12 Things to Do in Málaga: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

Málaga has been drawing visitors for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Set on the Mediterranean, it combines historic sights, an excellent food scene, urban beaches and one of the most enjoyable old towns on the Costa del Sol.

For years, Málaga was treated mainly as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, but the city has become a destination in its own right. Revamped waterfront areas, excellent museums and a growing cultural scene now sit alongside Roman ruins, Moorish fortresses and streets that have changed little in centuries.

We spend a lot of time in Southern Spain – around 2 months a year – so we have got to know Malaga pretty well. We love the art museums, local tapas bars, the historic markets and, most of all, wandering the narrow lanes of the old town before stopping for a glass of Málaga wine or vermouth.

Málaga also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Costa del Sol, but don’t make the mistake of simply passing through. There’s more than enough here to justify a proper stay.

Our Map of Málaga

The map below includes all the Málaga attractions we listed in this guide, to help you get your bearings.

If you want to read more about this beautiful part of Spain, read our guide to the places to visit in Andalucía.

We also have an itinerary for Andalucía, which you can do by rail. It starts in Seville, visits Córdoba and Granada, then finishes in Málaga.

What to Do in Málaga?

1. Alcazaba of Málaga

The Alcazaba of Málaga is a defensive fortress built by the Moors in the 11^th century to defend the area, and it’s one of the top attractions you can’t miss.

It’s a beautiful place to admire, with lush gardens, Moorish-style courtyards and residential palaces that were homes to kings and governors.

It’s a steep climb up to the Alcazaba, but there is a lift to the main section, which we have marked on the map above.

We thought the free audio guide was pretty good, but it’s accessed on your smartphone, so bring headphones.

We purchased the combined ticket for the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro (see below) at the Alcazaba entrance when we arrived. If you intend to visit the Castillo, the combined ticket saves you from queuing for the Castillo.

If you prefer to see the Alcazaba on a guided tour, this one includes skip-the-line tickets and access to the Roman Theatre. You won’t need to queue, and it’s very well rated.

If you are interested in Moorish history and architecture, you’ll love this part of Spain; it is excellent. Read our guides on the Alcázar of Seville, the Mosque of Córdoba, and the Alhambra in Granada for more.

2. Castillo de Gibralfaro

Castillo de Gibralfaro is a fortress on the crest of Gibralfaro Mountain, 132 metres above sea level.

The castle structure you see today was built in the 14th century to house troops and protect the Alcazaba below. It later played a key defensive role during the Siege of Málaga in 1487, when the Catholic Monarchs captured the city from the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.

The castle is just a shell, but we enjoyed the walk along the ramparts for the excellent view over Málaga.

The walk up only takes around 20 minutes from the Alcazaba, but it’s very steep. If you don’t fancy the walk, you can take a taxi, the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus, or the number 35 local bus from Paseo del Parque in the city centre to Camino de Gibralfaro.

As we mentioned above, make sure you get the combined ticket from the Alcazaba to avoid the queue.

We had a bit of time in the evening, so we walked up to Mirador de Gibralfaro for sunset, which is just below the castle. It’s free, open 24 hours a day, and has excellent views over the city. You can see the views you get inside the castle walls versus outside the castle walls in our photos below.

3. Roman Theatre

The Roman Theatre is directly below the Alcazaba, and it’s one of the oldest monuments in Málaga. It was built during Emperor Augustus’s reign in the 1^st century BCE, and it’s one of the only remaining Roman ruins in Andalucía.

It was used as a theatre until the 3rd century, and after its abandonment, stone and marble from the site were used to build the Alcazaba.

Interestingly, the theatre was only rediscovered in 1951. Following a large-scale restoration project, it is now used for open-air performances.

Entrance is free, and it only takes around 15-20 minutes to have a look around the theatre and the small interpretation centre. If you want a deeper insight, this guided tour of the Roman Theatre also includes access to the Alcazaba.

4. Cathedral of Málaga

Malaga’s Cathedral was built on the site of a former mosque after the Christian Monarchs conquered the city. Construction of the cathedral began in 1500 but was interrupted several times before being completed in 1588.

Funds were diverted to support America’s War of Independence, resulting in only one of the proposed two towers being built. This earned the cathedral the nickname La Manquita, “one-armed woman.”

We really liked looking around inside the cathedral. The Gothic altarpiece is stunning, as are the 17th-century mahogany choir stalls set below two organs with 4,000 pipes.

However, by far our highlight was the rooftop tour, where guides point out interesting aspects of the building while you take in one of the best views of Málaga. Guides are available in both English and Spanish, and tours run hourly (except at 3 pm). We booked in advance on the cathedral website.

5. Picasso Museum

It’s easy to see more art than you can properly absorb in Spanish cities, but we highly recommend adding the Picasso Museum to your Málaga plans. For starters, the setting in the Palacio de Buenavista is beautiful.

Secondly, the museum contains over 200 works donated by the Picasso family. These give you a snapshot of his entire career from early realism through Cubism. The semi-chronological layout lets you follow the development of his work through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and drawings.

The highlight for us was Lola, a portrait of Picasso’s sister painted when he was just 13 years old.

Book your skip-the-line entry ticket with audioguide to the Picasso Museum.

6. Old Town

The Romans defined what today is the Old Town of Málga, an urban layout that was later amended by everyone from the Byzantines to the Islamic caliphates.

What remains is a labyrinth of beautiful marbled pedestrian streets, Moorish laneways and hidden squares framed by orange trees. It really is a wonderful old town, and we always make sure to do it when we’re in the area.

For first-time visitors, we’d suggest starting at the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista church, then using Google Maps to plot an improvised route to the Picasso Museum. This area has some of the most atmospheric corners of the old town.

For an additional tip from us, pop into Tapas La Recova, a small, traditional bar and an excellent spot for a vermouth. Spanish vermouth is typically herbal, slightly bitter and a little sweeter than many of the styles we’re used to in the UK. We take it the traditional way, over ice with a slice of orange.

The other area to visit in the Old Town is Calle Marqués de Larios. Running from Plaza de la Constitución down to the port, this wide marble-paved avenue is lined with Málaga’s most handsome façades.

7. Glass & Crystal Museum

So this might be a little off-centre, but the Museum of Glass and Crystal is something worth considering, even if you didn’t know you were into glass.

The museum is set in a beautiful 18th-century mansion that was once the home of a wealthy Italian family. The current owner has amassed a private collection of over 3,000 glass and crystal objects.

You can only visit on a private tour by the owner, Gonzalo Fernández-Prieto, which is what makes the experience worth your time.

Gonzalo is a historian and passionate collector, and his tours weave together the history of the pieces with colourful anecdotes from his own life and the remarkable journeys each item took to end up in his collection.

We’ve been twice now and loved hearing his stories both times. You don’t need to book in advance, but you may need to wait for a couple of minutes until he is ready to start the tour.

8. Mercado Central de Atarazanas

This is a good one for the foodies. Mercado de Atarazanas is the local food market in the centre of Málaga.

The site was a Moorish shipyard which was expanded during the Nasrid period in the 14th century. The current market was later renovated in the 19th century, incorporating the original horseshoe arch in the main entrance.  

We make a point of getting here every time we’re in Málaga. It has the usual character of Spanish markets with customers yelling at vendors, plenty of commotion, and stalls piled high with produce.

In addition to the usual fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, you’ll find plenty of typical Spanish produce, including dried and candied fruits, spices and salted fish.

We also have lunch at one of the tables on the edge of the market. Fried fish is the regional speciality washed down with a local beer.  

9. Museo de Málaga

The Museo de Málaga was a new find for us on our last visit to the city, and it was a big hit.

The museum brings together two previously separate collections — the Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum — under one roof.

That roof belongs to the magnificent Palacio de la Aduana, an imposing neoclassical former customs house overlooking the port.

The collection is split broadly between archaeology and fine art. The archaeological galleries cover Málaga from prehistory through the Phoenician, Roman and Islamic periods, while the art collection is particularly strong on 19th-century painting and the Málaga School.

To be honest, we skipped through the archaeological section fairly rapidly because we’d seen a lot of it before. But the art galleries were excellent. They have works by José de Ribera and Murillo, an excellent collection of Malagueño artists, and early works by Picasso.

Entry is just €1.50 and free for EU citizens, making it one of the best-value attractions in Málaga. The museum is closed on Mondays.

10. Carmen Thyssen Museum

I know it’s easy to see too much art on a city break, but the Carmen Thyssen Museum also deserves a place on this list.

It’s housed in the Palacio de Villalón, a beautifully restored late-15th/early-16th-century palace in the heart of the old town. The permanent collection contains more than 200 works, with a particular focus on Spanish and Andalusian painting from the 19th and early 20th centuries

You’ll find Andalusian landscapes, street scenes, coastal paintings and depictions of life across southern Spain

Works by Zurbarán, Sorolla, and Julio Romero de Torres feature alongside lesser-known Andalusian artists.

The museum also has major temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so it’s worth seeing what is on before your visit, and using that to decide if you want to go or not. Past shows have included Picasso, Miró, Warhol and Braque – so not exactly small names.

Book your skip-the-line entry ticket to the Carmen Thyssen Museum.

11. Antigua Casa de Guardia

We go to Antigua Casa de Guardia every time we’re in Málaga, and it’s the one experience that really makes us feel like we’re back.

Founded in 1840, it’s the oldest bar in Málaga and still feels wonderfully old-school. Sherry barrels are stacked against the walls, and your bill is scribbled in chalk on the bar in front of you.

The bar specialises in local Málaga wines, sherries, and vermouths, all poured directly from the barrels and served in small glasses at very reasonable prices.

Our top recommendation is Pajarete, a traditional Málaga sweet liqueur wine aged for at least two years.

There’s also a small selection of olives, pickles, seafood and other snacks to have alongside your wine.

It’s popular with tourists and locals, so it’s always been busy when we’ve been there, especially in the early evening.

12. Málaga Port & City Beaches

The Port of Málaga is the well-protected natural bay on the edge of the old town, and a working harbour for cruise ships and ferries.

But also a nice place to stroll around in the afternoon.

Start at Parque de Málaga and walk through Palmeral de las Sorpresas, a palm-lined promenade on Muelle Dos, under a huge white canopy.

Continue along the waterfront to Muelle Uno, a regenerated shopping and dining area with restaurants, boutique shops, bars and terraces overlooking the water.

At the far end of Muelle Uno is the Centre Pompidou Málaga, immediately recognisable by its colourful glass cube. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art drawn partly from the collection of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your visit.

Continue to La Farola, Málaga’s historic lighthouse, then on to La Malagueta beach – a wide, 1,200-metre stretch of sand. If you don’t have time to make it down to the beaches near Marbella, this is a great city beach.

Day Trips from Malaga

Málaga is a perfect base to see the Costa del Sol and the wider Andalucía area. We have a few other guides which will help with this, including the best places to visit in Andalucía and our guide covering our favourite things to do on the Costa del Sol (not all beaches).

But if you are spending some time in the city and have a day to explore further, here are the best day trips we recommend.

• Ronda – Perched above the dramatic 100-metre Tajo gorge, Ronda is our top pick for a day trip. It’s around 1 hour 20 minutes by car. We have a full Ronda day trip itinerary to help you plan.
• Granada — Home to the Alhambra, the most visited monument in Spain, Granada is around 1 hour 30 minutes by car or 1 hour 45 minutes by train. All the details are in our guide to visiting Granada.
• Caminito del Rey – A 7.7 km one-way hiking trail that clings to a narrow limestone gorge carved by the Guadalhorce River. Read our guide to hiking the Caminito del Rey for more information, including how to get tickets.
• Mijas — A beautifully preserved whitewashed hilltop village around 30–40 minutes from Málaga. Our 1-day guide to Mijas has all the details.

We have an article that covers a few more of our favourite day trips from Málaga, including some that involve sitting on the beach and others that are strenuous hikes to some of the best viewpoints on the Costa del Sol.

Planning & Logistics

How to Get to Málaga

Málaga is one of the best-connected cities in southern Spain, with excellent links by air, rail, and road.

By Air

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the main gateway to the Costa del Sol and one of Spain’s busiest airports. It is served by direct flights from over a dozen UK airports, with Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and British Airways all operating regular routes from London and regional airports.

Getting from the Airport to the City Centre

The airport is just 8 km from the city centre, and there are three easy ways to get there:

1. By train (recommended) — the Cercanías Line C-1 runs directly from the airport to Málaga Centro-Alameda station in just 13 minutes. It runs every 20 minutes from approximately 6:30 am – 11:30 pm and costs around €1.80. The fastest and cheapest option.
2. By bus — Line A (Airport Express) runs from outside Terminal 3 to the city centre in around 25–30 minutes, every 30–40 minutes from 7 am to midnight. Tickets are €4, payable on board or via the EMT Málaga app.
3. By taxi — taxis queue outside the arrivals area at Terminal 3. The fare into the city centre is a fixed rate of approximately €15–20 and takes around 15 minutes, excluding peak traffic.

By Train from Spain

If you’re combining Málaga with other Spanish cities, the AVE high-speed rail network makes it very straightforward:

Route	Journey Time	Trains per Day
Madrid	2 hrs 35 mins	18
Seville	1 hr 56 mins	22
Córdoba	47 mins	19
Granada	1 hr 17 mins	5
Barcelona	6 hrs 3 mins	15

Book Spanish trains through Trainline or directly via Renfe for the best fares.

By Car

Málaga is well connected by motorway — the A-45 from Madrid and the A-7 coastal motorway link it to the rest of Andalucía.

It’s not the best city we’ve ever driven in, but it’s not the worst either. Make sure you find a hotel with parking, or find parking near the hotel. There are several large underground parking lots which are relatively easy to navigate.

Where to Stay

Málaga is a popular spot for good reason, so it pays to book your accommodation well in advance. We have a full guide on where to stay in Málaga, but here are some places we recommend.

• Icon Malabar (€€€€) – This smart, contemporary property is well-appointed with clean, bright rooms and is in an excellent location for exploring Málaga. Free bike hire makes it easy to get around.
• GR Suites Boutique Alcazaba (€€) – In an excellent location just 300 metres from Málaga Cathedral, GR Suites is a one-bedroom apartment with a dining area and kitchenette. It’s a great place for couples to stay in Málaga.
• Soho Boutique Urban (€€) – This colourful, modern property is just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. It has well-equipped rooms and friendly, helpful service. Some rooms have balconies with city views or inner courtyards.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a multi-stop stay, read our guide Where to Stay on The Costa Del Sol for our top pick of the areas along the coast.

Where to Eat in Malaga?

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Málaga, and probably the best way to pick something is to stroll around and see what takes your fancy.

If you’re looking for a street-side setting where you can people-watch over lunch, head to the area around Calle Strachan and Calle Salinas.

For more modern summer offerings, head to the port, which has lots of alfresco dining options.

• El Pimpi – We tried El Pimpi, the sprawling restaurant owned by Antonio Banderas, last time we were in Málaga. We have to say the food and atmosphere were both pretty good. It’s busy, hectic, and not refined, but it’s really good basic tapas.
• Picasso Bar Tapas – This is a great place for authentic tapas in a great location on Plaza de la Merced. The reviews have been mixed, but we thought it was pretty good.
• El Rincon de Lola – There are several Lola restaurants in Málaga, but El Rincon is the best. It’s a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish food in a relaxed setting with good prices.

Coffee in Malaga

Coffee in Malaga is a beloved local tradition. It is known for its strong, bold flavour, delivered in the classic café solo or the sweet, frothy café con leche.

But there’s also a growing demand for artisanal coffee, brewed to perfection and served with the increasingly rare partner, fresh milk. Here are some cafes in Málaga we love.

• Mia Coffee – Recently relocated to a newer space in Soho, Mia Coffee is the best in Málaga in our humble opinion.
• Next Level Speciality Coffee – The cool vibe and relaxed atmosphere are a nice way to down an excellent coffee.
• Kima – Kima takes its coffee very seriously, roasting its own sustainably sourced beans just on the edge of the old town.

How Long Should You Spend in Málaga?

Málaga is the perfect weekend break, and in 2 days, you’ll be able to visit all the main highlights and have some time to check out the bar scene and scoff plenty of tapas. If you have 3 days to spend in Málaga, you’ll also have time to laze on the beach or take a day trip into Andalucía.

However, there are plenty of nearby attractions that make it worth a longer trip. Add Seville to your Málaga trip (2 hours by train) or the historic capital of Córdoba (1 hour by train).

Best Time to Visit Málaga?

The best time to visit Málaga is April and May, when the temperatures average a very pleasant 19°C to 24°C, and the city is not yet busy with mid-summer travellers.

However, sea temperatures are still on the chilly side.

The busiest periods are between June and August when the city buzzes with tourists. The warm evening temperatures are ideal for a night out and finding your favourite tapa bar. Expect days to average 31°C, the beaches to be busy, and the water to be lovely and warm.

September and October are in the mid- to low-season in Málaga. When the temperatures return to being more pleasant, and the sea is still warm, it’s a lovely time to visit, but don’t expect it to be especially quiet.

More Helpful Andalucía Guides

• Read about our favourite places to visit in Andalucía.
• Relax on the Costa del Sol with our guide to the best beach bars near Marbella.
• Our guide to the best things to do in Granada has the top attractions plus the best tapas.
• The Caminito del Rey hike is one of the most stunning in Spain.
• Discover the best places to visit on the Costa del Sol.
• Our top day trips from Málaga.
• Get off-the-beaten track on the El Pinsapar Trail in Sierra de Grazalema.
• Soak up the sun at these beautiful beaches near Tarifa.
• Where to stay on the Costa del Sol.
• Visit el Torreón, the highest peak in Sierra de Grazalema.
• Fancy a strenuous walk? Try the La Concha hike.
• Discover all the best things to do in Seville.
• What to do in Mijas on a day trip.