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

Should you visit Malaga or New York City?

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 York City. 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 York City

New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Malaga and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Malaga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Malaga or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Malaga is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Malaga is not a theatre destination.

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

New York City 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 York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 York City Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and New York City are terrific 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 York City is a must-see party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

Is Malaga or New York City Better for Music?

New York City 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 York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

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 York City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, New York City 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.

New York City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or New York City Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

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

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or New York City Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or New York City?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Malaga does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Malaga does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Malaga or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Malaga does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Malaga does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Malaga or New York City Better for Families?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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

Is Malaga or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 York City is a great port city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Malaga or New York City Better for Students?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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 New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is a must-visit destination 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.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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

Is Malaga or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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

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

Should I spend more time in New York City or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or New York City?

Both Malaga and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Malaga. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Malaga or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Malaga. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

New York City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the historic destination of Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and New York City, 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 York City?

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 York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and New York City. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Malaga is a little warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than New York City. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or New York City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as New York City. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as New York City. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than New York City. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Malaga