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

Should you visit Malaga or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt. 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 welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Frankfurt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Frankfurt is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Malaga different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Frankfurt offer a number of high quality 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.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

The people in Frankfurt know how to have a good time. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for Music?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. 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.

Frankfurt is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beach. However, Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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 go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt Better for Families?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Malaga and Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a good port city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Is Malaga or Frankfurt Better for Students?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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

Is Malaga or Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Malaga and Frankfurt both are high quality 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.

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Frankfurt?

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Malaga or Frankfurt?

You'll find live music and food around the welcoming destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the friendly port city of Malaga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

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

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the connected big city of Frankfurt. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Frankfurt?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

Both Frankfurt and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Frankfurt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Frankfurt. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Frankfurt. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Frankfurt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Frankfurt. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. Malaga is much warmer than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Frankfurt. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Malaga