Europe » 17 Unmissable Things To Do In Malaga, Spain

17 Unmissable Things To Do In Malaga, Spain

Malaga on Spain’s Costa Del Sol is a buzzing city with more history, culture and great food than many cities put together. Find out the top things to do in Malaga your first visit. 

Malaga, the heart of the Costa Del Sol. With over 300 sunny days a year, hot summers and the warmest winters in Europe, it’s a great choice for a holiday all year round.

Many Brits visit Malaga just for the airport as they travel on to the likes of Marbella and Torremolinos, but Malaga really is worth a dedicated holiday.

Malaga is a pretty green city too
Malaga is a pretty green city too

Malaga is a city undergoing regeneration. While it may not have the draw of nearby Andalucian cities Granada, Córdoba and Seville, it offers plenty in the way of art, culture and beauty. It’s got that beautiful marriage of ancient and modern.

Trendy bars and food markets sit next to Gothic cathedrals and Roman ruins, while rooftop pools offer views to an 11th Century castle on one side and a modern promenade on the other. It’s got that buzz about it. A city on the rise.

Cool modern architecture in Malaga
This Malaga blog shares the coolest spots to visit in the city
Roman amphitheatre ruins in Malaga, Spain
Roman amphitheatre ruins in Malaga, Spain

Believe me, I never expected to return from my trip to southern Spain shouting about Malaga… but it genuinely surprised me. Time to share some of my favourite spots in this Malaga guide.


17 Amazing Things To Do In Malaga On Your First Visit 

Wander Malaga’s Old City

Malaga is a city of cute pavement cafes, historic plazas and stunning architecture. A former stomping ground for Picasso, there’s a creative streak running through the city. Huge murals, mosaic floors and eye-catching street art line the ancient streets. Be sure to wander along Larios – one of the most expensive streets in Spain, often compared to NYC’s 5th Avenue and the Champs Elysees in Paris. It’s one of the key points of interest in Malaga, Spain.

Streets of Malaga, Spain
Streets of Malaga, Spain
Checking out the Plazas of Malaga, Spain - one of the top things to do in Malaga
Checking out the Plazas of Malaga, Spain – one of the top things to do in Malaga
Larios street, Malaga, Spain
Larios street, Malaga, Spain

Visit The Food Markets In Malaga

What can you do in Malaga Spain? EAT EAT EAT! The food in Malaga is top notch and the best way to get to know it is by visiting one of the city’s markets. Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a busy market in a beautiful historic building. It’s hard not to be impressed by the huge archway at the front which was once part of a shipyard.

The building fuses 14th century Moorish architecture with 19th century industrial design. Once inside, the most eye-catching feature is its huge stained glass window. Stalls inside offer everything from cheese and meats to fresh fish, colourful fruit and vegetables and hundreds of varieties of olives.

Vegetables for sale at Mercado Central de Atarazanas, Malaga, Spain
Vegetables for sale at Mercado Central de Atarazanas, Malaga, Spain
Mercado Central de Atarazanas, Malaga, Spain
Malaga things to do include visiting the Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Meanwhile, Mercado Merced is a gourmet market offering tasty tapas and alcoholic drinks in a more sophisticated environment. From Malaga’s famous fried fish to croquetas to craft beer and even sushi, it’s one of the top things to do in Malaga at night, and a really fun place to spend an evening with friends.

Mercado Merced, Malaga, Spain
Mercado Merced, Malaga, Spain
Mercado Merced, Malaga, Spain
I had to include Mercado Merced in my Malaga travel guide
 

READ MORE: Four Day Trips From Malaga, Spain

Visit the Pompidou Centre In Malaga

 You might not have expected the first Pompidou Centre outside of France to be in Malaga… but it seems to be a perfect fit in this creative city. The colourful cube structure sits above ground while most of the modern art is displayed in the gallery underground.

After receiving over 75,000 visitors in the first three months, it’s really set Malaga as a city for art lovers. From Picasso and Francis Bacon to dynamic live performances and visiting exhibitions, this is the kind of gallery where you don’t have to be an art connoisseur to really enjoy your visit!

Click to buy your Pompidou tickets now 

Pompidou Centre at night, Malaga
Looking for things to do in Málaga? You’ve simply got to visit the Pompidou Centre
Pompidou Centre, Malaga
Pompidou Centre, Malaga
Art in the Pompidou Centre, Malaga
Art in the Pompidou Centre, Malaga

Walk along the Muelle Uno in Malaga

 Malaga has a busy port, and this area known as Quay 1 has been completely transformed into a cool shopping and dining area. Along with around 30 stores there are restaurants, cocktail bars and gelatarias.

Oh and then there’s Zoco – a monthly market selling everything from handmade crafts and jewellery to delicious organic foods.

Enjoying the reflections by the water in Malaga
Enjoying the reflections by the water in Malaga
Sunset in Malaga, Spain
Sunset in Malaga – one of the prettiest things to see in Malaga
Night time by the water in Malaga, Spain
Night time by the water in Malaga, Spain 

Enjoy Views Of Malaga From A Rooftop Bar

As you walk the streets of Malaga you’ll be amazed at the beautiful historic buildings sitting alongside each other. There’s so much detail on each one… plus plenty of art to take in too. But head up to one of the city’s tallest buildings for a completely different view of the city.

Spires poke out between the congested rooftops, while boats come and go in the port. For the best view, head to the rooftop of the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio where you can enjoy the panorama while sipping on a cocktail by the pool!

Rooftop pool at the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
Rooftop pool at the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
View of Malaga from the roof terrace at AC Hotel Malaga Palacio, Malaga
View of Malaga from the roof terrace at AC Hotel Malaga Palacio, Malaga


Booking.com

Take A Food Tour Of Malaga

My favourite way to get to know a place is by eating my way around it! Malaga food tours run by Spain Food Sherpas and Devour Malaga give tourists a great introduction to Malaga with visits to the market and the city’s most interesting restaurants.

The guides are full of information, and after the tour, you’ll have a great knowledge not just of Malaga’s cuisine, but also the history and culture that has shaped it.

Squid tapas in Malaga, Spain
Tasty squid tapas on Spain Food Sherpas in Malaga, Spain

Ride the Malaga Wheel

At 70m high, views from the Malaga wheel are pretty spectacular. It’s one of the top Malaga attractions. Located down by the water, its said you can see for around 30km on a clear day – all the way to Morocco!

With 42 pods and space for 8 people, it’s a lot smaller than the London Eye, but it’s a still a lovely way to get to know Malaga. It’s also been voted as one of the top things to do in Malaga for couples!

Malaga wheel and port - a top thing to do in Malaga
Wondering what to see in Malaga? Don’t miss the wheel and port

Learn About Malaga’s History

Malaga has been described as one of the oldest cities in the world, with over 3000 years of history. In 7 BC, the Phoenicians founded a commercial centre here named Malaca. The Romans spent time here, plus don’t forget Arabs ruled for eight centuries and left their mark architecturally.

For history lovers, there really is so much to see! From the incredible remains of the Roman Amphitheatre from the 1st Century to the impressive Santiago Church, Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza de la Merced, and stunning 10th Century Castillo de Gibralfaro overlooking the city – you’ll have your work cut out seeing it all on your first visit.

Visit Malaga for its history - Roman amphitheatre ruins in Malaga, Spain
Visit Malaga for its history – Roman amphitheatre ruins in Malaga, Spain
What to do in Malaga? Visit Malaga Cathedral
What to do in Malaga? Visit Malaga Cathedral. It’s one of the top places to go in Malaga

Visit One Of Malaga’s Beaches

Visiting the beach is one of the top free things to do in Malaga! While many head out of Malaga to the beaches of Nerja or Marbella, there are some lovely beaches close to Malaga’s centre – 15 within the city’s limits to be exact.

Playa de la Malagueta is one of the closest, lined with shops and restaurants specialising in fresh seafood. Just beyond, Playa de la Caleta is one of the most popular with locals.

Nerja's beach, Spain
One of the most fun things to do in Malaga is go to the beach!

READ MORE: Four Day Trips From Malaga, Spain

Enjoy One Of Malaga’s Beautiful Sunsets

What to do in Malaga after a busy day of exploring? Enjoy one of Malaga’s famous sunsets! As the sun disappears over the water, it’s time for another side of the city to reveal itself… the nightlife!

Crowds gather at bars lining Malaga’s ancient streets, enjoying local wine, tapas and more.

What to do in Malaga after a busy day of exploring? Enjoy one of Malaga’s famous sunsets!
What to do in Malaga after a busy day of exploring? Enjoy one of Malaga’s famous sunsets!

Top Tours If You’re Visiting Malaga

Walking Tour Of Malaga

A great first day activity! This tour covers Malaga’s food scene as well as the history and culture of the city. You’ll start at Atarazanas Central Market for some tastings before checking out the city sights including the Picasso Museum, Roman Museum and Malaga Cathedral. 

Check prices for the walking tour of Malaga

Wandering the streets of Malaga, Spain
Looking for activities in Malaga? How about going on a walking tour

Malaga Flamenco Show

For an entertaining evening, attend an original flamenco show in Malaga’s historic centre. You’ll enjoy great music from a live band, plus enjoy a traditional drink at the bar. 
Check prices for the Malaga Flamenco Show

Flamenco Spain
Flamenco show in Malaga

Malaga Segway Tour

Segways are such a great way to cover a lot of ground without exhausting yourself! This tour is one of the best things to do in Malaga. During the segway adventure you’ll explore the historical heart of Malaga with a guide. You’ll pass landmarks including the Cathedral, the Alcazaba Citadel and the Museo Picasso, as well as zooming along the picturesque seafront promenade! 
Check prices for segway tours of Malaga.

Segway tour around Stuart, Martin County, Florida
Segways are a really fun way to get around

Rent a bike in Malaga

Hop on a mountain, road or electric bicycle from City Bikes and explore the city at your own pace for 24 hours. It’s a great way to see the city, and it’s surprisingly bike friendly too. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even ride up to the rocky summit of the Malaga Mountains on a mountain bike. 
Book your bike rental now

Cycling in Malaga
Cycling in Malaga

Paella Cooking Class in Malaga

Lots of people have tried paella, but making it takes skill! At this class you’ll start by visiting the market to collect ingredients, before learning the art of making perfect Spanish paella direct from a top chef. Hopefully you’ll leave with all the tips you need to recreate the dish in your own home!

Check prices for the Malaga paella cooking class

Spanish paella
Spanish paella

City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Malaga

A really easy way to see the sights in a day, is by bus! Whether you’re visiting Malaga from a cruise ship, or are staying in the city, the bus tour has 14 stops including Malaga’s Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Picasso Museum. There’s a stop just ten minutes walk from the cruise terminal making it really convenient!
Check prices for the Malaga bus tour

Tapas tour of Malaga

A great way to explore Malaga’s gastronomy! On this tapas tour you’ll learn all about malaga’s food scene, typical dishes, and some interesting history along the way too.
Check prices for the Malaga tapas tour.

Tasty tapas
Tasty tapas

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Malaga travel blog! Hopefully I’ve inspired you to explore the city!

Enjoyed this Malaga visitors guide? Why not pin it…

17 Unmissable Things To Do In Malaga

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

6 thoughts on “17 Unmissable Things To Do In Malaga, Spain”

  1. Thanks, Cloe for this great article. Málaga one of the loveliest cities and we love to live here and learn new things about this stunning place!

    Reply
  2. Thanks Chloe, this article is going to be of a great help for me and my wife when we visit here early next year. Once again Thank You.

    Reply

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