 Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Brussels. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Brussels. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Brussels. 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 Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Malaga is much warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Malaga or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Brussels. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Malaga