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 explore the city before moving on, we have to be strategic, but what always surprises everyone most is how much they can experience without rushing.

In 24 hours, they usually walk the Roman roads, wander Moorish palaces, eat like locals, sun like lizards, and watch the sun melt into the sea from a rooftop bar. All at a leisurely pace.

Here's my complete one-day itinerary for Málaga, Spain.

P.S. Does this list have too much wandering? You might stick to Malaga Old Town instead.

What You'll Find in This Guide

This is the exact one-day itinerary we give to friends and family when they visit Malaga. Everything is walkable, packed into the historic centre and the nearby waterfront.

You'll find:

• Our go-to local breakfast spot for churros and molletes

• The best rooftop in Malaga to watch the sunset with a cocktail

• Must-see landmarks like the Cathedral, Alcazaba, and Roman Theatre

• Secret viewpoints you'd miss if you didn't know where to look

• A tapas crawl route that skips the tourist traps

• Which museums are worth it (and when to get in free)

• When to walk, when to rest, and how to soak it all in

It's Malaga through our eyes, laid-back, local, and absolutely doable in a day.

Is One Day in Malaga Enough?

Surprisingly, yes. But only if you play it right.

Malaga is compact, especially its historic core.

That means you can hit the cultural highlights, eat incredibly well, and even squeeze in some downtime. All without hopping in a car. We've had friends who arrived with zero expectations and left in love after just 24 hours.

The key is to keep things local: skip the big museums (unless you're an art nut), stay central, and let the streets lead you. With this itinerary, you'll get a full-bodied taste of what makes Malaga more than just a beach town.

Will it feel complete? No. But it'll be enough to get under your skin and make you want to come back.

Your Day at a Glance

The Best Day to Visit Malaga

We always tell visiting friends, 'If you only have one day, make it a Sunday.'

Why? For starters, many of Malaga's top attractions offer free entry on Sunday afternoons, like the Museo Picasso and the Centre Pompidou. It's an easy way to experience the city's art scene without spending a cent.

Plus, the vibe is different.

Locals slow down, families gather for lunch, and the usual weekday crowds thin out. The historic centre feels a little sleepier in the best way: less foot traffic, more time to linger.

Shops might close early, or may not open at all, but that's not how you spend a day in Malaga. You'll have more space to soak it all in, without elbowing through a tour group to do it.

One Day in Malaga Itinerary

Start With a Local Breakfast

We always kick things off at Casa Aranda, a century-old institution famous for churros con chocolate; crispy dough ribbons served with thick hot chocolate. All at a really affordable price! The crowd here is mostly locals, and the service is fast, even when the place is packed.

Prefer savoury? Ask for a mollete: a flat, fluffy bread topped with olive oil, tomato, and jamón. It's a regional speciality from nearby Antequera.

You can expect to pay less than 5 euros each for breakfast here, making it a total bargain.

Another favourite of mine is La Recova, a quirky breakfast spot that only serves artisan toast with a variety of jams and pates, all in eggshell containers. It's delicious, but come early, as the queues can get pretty long for this one.

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Right around the corner from Casa Aranda, and just 5 minutes from La Recova, is Malaga's most famous market, Mercado Atarazanas.

This market closes early in the afternoon, so the morning is the best time to visit if you're on a one-day schedule. Please note that it's closed on Sundays.

Here, you can savour all sorts of Spanish flavours and find enough spices, oils, olive oil, hams and more that you could fill an entire suitcase in no time. Vendors often let you sample before you buy, and items like saffron are unbelievably affordable.

It's a great place to grab some healthy snacks and bites for your day's walk or a picnic on the beach.

Malaga Cathedral: "La Manquita"

Just a few blocks away from both restaurants, Malaga Cathedral can be seen between the narrow streets as you make your way towards it. It's one of my top things to see in Malaga in one day.

Officially named La Catedral de la Encarnación, locals call it La Manquita, or "the one-armed lady", because only one of her towers was ever finished. The south tower's absence is impossible to miss, and there are all sorts of stories about why it was never completed.

Some say the funds were rerouted to help finance the American War of Independence; others blame decades-long political debates. Either way, she's remained lopsided since 1782.

We recommend taking the full experience, which includes the rooftop tour. After climbing the winding spiral staircase (about 200 steps), you'll be rewarded with open-air views of the city'shistoric core, the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, and even the distant shimmer of the port.

The tour itself lasts about an hour and includes a quick history of the architecture, which blends Renaissance foundations with Baroque flourishes.

Alcazaba and Roman Theatre(Maybe Gibralfaro)

From the cathedral, it's a five-minute walk to Calle Alcazabilla, where the Roman Theatre lies tucked at the foot of the Alcazaba. The amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, was hidden underground until the 1950s.

Most people assume you need to buy a ticket to the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, or both to enter and walk around, but it's actually free!

Above the Roman theatre, the Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress, unfolds in layers of arches, tiled courtyards, and shaded pathways. It's a less crowded, more compact version of Granada's Alhambra, and no less beautiful.

There is more to see at the Alcazaba than Gibralfaro Castle, which is why, for one day in Malaga, I recommend skipping the castle. It's also

a long walk up to the castle and back down again, so you can lose a lot of time doing both. You could also catch a bus, but that could add up to 40 minutes of travelling time to your day. That said, the views of the city and the sea from the castle are beautiful.

General tickets to the Alcazaba cost 7 Euros, with an Alcazaba+Girbalfaro ticket costing 10 euros. If you happen to be here on a Sunday afternoon, however, then you should be able to get in for free!

Snap a Selfie at the Malaga Sign

You'll spot the Málaga sign tucked just to the left of the Roman Theatre, and snapping a selfie is mandatory!

This is one of those spots you'll want to tick off your list, especially if it's your first time in the city.

What makes this sign extra special is its backdrop: directly behind it, you've got the Teatro Romano, Malaga's ancient Roman Theatre, and just above that, the walls of the Alcazaba.

Morning is the perfect time for a selfie because the light is just right and you'll skip the crowds.

Museo Picasso Málaga

Just a 2-minute walk from the Malaga sign is the Picasso museum, dedicated to some of the best works by Malaga's most famous resident.

Malaga is Picasso's hometown, and while there are several places to explore his legacy within the city, I suggest the Museo Picasso Málaga, housed in a restored palace.

The collection comprises solid drawings, early paintings, and a few cubist standouts.

If you're short on time, you could visit Casa Natal, his birthplace, which is just five minutes away in Plaza de la Merced.

Like most museums in Malaga, you can get in for free on Sunday. Just be ready to stand in a queue, which might not be ideal if you've only got one day.

Classic Lunch Spots

I've been lucky enough to travel to many Spanish cities, and nothing compares to Malaga when it comes to restaurants. It feels like every building was made to be wrapped by restaurants on the ground floor.

Being spoiled for choice can be both a blessing and a curse. Usually, I recommend having one tapa + drink and then moving on to the next restaurant, but with only one day in Malaga, a proper sit-down meal is more appropriate.

There is way too much to choose from, but these are our favourites for a few different budgets and tastes(sometimes kids don't care what country they are in):

• Casa Lola for Spanish tapas

• Terra Mia for classic Italian

• 100 Montaditos for classic Spanish budget bites

• TKO Tacos for Mexican budget bites like 1 euro tacos

• El Pimpi is the most famous Spanish Restaurant

• Uve Doble for more refined dining and wine

Read our guide to our favourite places to eat in Malaga if you want more options.

Stroll Through Malaga Park

It's time to start making your way to the marina and the beach, and on the way, you'll come through Malaga's park.

Inside, you will find a green space with fountains, exhibits and statues. It's not a big attraction, but there is one thing to look out for: the amphitheatre.

If you're lucky, you'll find a band or artist performing at this open-air theatre at no cost to you.

The lower end by the freeway has become a hangout for some of the homeless, so keep your eyes open just in case.

Paseo del Parque + Muelle Uno

One of my favourite things to do is walk down Muelle Uno.

On many days, there is a crafts market where you can find items like hats, cookware and more typical Spanish items like olive oil.

You'll find a large "pirate ship" in the kids' playground that keeps them busy for hours, and if you have pets, there is a closed-in area where they can run around without a leash. There are also green parrots everywhere during the Summer.

Pass by the Pompidou Centre for some great pictures, or even go in if you have time. This is a great time to grab an ice cream at Martonela, park yourself by the water for a quiet half hour, and stare at the mega yachts.

Swim and Tan at Malagueta Beach

With golden hour a few hours away, just a 5-minute walk from the harbour is Malagueta beach, Malaga's most popular shoreline.

This time of day is the most popular time for residents to lounge on the sand, but there's always space on this side.

You might find the water a little too cold, depending on the time of year, but it's almost always clear and calm, and there's nothing wrong with just catching a tan.

If you're feeling thirsty, I recommend heading to Cerveceria Unterturkheim, the best pub along the beach, where you can find almost any beer or cider.

Try Malaga's Ice Cream

Jethro eating Malaga ice cream.

There's nothing more classic than an Ice cream after a day at the beach, did you know Malaga has its own flavour?

Surprisingly, you won't find it in every ice cream parlour, so you might have to try a few, but I promise it's worth it.

Malaga ice cream is rich and boozy, made with sweet raisins soaked in rum, and perfect after a hot day.

Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

It's time to celebrate a day well spent at one of Malaga's rooftop bars.

There are almost 30 to choose from, but these are my favourites:

• H10 Croma: 360 views, great cocktails, and quiet loungers

• La Terraza Alcazaba: Best views of the Alcazaba and Castle at night

• The Top: Best views of the cathedral and the port + live music on Fridays.

One Day in Malaga Trip Cost

Here's a rough breakdown of what you might spend on this exact itinerary, depending on how fancy (or frugal) you feel.

Prices are per person:

• Breakfast at Casa Aranda or La Recova: €3–8 (Churros with hot chocolate or a mollete + coffee)

• Snacks at Mercado Central de Atarazanas: €2–5 (Fruit, olives, nuts, or jamón to go)

• Entry to Malaga Cathedral + Rooftop: €10 (Totally worth the 200-step climb)

• Entry to the Alcazaba + Roman Theatre: €0–7 (Free on Sunday afternoons!)

• Museo Picasso Málaga: €0–12 (Free Sunday entry, otherwise general ticket)

• Lunch at a local restaurant: €10–20 (Tapas, Italian, or a proper menú del día)

• Ice cream (try the Málaga flavour!): €2.50–4

• Drink at a rooftop bar: €5–12 (Cocktail, beer, or vermouth with a view)

• Local transport or extras (optional): €2–5 (Bus to Gibralfaro if you go, or impulse souvenirs)

Total Estimated Cost:

• Budget style: ~ €35–50

• Mid-range comfort: ~ €60–85

Is Malaga Worth a Day Trip?

Absolutely. Malaga isn't just worth a day, but a day will leave you smiling at the end of it.

Bigger-name neighbours like Granada or Seville often overshadow it, but those who stop in are usually surprised by how much character the city packs into its palm-lined streets. It's walkable, welcoming, and incredibly easy to access.

Even if you're based elsewhere in Andalusia, Malaga makes for a satisfying detour. One day here can reset your travel rhythm: a mix of sea air, cultural gems, and outrageously good food.

Trust us, your future self will thank you for making the stop.

Practical Information

• Best time to visit: April-June or September-October. Warm weather, fewer crowds.

• Language: Spanish, though most tourist spots speak basic English.

• Footwear: Comfy walking shoes. The old town is cobbled and hilly.

• Transport: The city centre is walkable. The C1 train connects the airport in 12 minutes for under €2.

• Tickets: Book ahead for the Alcazaba, Cathedral rooftop, and flamenco shows.

Yes, Malaga is flat and most of the attractions are very close to each other.

The Alcazaba, Cathedral rooftop, Gibralfaro Castle, and the Roman Theatre are essentials. Add the Picasso Museum if time allows.

Yes.

Most of this itinerary is on foot. Only Gibralfaro might require transport if you want to skip the climb.

Final Thoughts on How to Spend One Day in Malaga

Malaga surprises everyone.

Our friends usually expect a quick taste of a beachy city, but are left feeling like they've uncovered something magical, full of secrets to explore. It's a city with layers, and to be honest, 24 hours is just enough to scratch the surface of the first.

If you're in southern Spain, don't just pass through Malaga. Even one day here is worth savouring.