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

Should you visit Malaga or Cologne?

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 Cologne. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its museums, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Cologne is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Malaga different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne 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 Cologne. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Malaga is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its music scene. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a popular place for the beach. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Cologne?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Malaga does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Malaga does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Malaga does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Malaga does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very kid-friendly city. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Couples?

Malaga and Cologne both good destinations for a couple.

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

Cologne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Malaga or Cologne Better for Students?

Malaga and Cologne are both superb 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.

Cologne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Malaga or Cologne a more walkable city?

Malaga and Cologne both are superb 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.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Cologne?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Malaga than Cologne. 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 Cologne 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 Cologne?

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.

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Cologne?

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.

Cologne 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne. 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 Cologne?

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 fun big city of Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Cologne. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Cologne in the Autumn?

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

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Cologne 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 Cologne. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cologne. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne 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 Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cologne can be very cold during winter. Malaga is much warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Cologne. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Malaga