A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Seville vs. Malaga for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Seville or Malaga?

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 Seville and Malaga. 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.

Seville

Seville is a elegant, beautiful, and world-renowned city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Malaga

Malaga is a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming 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.

Seville and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Malaga?

You'll generally find more things to do in Seville than Malaga. Seville is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Seville is better known for its museums, theatre productions, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Seville is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. Also, Seville is famous for the Real Alcázar. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Seville different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Seville are among the most recognizable in the world. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Seville or Malaga Better for Theater?

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

Seville offers a number of shows and performances. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Malaga is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Seville and Malaga.

Seville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

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 Seville or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a must-see 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.

Seville offers plenty to do in the evening. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

Is Seville or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is a great port city for its live music scene. However, Seville is not a live music destination.

Malaga has a thriving music scene. 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.

Seville is not a live music destination.

Is Seville or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Seville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Seville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Seville or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Seville is not a beach destination.

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.

Seville is not a beach destination.

Is Seville or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Seville and Malaga.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

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 Seville or Malaga?

Seville 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.

Seville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

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 Seville or Malaga Better for Families?

Seville 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.

Seville is a very kid-friendly city. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

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

Is Seville or Malaga Better for Couples?

Seville 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.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

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

Is Seville or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Seville is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

Is Seville or Malaga Better for Students?

Seville 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.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

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

Seville and Malaga both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Seville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

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

Is Seville or Malaga a more walkable city?

Seville and Malaga are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

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 Seville Worth Visiting? and Is Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Seville?

How long in Seville or Malaga?

Both Seville 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 Seville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Seville. 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.

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.

A weekend in Seville or Malaga?

Seville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

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.

Five days in Seville or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seville. Don't miss the museums, 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.

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.

A week in Seville or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the elegant destination of Seville. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Seville and Malaga, 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 Seville Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seville or Malaga?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Seville 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 Seville or Malaga?

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 Seville or Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Seville during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Seville because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

Seville is around the same temperature as Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seville. In the summer, Seville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Seville or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Malaga. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Seville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Seville is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seville in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seville usually receives more rain than Malaga. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Malaga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seville as well as Malaga. Many travelers come to Seville for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Seville is generally cooler than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 11°C (51°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Malaga. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seville in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Seville is around the same temperature as Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives more rain than Malaga. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Seville