25 Best Things to Do in Malaga: Local's Guide to Attractions & Hidden Gems (2026)

No need for a crowded group tour with strangers. We're going to be your personal guide through Malaga and walk you through everything there is to see inside and outside the city that we've grown to love.

We picked these attractions, things to do, and places to eat because they're our favourites. Whenever family and friends visit, they become theirs too.

Malaga is Spain's sixth-largest city, but it doesn't feel huge.

One of the many pluses is that you can explore most of its highlights on foot. With over 300 sunny days a year, there's rarely a bad time to visit.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Malaga

These are the bucket list items.

The must-sees if you love absorbing the best of everywhere you go. We've added local tips to help you get the most out of each one.

1. Alcazaba and Roman Theatre

The Alcazaba is Malaga's crown jewel. Built between 1057 and 1063 by the Hammudid dynasty, it's the best-preserved Moorish fortress-palace in Spain. Its Arabic name, al-qasbah, means "citadel."

Walk through Moorish courtyards, geometric gardens, and ceramic fountains that whisper stories of Al-Andalus. Below it, the Roman Theatre (1st century BC) reveals Malaga's even older Roman past.

Tips:

• Visit late afternoon for golden hour photography
• Combined ticket with Gibralfaro saves money (€5.50)
• Free entry: Sundays after 2pm
• Book tickets at the official site

2. Gibralfaro Castle

Above the Alcazaba sits Castillo de Gibralfaro, built in the 14th century to defend it. The climb is worth it for 360-degree views stretching from the Montes de Malaga to the Mediterranean.

The Interpretation Centre inside explains the site's military past. This is also our favourite spot for sunset in Malaga.

Tips:

• Bring water and wear walking shoes for the hilltop hike
• The walk up takes 20-30 minutes (or take bus 35)
• Free entry: Sundays after 2pm
• Check for full moon events with yoga or night photography tours

3. Malaga Cathedral (La Manquita)

Built on the site of a mosque, the Catedral de la Encarnacion mixes Renaissance structure with Baroque flair. Its southern tower was never completed because funding was redirected to aid American independence, earning it the nickname La Manquita ("The One-Armed Lady").

Tips:

• Book the Rooftop Experience Tour in advance for stunning views
• Visit during choral rehearsals (often Fri/Sat late mornings)
• Free entry: Monday-Saturday 8:30-9:00am, Sundays 8:30-9:30am

4. Malaga Old Town

This is where Malaga lives and breathes, beyond tourist gloss. Read our complete guide to Málaga's Old Town for more details.

Stroll Calle Larios, a marble-paved pedestrian street often compared to Barcelona's Passeig de Gracia (and one of the most expensive shopping streets in Spain). Then slip into Pasaje de Chinitas, once a flamenco hotspot, now a quiet cafe strip.

At Plaza de la Merced, you'll find a brass statue of Pablo Picasso sitting on a bench and the house where he was born.

Tips:

• Pop into La Recova cafe for a rustic Andalusian breakfast
• Free walking tours depart daily from Plaza de la Constitucion

5. Museo Picasso Malaga

Malaga's most famous son, Pablo Picasso, was born here in 1881. The Museo Picasso houses 285 works donated by the artist's family, displayed in the beautiful 16th-century Buenavista Palace.

Tips:

• Book ahead on the official website, morning slots go fast
• Free entry: Sundays after 4pm (limited capacity)
• Combine with a visit to Picasso's birthplace at Plaza de la Merced
• Read our complete guide to museums in Málaga for more options

6. Atarazanas Market

This 19th-century iron-and-glass market was built on a former Moorish shipyard (atarazanas = shipyard). It's a feast for the senses and a working market, with 80% of customers being locals.

Must try:

• Boquerones en vinagre (pickled anchovies)
• Grilled espeto (sardines)
• Fresh squeezed orange juice

Tips:

• Best photo op: the stained-glass window at the market's rear entrance
• Open Monday-Saturday, closes around 2pm
• Go hungry and graze your way through

7. Centre Pompidou Malaga

Sister to Paris' Pompidou, this is the first Pompidou Centre outside France. The colourful cube structure (called "El Cubo") sits above ground while most of the modern art is displayed underground.

Tips:

• Free entry: First Sunday of every month
• Great for contemporary art lovers
• Located at Muelle Uno, easy to combine with port visit

8. Carmen Thyssen Museum

Focus on 19th-century Andalusian painting, from costumbrismo to romanticism. Housed in a beautiful 16th-century palace, it's a quieter alternative to the Picasso Museum.

Tips:

• Book at the official website
• Free entry: Sundays from 4pm until closing
• Art combo tickets save about 30%

9. Muelle Uno and the Port

Recently redeveloped, this harbour area now houses indie shops, restaurants, and an open-air sculpture trail. The palm-lined Palmeral de las Sorpresas promenade is perfect for evening strolls.

Tips:

• Best views: sunset from La Pergola cafe
• Weekend markets and concerts often take place
• The Alborania Maritime Museum here is great for kids

10. Malaga Beaches

Malaga has 15 beaches within city limits. Here are our favourites (read our complete guide to the best beaches in Málaga):

• La Malagueta: Closest to centre, busiest, most convenient
• Pedregalejo: Once a fishing village, now lined with chiringuitos (beach bars)
• El Palo: More local, family-friendly, great for early morning swims

Tips:

• Morning visits = fewer crowds and calmer seas
• Try espeto grilled over olive-wood fires at El Tintero
• Beaches are public in Spain; it's legal to bring your own food and drinks

Unusual Things to Do in Malaga

Beyond cathedrals and coastlines, Malaga reveals a quirky, creative side. Here's your off-the-beaten-track guide to experiences that locals love and most tourists miss. For more ideas, check out our full guide to unusual things to do in Malaga.

11. Street Art in Soho and Lagunillas

Once overlooked, now celebrated, Soho (the Arts District) is Malaga's open-air art museum. Initiated by the MAUS Project (Malaga Arte Urbano Soho), it hosts works by international legends like Obey (Shepard Fairey) and D*Face.

Lagunillas is more grassroots and gritty. Local artists turn garage doors and ruins into political and poetic statements.

Tips:

• Calle Casas de Campos is mural central
• Book a street art walking tour where artists themselves lead
• Use Google Maps with "MAUS Malaga" to self-guide

12. OXO Video Game Museum

A hit with families and pop-culture buffs, OXO Museo del Videojuego blends nostalgia with innovation.

• Over 300 playable consoles from Atari to Oculus
• Retro arcade zones and esports simulators
• Interactive exhibits on game design

Located near Muelle Uno, it's a great rainy-day activity.

13. La Concepcion Botanical Garden

Established in 1855, this subtropical garden is Malaga's quietest Eden. Over 2,000 species from five continents, including a "World Tour in 80 Trees" and a romantic wisteria walkway.

Tips:

• Summer night tours and classical concerts
• One of the best lookout points over all of Malaga
• Free entry: Sundays (all day in winter, from 4:30pm in summer)

14. Automobile and Fashion Museum

A uniquely curated experience: 100 vintage cars paired with haute couture.

• See a 1920s Bugatti next to Chanel and Dior originals
• Themes include "Art Deco," "British Style," and "Cars of the Future"
• Housed in a restored tobacco factory (an attraction in itself)

Featured in National Geographic Traveller.

15. Noria de Malaga (Malaga Wheel)

This 70-metre observation wheel offers 30km visibility on clear days. With 42 climate-controlled pods, it's a relaxing way to see the city from above.

Located at Muelle Uno, easy to combine with port exploration.

16. Flamenco Shows

Flamenco isn't just a tourist show in Andalusia; it's a living part of the culture.

• El Pimpi's Bodega Nights: Wine and spontaneous guitar sessions
• Kelipe Centro de Arte Flamenco: Passionate, authentic performances
• La Tranca Bar: Retro Andalusian with spontaneous sing-alongs

17. Birdwatching at Guadalhorce Estuary

Just west of the airport lies a serene natural park. More than 250 species recorded, including flamingos, ospreys, and rare sandpipers.

Tips:

• Accessible hides and flat paths, ideal for beginners
• Best visited at dawn or dusk
• Free entry, but arrive early for best spots

Free Things to Do in Malaga

Travelling on a budget? Malaga offers incredible cost-free experiences. Here's how to experience the best for free. For a more detailed look, see our guide to free things to do in Malaga.

Free Museums (With Timing)

18. Free Walking Tours

Several companies offer pay-what-you-like walking tours of the Old Town, Soho, or the dark history of the Inquisition.

• Explora Malaga
• Free Tour Malaga
• Tours depart from Plaza de la Constitucion

19. Stroll Palmeral de las Sorpresas

This palm-lined waterfront is perfect for people-watching, sea breezes, and public art. Summer weekends bring pop-up stalls near the lighthouse.

20. Hike Monte Gibralfaro or Monte Victoria

Malaga's twin city hills offer spectacular free views. Monte Victoria is quieter and ideal for golden hour photos.

Things to Do in Malaga for Families

Malaga is one of the best cities in Spain for families. Its smaller size, walkable streets, and plethora of parks make it easy to navigate with kids.

21. Family-Friendly Activities

• OXO Video Game Museum: Interactive, nostalgic, great for all ages
• Automobile and Fashion Museum: Cars for kids, couture for adults
• Aula del Mar Aquarium: Small but engaging with touch pools
• Guadalhorce Nature Reserve: Flat trails, bird hides, flamingos
• La Concepcion Botanical Garden: Jungle-like paths perfect for explorers
• Parque del Oeste: Huge park with playgrounds, picnic areas, exotic birds

22. Beaches for Families

El Palo is our top pick for families: calmer waters, local vibe, and great chiringuitos. Arrive early for the best spots.

Romantic Things to Do for Couples

23. Romantic Experiences

• Sunset at Gibralfaro Castle: City lights and sea sparkle together
• Dinner in Pedregalejo: Seaside tables and fresh grilled seafood
• Rooftop Drinks at AC Hotel Malaga Palacio: Views of Cathedral and port
• Flamenco Show at Kelipe: Intimate, passionate performances
• Night Walk Through Historic Centre: Cobblestones, lanterns, live music

We keep a list of our favourite sunrise and sunset spots in Malaga.

Day Trips from Malaga

Some of Andalusia's best experiences are just a short drive away.

24. Caminito del Rey

The most thrilling day trip from Malaga.

This cliff-edge walkway is suspended 100 metres above the Gaitanes Gorge with heart-pounding views. The 7.7km restored trail includes suspension bridges and tunnels carved into rock.

Book ahead: Tickets sell out weeks in advance. Read our complete Caminito del Rey guide.

25. More Day Trips

• Ronda: The famous Puente Nuevo bridge, 20-minute drive from Setenil
• Setenil de las Bodegas: Houses carved into cliff overhangs
• Frigiliana: One of Spain's prettiest white villages
• Nerja: Caves and the Balcon de Europa
• Granada: The Alhambra (1.5 hours)

One Day in Malaga Itinerary

Short on time? Here's how to see the best of Malaga in 24 hours:

Morning (9am-12pm)

• Start at the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre
• Walk to the Picasso Museum

Lunch (12pm-2pm)

• Tapas at Atarazanas Market or El Tapeo de Cervantes

Afternoon (2pm-6pm)

• Stroll Calle Larios and the Old Town
• Visit the Cathedral (La Manquita)
• Relax at Muelle Uno

Evening (6pm onwards)

• Watch sunset from Gibralfaro Castle
• Dinner seaside in Pedregalejo

For a detailed breakdown, see our One Day in Malaga itinerary.

Malaga by Night

As dusk falls, Malaga transforms. Beyond tapas and rooftop bars, you'll find flamenco tablaos in tucked-away patios and late-night art openings in Soho.

Best spots:

• El Pimpi: Wine and spontaneous guitar sessions
• La Tranca Bar: Retro Andalusian with vinyl music and sing-alongs
• Chester and Punk: Our favourite cocktail lounge
• Rooftop at AC Hotel: Views with your drinks

Practical Information

Getting to Malaga

Malaga airport (AGP) is just 20 minutes from the city centre by metro.

A single ticket costs €1.80. The metro runs from 6:30am to 11pm.

Getting Around

The historic centre is completely walkable. For beaches further out (Pedregalejo, El Palo), take bus 11 from Alameda Principal.

Best Time to Visit

Malaga enjoys over 300 sunny days per year.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer perfect temperatures. Summer is hot but the beaches are calling. Winter is mild and crowd-free.

Annual Events

• Carnival de Malaga (February): Including the burning of a giant anchovy
• Semana Santa (March/April): Dramatic Easter processions
• Feria de Malaga (August): The city's biggest party
• Christmas Lights (November-January): Some of the best in Spain

Common Questions About Things to Do in Malaga

Final Thoughts

Malaga is far more than just a gateway to the Costa del Sol. It's a complete blend of history, flavour, art, and soul.

From ancient Moorish citadels and sunny beaches to buzzing tapas bars and free cultural gems, the city offers a deep and diverse experience that suits every type of visitor: families, couples, solo travellers, and culture seekers alike.

Whether you're planning a short city break or using Malaga as a base to explore Andalusia, this guide covers the essential highlights and hidden gems to make your trip unforgettable. If you want to dive deeper into Malaga's bar scene, don't miss the oldest bars in Malaga. And to learn more about Malaga wine, we've got a guide for that too!

Buen viaje, and see you under the Malaga sun!