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

Should you visit Malaga or Ghent?

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 Ghent. 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Ghent 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. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Malaga different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Ghent offer a number of excellent 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.

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Is Malaga or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Ghent are terrific 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.

Ghent is a must-see party destination. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

Is Malaga or Ghent Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

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.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Ghent Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

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

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Malaga and Ghent.

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 Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Ghent?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

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 Ghent Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Ghent 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.

Ghent is a family-friendly port city. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Is Malaga or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Is Malaga or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

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

Ghent 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.

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Malaga or Ghent a more walkable city?

Malaga and Ghent both are excellent 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.

Ghent is a very walkable destination. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Ghent?

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

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

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

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Ghent 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 Ghent?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Ghent?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this historic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Ghent. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Ghent, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Ghent much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ghent would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ghent 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga than you might in Ghent.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Ghent?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Ghent, 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 Ghent?

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 Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Ghent. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Malaga is much warmer than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Ghent. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Ghent. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°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 Ghent. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Ghent. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Malaga