Be a good tourist in Malaga – our 10 commandments
Since the pandemic, tourism in Malaga (and Spain) has reached record levels. Problems associated with mass tourism, such as a lack of affordable housing and rising prices, have increased in tandem. As a result, many conscientious visitors wonder how to be a good tourist in Malaga.
How can you visit the city and ensure that your presence is welcome and, importantly, seen as beneficial to locals?
The answer is obviously complex, and we don’t have a quick or easy solution; neither do the authorities and tourist boards in the city and across Spain. But we are aware of certain things you can do to lessen your impact as a tourist and increase your contribution positively.
These ten commandments to being a good tourist in Malaga are the result. We think that by following them as much as possible, you’ll blend in more with the locals, gain respect in the city and – uber importantly – be welcomed back.
1. Remember: Malaga is home first, destination second
In their bid to boost Malaga tourism, the authorities have forgotten that Malaga is home to nearly 600,000 people. But despite the thousands of visitors, it’s worth remembering the city isn’t just a tourist destination — it’s home to lots of people who live and work there.
Do: enjoy the city and its warm welcome, but remember you’re a guest in Malaga. Dress respectfully and keep noise levels low (even though locals don’t always!).
2. Eat, drink and shop local
By this, we mean choosing independent, specialist stores and eateries over chains.
Yes, brand shopping in Malaga is excellent (and you will find all the big names on its streets), but it’s also a fantastic destination for little shops selling unusual bits and bobs. Support these passionate local enterprises, fighting hard against exorbitant rental rates, in streets off Calle Larios such as Calle Compañía, Calle Especería, Calle Andrés Pérez…
Malaga is also home to lots of great local eateries, whether you’re having coffee (drink yours at Ana la Fantástica, say, rather than Starbucks), tapas (feast on yours at Mesón Ibérico, La Mesonera de Retrogusto or Taberna Uvedoble instead of heading for somewhere with photos of mass-produced paellas outside.
Do: be adventurous and try local dishes. And do treat yourselves to plenty – most good restaurants in Malaga have surprisingly wallet-friendly prices.
A word on Malaga markets
The city’s fresh food markets, led by Atarazanas, are one of its big foodie attractions. When you visit, don’t just browse the stalls, try the produce and then head elsewhere. Make a few purchases to enjoy on a picnic later or to take home with you – stalls will vacuum-pack cold cuts and cheese for you. And don’t get in the way of locals who are there to shop.
A word on Malaga cafés
We’re often in a café in Malaga and notice a solo fellow customer on their laptop with an empty coffee cup next to them. These people often stay for an hour or more, without consuming anything else.
Do: remember that a café is a business and don’t take up a table for a long time, unless you’re spending than the price of a coffee.
A word on Malaga restaurants
Eateries in Malaga are for having something to eat, not just a drink, especially if it’s lunch or dinner time. If you sit down at a table from 1.30pm or 7.30pm onwards, don’t be surprised when the waiter asks you to leave if you don’t order food.
Do: take it gracefully and understand that the restaurant can make much more money from a meal for two than it can from your glass of beer. If you want just a drink, find a café or a bar.
3. Learn a few words of Spanish
Even a small effort makes a big difference and will help you be a good tourist in Malaga.
Do: say Buenos días or Buenas tardes, por favor and gracias. Accompany your pidgin Spanish with a smile and be gracious. Don’t expect everyone to speak English (many locals don’t).
Buy your copy of our Malaga Phrase Book (for just €0.95)
4. Dress for the city, not the beach
Despite its modern façade, Spain is a surprisingly modest country when it comes to dress code. You’ll see topless men (and some women) at the beach, but few Spaniards would walk a street with a bare chest. We know many restaurants in Malaga where you won’t be allowed in if you’re not covered up, so be a good tourist and respect this unwritten dress code.
Do: reserve your swimwear and flip-flops for the beach. And always dress modestly when entering a church or the Cathedral.
Malaga Tourist Board has some more tips here (note they call it ‘improving your stay in Malaga’!)
5. Celebrate with respect
Like the rest of Andalusia, Malaga knows how to party – ask anyone who’s been to Malaga Fair or Carnival. Religious celebrations are also commonplace – the Easter processions are solemn, but still a celebration of collective passion and sentiment. All these events are deeply rooted in local culture, so respect them.
Do: watch and enjoy, but follow locals’ lead when it comes to joining in.
And always ask before taking photos of locals in traditional dress — chances are they’ll say yes with a smile.
6. Stay in registered accommodation
And stay in a hotel. Malaga’s charm depends on its people being able to live here, and the recent profusion of holiday lets has led to a chronic shortage of rental properties for locals. Hotels, on the other hand, create employment and don’t occupy homes for locals.
If you really must stay in Airbnb-type accommodation, always choose one with an official registration number (ask for proof of it if it isn’t displayed on the ad).
Do: give unlicensed vacation rentals a wide berth. Your choice helps you be a good tourist in Malaga.
Not sure where to book your hotel? Our area-by-area guide to where to stay in Malaga will help you decide.
7. Save water — it’s precious here
Malaga enjoys 320 days of sunshine a year, but there’s a price to pay for all that sunny weather – regular drought conditions. Help the city save water during your stay by:
Do: take showers rather than baths (and keep the shower time down) and reuse your towels as much as possible in the hotel.
Read more about how to spend a sustainable holiday in Malaga.
8. Save energy – it’s precious too
Ensure your holiday in Malaga is as sustainable as possible by filling reusable water bottles from fountains rather than buying water and turning off the AC when you’re not in the room.
Do: set the AC at 24-25º in the summer and at 18-19º in winter. You don’t need it any cooler or hotter.
9. Walk and use public transport
Do your bit to keep pollution levels down by getting around on foot (easy in this compact, flat city) or by bus or metro. Not only are the bus and metro networks efficient and wide-reaching, but fares are cheap (e.g. €0.50 a ride if you get a multi-journey card).
Do: walk as much as you can in Malaga – you’ll discover so much more of the city vibe.
10. Get off the beaten track in Malaga
One of Malaga’s most significant problems is the concentration of crowds in the old quarter. Yes, we all want to visit the big attractions, but the city also has plenty to see and do off the beaten tourist trail. Discover a very different Malaga when you visit:
11. Be tolerant
Our 11th commandment asks you to embrace local culture – Malaga probably does things differently to what you’re used to. Not worse (or better). Just differently.
Also, recognise that the locals aren’t perfect. We’d love Malagueños to pick up their litter more and keep their voices down sometimes – believe us, locals have improved on both accounts over the last ten years – but be a good tourist in Malaga and take this in your stride.
In short
Being the right sort of tourist boils down to respect, open-mindedness and spending your money in the right places. Do that, and Malaga and her locals should welcome you with open arms. And, of course, look forward to your return!