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

Should you visit Malaga or Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Dublin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Malaga. Dublin is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Malaga different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Malaga or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Dublin are world-class when it comes to partying.

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.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Is Malaga or Dublin Better for Music?

Both Malaga and Dublin offer great live music venues.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Is Malaga or Dublin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Dublin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

Malaga has a beach worth visiting. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Malaga and Dublin.

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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Dublin?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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

Is Malaga or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Malaga or Dublin Better for Students?

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

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

Both Malaga and Dublin offer notable public transit options.

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

Dublin has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Malaga or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Dublin?

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

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

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

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

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. 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 Dublin?

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.

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

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 Dublin. 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.

A week in Malaga or Dublin?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the fun destination of Dublin. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Dublin. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Malaga is much warmer than Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Dublin. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Malaga is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Dublin 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 Dublin. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Dublin. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city.

Malaga is much warmer than Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Malaga