18 Most Marvelous Things to Do in Malaga

If you like sunny days, sandy beaches, and tasty food, Malaga should definitely be on your itinerary the next time you’re in Spain. The seaside city is located in Andalucia in southern Spain right on the Costa del Sol, meaning it’s quite warm throughout the year.

One of the oldest cities continuously inhabited in the world, Malaga has plenty of things to offer, like its historic center which is full of bars and restaurants. If you want to know the best things to do in Malaga, keep reading for some handy tips about my one of my favorite cities in Spain.

Given Malaga’s history stretching back nearly three thousand years, the city has many cultural sites, museums, beaches, ruins, and cathedrals to keep you entertained during the day. Come nightfall you can expect the historic center to be buzzing with life since the area is bursting with tapas bars, international restaurants, Irish pubs, and eclectic nightclubs. With so much to do in Malaga, it is sure not to disappoint. ¡Vamanos, amigos!

1. Do as the Romans did at the Roman Theatre

Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre is the oldest landmark in Malaga, constructed by the Romans during the reign of Augustus around the 1st century AD. Spanning 31 meters across and 16 meters high, the theatre was then abandoned in the 3rd century but it was eventually reused as a cemetery between the 5th and 6th centuries. Later, parts of the theatre were sourced for stones to build the Alcazaba before the structure was once again lost to time.

Almost five centuries would go by before the theatre was rediscovered in 1951, with most of the remnants being well-preserved. The theatre has three main parts, the stands, the orchestra pit and the stage. The amphitheater has also been revamped for public use, seating about 220 spectators when it’s the site of open-air shows in summer. Open year-round to travelers (except for Mondays), the theatre is entirely free to visit, with access granted via its adjacent visitors’ center. Roam around the theatre like the ancient Romans to be transported back in time.

FUN FACT: The theatre was uncovered by accident during the construction of Casa de Cultura which had to be demolished to begin further excavations.

2. Stroll down Calle Marqués de Larios 

Put on your boots because Calle Marqués de Larios, the most iconic pedestrian street in Malaga, is meant to be walked. More commonly referred to as Calle de Larios, it is the high street of the city, making it one of the most expensive places to live in Spain. The elegant street was inaugurated in 1891, taking over a thousand workers to complete its 350-meter span from Plaza de la Constitución to Alameda Principal Park. The biggest contributor to the project was the Larios family so the street was aptly named after Manuel Domingo Larios y Larios, the second Marqués de Larios. 

Since its inception, Calle Larios has been a beacon for Malaga’s wealthy celebs and aristocrats, especially thanks to the glamorous design of the buildings lining the street. Their architect, Malaga-native Eduardo Strachan, was heavily inspired by the modern style of Chicago, incorporating symmetrical elements of glass, metalwork and curved corners. These days, the street is home to many boutique shops, fancy restaurants, and trendy bars, functioning as Malaga’s commercial hub. It’s also the place to be during festivities such as the Feria de Malaga, Malaga Fashion Week, Malaga Film Festival, Carnival, Christmas and New Year’s Eve since it’s always extravagantly decorated for those occasions. If you’re craving to be in the thick of it all, make sure to swing by this popular promenade. 

FUN FACT: Calle Larios was originally paved with wooden planks but a flood in 1907 caused them to be replaced with granite until the street was inevitably redone as a pedestrian pathway in 2002.

3. Say a little prayer at the Cathedral of Malaga

This Roman Catholic church can’t be missed when in Malaga, especially since the behemoth’s outline dominates much of the historic center. The second-tallest cathedral in Andalucia, the Cathedral of Malaga (official moniker Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Encarnación) was designed with heavy Renaissance influences during its over 300-year construction project from 1528 to 1782.

In contrast to the rest of the building, the cathedral’s main façade was later added in a Baroque style while the interior still retains mostly Renaissance elements. Many great artworks and religious relics are housed within such as the tomb of San Francisco, the Chapels of the Incarnation and Santa Barbara as well as several paintings and sculptures. Entrance tickets include access to an audio guide available in 7 languages, well worth the price of admission. Still, I suggest splurging for entry to the cathedral’s rooftop as it boasts one of the most beautiful views in the city. 

BONUS TIP: Another holy place that shouldn’t be missed is Santuario de la Victoria (Virgin of the Victory Sanctuary), a 17th-century basilica that’s the former campsite of King Ferdinand when he captured Malaga from the Moorish Nasrid Caliphate. Its inner dome and crypt are just to die for!

4. Get surreal at the Picasso Museum

Besides being the birthplace of the Spanish heartthrob of Antonio Banderas, Malaga’s also the hometown of another creative genius, Pablo Ruiz Picasso. The Spanish painter has a museum dedicated to him full of his work and tidbits about his life’s story. A founder of the Cubist movement, Picasso was also a prolific sculptor, ceramicist and printmaker, whose artistic career spanned decades.

Learn about Picasso’s various affairs with his muses-turned-lovers while taking in the vibrant collection of his greatest artwork. Many of the pieces in the museum were donated by Picasso’s family, which is situated right in the heart of the historic center just a stone’s throw away from the Roman Theatre. Housed in the Buenavista Palace (a 16th-century estate built in a former Nasrid Palace) along with 18 adjacent homes, the immense museum spans 8,300 sq. meters (89,000 sq. feet), making for the perfect afternoon activity inside when you want to beat the Andalucian heat any day of the week.

Want even more Picasso? You can visit the home where he was born, Casa Natal Picasso, located in the city center in Plaza de la Merced.

BONUS TIP. The Picasso Museum is free to visit on Sunday afternoons, two hours before closing.

 
 

5. Wander around Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle

Dominating the city skylines are the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, medieval fortresses left over from Spain’s Moorish past. The Alcazaba, translating to ‘‘Citadel’’ in ancient Arabic, was a palace built in the 11th century at the behest of a Berber king during the Muslims’ nearly 800-year reign of the Iberian peninsula. Some of its columns were reused from a Roman theater right in front but its architecture is indicative of its Mudejar roots. Wander around its opulent rooms while marveling at the elegant doorways and ceilings before heading toward our next destination (just make sure to go to the Alcazaba first to snag a two-for-one ticket).

Malaga was a walled, almost impregnable stronghold at the height of Muslim rule, with only one weak spot off in the distance, Gibralfaro Mountain (AKA ‘‘the Rock of Light’’). As their Christian enemies from the Kingdom of Castille began using more gun-powdered canons, the local caliph realized it was just a matter of time before the city was bombarded from above. Thus, in the mid-14th century, Yusuf I of the Nasrid Caliphate commissioned the construction of Gibralfaro Castle, along with a walled corridor known as the ‘‘coracha,’’ which connects to the Alzacaba (and offers some scenic views). From there, the soldiers could gain access to the city and the harbor, honing Malaga’s defenses and food supply. Tour this behemoth and its tower-lined walls, which provide some of the best views in the city. 

Only have time to visit one place of the two? The Alcazaba has better architecture but the views of the seascape from Gibralfaro Castle are unbeatable in Malaga. Go with your gut!

BONUS TIP: Visit on a Sunday to get into the Alcazaba for free and any day after 2 PM to get into Gibralfaro Castle. At that price point, you might as well splurge on the lift ticket up to the Alcazaba rather than brave the 30-minute walk to its peak. Happy hiking!

FUN FACT: Gibralfaro Castle survived a 3-month siege from the Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (whose marriage unified Spain) until hunger eventually caused their captives to surrender.

6. Get some sun along the Costa del Sol

While in Malaga, you should definitely take advantage of your proximity to Spain’s pristine Costa del Sol. Literally translating into ‘‘the Sun Coast,’’ this sandy stretch of shoreline spans hundreds of kilometers bursting with beaches, resorts, clubs, bars, and plenty of reclusive coves. There’s a reason that the region attracts both tourists and celebrities to its aquamarine waters and, as one of the sunniest cities in Spain, Malaga is just the place to be, regardless of the season. 

During warmer months, head to La Malagueta, the city’s most popular beach thanks to its golden sand and clear water. Dotted with beach bars and lounge chairs, La Malagueta is one of the best playas to relax while not straying too far from the city center as long as you can stand the crowds. However, if you don’t mind traveling a bit further east, Playa del Palo is also a great option that’s often overlooked by tourists whereas Playa Peñon del Cuervo is the beach to go to barbeque with the locals. Staying in the west? Playa de la Misericordia sports lots of seafood restaurants along with a picturesque promenade, perfect for an afternoon stroll. 

7. Sample some tapas at Atarazanas Central Market

As the largest food market in Malaga, Atarazanas Central Market is a feast for all your senses, from its fragrant food stalls to its colorful produce booths. The building dates back to the 11th century during Nasrid rule but its use has evolved greatly over the centuries. Once used as a shipyard, the building also functioned as military barracks as well as a military hospital before being repurposed into a marketplace in the 19th century after extensive renovations. Marvel at the blend of architectural styles that make up the building’s exterior and then head inside to marvel at its artisanal goods.

Open every day except Sundays from around 8 AM to 2 PM, the marketplace is divided into three main sections: produce, fish and meat. Most stalls are family-run, typically passed down from generation to generation so you can expect the majority of the fare to be organic and locally sourced. Depending on the time of year, you can also stumble upon seasonal products like niseros (loquat fruit) or brevas (a slightly sweet fig) in spring and summer, or cherimoyas (custard apples) or zanahorias morás (purple carrots) in autumn and winter. Walk around and sample a few exotic snacks like the Spanish do, in a tradition known as ‘‘tapear,’’ so you can try as much food as you can fit in your stomach (just exercise some caution in case you have any food allergies). Here’s to snagging some good finds!

FUN FACT: The fish market is closed on Mondays since the fishermen don’t fish on Sundays and have nothing fresh from the previous day’s catch. 

8. Get your grub on Malagan gastronomy

Want to try even more Spanish food? Andalucia is the birthplace of Spanish tapas and Malaga is no exception, with plenty of Spanish restaurants serving bite-sized portions so you can sample as many dishes as possible. Some traditional plates to try are porra antequerana (a heartier version of gazpacho served with ham and egg on top), espeto (roasted sardines) and pipirrana (a seafood salad made with chopped peppers, tomato, and onion).

Malaga is full of long-loved establishments like El Pimpi Restaurant, which also has its own wine cellar, fish restaurant and cocktail bar. Situated in a renovated 18th-century home in the historic center, the restaurant has been a local haunt for generations; spot the signatures of celebrities such as Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas etched across its vintage barrels. If you want to try the best cuisine in Malaga (and don’t mind splurging a bit), you can’t go wrong eating at El Pimpi. 

Another restaurant that should also be on your radar is Antigua Casa de Guardia Taverna, arguably the oldest restaurant in Malaga as it opened its doors in 1840. Specializing in wine and seafood, it’s the perfect place to go for a midday aperativo (snack) or an early supper since it tends to close by 10 PM most nights. However, my favorite pub is La Tranca for its lively atmosphere and friendly staff. The dirt-cheap prices don’t reflect in the food, either, as you get way more than what you pay for. Try their vermouth or order a craft beer to pair perfectly with your tapa-tasting. ¡Buen provecho!

BONUS TIP: Jonesing for some good, old-fashioned brunch? No Piqui has lots of variety to make sure you start the day off right.

FUN FACT: People from Malaga are sometimes referred to as ‘‘boquerones’’ (anchovies) because it’s one of the most common dishes eaten by locals.

 
 

9. Ponder life in a plaza

If there’s any public square that you must stop by in Malaga, Plaza de la Merced should be at the top of the list. Located in central Malaga, the plaza’s history extends back thousands of years when the area was once occupied by the Romans. Around the 15th century, the square began functioning as a public market yet derived its current name from the 16th-century Mercedarian friars who erected a church.

However, the plaza’s real claim to fame is being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, whose former home has been turned into a museum dedicated to his foundation (Casa Natal Picasso). There are several other monuments scattered around the plaza, like the Monumento a Torrijos, but the biggest draw is the atmosphere since it has some of the most popular bars and restaurants to wine and dine the night away.

Another essential square is the Plaza de la Constituciòn, right next to the Cathedral of Malaga. Featuring a 16th-century marble fountain, known as the Fuente de Génova, the square was also the former site of Malaga’s city hall, the mayor’s home as well as the city jail. Vibrating with life nearly around the clock, Plaza de la Constituciòn is the place to be, especially during Holy Week, New Year’s Eve and the famous Feria de Malaga. Why not for a drink to really take in the scenery?

FUN FACT: Plaza de la Constituciòn has been renamed on many different occasions, also going by Plaza Mayor (Main Square), Plaza Real (Royal Square), and Plaza Isabel II, among many others.

10. Plan a picturesque day in a park

Alameda Principal Park is the city’s biggest city park, spanning nearly 30,000 square meters from Plaza de General Torrijos to Plaza de la Marina. Also known as Malaga Park, the green space is an idyllic place to take a stroll or organize a picnic along any of its three walkways like the Paseo del Parque. The park is even further bordered by other pathways to form a rectangular outline but within it holds a diverse landscape full of fountains, gardens, statues, and lots of exotic flora. Constructed on land reclaimed from the sea, Malaga Park should be on your itinerary if you’ve been yearning for a return to nature.

However, Malaga Park isn’t the only botanical garden in the area. If the distance isn’t an issue, Huelin Park to the west is another great green space, beloved for its artificial lake. A bit further west you can also find the splendid Parque del Oeste (West Park), complete with a picnic area, art installations, sports fields, and a lakeside promenade. What’s not to love?

11. Treat yourself to an Arabic spa day

There are many Arabic relics left behind in Malaga from Spain’s Moorish empires long past, like ancient archways and phenomenal fortresses, yet one custom that should still be observed is visiting a hammam (bathhouse). If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting an Arabic bathhouse, then it’s a luxury that you can’t afford to pass up, especially at Hammam Al Andalus Malaga. While there, prepare to be pampered like a princess/prince as you’re guided through the stunning traditional baths, whose water basins typically range from cold, warm, and hot. 

Long-thought to have physically beneficial properties, soaking in the thermal waters is an experience that is usually shared with friends, even though frequent solo travelers (like me) should still give it a go. Sip on some mint tea in the adjacent lounge or steam away your stress in the baths, all while being serenaded by soft Andalucian music in the background. Most visits also come with a relaxing, aromatherapeutic massage and/or body scrub included, meaning you’ll be whisked away to paradise in no time. You can thank me later!

12. Meander around a museum

As previously mentioned, Malaga has the second-largest number of museums in Spain, behind only the capital of Madrid. For lovers of art, interactive experiences, history, science and culture in general, there’s no shortage of activities to do in Malaga for solo travelers and for families with young children. The Museum of Malaga should be your first destination since it’s the largest in Andalucia and the fifth in Spain, encompassing multiple floors and countless exhibits. The museum is divided into two parts, the Museum of Fine Arts and an archeological museum, both housed in the 18th-century neoclassical Palacio de la Aduana de Malaga (Malaga Customs Palace). The fine arts floor includes works from great Spanish artists like Goya, Velasquez and Sorolla while the top floor contains ancient relics from far-off excavations. 

The CAC Malaga is also a noteworthy contender for its vast collection of contemporary art which includes cutting-edge video installations whereas Carmen Thyssen Museum is primarily devoted to 19th-century Spanish artworks. If you’re a fanatic of Spanish artists besides Picasso, Jorge Rando Museum (named for the Expressionist painter) and Revello de Toro Museum (dedicated to portraiture Felix Revello de Toro) are worth visiting as they focus on art pieces created by their patrons. 

Prefer something more interactive and/or kid-friendly? The Museum of Imagination will stretch the limits of your perception by blowing your mind with its optical illusions. Moreover, the Interactive Music Museum of Malaga (MIMMA) is a must-try for lovers of music and fun while learning to play some of the world’s most unique instruments. Love airplanes? The Aeronautical Museum (housed in an old terminal at the Malaga Airport) boasts nine of them, plus access to their cockpits, along with a deep dive into the Spanish aviation industry since the 1920s. No matter what you’re into, the City of Museums is bound to have an exhibition for you.

BONUS TIPS: Heading to a museum is the ideal way to beat Malaga’s intense summer heat and many top attractions sometimes allow free admission. Visitors traveling with tiny tots will be happy to hear that the Museum of Imagination is free for children under 7 years old and the MIMMA is free for under 6s. The Museum of Malaga is free for EU citizens, age notwithstanding, while the CAC Malaga and the Aeronautical Museum are free for all citizens of the world with Museu Revello de Toro only being free on Sundays.

 
 

13. Cruise around Colomares Monuments Castle

Conceivably one of the most majestic monuments in the province of Malaga, this complex masquerades as a medieval castle since it was actually built in the late 20th century. Castillo Monumento Colomares was erected to recognize the life and adventures of Christopher Colombus (for better or worse) and, with a land area of about 1500 meters, it’s the largest shrine in the world dedicated to the Italian explorer. 

Constructed as a passion project by Doctor Esteban Martin, the modern castle incorporates influences from a multitude of architectural influences, fusing Neo-Gothic, Neo-Mudéjar, Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine elements with its use of various materials like stone, brick, and wood. Be transported back in time as you take in the intricate designs, sculpted to recreate different scenes from Colombus´s voyages to the Americas. Climb up the mast of its large ship structure to stand at its helm and feel the wind in your hair, or go up a tower for some impressive views of the scenery. 

About an hour away from central Malaga near the town of Benalmádena, the castle is open most days except Mondays but check timetables carefully as their subject to seasonal changes. If you ever wanted to tour a modern-day castle, Colomares Monuments Castle should be your top pick.

BONUS TIP: To reach Colomares Monuments Castle, you can take public transportation, which is cheap and reliable. Catch the C1 train from Malaga’s Victoria Kent Train Station toward Fuengirola to arrive at Arroyo de la Miel Station. From there, leave the station to catch the M-121 Bus toward Mijas (bus stop to the right) and get off at Las Mimosas V. Walk for about another 10 minutes and you’ll spot the castle in the distance.

FUN FACT: Colomares Castle contains the smallest church in the world, spanning less than two square meters.

14. Roam around Ronda

If you have some extra time in Malaga and want more to do, a day trip to Ronda might just be your ticket. Located around 105 kilometers from central Malaga, the cliff-side town is perched 100-meters above El Tajo Canyon from out which flows the Guadalevín River. Ronda is famous for a few factors, such as being the birthplace of bullfighting, as well as its precarious location which offers amazing views of El Tajo which splits the town in half. The two sides are connected by the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) designed by the same architect who built Ronda’s bullfighting ring in the Plaza de Toros de Ronda.

Animal cruelty aside, Ronda has several cultural venues and notable landmarks that should draw your attention. Cross the Puente Nuevo to explore the town’s historic center, full of hidden gems like Mondragon Palace (home of the archeological museum) and the 16th-century Saint Mary Major Church, the town’s most prominent religious site. If you want to spy some remnants from Spain’s Moorish past, visit Puerta del Almocábar, a 13th-century walled gate. You can also hike up to a lookout for a thrilling look into Ronda’s chasm, like at Ronda Viewpoint and Aldehuela Viewpoint (the latter of which is named after the architect of the Puente Nuevo). Hungry after all that wandering around? Traipse on over to Plaza del Socorro, the main hub that is bustling with life, bars and terraces. All in all, Ronda might be just what you need to shake up your vacation for the better. 

BONUS TIP: Ronda takes about an hour and a half to reach by car (and over 2 hours with public transportation) so rent a car or hire a Blablacar to get you there and back. 

15. Canter through Casa de Los Navajas

Situated in the town of Torremolinos in Malaga Province, this cliff-side mansion was built for local businessman Antonio Navajas in 1926. During that era, the area was popular with some of the region’s wealthiest families, who constructed elaborate estates close to Bajondillo Beach. The Casa de Los Navajas (House of the Navajas) would be no exception, blending many Neo-Mudéjar elements into the home’s grand design. 

Consisting of two floors, the mansion features round towers at each end of its fantastical façacde, with the first floor functioning as living quarters for its occupants and the top floor as a viewpoint of the scenery. The estate’s elegant interior design was inspired by that of the enchanting Alhambra of Granada, utilizing copious curved archways and opulently-decorated ceilings. Thus, it should be no surprise that the large house is often used for cultural events and weddings but, better yet, the building is entirely free to visit every day of the week. So what’s stopping you?

BONUS TIP: Casa de Los Navajas is easy to get to from central Malaga with public transportation and the journey only takes around a half hour. From Victoria Kent Train Station, take the C1 train toward Fuengirola and exit at Torremolinos. The mansion is only about a 10-minute walk away after that.

FUN FACT: Some of the land used by Malaga Airport used to belong to the founder of Casa de Los Navajas, who used it to grow sugar cane.

16. Plunder the depths of the Treasure Cave

Want to see a site so rare that there are only three like it in existence in the known world? The Cueva del Tesoro (Treasure Cave) is one such location as Europe’s only cave system that was created by seawater, with the other two being in Central America and Asia. Compared to most caves, which are formed over time by moving ground- or rainwater, this limestone cavern emerged from a cliff off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea sometime during the Jurassic Era. 

Given the Cueva del Tesoro’s age, it should be unsurprising that prehistoric cave drawings and other anthropological evidence have been found since the beginning of history. It has had many functions over the years, even being used as a place of worship and ritualistic sacrifices. Also once known as the Cueva del Higuerón, the cave derives its current name from ‘The Legend of the Five Kings,’ which tells of a treasure hidden in the cave. 

As the Catholic Kings began conquering more Muslim strongholds in the mid-12th century, the five kings of the Almoravid dynasty consolidated their wealth, sending it to Al Andalus (ancient Andalucia) for protection. Unfortunately, the royal treasure would never arrive and, instead, further legends began popping up about the still clandestine cache that only drew it more attention, tomb raiders and notoriety. 

Nowadays, the Cueva del Tesoro is open to visitors year-round, complete with an audio guide, so you can tour its caverns and peer into its underwater chambers (just make sure to check the seasonal timetables carefully). Found near the town of Rincón de la Victoria (Victory’s Corner), you can reach the cave by bus from Malaga’s Terminal Muelle Heredia Bus Station. Take either the M-160, M-163 or M-260 Buses toward Cotomar and get off at Cantal Bajo, where you’ll find the cave just about 10 minutes away on foot. Happy spelunking!

NOT-SO-FUN FACT: The Treasure Cave was also briefly renamed the Cueva del Suizo (the Swissman’s Cave), after the tragic death of Antonio de la Nari. The Swiss explorer spent decades searching the cave for the treasure, often using dynamite to open new pathways until 1847 when his life story came to an explosive climax. I’ll let you infer the rest…

 
 

17. Find some culture at the Pompidou Center

One of the newest additions to Malaga’s long list of landmarks, this cubic structure is worth visiting for its colorful design alone. Fondly referred to as ‘‘El Cubo,’’ the arts center is also the HQ of the National Center of Art and Culture Georges Pompidou, the first one outside of France, The building was built with the joint effort of the original center in Paris, which lends works from the Parisian Beaubourg collection, so for fans of French artwork and design, this cultural venue is not to be skipped, even just walking by. 

The Pompidou Center’s impressive exhibitions of 20th- and 21st-century art pieces are only temporary or semi-permanent, meaning every couple of months or years there’s something new to see and discover. The nearly 8000 sq. meter building has two floors (level 0 and -1), with the glass of the vivid roof also acting as a skylight while the first floor houses the temporary exhibit and the lowest floor the semi-permanent pieces. You can visit either of the exhibits (although a combination ticket is cheaper) for a calm morning of modern French art. When you’re all down, why don’t you stroll down the Palmeral de las Sopresas just in front for some even more picturesque views?

BONUS TIPS: Get into Pompidou Center for free on Sunday afternoons around 4 PM. There’s also La Malagueta Cultural Center, located in a renovated bullfighting arena, which focuses on the contributions of local artists, both past and present. 

18. Party the night away like a Malagueño

If beach days are the perfect activity to enjoy your mornings in Malaga, then bar-hopping is the ideal way to spend your nights. Make like a malagueño and mosey over to neighborhoods like the Old Town or Soho, which are chock full of tapas bars, cocktail bars, gin bars, sports bars, Irish bars, and any other type of bar you could want. 

Start off with a round of beers at local favorites like Morrissey’s or La Madriguera and then have some tapas at Bar Jamones or Picasso Tapas Bar. Next, why not try the homemade vermouth at Bar Lemmy or order a strawberry mojito at Mojito Bar? For tasty cocktails, you can go to either La Destileria or Mañana Cocktail Bar, where the drinks are strong and the music is thumping. If you love hearing bands live, music bars like Road House and La Polivalente are the place to be on the weekends. 

Craving to dance the rest of the night away? There are plenty of nightclubs throughout Old Town whose doors still open until nearly the crack of dawn every night. For techno-house, Bubble or Velvet have got your fix while Mirror or Gallery Club are where you should go in case you prefer reggaeton. Rather jam out to afrobeats, soca or dancehall? Safari Night Club is just what you need. Want to get really wild? Bambú and Barsovía are both guaranteed fun if a bit pricey (just don’t antagonize the bouncers). Regardless of your musical tastes, Malaga’s nightlife has something for everyone to keep you dancing until the sun comes up. ¡Baila!

Final Thoughts

What more can I say about Malaga that would be enough to do this amazing city justice? There are copious reasons that it’s my second favorite city in Spain (the first one being Madrid) and that it attracts ex-pats and Spanish natives alike; the pristine beaches, affordable cuisine, friendly locals, and epic nightlife make it too hard not to love with the sixth biggest city in the nation. The endless amount of cultural activities and constant year-round festivals mean there’s always something to do in the city center (even though most venues are closed on Mondays). Moreover, the cost of living for housing, food, and other lifestyle services are more than reasonable for what you get. 

Have lots of time on your hands and need even more ideas for things to do in Malaga? One challenge that even locals undertake is trying to spot Antonio Banderas, a Malaga native who also owns a local theater. For sporty travelers, an easy feat might be hiking or biking the Gran Senda de Malaga (Malaga’s Great Path), a 650-kilometer route that crosses through nearly 50 other municipalities. If you fancy a bit more glitz and glamour instead, a day trip to Marbella (just an hour away by bus) is a great opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the world’s elite who frequent the swanky city. Whether you come for some fun and sun or stay for the delicious cuisine and crazy nights, Malaga is sure to have you falling in love, too!

May you get lost in the wonder,

M