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

Should you visit Malaga or Porto?

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 Porto. 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 beautiful, friendly, and welcoming 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.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. 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 Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Porto?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Malaga. While Malaga is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Malaga different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto 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 Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Porto 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 Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Malaga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Malaga or Porto Better for Music?

Malaga is a great port city for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Malaga has a thriving music scene. 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.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Porto Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for its beaches. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Malaga and Porto.

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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Porto?

Both Malaga and Porto are nice shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Malaga or Porto Better for Families?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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

Is Malaga or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Malaga and Porto are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

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.

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Is Malaga or Porto Better for Students?

Malaga and Porto 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.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto 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.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Malaga or Porto a more walkable city?

Malaga and Porto both are high quality 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.

Porto is a very walkable destination. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Porto?

In either Malaga or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Porto because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

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

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this welcoming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Porto 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 Porto?

Malaga is a fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, 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.

A week in Malaga or Porto?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this welcoming destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Porto. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Porto, 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 Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Porto?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Porto. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Porto. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Malaga is a little warmer than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Porto. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Porto. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Porto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Porto. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Porto. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Malaga