A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Sarajevo for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Malaga or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than Malaga. Sarajevo is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Malaga is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Malaga different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

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.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Sarajevo can be explored in its historical center. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Malaga is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Malaga is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Sarajevo is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Malaga or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Malaga is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has some very good public transit options. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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

Is Malaga or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Malaga is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable port city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Sarajevo?

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

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Sarajevo. 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 Malaga than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

The beautiful port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Malaga or Sarajevo?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sarajevo?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. This port city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Sarajevo, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga than you might in Sarajevo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malaga Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Sarajevo. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Malaga is a little warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally much warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Malaga