Malaga is a captivating coastal city and one of the best sun-filled Spanish holiday destinations to explore at any time of the year. This guide to the best things to do in Malaga, will help you discover a vibrant restaurant scene, charming streets, and some surprising historical gems.
Usually seen as just a gateway to Andalusia, Malaga is often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Marbella or Ronda, but I’m here to tell you that Malaga is full of great experiences you won’t want to miss!
In the last few years, Malaga has quietly undergone a glow-up, there are first-class restaurants, gorgeous boutique hotels, lots of attractive walking streets, restored historical sites to see and cool things to do for an excellent weekend break or overnight stay.
Malaga is truly a gem of a place to visit, combining many of the attractions that make any Spanish city great!
Why Visit Malaga?
Malaga is one of the good surprising places I’ve visited in Spain and I imagine anyone who looks around would feel the same way! It has many attractive qualities from the beautiful old town to the lively restaurant scene and culture (the Alcazabar would be reason enough to visit) and there’s even a city beach! All you need to do is book a fabulous boutique hotel and enjoy!
In this guide to the best things to do in Malaga, I’ll share my best picks of the things to see and do, including where to eat, drink and stay!
In This Malaga Guide:
- What To See & Do In Malaga
- Where To Eat In Malaga
- Where To Stay In Malaga
- Best Day Trips From Malaga
- Malaga Travel Tips
- Malaga FAQ
A Quick Look At Malaga
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick guide to Malaga!
Where to stay: Icon Malabar or Only You
When to visit:
Peak months: Apr – Sept & Dec
Shoulder months: Jan-Mar, Oct-Nov
Must do’s in Malaga:
Walk to the Alcazaba viewpoint
Explore the historical botanical gardens
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN MALAGA
WANDER MALAGA OLD TOWN
You’ll want your first stop in Malaga to be the Old Town, it’s one of my favourite spots to walk around and a stunning place to begin. Malaga’s old town holds most of the city’s important sights, including the best-looking architecture, historical ruins – and the two prettiest streets.
Make sure you find iconic Calle Larios, which is an up-market, marble-floored pedestrianised street, excellent for shopping while C. Strachan is cobbled, super clean and a place that’s impossible to walk past without stopping for something to eat or drink, trust me this is where you’ll spend a lot of your time!
VISIT ALCAZABA OF MALAGA
At the very top of your list of things to do in Malaga should be the Alcazaba of Malaga, the main historic site in Southern Spain, allow a couple of hours to do it justice, it’s truly worth your while. Originally built as a defensive fortress almost a thousand years ago, the Alcazaba is now a beautiful historic place to wander- don’t miss the gardens and panoramic sea views.
My last experience was a very busy one on a Sunday afternoon, if you can avoid visiting over the weekends, this is a very popular attraction, but Sundays are especially busy with both tourists and locals.
If it’s your first visit I recommend going there with a knowledgeable guide to explore it better. I hopped on this skip-the-line guide which includes Roman Theatre entry, it doesn’t take up too much of your time and it really brings it all to life.
SEE THE ROMAN THEATRE OF MALAGA
Situated next to the Alcazaba is the Roman Theatre of Malaga, another historic ruin, but also a great summer venue for open-air performances. A lot of the original design still exists from the 1st century, when it was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus.
It’s worth visiting after the Alcazaba, once there you’ll learn all about the history including how it was only discovered in 1951! (Luckily, the entry was part of my Alcazaba Tour as I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise!)
Top Hotels In Malaga
GIBRALFARO CASTLE VIEWPOINT
Walking up the hill to Gibralfaro Castle is one of the best things to do in Malaga if you really love viewpoints and history. It is even higher than the Alcazaba with excellent views – and you get a free workout!
If you are a keen up-hill walker you can reach the top in around 30 minutes – Paseo de Don Juan Temboury street near the entrance of the Alcazaba leads the way! It follows the fortress’s outer walls and joins a cobbled path to the castle.
You might be wondering if Gibralfaro Castle is worth visiting? The answer is YES! I really enjoyed the views for a different perspective of Malaga, but if you’re pushed for time I recommend concentrating on The Alcazaba.
Tip: Mornings are the best times to visit main outdoor historical sights such as the Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and especially the Gibralfara Castle as they are very exposed to the sun and the afternoons can be both busy and hot to walk around (April-Sept).
HISTORICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Another beautiful outdoor place to visit in Malaga is the Historical Botanical Gardens, with more than 150 years of history. It has amassed more than fifty thousand plants in this time and honestly, it is just so peaceful and lovely to walk around, especially if you want a break from the city without going too far.
Once there, take your time to stroll around the grounds and bring a drink to sit under the gazebo to cool off and take in the views. Afterwards, head to the marina for a sunset boat cruise for the perfect start to an evening in Malaga!
PICASSO MUSEUM
A visit to the Picasso Museum is a must when in Malaga, it was the artist’s home after all! Explore the amazing 200-plus works of art that are held inside the beautiful 16th-century Renaissance Museum. It’s one of the best things to do in Malaga if you want to learn more about this incredible artist and see all the art up close.
You can expect a tour of the artworks to last around 90 minutes, I recommend taking the optional audio guide and arriving in the morning to avoid the long queues, grab your entry ticket to save time.
CATAMARAN SUNSET TRIP
One of the best things to do in Malaga for a bit of downtime has to be toasting the sunset from a catamaran with fantastic sea views and the Malaga skyline in the background. It’s such a worthwhile experience, I always look for something to do on the water and found this perfect sunset boat trip, with chillout music and complimentary cava to watch the sun sink behind the city, fabulous!
Note, the sunset boat trip is a popular activity and gets full quite far in advance so I would definitely make reservations a week to two weeks beforehand to guarantee a spot! You can check availability and book tickets here.
CATHEDRAL OF MALAGA
No trip to Malaga would be complete without visiting the main square and Cathedral. You can’t really miss it, the Cathedral hovers over the old town and if you want to see what it looks like inside you can pop in and admire the stained glass windows and giant gothic altar. It may not be as impressive as the Seville Cathedral, but still imposing.
In this spot you are also surrounded by all the best tapas bars and hotels. I suggest hanging around for the bells to ring or visiting a rooftop terrace for a late afternoon drink with live music. See my full list of drinking and eating places listed below!
MALAGA MARINA
Finally when in Malaga you have to wander over to the bustling Marina on the edge of the old town. In contrast, this area is modern and there’s a nice shoreline walk lined with palm trees, shops and cafes. It’s also where the ferries, cruise ships and small boats can be found.
Along the way I recommend dropping by the Parque de Malaga, where there are pathways to follow and sculptures to see, but the best part is the palm trees, they are absolutely everywhere and I love it!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN MALAGA
Blossom
Blossom is an absolutely amazing restaurant, known for their tasting menus with friendly service and top location. You’ll find it on Calle Larios just a few metres from the cathedral in Malaga’s historic old town. Reservations are a must and aim for a seat on the terrace it’s extremely photogenic!
Illari Vinos y Tapas
Illari Vinos y Tapas is also on Calle Larios nearby Blossom, this restaurant is more casual and great for popping in for tapas with a glass of wine. I came across this place by accident, the lovely decor caught my attention and the food and atmosphere didn’t disappoint, I highly recommend trying it!
Molino Lario Roof Top Bar
Simply called The Top, this rooftop bar of boutique hotel Molino Lario is a must-visit in Malaga. It has an amazing vibe and location – right next to the Cathedral for views. I recommend trying the Picasso cocktail and going there Sunday around 5pm for decent live music!
Lolita Rooftop Bar
Another unmissable rooftop bar! You’ll find Lolita on the top floor of the 5-star Only You Hotel. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of style, great cocktails and a stunning view of Malaga city and beyond. If you want to use the gorgeous pool as well, you have to stay here, to be honest, I wouldn’t hesitate.
Next Level Speciality Coffee
If you’re in need of a great coffee fix head to Next Level Speciality Coffee, they serve a wide range of coffee with a side of coolness! The lunch menu is also excellent, order a healthy avocado toast topped with super fresh salad ingredients.
Other popular food and drink-related things to do in Malaga include joining an evening of authentic tapas and wine, you’ll discover hidden gems and good company!
WHERE TO STAY IN MALAGA
Malaga is a popular city, I recommend booking accommodation well in advance and staying within a short walk of the atmospheric old town. Here are my top picks.
ONLY YOU
Only You Hotel is a beautiful five-star hotel, very chic and tastefully decorated in neutrals with high-spec contemporary furnishings, perfect if you’re staying in Seville for the weekend. I loved the interiors of this place and the rooftop pool area and terrace are nothing short of dreamy!
ICON MALABAR
Another stylish boutique hotel in the centre of Malaga, Icon Malabar offers an amazing breakfast and ambience. The rooms are honestly gorgeous, I booked the double deluxe, it was spacious and had the best view overlooking all the other attractive buildings down the same street, I highly recommend staying here.
MOLINA LARIO
Molina Lario is a very central and modern boutique hotel within Malaga’s old town, right next to the cathedral, there are great views from the rooftop pool and terrace. It has a livelier atmosphere, a fab restaurant with great tapas options, plus cocktails and live music on Sunday’s.
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM MALAGA
If you have an extra day, there are plenty of amazing things to see beyond Malaga! As I mentioned at the beginning of this post Malaga is the gateway city to so many places along the Costa Del Sol and wider Andalusia region. The below suggestions are my very top picks to elevate your trip to Malaga.
NERJA & FRIGILIANA
Nerja is a lovely coastal white-washed village located off a cliff with fantastic views, just over an hour away from Malaga and the postcard-perfect village of Frigiliana sits above it.
While there you must take a walk around both villages, see the dramatic Nerja caves and stop by the golden beaches. If you don’t fancy planning the logistics yourself, I highly recommend this fabulous guided tour from Malaga instead with rave reviews.
RONDA
Ronda makes a great day trip from Malaga, it’s an absolutely charming place to visit and one of my favourite white villages. You have to see the historic town of Ronda for yourself, it’s perched on top of a huge gorge with dramatic rolling countryside, read more about it in my guide to Ronda.
Ronda is the closest white village to Malaga, but there are lots more to see including picturesque Setenil de las Bodegas. You can easily visit both with a car, otherwise, this day trip is perfect.
CAMINITO DEL REY
If you had in mind to hike the incredible Caminito Del Rey on your trip, Malaga is the best place to organise it. On this official guided tour, you’ll walk along a walkway suspended 100 metres above the Gaitanes Gorge, surrounded by spectacular views and jaw-dropping natural landscapes.
MARBELLA
Marbella’s Golden Mile is a tourist hotspot, known for its upscale flashy resorts – and very accessible from Malaga. Visit as a day trip from Malaga and enjoy golden beaches, fancy beach clubs, beautiful coastal walks and the two pretty towns – Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banus. Catch the Marbella bus or hire a car to explore more of the area – you can read all about it in my new post: 10 Wonderful Things To Do In Marbella.
Need to hire a car? If you’re using Malaga as a base to explore the Costa del Sol or white washed villages of Andalusia then diving will be much more convenient, set your own itinerary and stay as long as you please! You can pick up a car rental at the Airport or from the City Centre.
I highly recommend Discovercars.com. Not only are they reliable, but compare costs across all the major rental car companies so you know you are getting the best possible deal. Plus they have a free 48hr cancellation policy and price match!
MALAGA TRAVEL TIPS
Now you know what to see and do in Malaga, here’s some important planning information.
BOOK EARLY
Malaga is a busy destination in Southern Spain, so booking your favourite hotel or restaurant in advance is essential. Especially if you plan on a short stay or long weekend break, you’re much better off being prepared to make the most out of your visit.
ADVANCE TICKETS
Book your tour tickets for historical sights and day excursions online and in advance to avoid waiting in long lines or missing out entirely! Reserve at least a week prior for Malaga’s top experiences and two weeks for day trips – they fill up fast. Here are the top experiences to book before you go to Malaga.
To book in advance:
- Alcázar, Malaga – top guided tour
- Sunset Catamaran – best boat experience
- Ronda – best day trip from Malaga
Read Next: If you want to explore another fantastic City in Andalusia, check out my guide: The Ultimate Guide To Seville.
MALAGA FAQ
Where is Malaga located?
Malaga is located in Southern Spain, it’s one of 8 provinces that make up Andalusia and is situated between Seville and Granada along the Costa del Sol coastline. Malaga Airport is one of the busiest in Spain with its frequent, incredibly low fares, plus excellent transport links to other cities.
How many days in Malaga?
You can see most of the highlights of Malaga in a day, but I recommend visiting Malaga for a long weekend break. In 3 days you’ll be able to see all the best things to do in Malaga and check out more than one restaurant and rooftop bar, plus include a beach day in Marbella or a wonderful day trip into Andalusia, there’s so many to choose from!
Best time to visit Malaga?
Malaga has good weather all year round with mild winters and hot summers, where temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees and the streets are super busy!
Early summer, from April to May is the best time to visit Malaga when the gardens are lush and green and the evenings are light, there are also fewer crowds to enjoy it! September and October are also nice months to visit with excellent weather, but be aware of festivals, they really take-over.
Side Note: I went to Malaga in February and it was warm and sunny, I was sitting on roof top terraces like it was summer!
How to get from Malaga Airport?
Malaga Airport is well connected to central Malaga by buses, trains and taxis – all three options can be found right outside of arrivals.
The quickest and most convenient is by taxi, which takes 12 minutes and costs €25 plus an airport supplement. Alternatively, the Express bus ‘Line A’, leaves every 30 minutes, takes 25 minutes and is €3.
What to do in Malaga when it rains?
Southern Spain rarely rains, but if it rains there are many other things to do in Malaga, including exploring the Picasso Museum, shop, see a flamenco show or visit all of those tapas bars – try this fun and authentic tapas food crawl.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed reading my Things To Do In Malaga post! Malaga is such an underrated city in Spain, but having spent some time there, I can say with confidence, it’s definitely worth exploring for a couple of nights. Book your stay at Icon Malabar or Only You and don’t forget to add-on a sunset catamaran cruise for the perfect trip!
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Plan your Malaga trip!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
- Discover Cars: Best car hire price comparison
- Rail Europe: Best routes & prices across networks
Read Next:
- Best Boutique Hotels In Seville
- 7 Best Rooftop Bars In Seville For Views
- 7 Wonderful Day Tours From Seville
- 7 Best Tapas Bars In Seville
- 5 Essential Things To Do In Granada
- Travel Tips For Ronda Spain
- The Ultimate Guide To Seville
- 10 Wonderful Things To Do In Marbella
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