Malaga, a beautiful city and capital of Costa del Sol, is a hub of multicultural architecture, beautiful landscapes, and sunny beaches. One of the best things you can find in this city is that everything you want to do touristy can be done without breaking the bank!
The city is as traditional as it could get with the essence of Andalusian can be found. While maintaining the traditional aspect, the city has managed to enhance its beauty and yet remain cheap to its visitors.
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The Best 10 Things to do in Malaga
There are some amazing things to do here and you won’t miss out even if you are travelling on a modest budget, because there are also plenty of free activities to choose from.
If you plan to visit the magnificent city of Malaga, read on and learn about the free things to do in Malaga.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Where to Stay in Malaga
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Malaga, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Malaga for any budget.
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Malaga, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Malaga for any budget.
Luxury –Only YOU Hotel Málaga is a luxury hotel in the city centre of Malaga. The hotel has a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool and a bar with fantastic views. All rooms are air-conditioned with wifi and a coffee machine.
Book your stay at Only YOU Hotel Málaga here.
Mid-Range – When you visit Malaga, how about staying at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott, a beautiful hotel in the city centre of Malaga. The hotel has a rooftop pool with views over the port, as well as a gym and free wifi.
Book your stay at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott here.
Budget – We recently stayed at AAC Málaga – Con luz propia, amplio y nuevo! , a beautiful self-catering apartment in the city centre. The apartment is very spacious with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a large balcony, a kitchen and a washing machine. Located a 15-minute walk from the city centre.
Book your stay at AAC Málaga – Con luz propia, amplio y nuevo!here.
Atarazanas Market
There is a belief that states that to know a city well, you have to see what that city eats! Atarazanas market is subtle yet evident proof of this fact. Known as the Mercado de Atarazanas, it is one of the important buildings in Malaga.
Each day you can see the locals flooding in to buy the fresh produce for the day. While some come for shopping, some come to wander around the magnificent building. Another locally loved snacks are the tapas and fresh “pescaíto” (typical small fried fish) available in the bars in the market.
As for the historical aspect, the market dates back to the 14th century and was originally occupied by a Nasrid boatyard. It has seen its own share of changes over the years. The building began to be used as a warehouse, an arsenal, a military hospital and a barracks after the Christian Conquest.
The Mercado Atarazanas was declared of to be of Cultural Interest in 1979 and it was completely refurbished to recover its original design.
Museums in Malaga
Malaga is the hub for culture, art and much more. Supporting this thought, Malaga became a hot spot for loads of museums, each celebrating something special. The following three museums had become tourists’ favourite spots and hence have made their mark as the top three museums of Malaga! Read on to know more:
The Picasso Museum:
One of the highly visited museums in Malaga is The Picasso Museum. Celebrating the life and art of the famous Pablo Picasso, the museum displays some of the finest works of this magnificent painter.
Malaga was his birthplace and he find his solace here and within art. Picasso was the twentieth century’s most important artist and the museum dedicated to him features 80 years of his work through a total of 233 works of art.
The Malaga Picasso Museum is free of charge on Sundays after 6:00 pm and can be visited best at that time.
Centre Pompidou Malaga:
A unique representation of art and culture, Centre Pompidou Malaga is a top spot for tourists every season. It is located in the Port of Malaga in a space known as “The Cube” and is one of a kind to be set up outside France.
The centre is segregated into three sections- a museum, a temporary exhibition space and a children’s workshop area. The centre is special because it is the site of France’s Georges Pompidou National Centre for Art and Cultural.
This magical experience made its way in 2015 when it was inaugurated. The centre opened its gates with a permanent collection of almost 90 artworks. These magnificent artworks are from the Centre Pompidou France’s collection. This collection precisely spans from 20th and 21 centuries. The collection includes a variety of things like photography, design, architecture and video. For a better experience for the visitors, there are exhibitions of creative arts such as dance, film and spoken word.
Entry is free between 04 pm and 08 pm on Sundays.
Carmen-Thyssen Museum:
Designed to be located right in the heart of Malaga, the Carmen-Thyssen Museum had made its mark in history. Situated in the City centre, the museum proudly showcases a fine collection of 285- 300 types of works of art. These artworks are of different genres of Spanish and Andalusian paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries.
This museum has managed to help visitors grasp enough knowledge about these artworks. Dedicated separately to exhibitions, the Malaga museum has a hall designed for the same. Due to these different exhibitions, the Carmen-Thyssen museum has successfully become one of the most important cultural spaces not only in Malaga but also Andalusia.
The entrance is free every Sunday from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Malaga’s Centre of Contemporary Art
Brought into the limelight recently, Malaga’s Centre of Contemporary Art made its way into Malaga’s history in 2003. Since then, its mission was set on presenting contemporary art through reflection, education and, of course, dissemination. In recent times, it has found success when it became an international artistic benchmark for plastic and visual arts.
The centre showcases the works produced during the second half of the 20th century. These artworks are masterpieces of Spanish and North American artists while promoting local talent too. The interior of this centre has a special section for visitors. Inside the former Málaga Wholesale Market building are more than 25,800 square feet of exhibition space. The collection consists of permanent pieces, those on loan from private collectors and travelling shows. Included in this collection, a magical and magnificent collection of 20th and 21st-century art featuring artists such as Demian Hirst, Louise Bourgeois, and Olafur Eliasson as well as a number of Andalusian artists.
Entry is free and open all day.
Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro
Considered as two of the most remarkable landmarks in Malaga, Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro have grabbed enough attention from their respective establishment.
The magnificent fortress, Alcazaba, is one of the best-kept secrets of Spain. Constructed around the 11th century, this well-preserved fortress showcases the existence and reign of Muslim-ruled Al-Andalus.
Whereas, the Castillo de Gibralfar portrays a story of another time. Sitting on a high hill and overlooking Malaga city and port, this castle dates back to the 10th century.
Turning heads over the years, this castle is famous for the tale attached to it. According to historical facts, a three-month siege by the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella took place. This chapter found its end only when hunger forced the Malagueños to surrender. Afterwards, Ferdinand occupied the site, while his queen took up residence in the town.
Malaga’s Viewpoints
To gain access to the best and most magical views of the city, head towards the Gibralfaro hill. It has two best viewpoints which cover the whole hill and give access to different views of the city. One viewpoint could be found located on the side of the hill between the gardens and the castle whereas the second viewpoint can be found right on top of the hill next to the castle. The latter can only be accessed by car and is a suitable choice when you don’t fancy walking.
Montes de Malaga Nature Park
Be prepared to visit the city’s green lungs while planning a trip to the Montes de Malaga Nature Park. People call this park Málaga’s lung because of the lush trees that let you rest whilst on your journey and allow the esteemed privilege of greenery and quite clean air.
This natural wonder became a protected natural space in 1989. Another ecological aspect added to this ecological wonder is that it has a large volume of hydrological resources as it is in the Guadalmedina river basin.
Initially, the Guadalmedina river basin was the reason for various flood flashes the city had to face. To put a stop to this, the construction of the Agujero reservoir and the forest-water repopulation of pine forests on the river basin seemed a proper and safe solution to this untamed problem.
The nature park has numerous hiking trails, picnic spots and traditional restaurants available as a facility and enjoyment. Here you can try one of the popular local dishes ‘plato de los montes’ or ‘dish of the mountains’ and add a different yet traditional to your list.
Soho Neighborhood: Malaga Street Art District
If you have a knack for street art, try exploring the Soho neighbourhood in the heart of Malaga city. The essence of this neighbourhood is the undying love for urban art and underground culture which can be found evident in the street art.
This literary quarter of the Costa del Sol capital has proven to be the perfect spot for artists. The evident presence of graffiti and wall murals decorate several buildings and make the ideas and thoughts behind them quite visible.
Wander around and explore the richness of urban talent with these illustrations.
Malaga Cathedral and Churches
To get a deep and enhanced look at the vast historical presence of Malaga, pay a visit to the cathedral and churches present in the city.
While exploring the city, pay a visit to this tourist famous cathedral. “La Manquita” or The One-Armed Lady as they call her, is an impressive building with Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements presenting the rich presence of intelligence of designing at that time. The cathedral has a historical chapter stuck with its construction. After the ideation, the cathedral found its way to be established, although incomplete. A long time passed resulting in lacking one of the main towers. This ultimately resulted in the cathedral getting its name.
Apart from the cathedral, the city houses some famous churches. One such church is called Sagrado Corazón. This church is famous due to the presence of a famous local. Sagrado Corazón is the exact place where Picasso was baptized. Eventually, the church found another name attached to it- the church of Santos Martíres.
Museo de Malaga
Museo de Malaga or the Museum of Malaga is such a museum that deserves a special mention.
The museum is spread across 18,000 square metres and houses 8 different rooms. Out of these 8, 3 are dedicated to fine arts with a collection of over 2,000 pieces while the remaining 5 rooms are dedicated to archaeology with a collection of over 15,000 pieces.
Feel free to explore the most visited museum of Malaga and experience the rich history of this city.
Botanical Gardens
If you feel like exploring the rich flora of Malaga, try prepping a day to visit the botanical gardens in Malaga. One of the free things to do in Malaga includes visiting the botanical gardens which aim to impress you with their rich collection.
It is renowned as the tropical and subtropical garden of Europe and found some time to make its way for the public. Originally designed for a rich establishment in the 19th century, Malaga’s botanic garden was made a public park in 1990.
Nothing feels more comforting and relaxing than being surrounded by a vast variety of plants and flowers.
Before You Leave for Malaga
Before you set off on your way to Malaga, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Malaga. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Malaga
The most popular way to arrive in Malaga is by flying, however being located in the south of Spain, many people may also arrive in Malaga by bus or train.
Where to Stay in Malaga
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Malaga, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Malaga for any budget.
Luxury –Only YOU Hotel Málaga is a luxury hotel in the city centre of Malaga. The hotel has a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool and a bar with fantastic views. All rooms are air-conditioned with wifi and a coffee machine.
Book your stay at Only YOU Hotel Málaga here.
Mid-Range – When you visit Malaga, how about staying at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott, a beautiful hotel in the city centre of Malaga. The hotel has a rooftop pool with views over the port, as well as a gym and free wifi.
Book your stay at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott here.
Budget – We recently stayed at AAC Málaga – Con luz propia, amplio y nuevo! , a beautiful self-catering apartment in the city centre. The apartment is very spacious with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a large balcony, a kitchen and a washing machine. Located a 15-minute walk from the city centre.
Book your stay at AAC Málaga – Con luz propia, amplio y nuevo!here.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Malaga
What you need to pack for Malaga will rely highly on when you make your trip there. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and rainy days. During the Summer, you are pretty much guaranteed nice weather with temperatures ranging from 20-35 oC. The hottest months are July and August, so these will be the most popular for a Summer holiday.
During the winter months in Malaga, the rain will become more frequent and the temperatures will drop to between 10-20 oc. If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Malaga is very strong, especially during the summer months. Apply a lot of sun cream regularly to prevent a nasty burn from ruining your trip. We use this specific sunscreen to protect us as it is not as oily and irritating as other sunscreens.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Malaga, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Malaga
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your guide to the best 10 things to do in Malaga. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Spain trip soon then check out our other Spanish content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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