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

Should you visit Malaga or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik. 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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Malaga and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Malaga different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. 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.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Reykjavik?

Both Malaga and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a good port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Both Malaga and Reykjavik offer nice public transit options.

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

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Malaga or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Malaga and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Reykjavik?

In either Malaga or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Reykjavik?

You'll find live music and food around the historic destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful port city of Malaga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Reykjavik?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Reykjavik?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Malaga is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Malaga is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Reykjavik. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Malaga