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

Should you visit Malaga or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse. 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.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant, friendly, and relaxed city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Toulouse?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Malaga. While Malaga is larger than Toulouse, Toulouse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulouse is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Malaga different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Malaga is a world class 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.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Malaga or Toulouse Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its music scene. However, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Toulouse Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Toulouse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Toulouse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Toulouse Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Malaga. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Malaga and Toulouse.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Toulouse?

Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse Better for Families?

Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly city. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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

Is Malaga or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Malaga or Toulouse Better for Students?

Malaga is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Toulouse is a good port city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Both Malaga and Toulouse 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.

Toulouse has some public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Malaga or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Malaga and Toulouse both are very good 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.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Malaga due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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

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

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

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 Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Toulouse?

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.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Toulouse?

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 vibrant destination of Toulouse. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Toulouse?

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

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 Toulouse in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Toulouse. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Toulouse averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Toulouse. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulouse. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Toulouse in the Winter?

Both Toulouse and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Malaga is much warmer than Toulouse in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Toulouse. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Toulouse. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toulouse in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulouse averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Malaga