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

Should you visit Malaga or Galway?

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 Galway. 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 friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Galway?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Galway. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Galway attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Galway and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Malaga different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for live music. However, Galway is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy 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.

Galway is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Malaga. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Galway?

Both Malaga and Galway are nice 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.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Galway are nice family-friendly destinations.

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

Galway is a family-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Couples?

Malaga and Galway both nice 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.

Galway is a good port city for couples to visit. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Many backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Malaga or Galway Better for Students?

Malaga is notable for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

Both Malaga and Galway offer nice public transit options.

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

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Malaga or Galway a more walkable city?

Malaga and Galway both are very good 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.

Galway is a very walkable destination. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Galway. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Galway?

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.

Galway 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 Galway?

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 Galway. 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 Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic 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 shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Galway. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Galway?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Galway, 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 Galway?

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 Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally much warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Galway. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

Malaga is much warmer than Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Galway. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Galway. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Galway during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Galway. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Galway. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Galway. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Malaga