North of Malaga city centre walking tour
Ten minutes from Calle Larios, the tourist trail runs out and you enter a very different Malaga. This is where you find it.
The area north of Malaga’s old quarter, known as La Goleta, bound by the river to the west and Calle Parras to the north, is one of the most overlooked corners of the city centre. It’s slightly rough around the edges, gentrification is only just arriving, and most visitors walk straight past it on their way somewhere else.
Which is exactly why it’s worth an hour and a half of your time. Within a few streets you’ll find an 11th-century medieval wall, a 1920s Mudejar market with horseshoe arches and wrought-iron pineapple finials, a vertical garden dedicated to two poets, a free monthly flamenco show, and a 43-metre industrial chimney most Malaga visitors never see.
This guide takes on a self-guided walking tour around this area. The Google map at the bottom pinpoints the main attractions.
About this walk
- Distance: Approximately 2km
- Terrain: Flat and fully paved throughout
- Time to allow: 90 minutes at a comfortable pace, longer if you stop at the museums
- Accessibility: Fully accessible, although some pavements are narrow and unsuitable for electric wheelchairs. A lift at the Tribuna de los Pobres avoids the steps down to the river (open weekdays 10am–10pm).
Who is this walk for?
Anyone who has already done the old quarter and wants to see a different side of the city. It suits history lovers – the medieval wall and the industrial chimney are both genuinely interesting – and architecture enthusiasts who will appreciate the Mercado de Salamanca’s Mudejar details and the restored façades on Calle Carretería.
It also works well for visitors who want a quieter morning away from the main tourist circuit, particularly on a busy day for cruise ships. This area is local rather than touristy, the streets are quiet, and the three museums on the route are all small enough to visit without losing half a day.
This walking tour is probably not for someone with limited time in Malaga, simply because the sights here reward curiosity rather than delivering a single headline attraction. Come when you have a spare morning and no particular agenda.
About the north of Malaga city centre
This walking tour covers the area between the river in the west and Calle Parras in the east. To the south is Calle Carretería, and to the north is Calle Parras. This ‘square’ is merely a 10-minute walk from Calle Larios.
This area is La Goleta district and, despite its small size, contains plenty of noteworthy sights. North of Malaga city centre is also slightly “gritty” so don’t expect pristine streets and façades. However, gentrification is pushing through from the old quarter, so it may not be long before this area goes mainstream for tourism.
The best route for this walking tour
Start at the river end of Calle Carretería and walk west in and out of this street before it reaches Calle Ollerías. Then continue along Calle Ollerías, with side steps into Calle Parras and Calle Dos Aceras. It ends in Calle Cruz del Molinillo. You can, of course, walk it the other way around!
Discover other walking tours in Malaga
Main sights north of Malaga city centre
Calle Carretería
This street makes a good starting point because it includes several points of interest. It also had a complete facelift in 2023 and is now mostly pedestrian.
Tribuna de los Pobres
This stairway is one of the most iconic spots during Holy Week in Malaga and the perfect spot for watching processions on Calle Carretería. It’s known as the Poor People’s Stand because you get a close-up view without paying for it.
If you need to get to the river, a handy lift avoids the steps (open weekdays 10am to 10pm).
Façades on Calle Carretería
This street has some very attractive historic frontages, some of which have recently undergone restoration. Look out for:
The right-hand side of the street – Nos 16, 60, 70 and 72.
The left-hand side of the street – Nos 19, 39, 43 and 71.
Medieval Wall
Just after No 60, look out for a stretch of the medieval wall that used to enclose the entire old quarter. It dates from the 11th century and although heavily restored, still stands proud. You can see the other side of the wall if you go up Calle Andrés Pérez and turn right.
Read more about historical walls in Malaga.
Calle Andrés Pérez
This little side Street off Calle Carretería houses several things worth seeking out. They include a handful of excellent boutiques, one of the best toy shops in Malaga and an antique emporium, where you’ll find a treasure trove of furniture, decor and ceramics.
Calle Ollerías
This street also has some notable façades, but the highlight is halfway along, just after the MVA Cultural Centre on the right-hand side. Here, you’ll find a stunning vertical garden dedicated to two Malaga poets, Emilio Prados and Manuel Altolaguirre, both from the 1927 Generation literary group.
The text describes the Imprenta Sur printing press; both poets were instrumental in its use. The press is now in the next-door MVA Cultural Centre.
Did you know? The MVA Cultural Centre holds free events, year-round. They include a free flamenco show every month. Read all the details in our What’s on in Malaga this month.
Between Calle Carretería and Calle Ollerías
The labyrinth of small streets and alleyways between the two main streets hide some treasures, including:
Maria Cristina Concert Hall
This lovely building dates back to 1871 and was originally a music school. It now hosts concerts and talks throughout the year. The main concert room has exquisite painted ceilings (and excellent acoustics) and is well worth a visit.
It’s usually open during the week – ask the concierge to let you see inside. For a close-up view of the concert hall, attend one of the performances. You can see the programme here.
Fiat Lux Chimney
Malaga has around a dozen factory chimneys still standing, a legacy of the city’s industrial past. This one sits between Calle Purificación and Calle Wad Ras and stands 43 metres high. It dates back to 1897. You’ll get the best view from streets slightly further away.
Mercado de Salamanca
This stunning market is the absolute highlight north of Malaga city centre. The 1920s building saw complete restoration a few years ago and its exterior showcases Mudejar style.
The market has a few stalls, open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm, but you’re here to explore the outside. Don’t miss the wrought-iron details, horseshoe arches and pineapple toppings.
Read more about Salamanca Market in Malaga.
Museums north of Malaga city centre
This walking tour takes in several museums on its route. They include:
Museum of Wine
Discover all you need to know about the history of Malaga wine and enjoy a tasting.
Open: Mon to Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Admission: €6, including two wine tastings.
How to get there: take the second left (Calle Biedmas) from Calle Carretería.
Museum of Glass
A treasure trove of glass objects and antiques in a historic mansion and a must if you’re a fan of beautiful things.
Open: Tues to Sun 11am-7pm.
Admission: €7
How to get there: take the first right from Calle Ollerías (Calle Cabello).
Jorge Rando Museum
One of Malaga’s more unusual art museums and the only one in Spain showcasing the Expressionist style.
Open: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm and 4 to 8pm, June to September, Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm & 5-9pm. Saturday 10am-2pm.
Admission: Free
How to get there: follow Calle Ollerías north until the end. The museum is on your left.
Where to eat north of Malaga city centre
Restaurants in the old quarter are just a short walk away, but this area also has some goodies. Our favourites are:
Buenavista Gastrobar – one of the best restaurants in this part of town and with reasonable prices. Read more about Buenavista Gastrobar.
El Gastronauta – great for sharing plates and paella, and friendly service, a stone’s throw from Calle Carretería. Read more about El Gastronauta.
Discover other great places to eat out in Malaga
Where to stay in this part of Malaga
We think this area is a good choice if you want to have the old quarter on your doorstep but without the crowds. Our top picks for hotels here are:
Vincci Posada del Patio– 5-star luxury needn’t cost a fortune at this hotel, home to ancient walls in the basement and stunning rooms.
Hotel Palacete de Álamos – 19th-century features form the backdrop at this cosy hotel on Calle Álamos, just around the corner from Calle Carretería.
And if you fancy trying another area, read our guide to where to stay in Malaga.
Google map for this Malaga walking tour
The map below shows the location of all the above attractions, restaurants and hotels.