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

Should you visit Malaga or Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes

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

Malaga and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Nantes is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Malaga different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Malaga or Nantes Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

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.

Nantes is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Nantes Better for Beaches?

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

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Nantes?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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

Is Malaga or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Malaga or Nantes Better for Students?

Malaga is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes 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.

Nantes has some very good public transit options. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Malaga or Nantes a more walkable city?

Malaga and Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Nantes?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Malaga or Nantes?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Malaga. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Nantes. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Nantes?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Nantes. 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 Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Nantes. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Nantes. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Malaga is much warmer than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nantes. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Nantes. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Malaga