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

Should you visit Malaga or Belfast?

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 Belfast. 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 friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. Malaga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Malaga travel costs.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable 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 and shopping. See Belfast travel costs.

Malaga and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Malaga different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Malaga is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. 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.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Malaga has a beach worth visiting. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Belfast?

Both Malaga and Belfast are nice shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Belfast has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Malaga or Belfast More Beautiful?

Malaga is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Malaga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city has a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Belfast are nice family-friendly destinations.

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

Belfast is a family-friendly port city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Couples?

Malaga is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Malaga is a nice destination for couples. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Malaga or Belfast Better for Students?

Malaga is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Malaga is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Malaga or Belfast a more walkable city?

Malaga is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Belfast. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

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.

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

A weekend in Malaga or Belfast?

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.

Belfast 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 Belfast?

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.

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

A week in Malaga or Belfast?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Belfast?

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

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 Malaga or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Malaga is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Belfast. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Malaga is much warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Belfast. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives around the same amount of rain as Belfast. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Belfast. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city.

In April, Malaga is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Malaga