Malaga is a wonderful city and delivers more to visitors than just great beaches, sun and nightlife. The city is one of a kind in Spain and has become a historical, cultural arts hub in the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by several more ‘touristy’ resorts, Malaga city has some of the best historical attractions in the area, a plethora of fantastic museums, as well as, a stunning old town and a tantalising food scene, it really does deliver on all fronts. To help you get the most out of your trip to Malaga, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Malaga, complete with entry prices, opening times and where to get tickets so you can plan ahead and enjoy your visit stress-free. Here are our top picks of fun and interesting things to do in Malaga, Spain.
1. Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga
Officially named Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación or Our Lady of Incarnation, Malaga Cathedral is a landmark of the city and Malaga region. Having begun construction in 1530, work on the Cathedral ended in the 17th century, although it was never finished. A second tower to the Cathedral was planned to be built but never was because funds at the time were reallocated to help the American independence from the British. This has made the Cathedral an important landmark due to its witness and existence throughout many key events in Spanish history. The architecture is a mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles and is a fantastic example of some of the best Spanish religious architecture. The interior is also delightful and has several great artworks. You can go inside the Cathedral as well as up into the tower, both of which we highly recommend as one of the best things to do in Malaga when visiting.
- Opening times: Mon-Fri from 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 14:00-18:00
- Entry/Tickets: General admission for Cathedral only or roof visit only is €6 ($6.50) or €3-€4 ($3.25-$4.25) for students and those aged 13 to 17 years old. Combined general tickets for the Cathedral and the roof are €10 ($11) or €6-€7 ($6.50-$7.50) for students and those aged 13 to 17 years old. Entry is free for children under 13 years old
- Where to buy: On entry at the desk or online at their website here
2. Explore The Malaga Marina & Port Area
Malaga marina and the port area is the perfect place to enjoy a walk in the sunshine, a relaxing drink or some shopping. The area has been renovated fairly recently and includes many restaurants, bars, shops and leisure options as well as great views over the port area. If you’re looking for something a little more cultural there is also the lighthouse located on the far end of the port and the Pompidou centre, a branch of the famous art museum in Paris, which is easily spotted by the colourful glass cube entrance. With lots to see and do, the vibrant and new marina and the port area is a great contrast to the old town and is just one of the examples of how Malaga city is constantly changing and adapting, that’s why we think it’s one of the top things to do in Malaga. The marina is also located very close to Malagueta beach so is the perfect stopping point when walking from the Old Town to the beach area.
3. Indulge At Atarazanas market
Located in the centre of Malaga, Atarazanas Market is a must-see for anyone visiting Malaga, especially those interested in all things food and drink. The market was named after the building’s former use as a Moorish shipyard, which stood on the site for hundreds of years and was renovated in 1868 for use as the city’s first covered market. There are three main areas of the market which cover seafood, fresh produce and meat. In between these areas, many stalls also sell dry goods, takeaway food and drinks. Exploring the market and discovering the local produce on offer is one of the best things to do in Malaga to get an insight into the local way of life. Alongside the many stalls selling goods are several small restaurants and bar stands which offer freshly cooked food from the market. The most popular is Bar Atarazanas which is usually very busy and serves up a great selection of Spanish tapas.
- Opening times: Mon-Sat from 08:00 to 15:00, closed Sundays
4. Soak Up Some Culture At The Picasso Museum
The Museo Picasso Málaga opened in Malaga in 2003 and celebrates the life and work of one of the most well-known artists in the world, Pablo Picasso, who was born in Malaga. With over 200 works that cover various styles, materials and techniques, the permanent exhibition is well-worth seeing for those with an interest in arts and culture. Many of the works on display were given to the museum from the private family collection and offer an in-depth insight into the artist and how he approached his work.
- Opening times: Daily from 10:00 to 19:00
- Entry/Tickets: General admission from €9 ($9.50), children under 16 years old get free entry. Ticket prices for temporary exhibitions vary
- Where to buy: On entry at the door or buy online to skip the queue at Viator
5. Enjoy Nature At La Concepión Botanical Garden
Covering 23-hectares, Malaga’s botanical gardens are some of the best gardens in the city and are the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon out of the city centre. The gardens were originally built in 1855 by a local upper-class family, they were then added to in 1911 when they were acquired by another influential family in Malaga. It wasn’t until 1994 that the gardens were officially opened to the public. The Mirador, a beautifully tiled pergola, is the symbol of the gardens and is a great viewing spot for sunsets. There are also palm gardens, a black bamboo forest, large lily ponds and a wisteria arbour alongside many other areas to explore in the gardens. Walking the gardens can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to cover. There is also a small cafe inside that serves up good, reasonably priced, homecooked food. You can catch bus no.2 or no.91 to the gardens or take a 10-minute taxi journey that will cost around €10.
- Opening times: From April 1 to September 30, 09:30 to 20:30, from October 1 to March 31, 09:30 to 17:30, closed Mondays
- Entry/Tickets: €5.20 ($5.75) for adults, €3.10 ($3.40) for students, children under 16 years old and pensioners
- Where to buy: Buy on entry at the kiosk
6. Relax At Malagueta Beach
At over 1200 metres long and around a 15-minute walk from Malaga Old Town, Playa de Malagueta is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, relax and take a dip in the sea while visiting Malaga. The sand beach is dotted with seafood restaurants that serve up the best fresh sardines, grilled over charcoal filled boats, and has facilities such as toilets, fitness parks and children’s playgrounds. The beach can get quite busy in the peak summer months, especially near the port end but if you walk just a little further up there is plenty of space for everyone. Walking the promenade along the beachfront is also a great way to spend an hour or so, and can take you all the way to the nearby small town of Pedregalejo.
7. Discover Malaga’s History At Alcazaba de Málaga
Often regarded as one of the top things to do in Malaga, the Alcazaba de Malaga is a former palace from the Islamic era. It is located on the slopes of Mount Gibralfaro and is accessible from within Malaga Old Town, just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral. We recommend visiting the Alcazaba before midday during the summer months, as the climb up is a little steep and avoiding the intense midday sun is wise. There is also a lift up for those that may need it. The Alcazaba de Malaga is one of the best-preserved Alcazaba in Spain and takes visitors on a journey through the history of Malaga from the 10th century until the present day. The fortifications that remain make up around half of the original palace, highlighting just how big the site would have been in its prime. Just a few of the highlights of the Alcazaba include the courtyards, fountains and gardens, as well as the epic views over Malaga. Allow around 2 hours to get up to Alcazaba, explore the complex and get back down.
- Opening times: 1st Nov – 31st March from 09:00 to 18:00 and 1st April – 31st October from 09:00 to 20:00
- Entry/Tickets: Standard tickets are €3.50 ($4) each, reduced tickets for €1.50 ($1.75) each are available for students and those over 65 years old. Combined Alcazaba and Castle tickets are €5.50 ($6) each and last for 24 hours from purchase
- Where to buy: At the kiosk on entry or for guided tours, buy tickets online at Viator
8. Get An Adrenaline Rush At El Caminito del Ray
For thrill-seekers and those looking for something slightly different, taking a day trip to the Caminito del Rey trail is a great way to spend a day outside of Malaga city. The Caminito del Rey trail was built in the early 20th century to make it easier to transport materials across the El Chorro gorge. The daunting trail was once considered to be one of the most dangerous pathways in the world! Thankfully, the trail was significantly renovated in 2014 to make it safer and it has now become a popular hiking route and attraction. The pathway is around 7km long and sits 100 metres up on the edge of the vast cliff faces. As well as being fully safe to walk on, the majority of the path now has handrails as well. The entrance to Caminito del Rey is located around 1 hours drive from central Malaga or a 45-minute train journey on the Malaga to Seville train line. Once you have finished the walk, a bus is available to transport you back to the entrance. The experience really is one of a kind and is ideal for the adventurous and brave!
- Opening times: Daily from 09:00 to 17:00
- Entry/tickets: €10 ($11) per person
- Where to buy: There are a few tickets available to buy on entry but it is strongly advised to reserve tickets online
9. Wander The Streets Of Malaga old town
A visit to Malaga wouldn’t be complete without taking some time to wander its beautiful Old Town. Malaga’s strategic port location has given it a varied and rich history due to its prime position for trading. As a result, the Old Town is made up of a diverse range of architectural styles and buildings which only add to its charm. Throughout most of the Old Town, you will be able to spot the Cathedral, towering above the rest of the buildings, but if you wander down small alleys, you will find several other incredible churches sandwiched between buildings. There are a number of vibrant squares but the most famous is the Plaza de la Constitucion, which is home to a large fountain, shops and a few cafes. Many of the best restaurants in Malaga are down some of the most unassuming streets while souvenir shops can be found on most corners.
10. Get The Best Views Over Malaga At The Castillo de Gibralfaro
The Castillo de Gibralfaro is located atop Mount Gibralfaro and overlooks the city and port. It was built to defend Malaga in 1340 and is closely connected to the Alcazaba of Malaga. The castle offers visitors spectacular views over the nearby area and is another important part of Malaga’s history. The castle is formed of one outer wall and one inner wall which was to provide extra protection. There is the main courtyard area and a weapons courtyard which have ruins including a mosque, a mayor tower and a white tower. Combined tickets for the Alcazaba and Castle are available and are valid for 24 hours from purchase so can be used across 2 days if desired.
- Opening times: Daily from 09.00 to 20.00 in summer and 09:00 to 18:00 in winter
- Entry/Tickets: Standard tickets are €3.50 ($4) each, reduced tickets for €1.50 ($1.75) each are available for students and those over 65 years old. Combined Alcazaba and Castle tickets are €5.50 ($6) each and last for 24 hours from purchase
- Where to buy: On entry
That concludes our list of the top fun and interesting things to do in Malaga, Spain. It is a fantastic city that is versatile for city breaks, family holidays and week-long getaways thanks to its beautiful Old Town, large port area and sandy beach. Let us know in the comments if you have visited Malaga and have done any of the things on our list! You can also check out our Malaga travel guide for more information on how to get in, out and around Malaga, where to stay, when to go and how much things cost.
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