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

Should you visit Malaga or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Malaga. Budapest is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Malaga different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Malaga has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Malaga or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a must-see party destination. 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Malaga or Budapest Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its live music scene. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Budapest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beache. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Malaga and Budapest.

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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Budapest?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Budapest are notable family-friendly destinations.

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

Budapest is a family-friendly port city. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Malaga or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Malaga and Budapest are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Is Malaga or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest 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.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Malaga or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Budapest?

In either Malaga or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Budapest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

One day in Malaga or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

A weekend in Malaga or Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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 Budapest?

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 cultural big city of Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Budapest?

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

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 Budapest in the Summer?

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

Malaga is a little warmer than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Budapest. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest 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 Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Malaga is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives more rain than Budapest. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest 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 Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Malaga