Like most Spanish cities Malaga has lots of squares dotted around its streets. Some are large, busy places while others are quieter, almost hidden spots. Some squares in Malaga have huge historic significance attached to them and others are modern inventions. Here are our 5 favourites (you can check out their locations via the Google map at the bottom of the post).
Plaza de la Merced
This is one of the largest squares in Malaga and also one of the liveliest. At the centre is an iconic obelisk, a monument to General Torrijos and his men who died fighting against absolutism in the Spanish War of Independence. Round the edges is some of the finest residential architecture in Malaga.
Where it is?
Plaza de la Merced lies in the north-east of the old quarter, just a few minutes’ walk from some of the most historic monuments in Malaga – the Alcazaba Fortress and the Roman Theatre.
Why do we like it?
This square always has a lively atmosphere and there are lots of terraces to sit at and people watch while you enjoy a drink or meal. The jacaranda trees are particularly pretty in the spring when they flower.
What to see
Picasso – both the statue of the great artist himself and his birthplace (the Picasso Foundation) – are worth seeking out. Architectural highlights include the buildings around the square – look out for the oldest at numbers 9 and 10, and number 12, whose top floor is made up entirely of blue and white stained glass
Where to eat
This is one of the squares in Malaga with the best choice of places to eat. If you’re looking for coffee and cake, head for Café con Libros. One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Malaga (Cañadú) is on the square and just round the corner is the Mercado de la Merced, a gourmet market.
Top tip – take time to explore the area north of Plaza de la Merced. Read our walking tour post about what you can see.
Plaza de la Constitución
Definitely one of the busiest squares in Malaga and the centre of the action. This is where it all happens – the daytime fair celebrations, New Year’s Eve countdown, the world’s longest catwalk during Malaga Fashion Week… This square is so busy in fact that it’s difficult to see it empty.
Where it is?
This one’s easy to find since it’s at the top of Calle Larios and in the heart of the old town.
Why do we like it?
Plaza de la Constitución is an elegant square with its marble paving and 19th century façades around it. We like it best for the views you get of Malaga Cathedral from here and the lovely monuments around it.
What to see
The front covers of the main Spanish newspapers on the day after the Constitution was approved in 1978 are a good starting point, but there’s plenty more to see. Pop into the Casa del Consulado on the opposite side and admire the 18th century patio and upper floor. There’s often an exhibition on here too. Walk a few paces further down Calle Compañía and explore the church (Santo Cristo de la Salud) whose dome is one of the most attractive in Malaga.
Where to eat
This is a great place for leisurely coffees and afternoon teas as you people-watch from your terrace table. La Canasta does good coffee and pastries and in Calle Larios is Lepanto whose patisserie cakes are probably the best in Malaga.
Top tip – find out what your strength of coffee is called in Malaga from the mosaic outside the Flamenco Museum (Peña Juan Breva) on Calle Ramón Franquelo 4. It was inside Café Central on the corner of Plaza de la Constitución for nearly a century until it closed in January 2022.
Calle Alemania
This isn’t officially a square, but this esplanade certainly looks like one. Families gather here in the afternoons and evenings while their children play football and/or ride their bikes in the big open space.
Where it is?
In front of the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC Malaga) and next to the river to the west of the Soho District.
Why do we like it?
It’s a welcome wide open space after the narrow streets in the old quarter and there’s usually a cool breeze blowing here in the summer.
What to see
The CAC – one of the best art museums in Malaga – is a must-see for modern art fans. Free entry and a constant flow of new exhibitions are added incentives. For outdoor art, walk south along the river and admire the murals on the walls including the giant ones by Obey and D*Face next to the school.
Where to eat
This square is home to one of the best restaurants in Malaga (and one of our personal favourites) so if it’s time for lunch or dinner make a beeline for Óleo adjacent to the CAC. If you’re after coffee, try Mi Manuel (opposite) whose churros are said by some to be the best in town.
Top tip – pop into the CAC shop for some unusual gifts and an amazing range of art books.
Plaza Poeta Alfonso Canales
This square had a major facelift in 2017 and the difference is simply stunning – from a shabby, downtrodden area, the square has been transformed into a green space with thriving businesses. One of the newer hotels in Malaga – Room Mate Valeria – is here and there’s also a great vintage bike shop.
Where it is?
Opposite the entrance to Malaga Port and at the east end of the Soho district, this lovely square is easily reached from Plaza de la Marina.
Why do we like it?
Mainly because it has changed so much and made such a difference to the area. It also provides a lovely way of entering or exiting Soho and an easy way to get to the Port and Muelle Uno from the CAC art museum. There are lovely views of the Malaga ferris wheel from here too.
What to see
One of the biggest tourist attractions in Malaga, the ferris wheel, is just across the road. It’s well worth taking a ride to see some of the best views in town. The Soho District next door has some amazing street art and murals
Where to eat
Nearby Soho has some great eateries including Picnic on Calle Barroso and El Rincón del Cervecero (one of the best craft beer venues in our Guide to Malaga) does tapas and beer.
Top tip – for an after-lunch liqueur or evening cocktail head for the roof terrace on Room Mate Valeria where you’ll be treated to lovely views of Malaga Port.
Pasaje Gordón
This is one of the squares in Malaga where you need to head right off the beaten track.
Where it is?
In the heart of Malaga old town, this square is a tricky one to find. Go down Calle Andrés Pérez from Plaza de los Mártires and take the first right (or look at the Google Map below!).
Why do we like it?
Just one reason but a big one – the vertical garden. Definitely one of the more unusual things to see in Malaga, this giant wall of plants and poetic words is one of our favourite places in the city.
What to see
As well as the vertical garden, there’s the lovely Oratorio de Santa María Reina church just round the corner and slightly further on, a large section of Malaga’s medieval walls.
Where to eat
La Casa Invisible in Calle Andrés Pérez does good tapas and the huge tree in the central patio makes this a lovely cool place in the summer. Another of the best vegetarian restaurants in Malaga (El Calafate) is here too and just next door is Casa Mira where you can try delicious homemade ice cream.
Top tip – wander round the streets in this area and check out the little shops. Read our walking tour for more information.
See these 5 squares in Malaga on the map.
