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13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Málaga, Spain
Málaga is the second biggest city in Andalusia and it’s located directly on the beautiful Costa del Sol. To be honest, it took me visiting the city twice to fall in love with it but now I really do think it’s an amazing city with so much to offer.
There are many amazing things to do in Málaga, which we’ll talk about in a second. But remember to also take time to stroll through the city streets, enjoy a coffee at an outdoor café, and simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
But now, let’s talk about the best attractions in Málaga.
🤩 I love this Malaga Segway tour for visiting all the best sights in the city!
Best Things to Do & See in Málaga
1. Explore the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle
Alcazaba is a palatial fortification on a hilltop in Malaga city centre and it’s proof of the city’s rich history. It was built in the Muslim-ruled Al-Andalus period.
Gibralfaro, or Castillo de Gibralfaro, is the higher castle from the same time period on a neighbouring hill. The two are connected by a walled corridor and they’re the main attractions in Malaga.
They’re great examples of Islamic architecture in Spain. You can visit both of them for just €5 and I do recommend visiting both. The Alcazaba is more famous and central, but I loved walking on the castle walls and enjoying the panoramic views from Gibralfaro.
2. Visit the Roman Theatre in Malaga
At the bottom of the Alcazaba, you can find the remnants of a Roman theatre from the 1st century AD.
Next to the roman theatre is a glass pyramid, which reminded me a bit of Paris. You can peek through it to see more of ancient Málaga.
🤩 I love this Malaga Segway tour for its knowledgable guide!
3. Take a Picture With the Malaga Letters
Right next to Alcazaba you can also find the Málaga letters. The sign even lets you be the letter L.
It’s the perfect photo spot in Málaga with the famous Alcazaba in the background.
4. Find a Perfect Viewpoint
You already get some great views from Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. But the best view of the city with the ocean in the background is from the path between the two fortifications.
My favourite viewpoint on this walkway between Alcazaba and Gibralfaro is the Mirador de la Coracha.
5. Find Tranquility at Parque de Malaga
Parque de Malaga is right next to the harbour and it’s easily overlooked. Since it’s a narrow park between a busy road and the harbor, I had low expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and peaceful the park is.
Sit on a bench, close your eyes, and it’s like being in a jungle with the different bird chirps. Plus, Malaga has some really cool trees.
6. Admire the Cathedral
The Málaga Cathedral, also known as La Manquita or “the one-armed lady,” is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This nickname comes from its unfinished second tower, giving it a unique, asymmetric appearance.
You can purchase the entrance ticket at the cathedral’s entrance or online on its official website. Even if you don’t enter, don’t miss seeing the exterior—it’s one of the best things to see in Málaga.
7. Learn About Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso is the most famous son of the city. The artist was born in 1881 in Málaga and you can visit the house he grew up in, the Museo Casa Natal de Picasso.
Near Picasso’s birthplace, on Plaza de la Merced, you can also find a statue of the artist sitting on a bench. This is another great photo spot in the city.
The most famous Picasso museum in Malaga is the Museo Picasso Málaga, where you can marvel at Picasso’s works. It’s really fascinating to see how his art evolved over time.
8. Visit the Centre Pompidou
Malaga has over 30 museums you can choose from. The most famous besides the Picasso Museums is the Centre Pompidou, a branch of the popular modern art Museum in Paris.
Even if you don’t fancy going inside, you should check out the colourful cube next to the harbour, which is part of the exhibition.
🤩 I love this Malaga Eco Tuk Tuk Tour for being a unique experience!
9. Relax at the Beach
Málaga is one of the beautiful Andalusian cities located directly on the coast. So naturally, one of the Málaga top things to do is to relax on the beach.
The beach closest to the city center is Malagueta beach. I was quite surprised by how dark the sand was, I was expecting a more golden sand. However, once I adjusted, I found its darker color uniquely beautiful.
As we visited in late October the beach was very quiet, but I can imagine it gets very crowded in summer. Then it might be a better option to walk further away from the center to find a quieter beach.
10. Find Cool Street Art in SOHO
No, I didn’t mix up Malaga with London. Malaga has its SOHO neighbourhood, famous for its street art. You’ll find a dried-up riverbed and building walls covered in vibrant art.
My favourite piece of street art was not in SOHO though, but in Málaga old town close to the cathedral.
11. Stroll Through the Pedro Luis Alonso Gardens
Close to Parque de Malaga lies the Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso, a beautiful garden which contains a big rose garden with over 75 different varieties of roses. The garden is named after the first Major of Malaga after the war, Pedro Luis Alonso.
The house at the end of the park is Malaga’s city hall, which almost looks like a castle with the curated gardens in front of it.
Don’t miss the statue of the flower seller in the gardens. A flower seller in Málaga is called El Biznaguero and in summer there are many of them in the city selling jasmine.
12. Have Some Delicious Vegan Food
Málaga is a great city for vegan food in Spain, there are multiple all-vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the city.
My favorite vegan restaurant in Málaga was Meet Vegano. The food was absolutely delicious. For an average price, you get really unique dishes. Even the drinks had a twist, my iced tea for example contained frozen peaches.
The burger, Jack had, was insane, it had a deep-fried bun. Looked great, but it would have been too heavy for me. I was very happy with my vegan salmon with broccoli and dill.
13. Take a Day Trip
Málaga is a great starting point to explore beautiful Southern Spain. It’s well connected by public transport, so you can easily take day trips without the need of a car.
Here are some of the best day trips from Málaga:
- Ronda: Ronda is a charming and picturesque town that sits high up in the mountains. The most famous attraction in Ronda is the Puente Nuevo, a stunning bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge.
- Caminito del Rey: Caminito del Rey is a scenic trail over 100m above the Guadalhorce River, spanning 5 miles. It takes 3-4 hours to complete, making it an ideal day trip from Malaga for those seeking excitement and stunning views.
- Córdoba: Córdoba, Andalusia’s third-largest city, is famous for its Moorish architecture. Its top attraction, the Mosque-Cathedral, can be explored easily on a day trip to Córdoba.
- Granada: Granada is famous its Alhambra palace, but there much more to do and see in Granada. I highly recommend spending at least two nights, so you have time to explore the unique cave houses and relax in an Arab bath, some of the highlights of my visit.
- Seville: Seville, Andalusia’s capital and largest city, offers many attractions. Highlights of Seville include the world’s largest gothic cathedral, the stunning Plaza España, and views from the “mushrooms of Seville”. If possible, I recommend to spend at least 3 days in Seville to fully enjoy the city.
Short on time? 🤩 I love this Alhambra tour from Málaga for the skip the line entrance tickets!
Best Time to Visit Málaga
Málaga has a subtropical-mediterranean climate with very mild winters and hot summers. The city on the Costa del Sol has an incredible average of 300 days of sunshine each year.
The best time to visit Malaga is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, avoiding the crowded summer months. You’ll still enjoy warm temperatures with fewer people around.
Even in winter, Málaga stays warm compared to the rest of Europe, with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F). The wettest months are November and December.
Where to Stay in Malaga
The best place to stay in Malaga is the city centre, where you’re close to historic sites and the beach. I suggest choosing a hotel over an apartment due to recent protests about short-term rentals affecting local housing availability.
🏖️ H10 Croma Málaga is a bit outside the historic centre but still in easy walking distance. The hotel offers an amazing rooftop pool which is the ideal place to cool down on a hot day.
🤩 If you want a bit more luxury during your stay, the Palacio Solecio is a great option. It’s located right in the historic center.
Final Thought: Málaga Things to Do
Málaga surprises with its mix of history, art, and coastal charm. Explore the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, relax on the beach, or visit the Picasso museum. Málaga is truly worth a visit.
Ready to explore more of Andalusia? Don’t miss my blog post on the best things to do in Andalusia for more incredible destinations across this stunning region.
Read more about Málaga:
- 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Málaga, Spain
- Ultimate Guide to Málaga Old Town (with Map)
- Is Malaga Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why It Is
- Granada vs Malaga: Why I Prefer Granada Over Málaga
- 9 Best Cities in Southern Spain to Visit
- Epic Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in Andalusia by Train
- 11 Best Things to Do in Granada Spain
- Amazing 3 Days in Seville Itinerary: What to See & Do