This is a list of 10 fun things to do in Málaga, Spain! This post includes pictures and descriptions of all our recommendations.
This Spanish city really has it all! From the beaches, to the restaurants, to nature hikes, to food markets, to museums, to cute boutiques and so much more.
There is really something here for everyone. The combination of the history that spreads throughout the city and its captivating energy makes Málaga a must visit.
Here are 10 Fun Things To Do In Málaga:
- Visit Alcazaba + Castle of Gibralfaro
- Check out the Picasso Museum
- Head to La Malagueta Beach
- Explore Malaga Soho District
- Stroll Through Muelle Uno
- Have dinner in Old Town
- Grab a drink at Nusa
- Sunset cruise
- Visit the Mercado Central de Atarazanas
- Stop by the Málaga Cathedral
1. Visit Alcazaba + Castle of Gibralfaro
We put these together because you can buy a combo ticket for 5.5 euro. You can purchase the tickets HERE.
The Alcazaba of Málaga was built in the Middle Ages. It is considered one of the most beautiful Alcazabas in Spain. An alcazaba is an ancient fortress. The Castle of Gibralfaro was built in 1340 AD to protect the city from invasions. Both are beautiful pieces of history that are surprisingly still in pretty good condition!
The hike up to the castle is amazing! As you go from the Alcazaba to the castle you have to walk up the mountain. It takes 30-40 minutes to walk up leisurely. Make sure to make a stop at the Mirador de Gibralfaro on your way up. You get the best views of Málaga with the bull ring, the ocean and layout of the city.
We spent around 4 hours between the Alcazaba and the Caste of Gibralfaro and walking up and down. There is definitely a lot to see and you don't want to rush either.
2. Check out the Picasso Museum
Fun Fact: Picasso was actually born in Málaga!
This was a really fun and educational museum. Krista and I don't usually enjoy museums, but this was cool. You are given an audio guide with your ticket which provides all the history behind Picasso's work.
A ticket is 12 euro and 10 euro if you're under 17 years old. MAKE SURE YOU BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME. There are lines for people with AND without tickets. Even though we had a ticket, we still had to wait outside for 30 minutes so I can't imagine how long you had to wait if you didn't buy one ahead of time.
You can find tickets and more information HERE.
3. Head to La Malagueta Beach
We really enjoyed relaxing at La Malagueta Beach. It is located between the port of Málaga and the beach of La Caleta. It can get crowded as it is a popular beach. The beach is only a 15 minute walk from the Old Town.
We rented 2 beach chairs and 1 umbrella for only 14 euro! We felt like we got the deal of the century! They aren't too easy to get though so make sure to pack a blanket or towels incase you can't find a chair.
We were a bit skeptical of a beach in a city, but it was nice! The water was clear and the beach was clean. Don't miss it!
4. Explore Málaga Soho District
The Málaga Soho District also known as the Malaga Art District is a quaint area to stroll though and find some large scale graffiti. Its easy to walk through as it's right next to the city center. Our advice is to grab an iced latte and just admire the art around you in the Andalusian sun!
5. Stroll Through Muelle Uno
This is a must when you visit Málaga! This is the port of Malaga which is filled with restaurants, bars and shopping. It really blew away our expectations!
You can't miss the Cube of Centre Pompidou Malaga when you're there. We didn't go inside but it contains an art collection and different temporary exhibitions.
They also have many stands with local vendors selling handmade houseware, jewelry, clothes and many other things. There were lots of unique and beautiful pieces.
Be sure to visit around sunset. Its such a beautiful area to walk along the water and take in the relaxing atmosphere.
6. Have dinner in Old Town
Old Town, Málaga is filled with many delicious restaurants and bars. You can check out our blog post about the best restaurants in Málaga HERE.
If I had to recommend one restaurant, I would say to go to Casa Lola. They have three locations and they are all so good. There's something about being in Andalusia, sharing pinchos and sipping on sangria that just feels right! If you're looking for that, Casa Lola is your place.
7. Grab a Drink at Nusa
Nusa Cocktail Bar at Muelle Uno is a VIBE. Nusa is rooftop bar with a tropical atmosphere overlooking the port with creative, delicious cocktails. I recommend the Mia Malagarita if you like tequila! The cocktails range from 8-12 euro.
You can't make reservations and depending on when you go the line can be long. Don't let it deter you though, it really is a great bar. It's worth the wait. The service is also great!
8. Sunset Cruise
We booked a 90 minute sunset catamaran cruise through Get Your Guide. You can find the exact cruise by clicking HERE.
The pick up and drop off is at Muelle Uno right next to the shopping stalls. It was $40 for both of us with a glass of Prosecco. This was so much fun! There was even a proposal on our boat which was so nice to witness. Bring a jacket with you if you do this though. It gets chilly towards the end.
9. Visit the Mercado Central de Atarazanas
This market is very important for everyday people of Málaga to buy fresh, local produce. The building itself has been around since the 14th Century, but it has been a central food market since 1870! Like other markets, there are lots of stalls of different food items, but most people come for the tapas and fried fish.
Keep in mind it's open Monday - Saturday from 8am-3pm.
10. Stop by the Málaga Cathedral
The Málaga Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church built in 1782. Its location is right in the center of Málaga. You can't miss it. It's grandiose nature and intricate architecture makes it one of the most beautiful cathedrals we've seen.
As beautiful as it is, it costs 12 euro per person to enter which we thought was a bit ridiculous so we honestly wouldn’t recommend going inside. Admire it from the outside and hangout in the courtyard if you want to relax in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Málaga is most known for being the birth place of Pablo Picasso.
Yes, Málaga is an extremely walkable city. Most of its major attractions are all within minutes of each other.
Yes, 2 days is enough for Málaga. That will give you enough time to visit the Alcazaba, Castle of Gibralfaro, Picasso Museum, spend some time at the beach and enjoy the delicious food!
Day trip ideas
If you're looking to visit other areas in Spain while staying in Málaga, exploring Marbella or hiking El Torcal de Antequera are two great ideas!
In Conclusion...
There are so many fun things to do in Málaga, Spain! Many people view Málaga as just a connection to the rest of Costa del Sol but it's much more than that. Between the food, the history, and the culture, there is much to experience here. Make sure you have at least one day in Málaga!
Check out Málaga in the Winter if you're headed to Málaga during the colder months!
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