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

Should you visit Malaga or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Malaga and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle. Although Malaga and Seattle are about the same size, Seattle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, hiking, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Malaga different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle 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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Malaga is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Malaga is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Malaga and Seattle 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.

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Music?

Both Malaga and Seattle offer great live music venues.

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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Seattle while you're in town. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Seattle both offer good 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.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Seattle?

Both Malaga and Seattle are good 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.

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Seattle are good family-friendly destinations.

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

Seattle is a family-friendly port city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Couples?

Malaga and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Seattle is a good port city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Malaga or Seattle Better for Students?

Malaga and Seattle are both great 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.

Seattle is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Both Malaga and Seattle offer good public transit options.

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

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Malaga or Seattle a more walkable city?

Malaga and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Seattle. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

Families should spend more time in Malaga than Seattle. 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.

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

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Malaga or Seattle?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the laid-back big city of Seattle. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Seattle, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and Seattle is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle 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 Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Seattle. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Seattle. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Malaga is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Seattle. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Seattle. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Malaga