A historic town centre with restaurants on every corner. Abundant green space and a dramatic hilltop fortress. And several art galleries, including one devoted to one of the 20th century’s greatest painters. Málaga is so much more than a lively beach resort and the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Here are some of the best things to see and do when you visit Málaga.
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Why Visit Málaga?
Set on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain, Málaga is often thought of as little more than a sunny seaside town, but that reputation barely scratches the surface. With a 3,000 year history, this is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, variously settled by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Christians, all of whom left their mark.
Today the city of Málaga offers a mix of historical sites, modern museums, palm‑lined parks, and a thriving gastronomic scene. The city centre is compact and atmospheric, full of narrow streets and elegant squares. The waterfront has been transformed into a stylish space with restaurants, galleries, and promenades. And beyond the city lie the mountains, beaches, and dramatic landscapes of Andalucía.
Explore The Historic Centre
For most visitors, exploration starts in the historic centre of Málaga (centro histórico). This is a pedestrian-friendly maze of narrow lanes, busy plazas, and town houses with colourful façades and traditional balconies. At the heart of the old town stands the cathedral, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, this is a vast and ornate structure known locally as La Manquita (“the one‑armed lady”) because one of its towers was never completed.
As you wander, you’ll encounter specialist shops, churches, small galleries, and numerous cafés and restaurants. This is a classic Spanish city, particularly atmospheric in the evenings, when the locals gather for drinks and conversation, and the streets are buzzing with activity.
Alcazaba And Gibralfaro Castle
You can’t miss the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle: the two hill top fortifications connected by a long wall that dominate the town.
Alcazaba
The lower building is the Alcazaba of Málaga, an 11th century Moorish fortress built on top of Phoenician and Roman ruins. After the Reconquista (when the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella came to power) the fortress was used as a royal residence. It later fell into disuse but was eventually restored and opened as a tourist attraction.
As soon as you walk through the massive brick gate the path starts to wind uphill. The ascent is atmospheric, passing walls, towers, and remnants of earlier structures, with glimpses of the city and sea as you go. Courtyards, gardens and palace rooms reveal the elegance of the original Moorish architecture. Despite attempts by Ferdinand and Isabella to modify the Islamic elements, many features remain: horseshoe arches, decorative tiles, and water features.
There are a number of viewpoints, allowing you to see the Sierra Nevada in one direction and the harbour in the other.
Gibralfaro Castle
Leaving the Alcazaba you can follow a walled path that zigzags uphill to the Castillo de Gibralfaro at the very top. This castle was added in the 14th century, intended as a defence for the Alcazaba and the town below. However it was besieged by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487, leading to the eventual expulsion of the Moors from Málaga.
At the summit, the castle walls encircle a large garden area with a small museum displaying maritime and military artefacts. Walking the ramparts gives you sweeping panoramas of the port, the Mediterranean and the mountains. There’s also a small café, where you can enjoy a drink and a snack before descending back to the city.
How To Visit The Alcazaba And Gibralfaro Castle
The entrance to the Alcazaba is by the Plaza de la Aduana, just above the Roman Theatre. It is possible to buy a combined ticket for both the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle.
It is possible to take a lift to the top of the Alcazaba, but note that the site has steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and lots of steps, and may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues. If you don’t want to walk up the hill to Gibralfaro you can take the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (choose the Red Line).
Even at quiet times of year the Alcazaba can be quite busy, so it’s best to visit early in the day. The Gibralfaro Castle tends to be quieter.
Museums And Galleries
In recent years Málaga has become a cultural hub, with an impressive collection of museums and galleries. Many of these are also architecturally interesting, housed in typical Andalusian palaces with central courtyards.
Picasso Museum And Birthplace
The most celebrated artist associated with Málaga is Pablo Picasso, born here in 1881. There are two museums associated with him, the Museo Picasso (which houses many of his works and the Birthplace of Pablo Picasso (in the building where he was born).
You can also explore some of the places in Málaga associated with the artist. Read more – Picasso In Málaga: Explore The Artist’s Birthplace.
Museum Of Málaga
Housed in the Palacio de la Aduana, the Museum of Málaga is one of the largest in Spain. The first floor is dedicated to fine art, tracing the development of Andalusian painting and sculpture from the 19th century to the modern era. The second floor contains an extensive archaeological collection with Neolithic, Phoenician and Roman artefacts, including some impressive mosaics.
Museo Carmen Thyssen
The Carmen Thyssen Museum has an important collection of Andalusian art of the 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing many of the local artists who later influenced Picasso. In the basement of the museum are the remains of a Roman fish‑salting factory and associated living quarters.
Note that visitor numbers are controlled and pre-booking is essential. If you want to visit the Roman remains make sure you buy a ticket that includes the archaeological area.
Centre Pompidou Málaga
Right by the waterfront, the colourful glass cube of the Centre Pompidou is probably the city’s most famous modern landmark. The gallery does not have its own permanent collection, but hosts changing exhibitions of modern art drawn from the Pompidou Centre in Paris.
Roman Málaga
The most visible remnant of the Roman era is the Roman Theatre, discovered in the 1950s and now free to explore. But look hard enough and you’ll find further remains, including those beneath some of the city museums.
Read more: Roman Málaga: Ancient Theatre And Other Remains.
Parks And Promenades
When you want a change of scene Málaga has plenty of green space and seaside promenades.
Málaga Park
The Parque de Málaga is an 800m long garden running parallel to the port. Lush tropical plants, fountains, sculptures, and the now ubiquitous green parrots create a lively atmosphere. The park creates a pleasant buffer between the old town and the waterfront.
La Concepción Historical Botanical Garden
A short bus ride from the town centre takes you to La Concepción, described as “the best-preserved subtropical landscape garden in Europe”. Created in 1855, it now combines botanical plantings with a historical garden featuring waterfalls, fountains and ancient palms.
The garden is situated on a steep slope and offers panoramic views across the town.
Muelle Uno
Located around the port area, Muelle Uno (literally “Quay One”) is a modern open‑air complex of shops, restaurants, and tree-lined promenades. It’s a popular place for an evening stroll, with views of the lighthouse and the sea.
Seafront Promenade
For a longer walk, follow the seafront promenade eastwards to Pedregalejo, about 5 km from the centre. The route is almost entirely paved, passing La Malagueta beach and lined with palm trees and Mediterranean vegetation. Pedregalejo itself was once a fishing village; today its gentrified alleyways and beachfront restaurants make it a pleasant place to stop for lunch.
Visit A Hammam
For something completely different, you could visit a hammam. A legacy from the Moorish era, this is a traditional steam bath designed for cleansing and relaxation (similar to a Turkish bath). Ideal for recharging after a day’s sightseeing!
Eating And Drinking In Málaga
The city’s culinary scene blends traditional Andalusian flavours with international influences. Expect plenty of fresh seafood: espetos (sardines grilled over open flames), fried anchovies, octopus and clams. Gazpachuelo, a warm fish soup thickened with mayonnaise, is a Málaga classic. And, of course, you’ll find lots of paellas, both traditional and vegetarian versions.
Málaga old town has countless dining options, from traditional Spanish food and tapas bars to contemporary fare. And at Muelle Uno, waterfront terraces offer everything from seafood to international cuisine, perfect for a relaxed meal with sea views. Look out, too, for Moroccan food – I had an excellent meal at Al-Yamal in the Soho area.
The Atarazanas Market, housed in a grand 19th century hall, is worth a visit for its stalls overflowing with fish, meat, cheese and local fruit and vegetables. If you don’t mind standing up to eat you can join the locals enjoying drinks and tapas at the counters.
Round About Málaga
Málaga makes an excellent base for exploring nearby towns and natural attractions. Granada is a good choice for a day trip by public transport; Córdoba and Seville are also possibilities.
Guided tours are also available: trips run regularly to the Caminito del Rey, a dramatic walkway through a narrow gorge, or to the Antequera Dolmens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Practicalities For Your Visit To Málaga
- Málaga Airport is a short train ride from the city centre (take the train to Málaga-Centro Alameda).
- Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in the old town to larger hotels further out. I stayed at the Petit Palace Plaza, conveniently located right in the centre of the old town.
- Many museums and attractions close on Mondays (and some on Tuesdays). Always check opening times in advance.
- Much of the historic centre is pedestrianised. Elsewhere buses and taxis are available (there is a metro, but it doesn’t really serve the tourist areas).
- A Hop‑on‑Hop‑off Bus connects the major sights.
- Note that the summer months can be hot and busy. The best time to visit Málaga is spring or autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Malaga.
