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

Should you visit Malaga or Glasgow?

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

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic 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 Glasgow: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Glasgow?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow. Although Malaga and Glasgow are roughly the same size, Glasgow has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Glasgow and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

How is Malaga different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Music?

Glasgow is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Glasgow Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. 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.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. 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 Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Glasgow?

Both Malaga and Glasgow are good 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.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Glasgow are good family-friendly destinations.

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

Glasgow is a family-friendly port city. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Couples?

Malaga and Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Glasgow is a good port city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Malaga or Glasgow Better for Students?

Malaga and Glasgow are both great 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.

Glasgow is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Glasgow is a well-known place 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.

Glasgow has some very good public transit options. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

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

Is Malaga or Glasgow a more walkable city?

Malaga and Glasgow both are great 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.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Glasgow or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Glasgow?

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Glasgow. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Glasgow?

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.

Glasgow 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 Glasgow?

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 Glasgow. 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 Glasgow?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly destination of Glasgow. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?

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 Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Glasgow. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malaga is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Glasgow. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. Malaga is much warmer than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Glasgow. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Malaga