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

Should you visit Malaga or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Malaga and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Montpellier is known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Malaga different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Malaga is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Malaga or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Malaga or Montpellier Better for Music?

Malaga is a great destination for its music scene. However, Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Malaga has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. 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.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

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

Is Malaga or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Montpellier?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a family-friendly port city. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Malaga or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Malaga or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Malaga or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Malaga and Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Montpellier?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful port city of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the historic port city of Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Malaga. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Montpellier. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Montpellier, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Montpellier?

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

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Montpellier. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Montpellier. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°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 Montpellier. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malaga is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Malaga