20 best things to do in Malaga, Spain (+locations & tips!)

Looking for the best things to do in Malaga? You’re in the right place! Malaga is one of those cities that completely surprised me. It has ancient Moorish fortresses, a buzzing Old Town, sandy beaches, incredible food, and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

We have been to Malaga a few times now, and every visit we discover something new. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway, since you can see most of the city in about 2-3 full days, but trust me, you could easily stay longer.

In this blog post, you will find all the best things to do in Malaga with descriptions, photos, and exact locations on Google Maps. Plus a few of my favorite day trips at the end if you want to explore beyond the city (highly recommended!). Enjoy!

1. See the Catedral de Málaga (and climb the roof!)

The Cathedral of Malaga is hands down the most iconic building in the city, and trust me, you’ll see its tower from basically everywhere in the Old Town. It’s massive and beautiful from every angle.

It’s locally known as ‘La Manquita’ (the one-armed lady) because it only has one of its two planned towers. Construction took over 250 years and stopped in 1782 with the second tower never finished.

The story says the leftover funds were sent to help finance the American War of Independence, though many locals now love their cathedral exactly the way it is, imperfect and unmistakable. “It’s not a bug, it’s a feature,” my husband would say.

The finished tower, by the way, stands 84 meters tall, making it the second highest in Andalusia, after the iconic Giralda in Seville!

The inside is just as impressive as the outside. It was built mostly in Renaissance style (with some Baroque touches) and has three huge naves, beautifully carved wooden choir stalls, side chapels, and a grand Baroque organ with over 4,000 pipes.

Here’s something not many people know: you can also climb up to the roof of the cathedral! The visits happen in groups, and you get there by climbing about 200 steps through a narrow staircase.

Two guides take you around the perimeter of the roof, where you can see the 23 cupolas up close, and the views over the city and the port are incredible. We were lucky to do this tour, and it was such a highlight!

Especially because we went there right before the sunset and everything was glowing in golden hues!

Note: the rooftop has been closed for restoration works for a couple of years now. If you’d love to climb up, check the official Catedral de Málaga website to see if the rooftop visits are back on during your trip!

Location: Catedral de Málaga

2. Visit the Alcazaba de Málaga

The Alcazaba is one of the most famous places to visit in Malaga, and it’s beautiful from start to finish. The whole fortress is full of ancient walls, archways, courtyards, gardens, and viewpoints overlooking the city.

The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortress-palace built in the 11th century during the Muslim rule in Spain, and it sits on the slopes of the Gibralfaro hill in the heart of the Old Town.

Fun fact: you can find other beautiful alcazabas across Andalusia, in Granada (the famous Alhambra), Almería, and Antequera, but Malaga’s is among the best preserved alcazabas in Andalusia. However, it can never compete with the Alhambra, if you ask me.

Entrance to the Alcazaba is down by the Roman Theatre. Then you will have to hike uphill through countless gateways to reach the main part (and the most beautiful part!).

My favorite spot inside is the Patio de los Surtidores, where you’ll find those iconic archways typical of Islamic architecture. The light coming through them is stunning!

Other beautiful corners include the Patio de los Naranjos and the upper viewpoints over the Roman Theatre and the port.

The entrance fee is 7 EUR for the Alcazaba alone, or you can get the combined ticket with Castillo de Gibralfaro for 10 EUR (which I recommend).

You can also visit for free on Sunday afternoons, but it will be BUSY!

Location: Alcazaba de Málaga

3. Step back in time at the Roman Theatre

Right at the foot of the Alcazaba, you’ll find the Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano), Malaga’s oldest monument. It was built in the 1st century BC under Emperor Augustus and was used for around 300 years before being abandoned.

What’s wild is that the theatre was hidden for centuries. The Moors actually reused some of its stones and columns to build the Alcazaba right above it, and the ruins were only rediscovered in the 20th century during construction work.

So for hundreds of years, people walked right over a Roman theatre without knowing!

You can see the theatre from street level for free, and there’s a small visitor center that explains its history. It’s a really cool contrast: ancient Roman ruins in the foreground with the Moorish Alcazaba rising up right behind, two completely different eras right next to each other!

Don’t miss the little glass pyramid (Pirámide de Cristal) right next to the theatre. It looks like a mini Louvre, and it actually covers ancient water basins that were once used to make a Roman fish sauce called garum, a salty, fermented sauce the Romans were obsessed with!

Right above the theatre (on the left side if you face it from the square), you’ll also find one of the most special photo spots in Malaga – the famous Malaga letters (Letras de Málaga). It’s a fun photo stop with the Alcazaba walls rising behind them.

They sit on a little viewpoint behind a gate that opens at 10 AM, and it’s free to go up. Don’t skip this!

Location: Teatro Romano de Málaga

4. Have churros for breakfast at Casa Aranda

You can’t come to Malaga and skip the churros!

The most legendary place to get them is Casa Aranda. This place has been serving churros and thick hot chocolate since 1932, hidden in a little alley near the Mercado Central, and it’s a true Malaga institution that locals have loved for generations.

We had breakfast here and it did not disappoint! You order a plate of freshly fried churros and a cup of thick hot chocolate to dip them in (the chocolate is more like a warm pudding than a drink).

The waiters wear traditional outfits and rush around with trays, and the whole place has this buzzy, local, old-school feel.

Trust me, get there earlier in the morning if you can. It gets busy with both locals and tourists. On the other hand, the lines move fast. You can either grab churros to go or sit down by the table and enjoy them slowly. It’s the perfect way to start a day of exploring the Old Town!

Location: Casa Aranda

5. Visit the Pablo Picasso Museum

Did you know that Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga? The city is super proud of its most famous son, and one of the top things to do here is visit the Museo Picasso Málaga, which holds a big collection of his works.

The museum is located in a beautiful 16th-century palace (Palacio de Buenavista) right in the heart of the Old Town. The collection has more than 200 works donated and loaned by Picasso’s own family, covering around 80 years of his career!

It’s a great way to see how his style changed over a lifetime.

There’s almost always a line at the entrance, so it’s worth booking your tickets in advance. And good news: like several other Malaga attractions, the museum is free to visit during the last two hours before closing on Sundays (just check the exact hours before you go, as they can change).

Location: Museo Picasso Málaga

6. Explore the prettiest streets in the Old Town

The Old Town is super pretty and easily my favorite part of Malaga. It’s full of charming, lively squares, narrow streets with cathedral tower views, cute cafés and specialty coffee shops, and some hidden corners I stumbled upon completely by accident.

One of my favorite spots is Pasaje Chinitas, a narrow passage next to the main square (Plaza de la Constitución) with arched portals and hanging lanterns. Historically it was a meeting place for artists, poets, and bullfighters, and it even got famous after a Spanish poet mentioned it in his work. Make sure to find the Farola del Beso, a sweet little lantern with two faces about to kiss!

Another fun hidden gem is the colorful street art wall at Plaza de la Judería, a tiny square most tourists walk right past. There’s also a street art district called Soho near the port, but honestly, I much preferred wandering the Old Town.

But my absolute favorite thing was finding the narrow streets where you can see the cathedral tower framed perfectly at the end. The best ones are Calle Salinas, Calle San Agustín, and Calle Moreno Monroy. Come in the morning if you want them all to yourself, because they get busy with the midday crowds!

And don’t miss the main streets and squares either, like the grand Calle Marqués de Larios (the city’s elegant marble shopping street) and Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of the Old Town. These are the liveliest spots, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and watching the world go by.

Location: Pasaje Chinitas – Plaza de la Judería – Calle Salinas

7. Hike up to Castillo de Gibralfaro

You can’t visit Malaga and not go up to the Gibralfaro castle. Like, it’s a non-negotiable. The whole mountain is basically one big lookout point, and the castle on top is one of the best places to visit in the city.

Castillo de Gibralfaro dates back to the 10th century, when it was built by the emir Abd al-Rahmān III. Later, the Nasrid king expanded it and connected it to the Alcazaba with a fortified walkway called La Coracha. The whole complex was basically built to be impossible to attack!

You don’t see much of the interior (most of it didn’t survive the centuries), but the best part is walking around the castle’s defensive walls and climbing up its watchtowers, just like a guard would have done.

We spent about 1 hour up here, walking the walls and stopping at every viewpoint. You can see the whole city from the walls!

There is an entrance fee to the castle, which you can buy online. If you buy a separate ticket for the castle, it costs 7 EUR, but you can also get a combined ticket that covers both Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba for 10 EUR (cheaper than buying them separately).

To get up, you can drive, take bus #35, or hike up on foot, which is what we did. To me, the hike is definitely part of the experience – it was a pretty hot climb, but the views were very rewarding along the way!

Location: Castillo de Gibralfaro

8. See the iconic bullring view from the Gibralfaro hill

Okay, here’s a little secret: you don’t have to pay the castle entrance fee to get amazing views over Malaga. The Mirador de la Coracha and Mirador de Gibralfaro viewpoints sit just below the castle and give you a gorgeous panoramic shot for free!

From here you’ll see the port, the bullring (a perfect round “La Malagueta” arena from above, it’s actually one of the best views of it!), the Mediterranean Sea, and a part of the Old Town including the cathedral tower.

There’s a walking path that starts near the Alcazaba and climbs uphill to the viewpoints, with benches along the way to catch your breath.

We walked to both viewpoints, but honestly, if you’re hiking up from the Old Town, Mirador de la Coracha is all you need. It’s that classic Malaga view! Just don’t do the climb in the middle of the day in summer (trust me on this one).

Location: Mirador de la Coracha – Mirador de Gibralfaro

9. Eat tapas at Plaza de la Merced

You can’t come to Malaga and not eat tapas, it’s basically the whole point of Spain (apart from the sunny weather, haha). And my absolute favorite tapas spot in Malaga was Picasso Bar Tapas, right on the lively Plaza de la Merced square.

We sat outside in the square, watching people pass by with music playing in the background, and the atmosphere was just so nice. We ordered a big jar of red sangria (which I totally recommend!) and a bunch of tapas to share: croquettes, grilled cheese, tostas, mini burgers, and patatas bravas.

The service was super quick since they specialize in tapas, and the food was so good that we actually ordered a second round after finishing the first.

By the way, Plaza de la Merced is also where Picasso was born, his birthplace house (Casa Natal) sits right on the square if you want to combine it with the visit!

Besides Picasso Bar Tapas, here are some of the best-rated tapas spots in Malaga worth checking out:

• Picasso Bar Tapas – my favorite and top recommendation! Right on Plaza de la Merced with quick service, great tapas, and a lively square to people-watch from.
• Bodega Bar El Pimpi – the most iconic spot in the city, open since 1971, with wine barrels signed by celebrities and a gorgeous terrace facing the Roman Theatre. Touristy but worth it for the atmosphere (go for wine and a couple of tapas).
• Uvedoble Taberna – a small, modern tapas bar with thoughtful, beautifully presented small plates. Also fills up quickly, so reserve a table.
• Bar Mercado Atarazanas – inside the Mercado Central, where you pick your seafood and watch it hit the grill minutes later. Doesn’t get fresher than this!
• La Tranca – a lively, local favorite on Calle Carretería, famous for its empanadas, vermouth, and buzzing vibe. This is where the locals go!
• Mesón Lo Güeno – pure Andalusian tradition with hearty classic tapas and raciones. No trendy gimmicks, just really good traditional food.
• Tapeo de Cervantes – a small, cozy spot with modern, creative tapas that’s consistently rated one of the best in the city. It fills up fast!

If you’re interested in tasting a bit of everything, then going on a tapas-tasting tour in Malaga might be the best choice (check availability below). Keep in mind that Spanish cuisine is typically meat and seafood oriented, so these food tours might not be the best fit for vegans and vegetarians.

10. Check out the Centre Pompidou Málaga

If you take a walk along the marina, you literally cannot miss this one. The Centre Pompidou Málaga is housed inside a massive geometric glass cube right next to the port, and it’s one of the most unique architectural landmarks in the city.

The cube was designed by French artist Daniel Buren and is covered in colorful striped glass panels in primary colors. It’s playful, modern, and stands out so much against the rest of Malaga’s historic architecture.

Fun fact: this is actually the only branch of the famous Centre Pompidou outside of France! It opened in 2015 and houses a contemporary art collection inside, with works by big names like Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Francis Bacon.

You don’t have to go inside to enjoy the cube though, just walking around it is worth it. We were a bit too tired for a museum visit, so we only checked out the cube. I’ll have to plan a visit for the next time we come to Malaga. I’ll keep you posted!

Location: Centre Pompidou Málaga

11. Walk to the lighthouse at Muelle Uno

Muelle Uno is the modern port promenade, and it’s one of the nicest places in Malaga for a relaxed walk along the water.

You can check out the boats, soak up the sea views, and walk all the way to the end until you reach the lighthouse, La Farola, one of the few female-named lighthouses in Spain and a symbol of the city since the beginning of the 19th century.

From Muelle Uno, you get a really nice view of the Malaga city skyline from the side, with the cathedral and Gibralfaro hill in the background. It’s a lovely spot, especially in the late afternoon when the light is soft and people are hanging out by the water.

This is also an amazing area for lunch, tapas, or dinner. The whole promenade is lined with restaurants and shops. We stopped at one seaside restaurant with tables almost right by the water and ordered (you guessed it!) a bunch of Spanish tapas to share.

The combination of good food and sea views is hard to beat.

Location: La Farola de Málaga

12. Walk the Palmeral de las Sorpresas promenade

Right next to the port, you’ll find the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, Malaga’s iconic palm-lined promenade. It’s lined with palm trees, sculptures, benches, and this super unique white wave-like structure (a pergola) that stretches above the walkway and gives it shade.

The name literally translates to “Palm Grove of Surprises” – so fitting! It was redesigned in 2011 to reconnect Malaga with the port, and today it is one of the most popular hangout spots in Malaga.

The waterfront side is lined with restaurants and cafés, so it’s a great place to grab a drink or a meal with sea views.

It has such a tropical-meets-modern vibe and it’s the perfect spot for a morning walk or a sunset stroll. If you’re one of those people who love a morning workout on holiday, this is your place!

Location: Palmeral de las Sorpresas

13. Relax at Playa la Malagueta

Malaga is a city right next to the Mediterranean Sea, so it’s a beach destination too! Playa la Malagueta is the main city beach, a long sandy stretch just a short walk from the Old Town, with the sea on one side and a palm-lined promenade on the other.

It’s the perfect place to relax after a morning of sightseeing, and you’ll also find the iconic Malagueta sign letters here, which is basically the keepsake photo of any Malaga visit.

While you’re here, look out for the espetos (sardine skewers grilled over open fire in old boats) at the beachfront chiringuitos (a good one to try is Chiringuito El Cachalote), it’s the most typical Malaga dish and a must-try!

We actually wanted to come here to watch the sunrise, but the weather had other plans that morning. I hope you have better luck, because watching the sunrise over the Mediterranean from this beach is a proper bucket list moment! It was still beautiful, though!

Location: Playa la Malagueta

14. Check out & try tapas at Mercado Central de Atarazanas

One of the most unique buildings in Malaga is Mercado Central de Atarazanas.

The name “Atarazanas” means “shipyards”, because this spot was once a Moorish shipyard right on the water (the sea used to reach here before the land was reclaimed).

You can still see the original 14th-century Moorish marble archway at the south entrance, it’s the only surviving piece of the old shipyard!

Today it’s a huge covered market where locals shop for fresh produce, fish, and meat, and the building itself is stunning, with a gorgeous stained-glass window on one side showing scenes of Malaga.

The best part that not many people know is that there are several tapas bars inside where you can get drinks and freshly made tapas from the products sold in the market.

We had lunch here at Medina Bar and really enjoyed it – first we had to wait for a table, then we chose different tapas from the menu, and just waited until they brought everything to the table – easy!

If you want to eat like a local, this is the place to come. Just keep in mind the market is only open until 2 PM and it’s closed on Sundays, so plan your visit for the morning (for shopping) or midday (for tapas).

Location: Mercado Central de Atarazanas

15. Get shade in the jungle-like Malaga parks

Malaga has beautiful and surprisingly diverse parks, and they’re the perfect escape on a hot day.

The main one, Parque de Málaga, is a big jungle-like park stretching along the port, with shady walking paths, fountains, and tropical plants from all over the world (it’s actually considered one of the most important tropical gardens in Europe).

My favorite garden is the Jardines de Puerta Oscura, a terraced garden on the slope below the Alcazaba, with gorgeous arches covered in flowers and trees. Super dreamy!

And if you want to walk under orange trees, Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso (right next to it) is also worth checking out. All three are connected, so you can easily wander between them in one visit. I love a city park done beautifully, and Malaga definitely delivers!

Location: Parque de Málaga – Jardines de Puerta Oscura

16. Explore Jardín Botánico La Concepción

This garden was such a pleasant discovery for me in Malaga.

Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción is a historic botanical garden on the outskirts of the city, and it’s basically a paradise full of exotic plants, waterfalls, ponds, sculptures, and greenhouses. It’s one of the most important tropical and subtropical gardens in all of Europe!

It was created in 1855 by a wealthy aristocratic couple, the Marquis and Marchioness of Casa Loring, who collected exotic plants from around the world brought into Malaga’s port. Walking around, you can totally feel that old-world charm.

My favorite spot was the historic viewpoint with a little gazebo, which gives you stunning views over the garden and Malaga in the distance.

The entrance fee is 5.20 EUR, but you can visit for free on Sunday afternoons. Just keep in mind the garden is closed on Mondays. It’s a bit outside the city center, and you can get here by bus (there’s a stop right next to the entrance) or by taxi. Totally worth the trip!

Location: Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción

17. Enjoy Malaga’s views from a rooftop bar or terrace

Like much of southern Spain, Malaga is full of flat rooftops, which means lots of rooftop bars and terraces with views over the city. And I really think visiting a rooftop bar for drinks or a terrace for lunch or dinner must be on your Malaga bucket list!

My favorite was the rooftop at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott, which also happens to be the highest rooftop in the whole city!

You don’t need to book a room to go up. Just head to the hotel lobby, tell them you want to go to the rooftop, and they’ll point you to the elevator.

There are tables inside (with glass walls all around), plus an open-air terrace where you can walk around and take in the 360-degree views over the city.

From up there, you get amazing views of the cathedral (especially the unfinished second tower!), the port, and the whole city stretching toward the sea.

We actually came here twice, once for cocktails during the day and once for dinner in the evening, and both times we really enjoyed the food, the drinks, and the views. It’s a place to return to!

If you want to do a little rooftop hopping, here are some other popular rooftop bars in Malaga worth checking out:

• AC Hotel Málaga Palacio – my top pick and the one I recommend most! The highest rooftop in the city with unbeatable 360-degree views, open almost all day for drinks or dinner.
• La Terraza de Larios – a stylish rooftop right on Calle Larios with views over the main shopping street and the cathedral. We stopped by this one too!
• Terraza Chinitas Catedral – a charming, trendy rooftop right above the Pasaje Chinitas passage, with possibly the best up-close views of the cathedral tower in the whole city. It’s a popular spot though, so arrive early. It was completely packed when we got there and we ended up going elsewhere! But the views were spectacular!
• Hotel Molina Lario – a popular rooftop with a small pool and gorgeous cathedral views, just steps from the Old Town. It often has live music too!
• La Terraza de San Juan – a stylish, spacious terrace right in the heart of the Old Town with close-up views over the rooftops.
• La Terraza de la Alcazaba – a rooftop terrace with lovely views toward the Alcazaba fortress and the port.

18. Take a day trip to Caminito del Rey

If you’re up for an adventure, the Caminito del Rey is one of the best day trips from Malaga, just about 1 hour away. It’s a narrow boardwalk attached to the walls of the El Chorro gorge, running high above the river, with dramatic views the whole way.

The name means “The King’s Little Path”, after King Alfonso XIII. For decades the original crumbling path was known as one of the most dangerous walks in the world, but it was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2015, so it’s now totally safe (just don’t look down too much, haha!).

The whole route is about 7-8 km long and mostly downhill, ending with a suspension bridge (the most famous view!).

Just make sure to book your tickets way in advance, this place is super popular and spots sell out quickly. You’ll also need to wear comfy shoes and bring water, especially in summer!

19. Take a day trip to Ronda

Ronda is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Malaga and home to the famous Puente Nuevo bridge that crosses a dramatic 120-meter-deep gorge called El Tajo.

The whole town sits dramatically split in two by this gorge, with the bridge connecting both sides, and it’s one of the most jaw-dropping places to visit in all of Andalusia.

When we visited Ronda, we ended up staying two nights because there’s just so much to see – not just the bridge, but the oldest bullring in Spain, the historical Arab Baths, the terraced gardens along the gorge, and more.

But if you only want the bridge view, the best Puente Nuevo photo angle is below the bridge at a viewpoint called Arco del Cristo, where you get that iconic postcard view. It is free to visit (there is also a paid viewpoint with access to the bottom of the bridge, too)!

If you have half a day to spare, Ronda should be on your itinerary! You can read all about it in my Ronda things to do guide. And for even more ideas, check out my full guide to the best day trips from Malaga!

20. See the famous Christmas lights on Calle Larios

If you’re visiting Malaga in winter, the Christmas lights on Calle Larios are an absolute must.

Malaga has to be one of the most famous places in Spain for Christmas lights, and the main shopping street transforms into something unreal, with a huge light installation running its entire length (often themed differently each year).

And it’s not just static lights, there’s a whole show with music coordinating to the lights, creating this beautiful “dance” of color. It usually starts around 6:30-7 PM each evening during the season (typically late November to early January), with shows repeating every half hour or so.

We were lucky enough to be in Malaga at the beginning of December (my husband had signed up for Malaga Marathon in December) and found ourselves right in the middle of it.

It was unforgettable! People gather long before the show starts, and by showtime the street is packed, but somehow it feels like being at a concert and the crowd makes it even more special. It’s definitely a bucket list experience!

Location: Calle Marqués de Larios

FAQs about things to do in Malaga

Read more about traveling in Malaga and Andalusia

Malaga is one of the prettiest and most underrated cities in Andalusia, and there’s so much more to explore beyond this list. From breakfast cafés to hidden gems, photo spots, and incredible day trips, you’ll find tons of reasons to fall in love with this city.

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Malaga! For real, take your time, wander at your own pace, and don’t forget to enjoy a tinto de verano with tapas along the way.

More Malaga travel inspiration:

• Best photo spots in Malaga, Spain
• Best day trips from Malaga, Spain
• Hidden gems and unique spots in Malaga, Spain
• Best breakfast cafés and coffee shops in Malaga, Spain

Travel guides to nearby towns:

• Fairytale Frigiliana: 13 things to do in Frigiliana, Spain
• 10 things to do in Iznájar, Spain (flower village)
• Ronda bucket list: 15 best things to do in Ronda, Spain
• 10 best things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
• 12 best things to do in Cádiz, Western Europe’s oldest city
• 10 best things to do in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
• 10 things to do in Tarifa, Spain’s southernmost town

More Andalusia travel inspiration:

• 21 most beautiful white villages in Andalusia
• 27 hidden gems you should see in Andalusia
• 17 most beautiful castles in Andalusia, Spain
• Córdoba bucket list: 18 best things to do in Córdoba, Spain
• Granada bucket list: 17 best things to do in Granada
• Seville, Spain: 19 awesome bucket list things to do in Seville

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