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

Should you visit Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a historical, vibrant, and high energy port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 impressive beauty, while Newcastle upon Tyne is known for its museums and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne 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. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Newcastle upon Tyne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Malaga has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beach. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Couples?

Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne both good 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Students?

Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne are both high quality 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne has some very good public transit options. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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

Is Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people visit Malaga for a weekend. Lots of people come for the nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, five days is sufficent for most.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This port city offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne in the Summer?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is much warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 159 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Newcastle upon Tyne. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Newcastle upon Tyne. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Newcastle upon Tyne. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold. Malaga is much warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 40 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Newcastle upon Tyne. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Spring?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne averages at about 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newcastle upon Tyne and Malaga