Best Museums in Malaga for Families, Kids, and Culture Lovers
Málaga might be famous for its beaches and sun , but did you know that it's home to more than 40 museums? Malaga has reinvented itself as a haven for art lovers...
Málaga, Spain Travel Guide
The capital of Costa del Sol, birthplace of Picasso, with a thriving culinary scene and gorgeous beaches.
Málaga is home for us, and it holds a very special place in our hearts. We live in the centro histórico, surrounded by the beautiful chaos of tapas bars, church bells, and neighbours chatting on balconies. This city is the underrated gem of Costa del Sol, with over 300 sunny days per year, 30+ unique museums, exciting nightlife, and beaches that will leave you wanting more. From the historic Alcazaba fortress to the trendy Soho arts district, Málaga perfectly blends ancient history with modern Andalusian culture, and after years of calling it home, we still discover new corners that make us fall in love all over again.
Ready to explore? Discover the best things to do in Málaga.
Málaga at a Glance
Best Place to Eat
»Pez Lola, Casa Lola & othersBest Place to Stay
»Gran Hotel MiramarBest Beach
»La Malagueta BeachBest Time to Visit
»April – May, Sept to NovBest Day Trip
»Day Trip to RondaBest City Tour
»Málaga Old Town ToursBest Museum
»Picasso MuseumDon't Miss Out
»Caminito del Rey HikeWhat to Do in Málaga
Málaga Old Town Guide: 16 Things to Do, Where to Stay & What to See (2026)
Complete Málaga Old Town guide from locals: Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, Roman Theatre, best tapas bars, where to stay, parking, and how to get there. Updated 2026.
9 Best Bars and Pubs in Malaga Old Town
Discover 9 local-approved bars and pubs in Malaga Old Town. From craft beer havens to rooftop cocktail spots, these are the places we actually go back to.
Estepona Markets: Complete Guide to Weekly Markets and Market Days (2026)
All Estepona markets in one guide: Wednesday street market, Sunday Marina market, Bio market, and the Rastro flea market. Times, locations, parking, and what to buy.
18 Things To Do In Estepona + Plus Day Trips
We just spent another weekend exploring Estepona, and it's still one of my favourite beach towns.
One Day in Malaga: The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
Whenever our friends touch down in Malaga, they are always so full of ideas that they don't know where to begin. Sometimes, with just one day in Malaga to explo...
25 Free Things to Do in Málaga: Museums, Beaches & Attractions (2026)
Free museums in Málaga every Sunday, free beaches, Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, and 25+ free things to do. Complete guide to free entry times, dates, and attractions.
Málaga with Kids: 15 Fun Things to Do as a Family
There's nothing worse than booking a holiday only to have your precious little ones dragging their feet all day. Those days are way in the past for me now, but ...
Day Trip to Nerja from Malaga: Beaches, Caves, and Views
We used to go to Nerja to park our butts at Playa Burriana and enjoy a different beach. Now that we've bought a car, we've discovered that there's so much more ...
Day Trip to Sierra Nevada from Malaga: Complete Guide (2026)
How to visit Sierra Nevada from Malaga as a day trip. Driving directions, skiing, hiking trails, what to pack, and the best time to visit Spain's highest mountains.
Malaga to Granada Day Trip: The Complete Guide (Train, Car & Tour)
How to visit Granada from Malaga in one day. Alhambra tickets, train times, driving routes, and a tested itinerary to make the most of your day trip.
Malaga to Frigiliana Day Trip: The Complete Guide (Bus, Car & Tour)
How to visit Frigiliana from Malaga in one day. Bus times, driving routes, parking tips, and a tested itinerary for Spain's prettiest white village.
Malaga to Ronda Day Trip: The Complete Guide (Train, Car & Bus)
How to get from Malaga to Ronda by train, car, or bus. Complete day trip guide with itinerary, transport times, costs, and what to see in Ronda.
25 Best Things to Do in Malaga: Local's Guide to Attractions & Hidden Gems (2026)
Discover the best things to do in Malaga from locals who live there. Free attractions, family activities, romantic spots, and insider tips for the Alcazaba, beaches, museums, and more.
18 Hidden Gems in Malaga: Unusual Things to Do Beyond the Tourist Trail (2026)
Discover Malaga's hidden gems and unusual things to do. From secret beaches and cave systems to retro arcades, quirky bars, and locals-only spots a resident shares.
OXO Video Game Museum Malaga: Rediscover the 80s and 90s
Playing retro video games might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to Málaga. With 300 days of sunshine a year, the beach, tapas, an...
Malaga Beach Guide: Discover the Cities Best Beaches
Málaga's beaches are among the best in Spain. I've lived here for years, so that may make me biased. But once you see the coastline, I think you'll understand w...
Best Markets in Málaga: Fish Market, Food Markets & Farmers Markets (2026)
The best markets in Málaga from Atarazanas fish market to farmers markets. Opening hours, what to buy, prices, and where locals shop for fresh food in Málaga.
Best Viewpoints in Malaga: Panoramic City Views & Photo Spots (2026)
The best viewpoints in Málaga from Gibralfaro Castle to rooftop bars. Free panoramic views, sunset spots, and where locals go to see the city from above.
Setenil de las Bodegas: Day Trip Guide from Malaga (2026)
Complete guide to visiting Setenil de las Bodegas from Malaga. How to get there by car or bus, 12 things to do, where to eat, parking tips, and the best time to visit.
Find the Best Things to do in Málaga
VIEW HEREFind the Best Day Trips from Málaga
VIEW HEREBest Time to Visit Málaga
Málaga is very pleasant all year round and is especially loved for its warm winter climate. For more detailed information, check out our best time to visit Málaga guide. Here is a short guide to help you choose the perfect time to visit:
for sunshine & beach: May till October
for off season deals: February to March
for winter sun: October and November
for outdoor adventures: April and May
to avoid crowds: November to March
What's On in Málaga
Upcoming events, markets, and things to do
Arriving at Málaga International Airport (AGP)
Malaga's airport is connected to the city with a network of local trains and buses. You can get to the center of the town really cheap and fast with the C-1 suburban line, departing outside the arrivals terminal every 20 minutes. Check here for a full transport guide.
Getting Around Málaga
On Foot & Public Transport
Much of Malaga's old town can be explored on foot, and you can also easily walk all the way to Muelle Uno – the port of Malaga. Beyond that, I recommend using the local taxis, or even better – Uber is much cheaper. Local transport in the city, especially buses, are not very fast and reliable. Read our public transport guide
Renting a Car
While you can get to the city without a car, I highly recommend renting one if you're planning to explore beyond the city borders. Check Discover Cars
Plan Your Trip To Málaga
Book Your Hotel
Compare prices and find the best accommodation deals. Free cancellation available. Search Hotels
Rent a Car
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Book Your Flight
Search and compare flight prices to get the best deals on your journey. Search Flights
Book Tours & Activities
Discover the best guided tours and experiences. Skip-the-line tickets available. Browse Tours
Book Train & Bus Tickets
Compare prices for trains and buses across Europe. Book in advance to save. Check Schedules
More Guides to Málaga
Malaga Public Transport Guide: How to Use the Bus, Metro, and Tickets
Public transport in Malaga is a breeze, thanks to its reliable, affordable, and easy-to-navigate network. Although you might not need public transpor...
Best Coffee Shops in Málaga: 7 Local Cafés Worth Visiting (2026)
The best coffee shops in Málaga from specialty roasters to cat cafés. Where to find great coffee, work remotely, and experience Málaga's unique coffee culture.
Christmas in Malaga: Lights, Markets and Kid-friendly Activities
Christmas in Málaga is nothing short of magical. As December rolls in, the city swaps beach towels for twinkling lights, nativity scenes, festive markets, and l...
The Best Tapas in Malaga Old Town Spain
Eating tapas in Málaga Old Town isn't exactly difficult. The problem is deciding where . This post was the perfect excuse to bar-hop our way through the Old Tow...
Where to Stay in Malaga: 7 Best Neighborhoods & Hotels (2026)
A local's guide to where to stay in Malaga. Compare the 7 best neighborhoods from Centro Historico to Pedregalejo, with hotel picks for every budget and travel style.
Parking in Setenil de las Bodegas: Where to Park (Free & Paid Options)
Complete guide to parking in Setenil de las Bodegas with 7 parking options, GPS coordinates, a parking map, and tips for avoiding the crowds.
How to Order Coffee in Málaga Like a Local
When we first moved to Málaga, we thought we knew how to order a coffee. "Un café con leche, por favor," we'd say with a confident grin. We'd tamed our accents ...
Discover Playa del Peñón del Cuervo, The Locals Beach
We didn't plan to fall in love with Playa del Peñón del Cuervo. But then again, the best things in Málaga never seem to be on the itinerary. We found it on a sl...
17 Romantic Restaurants in Malaga: Rooftops, Beach Dining & Hidden Gems (2026)
The most romantic restaurants in Malaga for couples. Rooftop dining with views, candlelit Old Town gems, beachfront tables, and where to propose. Personally tested spots with prices.
Where to Find Free Parking in Malaga City Centre
Figuring out where to park in Málaga can be challenging, especially in the city centre and near the beaches. If you're just in Malaga for one day , the co...
Where to Eat in Malaga: Best Restaurants, Tapas Bars & Food Guide (2026)
A local's guide to where to eat in Malaga. Best restaurants, tapas bars, rooftops, markets, cheap eats, and must-try traditional dishes. Updated for 2026.
Easy Day Trips from Malaga: Where to Go & How to Get There
Each of these day trips from Malaga adds a unique memory to your Spanish adventure. If you're staying for more than three days, I seriously recommend trying at ...
Best Day Trips from Málaga by Train: Where & How to Do It
Malaga is jam-packed with things to do, and sometimes with people too. On busy days, or days when you need to escape the city, Malaga's public transport system ...
Caminito del Rey: The Complete Guide to Spain's Most Thrilling Walk (2025)
Everything you need to walk the Caminito del Rey: tickets, getting there, what to expect, difficulty level, and insider tips from locals who've done it.
12 Best Rooftop Bars in Malaga: Sunset Views & Cocktails (2026)
The best rooftop bars in Malaga with stunning views. From cathedral terraces to harbour panoramas, where to drink with a view. Prices, opening times, and booking tips.
Restaurants in Malaga With a View: 7 Tested Spots We Keep Going Back To (2026)
The best restaurants in Malaga with a view. Rooftop dining, beachfront chiringuitos, harbour views, and hilltop panoramas. Personally tested spots we bring friends to.
Walking in Malaga: A Complete Guide to Exploring on Foot (2026)
Malaga is one of Spain's most walkable cities. Self-guided walking routes, distances between attractions, where to walk, and practical tips for exploring on foot.
Cheap Eats in Málaga: Best Budget Restaurants, Tapas & Bars (2026)
The best cheap eats in Málaga from €1 tacos to free tapas. Where locals eat on a budget: cheap restaurants, tapas bars, and drinks under €10 in Málaga.
Traditional Food in Malaga: 15 Local Dishes You Must Try (2026)
Traditional food in Malaga from locals. Espetos, ajoblanco, fritura malaguena, porra antequerana, and where to find authentic Malaga dishes away from tourist traps.
Best Sunset Spots in Malaga: 12 Viewpoints for Golden Hour (2026)
Best sunset spots in Malaga from locals. Gibralfaro viewpoint, rooftop bars, beaches, boat cruises, and mountain viewpoints for the perfect golden hour.
Best Time to Visit Malaga: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Discover the best time to visit Málaga for beaches, festivals, and perfect weather. With 320+ days of sunshine, here's what each month actually offers.
Where to Eat in Málaga
Málaga's culinary scene is a delicious mix of traditional Andalusian tapas, fresh seafood, and modern gastronomy. The historic center is packed with restaurants ranging from centuries-old bodegas to trendy rooftop bars. Don't miss trying espetos (grilled sardines on a stick), fritura malagueña (fried fish platter), and the local sweet wine.
Recommended Restaurants
- El Pimpi – Iconic bodega in a historic building with traditional tapas, local wines, and flamenco atmosphere. A must-visit institution.
- Casa Lola – Trendy tapas bar known for creative dishes and excellent quality. Multiple locations across the city.
- Uvedoble Taberna – Modern gastrobar with innovative tapas and an impressive wine selection. Great for food lovers.
- El Tintero – Legendary beachside restaurant where waiters auction off fresh seafood dishes as they come out of the kitchen.
Where to Stay in Málaga
From boutique hotels in the historic center to beachfront resorts along La Malagueta, Málaga offers accommodations for every budget. The best area to stay is the Centro Histórico for sightseeing, or the eastern beaches for a relaxed vibe.
Editor's Pick-20% OFFGran Hotel Miramar
La Malagueta
9.2
1,847 reviewsA stunning 5-star hotel in a restored 1920s palace, offering elegant rooms, a private beach club, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Beachfront locationHistoric palaceRooftop poolSpa & wellness
From
Check Availability$280$350/night
Great LocationRoom Mate Valeria
8.8
Centro Histórico
From $120/night
View Deal
Molina Lario
8.7
Centro Histórico
From $150/night
View Deal
Best ValueSoho Boutique Bahía Málaga
8.5
La Malagueta
From $90/night
View DealTours in Málaga
Get the most out of your visit with guided tours that reveal Málaga's hidden gems and fascinating history. From walking tours of the historic center to food experiences and day trips, there's a tour for every interest.
Popular Tours & Experiences:
What to See Near Málaga
Málaga makes an excellent base for exploring the Costa del Sol and beyond. Within easy reach you'll find charming white villages, stunning natural landscapes, and historic cities that are well worth a day trip.
Ronda
Full day
Dramatic clifftop town with the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge spanning a 100-meter gorge. One of Spain's most spectacular white villages.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds at the bridge viewpoints.
Caminito del Rey
Half day
Thrilling walkway pinned to the walls of El Chorro gorge, once called 'the world's most dangerous path'. Now safe and spectacular.
Tip: Book tickets well in advance, especially for weekends.
Nerja & Frigiliana
Full day
Visit the famous Balcón de Europa viewpoint in Nerja and explore Frigiliana, voted Spain's prettiest white village.
Granada & the Alhambra
Full day
Explore the legendary Alhambra palace and the atmospheric Albaicín quarter in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Tip: Book Alhambra tickets weeks in advance - they sell out quickly.
Marbella & Puerto Banús
Half day
Glamorous coastal town with a charming old town, designer boutiques, and the famous marina filled with superyachts.
Why Visit Málaga?
Málaga is the beating heart of the Costa del Sol, but it offers far more than beaches and sunshine. This is Picasso's birthplace, and the city pulses with artistic energy. You'll find world-class museums around every corner, colorful street art in the Soho district, and a historic center that blends Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish heritage with a thoroughly modern food and nightlife scene.
What makes Málaga special is how it feels. Unlike busier Spanish cities, there's an authentic local character here. The tapas bars bustle with malagueños alongside visitors, and nobody's in a rush. With over 300 sunny days per year and the Mediterranean right at your doorstep, life just moves at a gentler pace.
Whether you're using it as a base for exploring Andalusia or simply soaking up Spanish coastal life, Málaga rewards you with warmth, culture, and endless good food.
Museums in Málaga
Málaga has reinvented itself as a cultural powerhouse, boasting over 30 museums in a remarkably compact city center. From the world-famous Picasso Museum to cutting-edge contemporary art spaces, there's something for every taste.
Top Museums to Visit:
Want the full guide to Málaga's museums? I've put together a comprehensive guide covering all the best museums, practical tips, and how to get tickets.
Read the complete museums guide →Festivals in Málaga
Málaga's festivals blend centuries-old traditions with the city's famous capacity for celebration. Whether you're drawn by solemn religious processions or lively summer fairs, there's always something happening.
- March/AprilSemana Santa — Spain's most passionate Holy Week celebrations with dramatic processions
- Mid-AugustFeria de Málaga — The city's biggest party with flamenco, fireworks, and festivities day and night
- FebruaryCarnival — Colorful parades, costumes, and street performances
- June 23Noche de San Juan — Midsummer beach bonfires and celebrations
- December 28Fiesta de Verdiales — Traditional folk music competition in the hills above Málaga
Planning Your Málaga Trip?
Explore our complete Málaga travel guide with insider tips and local recommendations.
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