There are so many things to do in Malaga – our guide lists nearly 100 – but what about the ultimate things? Scroll your way through our pick of the 15 ultimate things to do in Malaga (see the map at the bottom of this post to see where they are).
Pick a museum, any museum
Start your day in Malaga with a visit to a museum (or several – Malaga has over 30). Take your pick from the Picasso Museum (the most visited in Andalusia), the new Museum of Malaga (the 5th largest in Spain), the Glass Museum, CAC Contemporary Art Centre, the Pompidou Centre, the Wine Museum…
Drink your coffee like Malaga makes it
Before you move on to the next in our list of the ultimate things to do in Malaga, it’s probably time for a caffeine fix. But do you know how to order your favourite coffee in Malaga? Pop along to the façade of the Flamenco Museum (Peña Juan Breva) on Calle Ramón Franquelo 4 and check out the tiled mosaic that used to be inside Café Central on Plaza de la Constitución. Find your strength of coffee (and milk) and then head for one of the great places in Malaga serving coffee.
Feast your senses, all 5 of them
Sightseeing is hungry work so next make your way to Atarazanas Market, an indoor feast for the senses. Treat your eyes, nose and palate to a world of foodie treats as you make your way round the dozens of stalls, literally groaning with fresh produce. Taste before you buy and then sample a few choice quick bites at 1 of the market bars. Don’t forget to take in the wonderful stained glass window at the north end of the market.
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Take in a view
Check out Malaga from above. One of the best places to see a great view of the city is from the Gibralfaro viewing platform. Take the road on the port-side of the Alcazaba Fortress and follow it as it turns into a path and winds it way up the hill. It’s one steep climb, but the views from the top are more than worth it!
Marvel at a mural (or 10)
Once you’re down from the viewing platform, make your way to the Soho district. This is packed with street art including some amazing murals. Don’t miss the giant Obey and D*Face mural behind the CAC Contemporary Art Centre. Our top tip for street art in Malaga? Look up as well as down!
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Forget that knife and fork
Time for a well-earned bite to eat and what better than a dish of pescaíto (small fish fried to perfection)? When the plate arrives, forget about that knife and fork – just dive right in with your fingers and enjoy. Check out 1 of our most popular posts to see how. Top tip? Our Where to Eat section lists some great places in Malaga for pescaíto.
Beach-it
A visit to one of the beaches should definitely be on any list of ultimate things to do in Malaga. And the good news is that with over 320 days of full-on sunshine it’s beach weather in Malaga practically all year round. The Malagueta beach is the handiest for the city centre or you can walk west along the seafront to the Misericordia beach – they’re both blue-flag.
Take a stroll around the Port
This is 1 of our favourite places in Malaga – and the Pergola is my absolute best. Make your way to the Port and stroll along Muelle Uno and Muelle Dos. Want some cutting-edge art? Pop into the Pompidou Centre. Fancy a browse around some seriously good handicraft stalls? Visit the Sunday arts and crafts market. (Thanks to Joanna from MyMalaga for the great photo!)
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Va va voom
Not many cities can boast a first-class collection of vintage cars and Malaga is lucky enough to have one of the largest in the world. Make your way to the Car Museum and admire bygone vehicles alongside some of the most glamourous rides on 4-wheels ever. Get here on the No 16 bus from the Alameda Principal.
Cheer for Malaga FC
Malaga FC used to play in the Spanish first division, but now sit nearer the bottom of the second division than the top. Use your visit to Malaga to cheer them on so that they can return to premier football! Home matches take place at the Rosaleda Stadium (marked on our map – see below). For a calendar of fixtures and tickets, visit the Malaga Football Club website.
Arabian-night it
At last – the opportunity to really sit back and relax. Book your bath at the Hammam Malaga whose Moorish baths take you back several centuries and leave you feeling totally rejuvenated. And yes, do treat yourself to a massage while you’re there. Check the website for special deals.
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Take in a sunset
Malaga offers some great opportunities to take in a sunset. Just before sundown, make your way to Muelle Uno, the Gibralfaro Castle or 1 of the great rooftop terraces in town. The photo was taken from Muelle Uno when the ferris wheel was up.
Try some Malaga wine
While you’re in Malaga, don’t miss the wine. Not just sweet but salty, dry, red, white or sparkling. 1 of the best places to try Malaga from a barrel is Casa Antigua de Guardia on the Alameda Principal – it’s spit and sawdust but a great experience. Our blog post about Malaga wine gives some other suggestions too. If you want to buy a bottle, try La Mallorquina on Plaza Feliz Saenz – they have a great selection.
Buy a biznaga
A visit to Malaga wouldn’t be complete with buying a souvenir. 1 of the most typical is the biznaga flower, made for lots of jasmine flowers and sold by biznagueros on Malaga streets during the season. The scent will accompany you all evening. If you want a biznaga that lasts forever, buy a handcrafted brooch or pendant.
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Jazz it up
A great way to end an evening in Malaga is listening to some live music. Malaga has several excellent jazz venues including The Hall in Calle Héroe de Sostoa (near the mainline train station). If you prefer your music flamenco, check out these venues.
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And here’s the map showing the main locations mentioned in this blog post. Don’t forget – all our recommended places to stay and eat are mapped so you always know where to go.