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

Should you visit Malaga or Venice?

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 Venice. 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.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Malaga and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Venice?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Malaga. While Malaga is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Malaga is known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Venice is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Malaga or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

People head to Malaga just to party. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Malaga or Venice Better for Music?

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

Venice is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Venice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Venice Better for Beaches?

Malaga is very good for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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 Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 the Shopping Better in Malaga or Venice?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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

Is Malaga or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Malaga or Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice is a must-visit destination 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.

Venice has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Malaga or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Venice?

Both Malaga and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Venice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Venice than Malaga. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Venice 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly destination of Malaga. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the magical destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Venice?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Venice. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Venice. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Malaga is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

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

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Venice. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Venice. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Malaga