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

Should you visit Malaga or The Hague?

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 The Hague. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling 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, live music, and food.

Malaga and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Malaga or The Hague?

Both The Hague and Malaga have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Malaga is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while The Hague attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is Malaga different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between The Hague and Malaga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Malaga
The Hague

Both Malaga and The Hague offer a number of high quality 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.

The Hague has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.


Is Malaga or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
The Hague

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for nightlife. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

The people in The Hague know how to have a good time. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is Malaga or The Hague Better for Music?

Malaga
The Hague

Both Malaga and The Hague offer high quality 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 The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Is Malaga or The Hague Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
The Hague

Malaga is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, The Hague is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

The Hague is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Malaga or The Hague Better for Beaches?

Malaga
The Hague

Malaga is very good for its beaches. However, The Hague is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

The Hague is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
The Hague

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or The Hague?

Malaga
The Hague

The Hague 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.

The Hague is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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 The Hague Better for Families?

Malaga
The Hague

Both Malaga and The Hague are nice family-friendly destinations.

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

The Hague is a family-friendly port city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Is Malaga or The Hague Better for Couples?

Malaga
The Hague

Malaga and The Hague both nice 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.

The Hague is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Malaga or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
The Hague

Malaga is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.


Is Malaga or The Hague Better for Students?

Malaga
The Hague

The Hague 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.

The Hague is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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 The Hague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Malaga
The Hague

The Hague 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.

The Hague has some very good public transit options. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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

Is Malaga or The Hague a more walkable city?

Malaga
The Hague

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Malaga is very walkable. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.


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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or The Hague?

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

Families should spend more time in Malaga than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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.


  • How many days in Malaga or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Malaga or The Hague?

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.

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

A weekend in Malaga or The Hague?

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

The Hague 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 The Hague?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the welcoming 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague?

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 food and shopping when visiting the international big city of The Hague. This 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Malaga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in The Hague is €178. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Malaga and The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    The Hague 104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    The Hague 208
Compare Hotels in Malaga and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or The Hague? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Malaga


Hotels in The Hague


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Malaga Hotel Prices and The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    The Hague 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $125
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $159
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
  • Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremolinos to Malaga (AGP) airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Sitio de Calahonda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague and Malaga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malaga 35
    The Hague 55
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    The Hague 34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.56
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Escher in The Palace Museum Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    The Hague 30

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or The Hague?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of The Hague. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Malaga or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and The Hague. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Malaga is much warmer than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Malaga or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as The Hague. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to The Hague because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in The Hague can be very cold. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Malaga or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Malaga

Malaga The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)