A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malaga or Nice?

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 Nice. 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 friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Malaga and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Nice?

Both Nice and Malaga have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Malaga is better known for its music, while Nice is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Malaga and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nice 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Nice 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.

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Is Malaga or Nice Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Nice is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Malaga and Nice.

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.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Malaga or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice 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 Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Nice?

Nice 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.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Nice are notable family-friendly destinations.

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

Nice is a family-friendly port city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Malaga or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice 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.

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Malaga or Nice Better for Students?

Malaga is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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.

Nice has some very good public transit options. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Malaga or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Nice?

In either Malaga or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice 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 Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historic destination of Malaga. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Malaga or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the welcoming port city of Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Nice, we can see that Malaga 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Nice?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Nice. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Nice. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nice. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Nice. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Malaga is a little warmer than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Malaga