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

Should you visit Malaga or Liverpool?

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 Liverpool. 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 historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. And you can't forget about the live music, shopping, and museums.

Malaga and Liverpool: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Liverpool?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Liverpool are about the same size, Malaga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Liverpool is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Liverpool and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is Malaga different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Liverpool is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Malaga is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Malaga is not a theatre destination.

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

Malaga is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

Many people head to Liverpool for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for Music?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

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 Liverpool Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the beache. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its old town. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Liverpool?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool Better for Families?

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for Couples?

Malaga and Liverpool both notable 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.

Liverpool is a good port city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Malaga or Liverpool Better for Students?

Malaga and Liverpool are both very good 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.

Liverpool is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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

Both Malaga and Liverpool offer notable public transit options.

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

Liverpool has some public transit options. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Malaga or Liverpool a more walkable city?

Malaga and Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Liverpool or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Liverpool?

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

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

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

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.

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

A weekend in Malaga or Liverpool?

You'll find live music and food around the friendly 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.

Liverpool is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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 Liverpool?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful 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 Liverpool. Don't miss the live music, 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 Liverpool?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the diverse destination of Liverpool. This port 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Liverpool, we can see that Liverpool 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool 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 Liverpool Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Liverpool?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Liverpool. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Liverpool, 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 Liverpool?

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 Liverpool in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Liverpool. 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 Liverpool because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is much warmer than Liverpool in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Liverpool fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Liverpool during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Liverpool. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Liverpool in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Liverpool. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year.

In the autumn, Malaga is much warmer than Liverpool. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Liverpool averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Liverpool. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 97 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Malaga or Liverpool in the Winter?

Both Liverpool and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Liverpool. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Liverpool fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Liverpool during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Liverpool. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Liverpool in the Spring?

Both Liverpool and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Malaga is much warmer than Liverpool in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Liverpool fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Liverpool. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 144 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Liverpool. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Liverpool and Malaga