19 best Instagram spots of the coolest places in Malaga, Spain

Malaga is a prominent city to visit in the famous Costa del Sol area in Spain. People have lived in Malaga for almost 3000 years so it is full of history, art, and unique places. Here are some of the most famous Instagram spots in Malaga of the most beautiful and coolest places in the city!

In this blog post, you will find all the places with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy Malaga as much as we did! Happy exploring!

Read more » Malaga Bucket List: 11 best things to do in Malaga, Spain

1. Archways at Alcazaba

Alcazaba is a fortress built by Muslims during the Islamic period in Spain. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Malaga and is a must-see place for any visitor.

It stands on the slopes of Gibralfaro mountain and is very well visible from the city. The entrance fee is about 2.5 EUR, but you can visit for free on Sunday afternoons.

Some of my favorite Instagram spots in Malaga and in Alcazaba are the beautiful archways – very typical in Islamic architecture. All of the arches in the photos above are located in a place called ‘Patio de los Surtidores’ within the walls of Alcazaba.

Alcazaba is one of the most popular tourist attractions and it does get crowded during the day! If you want to visit this place without the crowds, go there first thing in the morning.

Location: Alcazaba · Entrance to Alcazaba · Patio de los Surtidores

2. Malaga letters at Alcazaba

If you go to Alcazaba then don’t forget to stop at the letters of Malaga (with a missing letter L) to snap a photo of the letters and the fortress behind them!

They are located next to the Roman theatre on the way up to Mirador de la Alcazaba – a viewpoint overlooking the Roman theatre and the city.

You should know that the letters are located behind a closed gate. The gate opens at 10 AM (normally) and access to this area is free of charge. It is just protected during the night so that people don’t walk inside the Roman theatre. Read here to find out more hidden gems in Malaga!

Location: Malaga letters at Alcazaba

3. Poem stairs at the Roman theatre

Right before getting to the Malaga letters you have to climb some stairs. If you look closely you will notice that there is a poem written on them (and also a painting).

The poem on the stairs with each line written on a separate step is called ‘And so is Málaga’. It is a short beautiful poem in Spanish about the city of Malaga which was written by the poet Rafael Pérez Estrada. This place is definitely one of my favorite hidden gems in Malaga!

Remember that the stairs are also located behind the gates and are accessible after 10 AM. Definitely use the opportunity to snap a couple of cool Instagram photos here! And don’t forget to climb up to the Mirador de la Alcazaba!

Location: Poem stairs · Mirador de la Alcazaba

4. Pirámide de Cristal

While you are at the Alcazaba, you can stop to snap a photo of this ‘little Louvre’ glass pyramid. It is located right in front of the Roman theatre and Alcazaba. However, this place is usually full of people during the day. If you want a photo like this, better arrive here before 8 AM.

The glass pyramid actually covers ancient structures – water basins like baths that were used to make a popular fish sauce – garum. This place once belonged to a fish factory that operated here during the second half of the 4th century.

Location: Pirámide de Cristal

5. Castillo de Gibralfaro

Another one of the landmark places and also a place full of Instagram spots in Malaga is Castillo de Gibralfaro castle. It is located on the top of the Gibralfaro mountain and overlooks the whole city. You can get the best views here!

Either in Alcazaba or in Castillo de Gibralfaro you can buy a combined ticket for a cheaper price to visit both of these places than it would cost if you bought the tickets separately. The combined ticket costs 5.50 EUR.

You can get to the top of the mountain either by car (there are parking places on the top), by public transportation (bus #35), or by hiking up on foot! It is one of the best places to watch the sunset (or sunrise) in Malaga!

Location: Castillo de Gibralfaro

6. Viewpoints on Gibralfaro mountain

Some of my favorite Instagram spots in Malaga are the amazing views you can get while hiking up Gibralfaro Mountain! You get the best views over the port area and the bullring, as well as other parts of the city. It is also a great place for a picnic or a morning workout!

Locations: Photo location · Mirador de Gibralfaro

7. Rooftop of the Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga

There is another symbolic building that characterizes Malaga and it is the Cathedral of Malaga! One of my favorite spots to visit in Malaga was the rooftop of the cathedral as this was the first time I got to see the roof of a massive cathedral. Usually, you only get to see the inside and the outside of these places.

The rooftop of the cathedral was definitely among my favorite Instagram spots in Malaga! Especially because we got to visit shortly before the sunset and everything was in warm and golden colors.

Visits to the roof happen in groups at certain times. You can buy tickets at the cathedral or online where you can see the timetable for the visits. The roof is not easily accessible as you can only get there by ascending ~200 steps through a narrow staircase.

The group is accompanied by two guides who will let you walk around the perimeter of the roof. The views of the city and the port of Malaga are quite magnificent! I would recommend going there for the morning sun or for the sunset if possible.

Location: Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga · Entrance

8. Side entrance to the Catedral de Málaga

The Cathedral of Malaga is definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in Malaga so it is fair to have more than one photo of this masterpiece. The cathedral was built in the Renaissance architectural style.

I would recommend not only climbing to the roof of the cathedral but also walking around the building to observe its beauty! While walking around you will notice a beautiful garden with orange trees and an entrance to the cathedral with huge columns on both sides of it.

The side entrance is one of my favorite angles of the cathedral and is a great photo spot! Go there early in the morning because this is the entrance and pretty soon there will be a long line of people buying tickets to go inside the cathedral!

Location: Side entrance to the cathedral

9. Old Town view at the tower of the Cathedral of Malaga

Some of my absolute best Instagram spots in Malaga are the narrow Old Town streets where you can see the tower of the Cathedral of Malaga. There are multiple places where you can get iconic shots of the tower.

After combing through the Old Town streets for a week I have found the best spots for such photos. The first one is Calle San Agustín street right next to Santa Coffee Catedral. The second one is Calle Salinas (second photo), but the third iconic place is next to Restaurante Chinitas on Calle Moreno Monroy street. Come early to avoid crowds!

Location: Calle San Agustín · Calle Salinas · Calle Moreno Monroy

10. Pasaje Chinitas

Chinitas passage is a narrow street in the heart of the Old Town of Malaga that is connected to the main square – Plaza de la Constitución.

This narrow arch-shaped portal with arched metal lanterns above your head has historically been a place to meet up for artists, poets, and bullfighters.

Today there are small cafes in the passage to sit and watch the busy life in the square pass by. A hidden place to disappear from the crowds.

The passage gained popularity after a popular Spanish poet mentioned it in one of his poems. This is a cool spot in the heart of Malaga to snap a cool photo!

Location: Pasaje Chinitas

11. Mercado Central de Atarazanas

One of the most unique places and buildings in Malaga Old Town is Mercado Central de Atarazanas. It is a huge covered marketplace divided into multiple parts where you can find all kinds of fresh produce.

There are even multiple tapas bars where you can get drinks and freshly made tapas! We had lunch here and really enjoyed it! However, if you happen to walk by this building early in the morning or on Sunday when it is closed, then you will see the most unique part of the building.

There is a glass window on one side of it with paintings on the glass. Almost looks like a glass mosaic but not really. It looks really cool and is a great Instagram spot in Malaga!

Location: Mercado Central de Atarazanas · Photo location

12. Glass cube at Centre Pompidou Malaga

Another glass masterpiece and one of the most unique Instagram spots in Malaga you can find in the marina. There is a glass cube in different colors that covers Centre Pompidou Malaga – a contemporary art museum. If you happen to walk along the promenade, you won’t miss this huge and unique object!

Location: Centre Pompidou Malaga

13. Playa la Malagueta

As much as I love the architecture, history, and streets of the Old Town, Malaga is also a beach destination! Visiting Playa la Malagueta beach is a must when visiting this beautiful and diverse city. There is a huge sign with Malagueta letters where you can take a cool photo as a keepsake from your trip!

Location: Letras de La Malagueta

14. Fountains and arches at Málaga Urban Park

Malaga parks are something different. They are a combination of arches, fountains, orange trees, and a jungle! They must be a TOP spot during the summer heat, haha! You can really find the darkest shade here!

I especially enjoyed Malaga Urban Park (which is jungle-like and has fountains), but this part of the Jardines de Puerta Oscura was one of my favorite hidden gems in Malaga. There are arches and flower walls and fountains – perfect for some unique and cool Instagram photos!

However, if you are looking for a walk under the orange trees then Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso will be the one for you. It is more decorative and well-maintained with walkways and benches scattered throughout it.

Location: Fountain in Malaga Urban Park · Archway in Jardines de Puerta Oscura

15. Highest rooftop in Malaga – AC Hotel

Did you know that any visitor to Malaga can have dinner or drinks on the highest rooftop in Malaga with a 360-degree view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea? I know that it sounds too good to be true, but it is true.

The highest rooftop in Malaga is the building of the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio by Marriott. If you want to have dinner or drinks there just go to the hotel and say that you want to go to the rooftop.

There are tables inside (with glass windows) and also outside on the roof. The drinks bar is only outside. You can walk around the roof and snap photos of the cathedral, the port, and the city. The food was fantastic and we really enjoyed this experience!

The highest rooftop in the city has to be among the best Instagram spots in Malaga for sure! Read here to find out more rooftops to see Malaga from above!

Location: Restaurante Roof top AC Hotel

16. Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción

One of my favorite Instagram spots in Malaga and also one of my favorite places to see Malaga from above is La Concepción. It is a historic botanic garden on the outskirts of Malaga city.

There is an entrance fee of 5.20 EUR to visit this garden and it is open every day except on Mondays. You can visit it for free on Sunday afternoons (see here).

The garden is not only full of exotic and unique plants, but also historic buildings and charming corners – waterfalls, sculptures, ponds, gardens, and greenhouses.

This place was a beautiful estate of an aristocratic family. My favorite place there was the historic viewpoint with a gazebo (pictured above).

Location: Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción · Historic viewpoint with a gazebo

17. Street art wall at Plaza de la Judería

One of the hidden gems in Malaga Old Town is a street art wall at Plaza de la Judería. It is a place that most tourists would not even notice and stroll by.

However, there is a nice square with a tree, a fountain, and a long wall of different street art paintings to check out. This is a pretty cool Instagram spot in Malaga if you ask me!

Location: Plaza de la Judería

18. Roof of Café Gallery

Having breakfast on the rooftop sounds as dreamy as possible. Did you know that you don’t have to book an expensive room at a luxury hotel to have breakfast on a rooftop terrace in Malaga? Yes, it is true!

Café Gallery is located on the ground floor of Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel. It is a very nice café serving different options for breakfast and is open to everyone. You can ask the waiter to make a tray so you can bring your breakfast up the stairs to the roof (there is no elevator)!

They have about 5 tables there for you to have an unforgettable breakfast experience overlooking the city of Malaga! And you can snap a cool photo up there! Read here to find out more places for the best breakfast and coffee in Malaga!

Location: Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel & Café Gallery

19. Palmeral de Las Sorpresas walkway

Lined with palm trees, sculptures, benches, art, and unique structures this unique port promenade is a must-see when visiting Malaga. It is great for running in the morning or taking walks. You can also observe it on your way to some seaside restaurants in the port.

I really enjoyed the wave-like white structure above the promenade. It is a cool place for a photoshoot with palm trees next to it. Maybe the perfect spot to wait for the sunrise in Malaga?

Location: Palmeral de Las Sorpresas