A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Malaga for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Melbourne or Malaga?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Melbourne or Malaga? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Melbourne and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Malaga?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Malaga. Melbourne is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its museums, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Malaga?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Melbourne and Malaga offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Dining out in Malaga is an experience not to be missed. 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 Melbourne or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Melbourne or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Melbourne or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a very popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Malaga?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne or Malaga Better for Families?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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

Is Melbourne or Malaga Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Malaga make for a notable place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Malaga is a good city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Melbourne or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Malaga Better for Students?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Malaga is a very popular 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 Melbourne or Malaga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has some very good public transit options. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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

Is Melbourne or Malaga a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Malaga are superb when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Malaga?

Both Melbourne and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Melbourne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Melbourne or Malaga?

Melbourne 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.

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

Five days in Melbourne or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

A week in Melbourne or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Malaga, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Malaga is in Europe, 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Malaga?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Malaga, 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 Melbourne or Malaga?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Malaga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Malaga in the Summer?

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

Melbourne is cooler than Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Malagain July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in January than Malagain July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Malaga in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Melbourne is cooler than Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Malaga. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Malagain October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Malaga in the Winter?

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

In July, Melbourne is generally cooler than Malagain January. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Malagain January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Malagain January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Malaga in the Spring?

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

Melbourne is cooler than Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Malagain April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Melbourne