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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Shanghai and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Malaga?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Malaga. Shanghai is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Shanghai different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for its live music scene. However, Shanghai is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Malaga. 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.

Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Is Shanghai or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shanghai or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Malaga?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Malaga Better for Families?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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

Is Shanghai or Malaga Better for Couples?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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

Is Shanghai or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Shanghai or Malaga Better for Students?

Shanghai and Malaga are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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

Is Shanghai or Malaga a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Malaga both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Malaga?

Both Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

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

Shanghai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Shanghai or Malaga?

Shanghai 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.

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.

Five days in Shanghai or Malaga?

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

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.

A week in Shanghai or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the modern big city of Shanghai. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Malaga, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia 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 Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga than you might in Shanghai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Malaga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Malaga?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Malaga?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Malaga. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Malaga in the Autumn?

Both Malaga and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets more rain in October than Malaga. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Malaga in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Malaga. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Malaga. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Malaga in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Malaga. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Shanghai