20 Best Things to Do in Malaga, Spain

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Museums | Outdoor Activities | Family-Friendly

Although it’s often left in the shadow of bigger cities like Barcelona and Madrid, Málaga should still be on your radar for a trip to Spain. With a rich mix of ancient history, delicious food, art galleries, and exciting outdoor activities, this seaside city offers the full Spanish experience with less dense crowds.

I spent time in Málaga while I was driving through southern Spain’s Costa del Sol on a road trip. I quickly discovered many great places to stay in Málaga and much more to this city in southern Spain than initially meets the eye.

If you’re searching for the inside scoop on all the best things to do in Málaga, look no further. You’ve found the holy grail.

Let’s get into it.

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20 Best Things to Do in Málaga

Alcazaba

Stop by an 11th-century fortress that’s one of the most significant pieces of history in Málaga.

Every city has a tourist attraction that it’s known for more than anything else. For Málaga, that place is the Alcazaba fortress. It’s probably one of the most distinguished and visited historic monuments in all of Spain.

The thing I find so impressive about the Alcazaba is how impeccably well it’s been preserved. It was built thousands of years ago, and yet, it’s still almost perfectly intact. You can learn all about its lengthy background on this affordable Alcazaba Guided Tour with tickets starting at less than $14 per person.

Whether you’re a history buff or an everyday traveler, you have to appreciate that level of endurance, and it’s fun to see a piece of history with your own eyes.

Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Take in the local culture and eat at high-quality tapas bars in this traditional market with a signature stained-glass mural.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (951) 926-010 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 2 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: Free

Like most travelers arriving in a new city, I was hungry when I got to Málaga after hours of driving around the Costa del Sol. I started frantically Googling to find the best local tapas restaurants.

Then, I accidentally stumbled across one of the coolest things to do in all of Málaga: Mercado Central de Atarazanas – one of the city’s most popular local markets.

From the moment you step up to this central market, you’re impressed. The front entrance is adorned with an intricate and colorful stained glass piece that makes you stop and say, “What is that place?”

Inside, there is a maze of tapas restaurants and grocery vendors selling authentic Spanish fare. Make sure you try some of the seafood stands. The fried squid and sangria, to be specific.

Everything is bound to be good, but you can get insider knowledge of the very best Atarazanas spots by joining this Tapas and Ham Walking Tour. It comes with over 14 tastings of various delicacies and drinks.

Málaga Cathedral

Check out the Baroque-Renaissance architecture at this giant cathedral that’s one of the top landmarks in Spain.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +34617500582 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 6 pm Sat, 2 pm – 6 pm Sun | Entrance: €10, Adults, €6 under 12

Spain is a country with a huge repertoire of gorgeous, expertly crafted buildings. One of those places in Málaga is the Málaga Cathedral. The Baroque-Renaissance architecture of this cathedral attracts tons of visitors every year. It’s considered a national landmark and understandably so.

This place is overwhelmingly exquisite and took over 250 years to build. If you’re searching for a place in Málaga to capture some intense travel photography, you don’t want to miss the Málaga Cathedral.

Playa de la Malagueta

A large city beach with manageable waves that are great for swimming in the summer season.

View of Malagueta beach in Malaga on a sunny day — *Views over Playa de la Malagueta on a sunny day*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

We can’t just ignore Málaga’s optimal location right on the Mediterranean Sea, which gives the city access to quite a few of the best beaches in Spain. Though you’ll be spoiled for choice, you’ll likely come across Playa de la Malagueta at some point if you’re staying in the city.

It runs for three quarters of a mile along the city’s boundaries within walking distance from many central Málaga hotels. For example, Hotel California is less than 10 minutes from Playa de la Malagueta on foot.

With lifeguards on duty, playgrounds, and plenty of places to grab a snack, this beach provides a fantastic way to spend a sunny afternoon in Málaga with the family.

Flamenco Málaga – Tablao Alegría

Enjoy elevated Málaga-style food and watch a lively Flamenco show at this famous theater.

View of the colorful dresses of the Flamenco performers in the street of Malaga — *Flamenco performers (photo: Maljalen / Shutterstock)*

Experiencing the rush of a Flamenco show is one of the quintessential things to do in Spain. This travel requirement is valid in Málaga, too. There are a few options for Flamenco theaters in the city, but I would highly recommend going to Tablao Alegria.

Tablao Alegria offers creatively designed takes on Málaga-style food and delicious cocktails. Accompanied by a performance with some of the best Flamenco performers in the game. It’s the perfect place to go on a special date night in Málaga.

Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes

Recharge your soul and relax at these Arab baths with spas at five different temperatures.

View inside the traditional Arab bathhouse in Malaga — *Traditional Arab bathhouses (photo: joserpizarro / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952) 215-018 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12 pm Sun-Thu, 9 am – 1 am Fri & Sat | Entrance: Depends On Experience

Exploring a new city can be taxing on your body. Eventually, you’ll need to do some self-care. Luckily, Málaga has you covered in that department as well. All you have to do is spend a few hours recharging at the beautiful Hammam Al Andalus Baños Árabes.

This bathhouse is special because it has five different spa baths that gradually increase in temperature. This practice is supposed to be part of a purification and cleansing ritual. The spa also offers massages and steam rooms.

Museums

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC)

Explore thought-provoking contemporary pieces by budding Spanish and international artists.

A statue of a bending man outside the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo — *Statue outside the CAC (photo: Yingna Cai / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952)-208-500 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9:30 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free

⚠️ Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed.

For a city that’s not very well-known outside the boundaries of Europe, Málaga has many astounding art galleries that should put it on the map, in my opinion. One of my favorites is the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo (CAC). Or, the Contemporary Art Center for all my English speakers.

Twenty years ago, Málaga really wanted to expand the public’s access to art in the city. They decided to fulfill that goal by creating the CAC in 2003, and it’s remained one of the top contemporary art museums in the region ever since.

Here, you can see art from the past century but also catch a glimpse of more recent pieces by artists from Spain and around the world.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Get a taste for art from Andalucia and around the globe at this museum created by one of the world’s top collectors.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952)-217-511 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €11, Adults, Free under 18

Another one of Málaga’s art sanctuaries is the esteemed Carmen Thyssen Museum. This museum was developed from the reserves of one of the world’s top art collectors, and it’s nothing short of remarkable.

The majority of the work inside the Carmen Thysse comes from the Andalusian region that Málaga belongs to. However, there are a few exhibits by international artists, too.

It’s definitely a must-see for art lovers in Málaga. Even if that’s not your thing, it’s an interesting look at southern Spain’s culture.

Picasso Museum Málaga

Discover over 200 works by the famous Málaga local, Pablo Picasso in a repurposed palace.

People admiring the “Les Demoiselles d'Avignon” by Picasso at the Picasso Museum Malaga — *“Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” by Picasso (photo: Vitalii Biliak / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952)-127-600 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Daily | Entrance: €13 Adults, Free under 16

If there is one artist’s name that rings with recognition for nearly everyone, it’s Pablo Picasso. As luck would have it, the famed artist was born and raised in Málaga, which definitely left its mark on the city.

One of the places you can go to really appreciate Pablo’s expertise is the Museo Picasso Málaga. It’s basically a shrine dedicated to the master’s artistry with over 200 of his pieces. The museum is actually located inside an old palace, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this Málaga attraction.

👉 Pro Tip: Last entry to the museum is 20 minutes before closing, and the galleries are cleared out 10 minutes before closing. Meanwhile, the shop and bookshops close 15 minutes before the museum closes. There are special opening hours on December 24 and 31, as well as January 5: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is closed on December 25, January 1, and January 6.

Centre Pompidou Málaga

Experience an impressive collection of pieces by Picasso and Frida Kahlo inside a kaleidoscopic cube.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 8 pm Wed-Mon, Closed Tue | Entrance: €9

This small, yet mighty Málaga attraction had me jumping for joy as a photographer.

The Pompidou Centre is a vivid, rainbow-drenched cube structure that you can see from a mile away. Just that alone would get my trigger finger ready on my camera. However, the cube itself is just the icing.

The tasty, funfetti-filled cake is the fact that it leads to a phenomenal permanent art collection that is 80 pieces strong. There are works from the greats of Spanish art, like Pablo Picasso, along with international art stars like Francis Bacon, Frida Kahlo, René Magritte, and more.

If you have especially good karma, you’ll be in town for one of its incredible rotating exhibits that happen about twice a year.

Museo del Vidrio

Get a glimpse into the history of glass at this unique museum housed in a former mansion.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952) 220-271 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €8 Adults, Free under 6

Another one of Málaga’s more unique things to do is spending an afternoon perusing Museo del Vidrio, or The Glass Museum.

It explores the history of decorative glass-making and features over 3,000 different pieces for your viewing pleasure. One thing I found especially alluring about this Málaga museum is that it’s located in the body of an old mansion from over 300 years ago.

👉 Pro Tip: Museo del Vidrio is only a block away from one of the best traditional tapas bars in the city called La Tranca. Stop in and grab an empanada for the go while you’re exploring the city.

Outdoor Activities

Caminito Del Rey

Test your nerves on this 328-foot cliffside trail along El Chorro Gorge that is known as one of the world’s scariest hikes.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Changes Seasonally, Closed Mon | Entrance: €10 for General Admission, €18 for Guided Tour | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Okay, fine. I’ve been holding out on my fellow dare-devil travelers up until this point, but I do have an activity in Málaga for you, too. It’s called Caminito Del Rey and it’s built up a reputation as one of the scariest hikes in the world.

The trail follows an eerily narrow footbridge that’s elevated 328 feet in the air and built into the side of the mountain.

For the people who haven’t skipped to the next list item out of sheer fear alone, here’s what you need to know. In the winter, you’re allowed to hike Caminito Del Rey from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm and in the summer, you can stay out until 5:00 pm. It’s also closed on Mondays.

I recommend checking out our guide on when to visit Spain for more info about when you should go. Visit at your own risk because this is definitely the most adrenaline-inducing thing to do in Málaga.

Here’s the thing, though – it can be quite a pain to reach Caminito Del Rey and accomplish it all by yourself during any season. It takes nearly four hours to reach via public transportation, while it’s less than an hour each way by car with a tour group.

That’s why you should book this Caminito del Rey Guided Tour from Malaga with transportation if you’re braving it. Visit at your own risk because this is definitely the most adrenaline-inducing thing to do around Málaga.

Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción

Walk through the 56 acres of this 168-year-old garden with over 2,000 species of flora and birds from around the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: 951-926-180 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €5.20 / person

Let’s break up all the indoor museums and historic buildings with a little bit of fun in the sun, shall we? Moving on to the Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción, a stunning botanical garden only 10 minutes outside of the city center.

This garden is absolutely massive with more than 56 acres of varying plant life to wander. It’s very historic as it has been around for well over a century. Inside, you’ll discover over 2,000 different species of vegetation and birds. It’s actually one of the only gardens in all of Europe with subtropical plants.

Jardin Botanico Historico is an excellent activity option for budget travelers. It has free admission times on Sundays from 2 pm – 5:30 pm in the winter and 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm in the spring.

Mirador de Gibralfaro

Get a bird’s eye view 425 feet over the Mediterranean Sea and the entire city of Málaga at this photo-worthy viewpoint.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily Entrance: Free

Every time I visit a new place, I always try to find a viewpoint where I can get an expansive, bird’s eye view over the entire area. It’s like a preview of everything I’m about to explore. In Málaga, I found my perfect view at Mirador de Gibralfaro.

The top of this mirador presents you with stunning scenery overlooking the ocean and the Málaga metropolis itself. For all the photographers out there, Mirador de Gibralfaro is the place to go for that jaw-dropping shot of the entire area.

The best time to visit is about an hour before sunset right when the atmosphere starts to change colors.

Cueva de Nerja

Take a day trip to the nearby city of Nerja to tour a 3-mile-long cave complex that occasionally throws music festivals.

Even though there are a lot of things to do in the city of Málaga itself, sometimes you just want a day trip. If you’re itching to do an activity to get you out of the city, you should make a journey to Cueva de Nerja.

This otherworldly cave is located in the nearby city of Nerja about 45 minutes outside of Málaga’s city center.

Definitely join a guided tour through these slightly spooky caverns to learn all about its background. I’d go for this Caves of Nerja, Nerja and Frigiliana Day Tour that picks you up in the middle of Málaga and drives you everywhere for the full eight-hour day.

Did I mention that the 3-mile-long cave complex also serves another purpose?

The Cueva de Nerja International Festival of Music and Dance is held around here every summer. So, if you’re visiting during the high season you could actually go to a music festival inside the belly of a cave. Talk about a travel story.

Family-Friendly

Plaza de la Merced

Take some time to relax at this peaceful plaza where Picasso’s childhood home is located.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

Plaza de la Merced is a warm, welcoming spot to hang out for a bit, but there is also history lurking around these streets. The public square’s big claim to fame is that it’s the site of famous artist Pablo Picasso’s childhood home.

When the sun goes down, this area transforms into an easy-going yet lively place to enjoy a few glasses of wine with a world-class tapas dinner. Picasso Bar Tapas and Restaurante Cortijo de Pepe can provide you with one of the best-tasting and most affordable meals of your life.

In other words, there is more to visiting this plaza than just appreciating a legendary artist’s roots.

Castillo de Gibralfaro

Stroll up the ruins of this Moorish castle on Mount Gibralfaro to be greeted with expansive views of the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952)-227-230 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Daily | Entrance: €7

I always appreciate an attraction that can give you the two-for-one special. Castillo de Gibralfaro provides just that. These Moorish castle ruins are located all the way up on the top of Mount Gibralfaro overlooking the city.

That means you get a riveting dose of Spanish history and architectural prowess. But it also comes with some of the best views in the entire city. It’s a double win, which is no doubt why it’s one of the most popular things to do in Málaga.

Since there is quite a bit of unseen history lurking around these grounds, I’d recommend visiting Gibralfaro Castle on a guided tour. This Malaga Walking Tour brings you to the castle and even comes with a catamaran cruise.

Teatro Romano de Málaga

Wander around the remains of an ancient Roman theater that was built way back in the 1st century BCE.

Panoramic view of the ruins of The Roman Theatre in Malaga — *The Roman Theatre ruins*

You wouldn’t necessarily expect to find the remains of an ancient Roman theater in a coastal Spanish city, but here we are. Located right next to the Alcazaba, Teatro Romano de Málaga is the oldest historic monument in the entire city.

It includes a visitors center and museum with ancient artifacts, where you’ll get a better feel for just how far back this place’s history goes. If you’re visiting Spain on a family vacation with kids, Teatro Romano de Málaga can be a super fun and educational activity to take them on.

Muelle Uno

Live your big spender fantasies at this open-air shopping center located right on Málaga Port.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952)-003-942 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 11 pm Daily | Entrance: Free

If you just want to spend your time in Málaga doing easy activities, Muelle Uno may be intriguing for you. This is an open-air shopping center that is packed with a bunch of different places to go browse to your heart’s content and eat.

Muelle Uno also has an ideal location right on Málaga Port. So if you happen to shop until the sun goes down, just go out and enjoy the view of the day disappearing on the water.

👉 Pro Tip: Muelle Uno is located right next to the Pompidou Centre. If you’re visiting the iconic cube museum, stop by the mall for a shopping spree afterward.

Casa Lola

Get your hands on high-quality tapas for a super affordable price at this traditional bistro in the heart of Málaga.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (952)-223-814 | Website | Hours: 12:30 pm – 11:30 pm Daily | Entrance: Free

In Spain, you’ll want to treat yourself to as many delicious, authentic tapas creations as you can handle. If you’re trying your hand at being a tapas connoisseur while you’re in Málaga, you don’t want to miss out on Casa Lola.

This place has some of the most delectable tapas in the city for a super affordable price that will fit any traveler’s Europe budget.

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There’s truly so much to enjoy in Málaga, and hopefully, you’ve seen enough here to consider making a pitstop in the city.

If you need more help planning your trip to Spain, be sure to read our perfectly planned 10-day Spain itinerary next. It includes a stop in Málaga as well as other amazing places around Spain.

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of our Spain itinerary here!