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

Should you visit Malaga or Honfleur?

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 Honfleur. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a serene, picturesque, and scenic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Malaga or Honfleur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Honfleur are popular destinations, Malaga has more sights and attractions for tourists. Malaga is very popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its museums and food. Malaga is more touristy than Honfleur and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Malaga different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malaga
Honfleur

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

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Malaga
Honfleur

Honfleur is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Honfleur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

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.

Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for Music?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not a live music destination.


Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is very good for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a 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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Honfleur?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is very good for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Malaga. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for Families?

Malaga
Honfleur

Both Malaga and Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is a family-friendly port city. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Malaga
Honfleur

Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is a very popular place to visit for couples. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect 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 Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Malaga or Honfleur Better for Students?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur is not popular with students.

Malaga is very popular with students. 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.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.


Is Malaga or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Malaga
Honfleur

Malaga and Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is a very walkable destination. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Honfleur?

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

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Honfleur. 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 Honfleur. 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 Honfleur 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.


  • How many days in Malaga or Honfleur? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    Honfleur 1-3

One day in Malaga or Honfleur?

The beautiful port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Honfleur. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Honfleur?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honfleur. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Honfleur?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. This port city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Honfleur. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Honfleur or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Honfleur is €148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Malaga and Honfleur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Honfleur 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Honfleur 140
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Honfleur

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Honfleur? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Honfleur


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Malaga Hotel Prices and Honfleur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Honfleur 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $125
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $159
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
  • Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremolinos to Malaga (AGP) airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Sitio de Calahonda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honfleur

Also for Honfleur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Paris On Your Own: Round Trip Transfer from Le Havre Cruise Port: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Honfleur?

Prices for flights to both Honfleur and Malaga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malaga 35
    Honfleur 58
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Honfleur 19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

Tours and Activities in Honfleur

For Honfleur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Etretat Gardens entrance ticket: $14
  • Guided walking tour of Honfleur: $24
  • 1.5-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour: $26
  • Le Havre Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Parisian Gems: Independent Exploration from Your Cruise Ship: $55
  • Paris at Your Own Pace: Round Trip from Le Havre Cruise Port: $56
  • Honfleur's Landmarks & Gems E-Bike Tour: $60
  • Private tour: visit Deauville in a sidecar: $74
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Deauville & Trouville in French: $74
  • Paris Deluxe Shore Excursion from Le Havre Cruise Port: $75
  • Cruise into Paris?! A Paris Full-Day Discovery from Le Havre: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Honfleur 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136


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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Honfleur?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Honfleur, 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.