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

Should you visit Malaga or Rome?

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 Rome. 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.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Malaga is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Malaga and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

The Colosseum

How is Malaga different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Rome 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 Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Both Malaga and Rome 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.

Rome is a must-see party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Is Malaga or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

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.

Is Malaga or Rome Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Rome Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Malaga. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Rome?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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

Is Malaga or Rome Better for Couples?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Malaga and Rome are fantastic 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 Rome, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Is Malaga or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

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

Rome is a must-visit destination 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.

Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Malaga or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Rome?

Both Malaga and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Rome has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rome than Malaga. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Malaga or Rome?

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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Rome?

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.

Rome 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 Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful 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 Rome. 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 Rome?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Rome?

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

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Rome. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome 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 Rome during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Rome. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Rome. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malaga is a little warmer than Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Rome. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Malaga