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

Should you visit Malaga or Reims?

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 Reims. 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 historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. 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 Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Malaga or Reims?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Reims, 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 historical sights, while Reims is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Malaga 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. Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Malaga different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malaga
Reims

Reims is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Reims offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Malaga
Reims

Reims 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Malaga or Reims Better for Music?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is well known for its music scene. However, Reims is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. 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.

Reims is not a live music destination.


Is Malaga or Reims Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Reims is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Reims is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Reims Better for Beaches?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

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

Reims is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Reims?

Malaga
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Malaga or Reims Better for Couples?

Malaga
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is very popular for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Reims is a good port city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Malaga or Reims Better for Students?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Malaga
Reims

Both Malaga and Reims offer good public transit options.

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

Reims has some public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.


Is Malaga or Reims a more walkable city?

Malaga
Reims

Malaga and Reims both are great 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.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Reims?

In either Malaga or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Reims 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 Reims.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Reims 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.


  • How many days in Malaga or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Malaga or Reims?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reims. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Reims?

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.

Reims 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 Reims?

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 Reims. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Reims?

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this beautiful 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 beautiful destination of Reims. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Reims is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Malaga and Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Reims? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in Reims


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Malaga Hotel Prices and Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Reims 39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $73
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $53
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims and Malaga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malaga 35
    Reims 40
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Reims 19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
  • Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.62
  • Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.62
  • Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.62
  • Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.83
  • Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
  • Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
  • Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Reims 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136


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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Reims?

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

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Reims. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Reims during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Reims. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Reims. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Reims. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Reims. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. Malaga is much warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Reims. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Reims. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reims. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Malaga

Malaga Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)