Looking for the best things to do in Malaga?  You’re in for a treat!  Whilst many travellers use Malaga as a gateway to other resorts on the Costa del Sol, this vibrant city is a top holiday destination in Spain in its own right.  I recently visited for a girls’ weekend getaway and loved it.

In this guide, I’ll provide essential travel tips for Malaga, the top attractions, where to stay, the best restaurants in Malaga, and everything you need for a memorable trip.  Whether you’re after a weekend packed with Malaga sightseeing or a chilled city break, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the best things to do in Malaga, one of Spain’s most charming and diverse cities!

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So what makes Malaga the perfect destination for a weekend city break?

To start, travelling to Malaga is easy and stress-free.  Whether you’re flying or arriving by train it’s quick to get to and easy to navigate once you’re there.  Thanks to its compact size, Malaga’s top attractions are all within walking distance, making it an ideal choice for a short city break.

Plus, it has a diverse range of things to do, with something for everyone.  As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Malaga boasts incredible landmarks like Malaga Castle, the Roman amphitheatre, and the impressive Alcazaba Fortress.  History lovers will enjoy exploring these iconic sites, while art enthusiasts will appreciate the Picasso Museum and local galleries.

But Malaga isn’t just for history and art buffs.  It also has beautiful beaches like Malagueta Beach, great shopping, and a thriving food scene with vibrant tapas bars and authentic Spanish cuisine.

Whether you want to relax, explore, or eat, Malaga has something for everyone. So, why wait? Come with us to discover Malaga’s top attractions!

10 best things to do in Malaga

As you explore Malaga, you’ll discover a wealth of historic sites and attractions that showcase the city’s rich 2,800-year history.  Among the top things to do in Malaga, a visit to Gibralfaro Castle is a must.

Perched atop a hill, Gibralfaro Castle offers stunning views over the city.  Built in the 14th century for defence, the castle played a key role in protecting Malaga during its history.  After an attack in 1487, it even became a residence for Fernando the Catholic.

To reach the castle, start your climb on Paseo de Don Juan Temboury, located near the entrance to Alcazaba, in Malaga’s historic centre.  There’ s no denying, it’s a steep climb, but the journey is well worth it.

You can catch your breath on the way up at the Mirador de Gibralfaro (viewpoint), where you’ll get panoramic views of the old bullring (La Malagueta), Malaga city, and the bustling port.

Once inside Gibralfaro Castle, take a stroll around the ramparts to admire the stunning Moorish architecture that defines this historic site.  You can also visit the small military museum, grab a coffee at the café, or even spot the black squirrels that are native to the area.

For those who want to know more about the castle’s history, consider booking a guided tour of Gibralfaro Castle.

If the steep climb is too much for you, there are other options to reach the castle.  You can take the tourist hop-on-hop-off bus, local bus 34, or even book a Segway tour of the castle.

• Admission:  €3,50*
• Website:  Castillo de Gibralfaro

*You can purchase tickets at an automated machine near the entrance.  For better value, buy the combined ticket for Gibralfaro Castle and Alcazaba, priced at €5.50. This combo ticket seems like a great deal for entrance to two of the best historical attractions in Malaga!

After exploring Gibralfaro Castle, I highly recommend visiting Alcazaba, another of the best historical attractions in Malaga.

As mentioned earlier, you can buy a combined ticket that gives you access to both Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, making it a great value option.

Built in the 11th century, Alcazaba (which means “urban fortress” in Arabic) was once the palace and residential area of the Governor of Malaga.  Its strategic location on the slopes of Mount Gibralfaro made it an ideal defence point for the city.

Today, visitors can wander through the fortress and experience its stunning Moorish architecture, featuring intricate doorways, archways, and towers.

Alcazaba is also home to several beautiful courtyards, complete with water features, statues, and lush gardens.  If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Malaga, Alcazaba should definitely be at the top of your list.

Another of Malaga’s top historical attractions is the Roman Amphitheatre, a must-see for history lovers.  Built in the 1st century, this ancient theatre fell into ruins over the centuries but was later rediscovered and excavated.  Interestingly, the stones from the Roman Theatre were used in the construction of Alcazaba.

Adjacent to the site is a visitor centre showcasing archaeological findings from the excavation.  The Roman Amphitheatre in Malaga is one of the best-preserved Roman landmarks in Spain and a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in ancient history.

The Roman Theatre is super easy to find, as it’s located right next to the entrance of Alcazaba.  In fact, you’ll likely pass it while exploring the historic centre of Malaga.  Admission is free, but we didn’t go in, as you can see most of it from below.

• Admission:  free
• Website:  Roman Amphitheatre Malaga

Malaga was the birthplace of legendary artist Pablo Picasso, so it’s no surprise that the Picasso Museum is one of the city’s top cultural attractions.  Located in the historic centre of Malaga, this museum showcases a remarkable collection of Picasso’s artwork spanning his entire career.

The Picasso Museum is open daily until 7 pm.  To avoid long queues, it’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance.

If Picasso is not to your taste, fear not!  Malaga is home to over 30 other museums and art galleries, so you’ll have plenty of options to explore the city’s rich cultural scene.

• Admission:  €12.
• Website:  Picasso Museum

One of Malaga’s most famous landmarks is its stunning Malaga Cathedral (Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación), which dominates the city centre.

Built between 1528 and 1782 on the site of a former mosque, the cathedral is a beautiful blend of Baroque and Renaissance architecture.  With its towering North Tower standing at 87 meters, it is the tallest cathedral in Andalucia.  Unfortunately, the second bell tower remains unfinished due to a lack of funds.

Inside Malaga Cathedral, the architecture is equally impressive, featuring intricate details and notable features such as the stained-glass windows in the apse.

• Admission:  €8
• Website:  Malaga Cathedral 

The entrance fee includes an audio guide, but for a deeper understanding, you could book a 2 hour tour of the cathedral and historic centre.  Alternatively, a guided tour of the cathedral rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the city.

After exploring Malaga’s historic old town, take a walk to the redeveloped area by the Malaga port.  If you follow the palm-lined walkway, El Palmeral de las Sorpresas, it will lead to the beautiful seafront on the Mediterranean coast.

This modern district is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, as well as Malaga’s Pompidou Centre.  It also serves as the terminal for the massive cruise ships that dock in Malaga, making it a bustling and lively spot in the city.

After a day at the beach, it’s a lovely place to stop for cocktails by the sea and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

If you like art, a visit to the Centre Pompidou should be high on your list of things to do in Malaga.

The Centre Pompidou Malaga exhibits contemporary art from around the world, which it borrows from its Parisian counterpart.  The gallery is near the port in a building known as the Cube (Cubo!). You can’t miss it, as the gallery is in a huge Rubik’s cube.

• Admission:  €9 (but various concessions)
• Website:   Centre Pompidou Malaga

One of the highlights of our city break in Malaga was its close proximity to the beach, giving us a good mix of city break and beach weekend. Just a 10-minute walk from Malaga’s historic centre lies Playa de la Malagueta, a large and popular city beach ideal for a relaxing break from sightseeing.

At Malagueta Beach, you can rent loungers and parasols, though they can be expensive and often fill up quickly.  Most visitors simply bring a towel and lie on the sand.

The sand in Malaga is a dark shade of brown, so not as picturesque as some other beaches on the Costa del Sol.  However, a stint of sunbathing and a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean was the perfect way to cool off after a day of sightseeing.

The Parque de Malaga is a lush oasis in the heart of the city, offering a serene escape from the bustle of the city.  Created in the late 19th century on reclaimed land, the park runs along the Paseo del Parque, making it an ideal route to stroll through on your way to the Malaga port and Malagueta Beach.

With its beautifully landscaped gardens, towering palm trees, and exotic shrubs, Parque de Malaga provides a peaceful retreat where you can unwind or cool off.

If you’re visiting Malaga with kids, Parque de Malaga has several children’s playgrounds that are perfect for little ones to enjoy.  Kids will also love spotting the vibrant green parakeets that nest in the park’s trees.  Even if you don’t spot these colourful birds right away, you’ll certainly hear them!

Kick off your day in Malaga with an early morning visit to the bustling Mercado Central de Atarazanas, a favourite with locals who come here to shop.  Here, you’ll see fishermen preparing their morning catch and discover a tempting array of fresh local produce and regional specialties.

While you’re there, take a moment to admire the market’s beautiful architecture, especially the stunning stained-glass window that depicts scenes from Malaga’s history.  Originally built in the 14th century as a boatyard and warehouse, the building was later transformed into a food market, preserving its original window.

No city break in Spain is complete without indulging in some delicious tapas, and in Malaga, you’re spoiled for choice.

The city is packed with a wide array of tapas bars, restaurants, and cafés offering everything from classic to contemporary twists on this beloved Spanish tradition. We found the tapas in Malaga pleasantly affordable, making it easy to sample a variety of dishes without breaking the bank.

Later in this guide, we’ll share our top recommendations for the best places to eat in Malaga.

Be sure to leave time during your weekend in Malaga to sample the local wines—it’s an experience not to miss!  One of the best places to do so is at Antigua Casa de Guardia (Old Guard House), a historic sherry bar on the Alameda Principal.

This tiny tavern serves a selection of regional wines straight from oak casks, with bartenders adding up your tab in chalk right on the counter.  Not only is it a unique experience, but it’s also budget-friendly; we paid around €5 for three small tasters.

We stumbled upon this bar by chance, but there were several groups of people on a food and drink tour of Malaga.

One of the  best reasons to visit Malaga is for its vibrant nightlife.  As evening falls, Malaga city centre comes alive.  You’ll find an array of lively bars, restaurants, and clubs in the historic centre, offering something for all tastes.

For a truly authentic Andalusian experience, you could consider booking a Flamenco Show.  These performances combine an evening of music and dance with traditional tapas and drinks.

We stayed at the fantastic, Apartamento Mar de Korus, a spacious and stylish apartment located near Malaga Cathedral.  With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it offered plenty of space and comfort, making it ideal for groups or families.  Plus, it’s in the perfect location for easy access to all the top attractions in Malaga—and at a great value.

For those seeking luxury accommodation in Malaga, consider the Palacio Solecio or the Gran Hotel Miramar, both known for their beautiful settings.

If you’re travelling on a budge, apartamento Pena Malaga Centro is an excellent choice, offering a convenient location and great reviews.

Malaga is brimming with fantastic places to eat, though you should expect to queue at some of the most popular spots.

Our top pick was Illari Vinos Y Tapas, near the cathedral.  Luckily, this restaurant accepts reservations, so you can avoid a wait.  The staff were welcoming and offered great recommendations, and the food was truly outstanding.

Another must-try is El Pimpi, known for its traditional Andalusian atmosphere and delicious tapas, making it one of the best restaurants in Malaga.

For a more casual option, Casa Lola is part of a popular chain in the city where we enjoyed a tasty lunch. They don’t take reservations, but we added our name to the list and got a table quickly.

Malaga has its own international airport, which makes it a popular destination for the Costa del Sol.  You can fly to Malaga from the UK in under 3 hours.

From the airport it only 15 minutes to the city centre.  You can take the bus, which is really easy and only costs €4.  There is a pick-up point in front of the airport.

Alternatively, take an uber or taxi, which costs about €20.

Malaga is very compact and it is very easy to walk everywhere.  The city centre is a pedestrian zone, so walking about is easy and safe.

If you want to go further afield, you could take the local bus on the tourist hop-on-hop-off bus.  You can also hire bikes in Malaga or do a two hour Segway tour.

If I were staying in Malaga for longer than a weekend, I’d definitely add the Caminito del Rey to my itinerary.

This 8km walkway clings to the sheer cliffs of a gorge, offering incredible views and an adrenaline-pumping experience.  Once known as one of the most dangerous footpaths in the world, it has been fully restored and is now completely safe, making it a must-do for adventure seekers.  It’s definitely one for my bucket list!

The Caminito del Rey is located about 58 km outside of Malaga. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor centre, but it’s highly recommended to book in advance or join a guided tour. It looks like a brilliant day trip from Malaga!

• Admission:  €10 (without guide)
• Website:  Caminito del Rey

Are you planning a weekend city break in Malaga?  We’d love to hear your questions or comments below.

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