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

Should you visit Malaga or Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Rotterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Rotterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga. Although Malaga and Rotterdam are both popular with visitors, Malaga has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Rotterdam is known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Rotterdam and 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. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall.

How is Malaga different from Rotterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rotterdam offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

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.

Rotterdam has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its music scene. However, Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga draws a good crowd. 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.

Rotterdam is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Rotterdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

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

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Rotterdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

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 Rotterdam Better for Families?

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for Couples?

Malaga and Rotterdam both good destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Malaga or Rotterdam Better for Students?

Malaga and Rotterdam are both excellent 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.

Rotterdam is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

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

Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Malaga or Rotterdam a more walkable city?

Malaga and Rotterdam both are excellent 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.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotterdam or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Rotterdam?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Rotterdam. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Rotterdam. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Rotterdam.

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

Couples should spend more time in Malaga than Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?

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.

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Rotterdam?

You'll find live music and food around the welcoming 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.

Rotterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Rotterdam?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the historic 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 Rotterdam. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Rotterdam?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the trendy big city of Rotterdam. This port 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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?

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 Rotterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Rotterdam. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Rotterdam in the Autumn?

Both Rotterdam and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Rotterdam in the Winter?

Both Rotterdam and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Malaga is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Rotterdam. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Rotterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Rotterdam. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Malaga