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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bucharest travel costs.

Malaga

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

Bucharest and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Malaga?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Malaga than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Malaga, Malaga has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Malaga is better known for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bucharest is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bucharest is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its live music scene. However, Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment 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.

Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beach. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Malaga?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Malaga and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

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 Bucharest or Malaga More Beautiful?

Malaga is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Bucharest is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Malaga is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city has a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Bucharest is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Families?

Malaga is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Couples?

Malaga is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Malaga Better for Students?

Malaga is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Bucharest 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.

Bucharest has some very good public transit options. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Malaga?

Both Bucharest 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 Bucharest. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bucharest. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Bucharest or Malaga?

Bucharest 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 beautiful 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 Bucharest or Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. 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.

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 Bucharest or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the less touristy destination of Bucharest. This 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Malaga?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Malaga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Malaga. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Malaga. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Malaga. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bucharest is much colder than Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. In the autumn, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Malaga. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Bucharest is cooler than Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Malaga. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Bucharest