The city of Malaga is full of art and picturesque places. If you’ve planned a visit (which we highly recommend), keep reading, as we’ll tell you some pretty cool things to do in Malaga. We guarantee you won’t get bored!
Things to do in Malaga: Recommendations and places you should not miss
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Day 1 and 2: the city center
On the first two days of your trip you should explore the center of Malaga. The district has a lot to offer, from little shops to historic places that are surrounded by cafes and bars. The city center is divided into different zones, each with its own charm and special attractions.
At the Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Larios you will find the best shops and renowned cultural centers, but also restaurants for all tastes. You should have breakfast at Café Central (Plaza de la Constitución 11), which reveals the city’s most originally prepared and served coffee. The restaurants of Calle Stachan are ideal for a snack or lunch; some of them serve traditional dishes while others impress with modern culinary art.
If you visit the area around the Cathedral and Calle Molina Lario, you should have a look at La Manquita. It is Malaga’s cathedral and the name means “little one-armed lady”. It got its name because one tower and a dome is missing, but this detail makes it even more impressive. In front of it is the Plaza del Obispo, which is surrounded by classical-style buildings (Andalusian Baroque). A wonderful place for a cold beer in the afternoon.
You will certainly like the Calle Alcazabilla and everything it has to offer. For example, you should visit the Málaga Museum, which houses the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts (ideal if you like works by Murillo or Goya).
Or the Roman theater of the 1st century, or what is left of it. In this district, the Alcazaba, an ancient fortress from the Muslim era, will surely delight you. You can visit the walls and get some fresh air on the benches on the outside of the walls. At the end of Calle Alcazabilla, you will find the square Plaza de la Merced, where the birth house of Picasso is located, which can also be visited.
If you want to dive deeper into history, you won’t be able to avoid Calle Granada. It is located in the district, which was once the Jewish quarter and nowadays is a lively place with many restaurants and bars.
Day 3 and 4: the Parque de Malaga and the port
The park is one of the most visited sights of the city. Many cultural events take place here: summer concerts, the book fair, christmas markets,…on the south side of the park, a path leads through the Botanical Garden, which charms with hundreds of different species; and with shadow!
The marina is also absolutely worth seeing, both for locals and tourists. It was integrated into the city center and led to the opening of many shops and restaurants. And here is also a seat of the Center Pompidou! A must if you are crazy about Frida Khalo, Picasso or Kandinsky.
Day 5: the promenade of Pedregalejo
Pedregalejo used to be a fisherman quarter, which was revived as a summer resort for Bürliche. Today it is a fancy and picturesque residential area, which is a bit remote of tourist crowds and has retained the original marine feel. It is a bit further away from the center, but easy to reach by public transport.
Among all things to do in Malaga, watching the sunset at Balneario de los Baños del Carmen is the most stunning. Nowadays it’s a beach restaurant, but once (early 20th century) it was reserved for the “wealthy people” of the city exclusively.
To eat on the promenade is a great idea! Take a walk and choose the restaurant that appeals to you the most. There is a great variety, but most serve fish specialties. Finish your city trip with an ice cream or cocktail in a bar at the end of the promenade; a zone that is very popular amongst young people for its boho-chic character.
Are you keen to find out more about the history of Malaga? Then you should definitely visit these 5 super interesting museums that are located in the Andalucian city! Moreover, we put together a selection of the best holiday houses for large families at the Costa del Sol; take a look!