The short answer: the best things to do in Málaga are the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle for views and history, the Roman Theatre and the Cathedral in the old town, the Picasso museums for art, the Atarazanas Market and a beachfront espetos lunch for food, and a walk through the Soho art district. Two days covers the main sights, and a third day lets you add a day trip to Ronda, Nerja, Granada or Gibraltar.
Málaga is one of the most rewarding cities on the Costa del Sol because it combines a Moorish fortress, a Roman theatre, world-class museums, city beaches and a real food culture in a compact centre. This guide gives you twelve things to do, how to sequence them over two days, and what to eat and where.
We are Peter Fischer and Thomas Liedtke. We have run private tours from Mijas since 2015, and we know Málaga and the coast well.
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- Must-see history: the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theatre and the Cathedral.
- Art: the Picasso Museum and birthplace, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Centre Pompidou and the Soho street art.
- Food: tapas in the old town, the Atarazanas Market, and espetos at the beach.
- Time needed: two days for the city, a third day for a day trip.
- Easiest way to see it: a private walking tour of about 3 hours, a flat €250 for 2 to 6 people.
12 things to do in Málaga
1. See the city from the walls of the Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is Málaga’s best-preserved Moorish monument. It was built in the 11th century at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, on the site of earlier fortifications, and it overlooks the city and the bay. You walk through gardens, courtyards and gateways, with views of the old town and the port. It is a paid visit and it works well with a guide. If you want to know which places are real viewpoints, see our guide to the best views in Málaga.
2. Climb to Gibralfaro Castle
Gibralfaro sits on top of the hill above the Alcazaba and was a wartime citadel. It resisted the siege in the 15th century until supplies ran out. You can walk along its walls and towers, with the best panorama of the city, the port and the coast. The climb is steep, so many visitors go up by taxi or city bus and walk down through the Alcazaba. Wear shoes with grip and bring water.
3. Visit the Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre lies at the foot of the Alcazaba, on Calle Alcazabilla. It dates from the time of Augustus and was used until the 3rd century. You can still see the tiered seating, parts of the orchestra and the access passages, and it is easy to combine with the Alcazaba in one walk.
4. Go inside Málaga Cathedral
The Cathedral took more than two centuries to build and mixes Renaissance and Baroque styles. One of its towers was never finished, which is why locals call it “La Manquita”, the one-armed lady. It is right in the centre, close to Calle Larios and the old-town restaurants.
5. See Picasso’s birthplace and the Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga, and the Casa Natal on Plaza de la Merced is a small museum about his early life. For his work, visit the Picasso Museum Málaga in the old town. Both are easy to add to a walk through the centre.
6. Shop and eat at the Atarazanas Market
The Atarazanas Market is the main market of the city, with fish, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables, under a 19th-century iron structure with a stained-glass window. It is busy with locals and visitors, and it is open in the morning, Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays, so check the hours before you go.
7. Stroll in La Concepción Botanical Garden
This historic botanical garden, more than 150 years old, sits outside the centre, and is a good escape from the sun, with subtropical plants and shaded paths. It is a calm hour or two, and it suits all ages.
8. Cool off in Parque de Málaga
Parque de Málaga is a shaded park beside the port, with sculptures, a rose garden and a cypress avenue. It is one of the best places in the centre to rest in the heat of the day.
9. Spend a day on the beach and eat espetos
Málaga’s city beaches are urban and easy to reach. La Malagueta is closest to the centre and the port. Pedregalejo and El Palo are fishermen’s neighbourhoods with seafood restaurants on the sand. La Caleta and La Misericordia are popular in summer, and San Andrés has green areas and a playground. In summer the most popular beaches are very crowded.
The dish to try is espetos de sardinas: sardines on a skewer, grilled over embers, served at beachfront bars known as chiringuitos. Pedregalejo, El Palo and La Malagueta are the classic places to eat them.
10. Walk through the Soho art district
Soho was a run-down district that has been transformed into the city’s art quarter, with street art on building facades, galleries, craft shops and trendy bars. Most of the murals are near the CAC Málaga contemporary art centre and in the streets close to it.
11. See a flamenco show
Flamenco shows are held at venues across the city, and in August the Feria de Agosto brings a week of music, dancing and street celebrations that commemorates the city’s conquest in 1487. Check the programme of the venue you choose, and book ahead for busy dates.
12. Visit the Automobile and Fashion Museum
This museum shows a large collection of classic cars from 1903 onwards, together with a haute-couture fashion display. It is an unusual stop, and it suits visitors who want something different from the history and art circuit.
Museums beyond Picasso’s birthplace
| Museum | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Picasso Museum Málaga | Picasso’s work in a historic palace in the old town | Art lovers |
| Casa Natal de Picasso | Birthplace on Plaza de la Merced | A quick, personal stop |
| Carmen Thyssen Museum | Spanish painting, especially 19th-century Andalusian | Painting lovers |
| Centre Pompidou Málaga | Modern and contemporary art, in the coloured cube at Muelle Uno | Modern art and the port |
| CAC Málaga | Contemporary art centre in the Soho district | Street art and contemporary art |
| Museum of Glass and Crystal | A private collection of glass and crystal | Something different |
| Automobile and Fashion Museum | Classic cars and haute couture | Families and design fans |
Málaga in two days
Day one: the historic centre
- Morning: the Alcazaba, then the Roman Theatre.
- Midday: the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum or birthplace.
- Lunch: tapas around Plaza de la Merced and the Atarazanas Market area.
- Afternoon: Calle Larios and the old town, with a break in Parque de Málaga.
- Evening: tapas, or a flamenco show.
Day two: the hill, the art and the sea
- Early morning: go up to Gibralfaro and walk down.
- Late morning: a museum, such as the Centre Pompidou or the Carmen Thyssen.
- Afternoon: the Soho street art, or La Concepción.
- Evening: espetos at La Malagueta, Pedregalejo or El Palo, and a walk along the seafront.
If you would rather not plan it, our private Málaga walking tour covers the historic centre in about 3 hours, for a flat €250 for 2 to 6 people.
Best neighbourhoods for food, atmosphere and shopping
| Area | Known for | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Historic centre | Sights, tapas bars, shops on Calle Larios | All day |
| Soho | Street art, galleries, trendy bars | Afternoon and evening |
| La Malagueta and Muelle Uno | Beach, port promenade, restaurants | Sunset |
| Pedregalejo and El Palo | Fishermen’s quarters with seafood on the sand | Lunch or dinner |
| Plaza de la Merced | Picasso birthplace and terraces | Coffee or an evening drink |
Where to eat traditional food
Eat espetos at a beach chiringuito, fried fish in Pedregalejo or El Palo, and tapas in the old town. For a market lunch, go to the Atarazanas Market. We recommend booking dinner ahead at busy times, and eating late, as locals do.
Outdoor activities near Málaga
- Hiking in the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, in the hills just north of the city.
- The Caminito del Rey, a gorge walkway about 60 km and 1 hour from Málaga, for confident walkers. Tickets sell out 6 to 12 weeks ahead in high season. See our private Caminito del Rey tour, from €450 for 2 people.
- Boat trips and seafront walks from the port area.
- The beaches, for swimming and sunsets.
Where to stay in Málaga
For a base in the historic centre, popular choices include the Hotel Gran Miramar (a five-star hotel in a historic building), the Molina Lario (next to the Cathedral, with a rooftop bar), the AC Hotel by Marriott (opposite the Molina Lario) and the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro (in a castle-like setting with views). If you are deciding between Málaga and other bases, read our guide on where to stay on the Costa del Sol.
The best day tours from Málaga
Málaga is also the best starting point for day trips. All of ours are private and door-to-door, with prices per group, not per person. See all day trips from Málaga.
Ronda private day tour
Ronda is famous for the Puente Nuevo bridge over the El Tajo gorge, winding streets and whitewashed houses. From €600 for 2 people, 7 hours.
Gibraltar private day tour
The Rock, St. Michael’s Cave and views to the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. From €890 for 2 people.
Olive oil mill private day tour
Visit a modern olive oil mill and an older one, and learn how quality olive oil is made, from the olive to the bottle.
Private winery tour and tapas in Ronda
A day at Finca La Melonera, an organic winery in the Sierras de Málaga, followed by time in Ronda. The tasting is included. From €600 for 2 people, 8 hours.
Mijas private day trip
A relaxed visit to the white village, with the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña chapel and views over the coast. From €500 for 2 people.
Granada and Alhambra private day trip
Granada and the Alhambra, with the ticket included. About 9 hours. From €800 for 2 people. Tickets must be secured at least 2 months ahead.
Bull and Andalusian horse breeding farm tour in Ronda
Visit a farm that breeds bulls and Andalusian horses, and see traditional country life up close.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Málaga, Spain?
Start with the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, the Roman Theatre and the Cathedral, then add the Picasso museums, the Atarazanas Market, the port and Muelle Uno, and the city beaches for fried fish and espetos. A private walking tour covers the historic centre in about 3 hours.
What should I do in Málaga in two days?
Spend day one on the historic centre: Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Cathedral, Picasso birthplace and tapas. Spend day two on Gibralfaro, a museum such as the Picasso Museum or the Centre Pompidou, and an evening at the beach or the port. If you have a third day, add a day trip.
What are the best museums in Málaga?
The Picasso Museum Málaga, the Casa Natal de Picasso, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Centre Pompidou Málaga at Muelle Uno, the CAC Málaga contemporary art centre in Soho, the Museum of Glass and Crystal, and the Automobile and Fashion Museum.
What day trips are worth taking from Málaga?
Ronda for the gorge and the Puente Nuevo, Nerja and Frigiliana for caves and a white village, Granada for the Alhambra, Gibraltar for the Rock, Mijas for an easy village visit and the Caminito del Rey for experienced walkers. Our private trips collect you at your hotel.
Where should I eat traditional food in Málaga?
For espetos, try the beachfront chiringuitos at La Malagueta, Pedregalejo and El Palo. For tapas, walk the old town around Plaza de la Merced and the streets near the Atarazanas Market, and for a market lunch, Atarazanas itself.
Which Málaga beaches are best?
La Malagueta is closest to the centre, Pedregalejo and El Palo are known for fish restaurants on the sand, and La Caleta and La Misericordia are popular city beaches. Choose by atmosphere, because all are urban beaches.
What are the best neighbourhoods in Málaga?
The historic centre for sights and tapas, Soho for street art and galleries, La Malagueta and Muelle Uno for the sea and the port, and Pedregalejo and El Palo for a local seafood evening.
How many days do I need in Málaga?
Two days covers the main sights. Three or four days lets you add a day trip, such as Ronda or Nerja.
Plan your Málaga trip with us
Málaga is easy to enjoy in two days and easy to leave for a day trip. Tell us where you are staying and how many of you are travelling, and we will suggest the best days. Message us on WhatsApp, or see our tours and prices.
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