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

Should you visit Malaga or New Orleans?

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 New Orleans. 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and nightlife.

Malaga and New Orleans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or New Orleans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New Orleans. Although Malaga and New Orleans are popular destinations, New Orleans has more sights and attractions for tourists. New Orleans is very popular for its food, music, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Malaga attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also well known for The French Quarter. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

The French Quarter

How is Malaga different from New Orleans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New Orleans and Malaga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

New Orleans 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 New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

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 New Orleans Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and New Orleans are fantastic 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.

New Orleans is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

Is Malaga or New Orleans Better for Music?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

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 New Orleans Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or New Orleans Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or New Orleans Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Malaga and New Orleans.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or New Orleans?

Malaga is a port city with good options for shopping. However, New Orleans 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, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is Malaga or New Orleans Better for Families?

Malaga is a port city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is Malaga or New Orleans Better for Couples?

Malaga and New Orleans both nice 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.

New Orleans is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

Is Malaga or New Orleans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans 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.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is Malaga or New Orleans Better for Students?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

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

Malaga is a port city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is Malaga or New Orleans a more walkable city?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Malaga is very walkable. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

New Orleans is a somewhat walkable place. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

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

Should I spend more time in New Orleans or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or New Orleans?

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

Families should spend more time in Malaga than New Orleans. 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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the friendly 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 live music and food when visiting the destination of New Orleans. 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.

A weekend in Malaga or New Orleans?

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.

New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?

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 live music and food when visiting the festive destination of New Orleans. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and New Orleans is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or New Orleans?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?

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 New Orleans in the Summer?

Both New Orleans and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in July than New Orleans. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or New Orleans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and New Orleans. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.

Malaga is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or New Orleans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as New Orleans. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or New Orleans in the Spring?

Both New Orleans and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Malaga is generally cooler than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New Orleans and Malaga