Top things to do in Málaga - what to see and do

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This summer we visited Málaga for the first time. We’d been through Málaga on our way elsewhere and to the airport, but like many people who visit the Costa del Sol area we had always bypassed the city itself.

As we were staying in nearby Nerja for a week, we wanted to take a trip to explore the city of Málaga and we’re glad we did!

Málaga has so much on offer, from a lovely old town to a modern, bustling port area, there’s definitely lots to see for both a day out or a longer stay.

The image shows people walking down a narrow street in Malaga old town. On the right are tables and chairs in front of bars and cafes, and at the end of the street you can see Malaga cathedral.

If you’re thinking about visiting the Málaga region, you should definitely make sure to schedule a stop in the city. Read on to find out more about this great location plus things to do in Málaga.

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Some useful links when planning a trip to Málaga:

Use GetYourGuide to find tickets for attractions and tours
Find deals on bus tickets at BusBud

Hire a car at RentalCars
Find deals on rail fares at Trainline

About Málaga

Málaga is a port city on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and being the birthplace of Picasso! Málaga is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to be on the coast, but with the opportunity to also soak up some Spanish culture.

The image shows an intricate builind gin Málaga old town, painted red and yellow with lots of windows.

Where is Málaga?

Málaga is located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, along the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea. Málaga is situated around 59km from Marbella and 57km from Nerja.

How to get to Málaga

Málaga is a very accessible city, so if you’re planning a visit you won’t find any problems getting there. You can reach Málaga by air, train, bus, or car.

By Air: Málaga has an international airport, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), just 8 km from the city center. Various airlines offer direct flights from major cities across Europe as well as international flights.

Search for flights to Málaga at Expedia.

By Train: Málaga María Zambrano is the city’s main train station and is well connected to other Spanish cities. You can catch an AVE train from Madrid in approximately 2.5 hours or Barcelona in around 5.5 hours. The C1 commuter train connects the airport to Málaga’s central station in about 12 minutes.

You can find deals on rail fares to Malaga at Trainline.

By Bus: Companies like ALSA offer routes to Málaga’s Estación de Autobuses from cities like Madrid, Seville, and Granada. A bus from Madrid takes about 6 hours. The bus station is a short taxi ride or a direct bus connection away from the city center, or around a 15 minute walk.

You can find deals on bus tickets to Málaga at BusBud.

By Car: If you prefer driving, Málaga is easily accessible via the A-7 coastal highway. From Madrid take the A-4 and A-45 highways and from Seville the A-92 and AP-46 highways.

If you need to rent a car to get to Málaga you can hire a car at RentalCars.

When is the best time to visit Malaga?

The best time to visit Málaga is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), at these times of the year the weather is mild and perfect for exploring. Summer (July and August) can be very hot and very busy so you may want to avoid visiting then.

We visited Málaga at the end of June, and the weather was ideal for wandering around, and though fairly busy the city wasn’t too crowded.

The image shows a view across the city of Malaga towards the sea, from the walls of the Alcabaza. There is greeen grass, trees, hills, and the sea is in the distance.

Things to do in Málaga

We spent half a day in Málaga and could definitely have spent longer! We took the bus from Nerja to Málaga and arrived at around 11am. We headed for the old town where we had a wander around before visiting the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum. After lunch we strolled through the Parque de Málaga and down to the port where we got an ice cream and did some window shopping.

After that we had to head back to Nerja, though there were lots of other things we could have done to keep us busy! We’d definitely like to return to Málaga for a longer trip in future.

If you are planning a trip, here are some of the best things to do in Málaga…

Visit the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle

One of the most important sites in Málaga is the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle – a must see attraction for all visitors to the city. The Alcazaba is a stunning Moorish fortress dating back to the 11th century. It covers a huge area with impressive walls and beautifully landscaped gardens, giving you a real insight into the city’s Islamic history.

The image shows a view from the walls of the fortress at the Alacazaba in Malaga. You can see old towers, walls, turrets and trees.

The walk around the fortress takes you through intricate arches, lots of steps up to ancient towers, and you’ll find some stunning views of the city and the sea. Gibralfaro Castle is a short uphill walk from the Alcabaza, and here you can find more panoramic views.

The image shows a courtyard at the Alcazaba with a building with archways and white walls on both sides of the courtyard. The floor is made of red bricks and there are trees around the edges of the courtyard.

We’d recommend buying your tickets to the Alcazaba online before you go as there was quite a long queue for tickets when we visited in June which we skipped with our etickets!

Wander around the historic city center

If you love a traditional Spanish old town, then you’ll love Málaga’s historic city center. Begin your journey at the Plaza de la Constitución, a lively square with cafés and local musicians, then head towards the stunning Málaga Cathedral, known as “La Manquita” due to its unfinished second tower. Plaza del Obispo is a great spot to admire the cathedral’s impressive facade, there are benches here as well as some cafes if you want to stop and take in the views. If you wander through the narrow, winding streets, you’ll come across lots more pretty plazas, restaurants, shops, museums, and more.

The image shows a plaza in Málaga old town. The tiled square s surrounded by old buildings and palm trees with people walking across the plaza. There are some light grey clouds in the sky.

Go inside the Málaga Cathedral

Málaga Cathedral is the most iconic building in the city. “La Manquita” is very detailed both inside and out, with a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The cathedral is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, between 10:00am and 6:00pm, and on Sundays from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Admission costs around €6, which includes a guided tour into the cathedral’s history and design. You can also climb the bell tower for some amazing panoramic views of the city and the coast.

The image shows a view looking up at Malaga Cathedral. The sky is blue with a few clouds.

Even if you don’t go inside the cathedral, make sure you have a look from the outside as it really is impressive.

Explore Picasso’s Birthplace and Work

Málaga is the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso, and if you’re interested in art then it’s worth taking time to explore his birthplace as well as the dedicated museum. Fundación Picasso – Casa Natal is located in Plaza de la Merced, and is where Picasso was born in 1881. The building is beautifully preserved and offers a fascinating look into his early life, with personal artifacts, photographs, and temporary exhibits.

The image shows the view from a balcony at the Picasso museum in Malaga. The view looks into a courtyard with an open roof ahowing a blue sky with clouds. The building is two storeys high with arches and balconies, there are plants on the ground floor and people sat on benches on the balconies.

The Museo Picasso Málaga is home to an impressive collection of over 200 works donated by Picasso’s family, all housed in a beautiful building with a pretty courtyard. Again, we’d recommend getting your tickets in advance to avoid having to queue.

The image shows a line of three framed Picasso paintings on a white wall in the Picasso Museum in Malaga.

Visit the Centre Pompidou Málaga

If you love art, then the Centre Pompidou Málaga is a must visit! Housed in a brightly coloured glass cube, the museum has a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art on display, featuring works by artists including Picasso and Miró. Make sure you also pay a visit to the rooftop terrace which has some stunning views of the port.

The image shows the Centre Pompidou Málaga, a modern art museum with a distinct multi-colored glass cube on top of the building. The cube features transparent panels in red, blue, green, and yellow, standing out against a clear blue sky. Surrounding the museum are modern white and beige buildings, with trees visible in the background. The building's name is prominently displayed on the front.

Take a stroll through Parque de Málaga

When you need to have a sit down and get some shade, the Parque de Málaga nestled in the heart of the city is the perfect place. Spanning over 34,000 square meters, this park is full of exotic plants and flowers, fountains, kiosks, a duck pond, and paths perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The image shows a bench in the Parque de Málaga surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants under a bright blue sky. Behind the bench is a statue.

Walk along the port

We really enjoyed walking along the promenade at the port. There’s lots of shops, cafés, and restaurants, plus some great views of some very expensive boats in the harbour! You can even book onto a boat trip here to see the city and coastline from the sea.

The image shows a sunny day at the Málaga port, with people walking along a wide, stone-paved promenade lined with palm trees. A large yacht is docked on the right side, while on the left are white umbrellas shading an outdoor café area. In the background, modern apartment buildings and a lighthouse are visible under a bright blue sky with a few clouds.

Enjoy the local cuisine at Atarazanas Market

Indoor markets are always great places to explore and in Málaga you have Atarazanas Market housed in a beautiful 19th-century building. This bustling market has stalls with fresh produce, spices, and the local catch of the day. You can also sample some delicious tapas, like grilled sardines or marinated anchovies as you wander through the market.

You can even book onto a tapas tour of the market, we did something similar in Alicante and it was such good fun!

Have a drink on a rooftop terrace

We were recommended a few rooftop terrace bars to try in Málaga but sadly we didn’t have time. If you have time to grab a drink on a rooftop terrace in Málaga you’ll be treated with some stunning views of the city and the sea. One of the top spots is the Sky Lounge at the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, where you can enjoy a cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the Alcazaba and the coastline. Another fantastic option is the Terrace Bar at Hotel Room Mate Valeria, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stylish décor. Here you can enjoy creative cocktails and local wines while lounging by the pool and taking in the views.

The image shows a rooftop view at dusk looking out over Malaga city and port. You can see the city buildings, boats in the port and mountains in the background. The sun is setting and there are clouds in the sky.

Eat at Antonio Banderas’ restaurant

I only found out recently that Spanish actor Antonio Banderas has a restaurant in Málaga city centre! We didn’t have time but if you’re looking for somewhere to eat dinner in Málaga, a meal at El Pimpi is a must. This charming Andalusian restaurant is really well designed with traditional tiles and beautiful murals of the region. They serve delicious tapas like the house specialty, carrillera de cerdo (braised pork cheeks) paired with local wines from the Andalusian region. You can also take a photo in front of the wall showcasing Banderas’ contributions to the restaurant.

Relax at Malagueta Beach

After a day of sightseeing Malagueta Beach is the perfect place to unwind. Just a short walk from the city center, this beach has golden sand and a lively promenade lined with chiringuitos where you can stop for some local fried fish, tapas, and a drink. The sea here is calm and very clear so ideal for a swim, or you can just hire a sunbed and umbrella and relax.

The image shows the sand coloured sculpture on Málaga's Malagueta beach spelling out 'Malagueta'. The blue sea is behind with some waves, and the sky is bright blue with no clouds.

Take a horse and cart ride around the city

A great way to see the city with a difference, and rest your feet for a bit, is to take a horse and cart ride through Málaga. You’ll have some amazing views of the old town, park, and port, but make sure you take a hat on a hot summer’s day!

You can find these lined up near the port, and a 45 minute ride around the city costs approximately €40.

The image shows a black and yellow horse-drawn carriage parked under a tree in Malaga city centre on a sunny day. The carriage, with bright yellow seats and decorative lanterns, is attached to a black horse, which stands under the shade near a street sign. In the background, another carriage with white horses can be seen, along with palm trees and colorful buildings, suggesting a scenic, urban setting.

Where to stay in Málaga

Some popular areas to stay in Málaga include the historic city center, La Malagueta for beachfront accommodations, and the Soho district for trendy cafes and nightlife.

Recommended hotels in Málaga include AC Hotel Malaga Palacio, Room Mate Valeria, and Vincci Selección Posada del Patio.

Use this search bar to find the best deals on accommodation in Málaga:

If you are visiting the Andalusia area on holiday or just looking for a day trip, we hope this list has given you some good ideas of things to do in Málaga and where to stay.

Top things to do in Málaga – what to see and do

About Málaga

Where is Málaga?

How to get to Málaga

When is the best time to visit Malaga?