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

Should you visit Malaga or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Cardiff?

You'll generally find more things to do in Malaga than Cardiff. Malaga is bigger than Cardiff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Cardiff is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Malaga different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Music?

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

Malaga has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. 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.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Cardiff?

Both Malaga and Cardiff are notable 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is a family-friendly port city. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Malaga is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Malaga or Cardiff Better for Students?

Malaga is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Malaga is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Malaga or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Malaga is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable port city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Cardiff?

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

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

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

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Cardiff?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the green destination of Cardiff. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Cardiff?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Cardiff. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is a little warmer than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cardiff this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Cardiff in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Cardiff. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°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 Cardiff. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Malaga is much warmer than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Cardiff. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Malaga