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

Should you visit Malaga or Saint Andrews?

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 Saint Andrews. 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 friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Malaga and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Saint Andrews?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malaga than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Malaga is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Malaga different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Saint Andrews offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a must-see 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

Saint Andrews is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Saint Andrews both offer notable beaches.

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.

Saint Andrews is a good option for a beach vacation. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Saint Andrews?

Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Saint Andrews are notable family-friendly destinations.

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

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly port city. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

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 Saint Andrews Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is terrific for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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 Saint Andrews Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Malaga and Saint Andrews offer notable public transit options.

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

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Malaga or Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

Malaga is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable port city. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint Andrews.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the welcoming destination of Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint Andrews is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This university town 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 Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Saint Andrews?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews?

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 Saint Andrews in the Summer?

Both Saint Andrews and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Malaga is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Malaga or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

Both Saint Andrews and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Saint Andrews because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is much warmer than Saint Andrews. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 100 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Saint Andrews. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint Andrews in the winter. In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Saint Andrews. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Malaga is much warmer than Saint Andrews in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Saint Andrews. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Andrews. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Malaga