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Close-up of ripe persimmons hanging on a tree branch in Anna, Spain.

Things to Do in Malaga, Spain

Photo made by Emilio Sánchez Hernández on Pexels.com

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan12°7d rain
NOT BUSYFeb13°6d rain
MODERATEMar15°5d rain
MODERATEApr17°4d rain
MODERATEMay20°2d rainBEST
BUSYJun25°1d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul28°0d rain
VERY BUSYAug28°0d rain
BUSYSep26°2d rainBEST
MODERATEOct22°4d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov17°6d rain
NOT BUSYDec14°7d rain

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Scroll down for a list of most popular attractions and select them, if you want to include them in the itinerary preparation!

Most popular attractions in Malaga, Spain

Alcazaba

1. Alcazaba

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4.6 (39,240)
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Explore a stunning hilltop fortress with sweeping city views. Wander through fragrant gardens and ancient battlements rich with history.

Castillo de Gibralfaro

2. Castillo de Gibralfaro

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4.5 (20,339)
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Experience sweeping city and sea views from a hilltop fortress. Stroll ancient walls and admire centuries-old military craftsmanship.

Roman Theatre

3. Roman Theatre

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4.6 (8,717)
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Experience an ancient Roman drama stage with stunning Mediterranean views. Walk through history amid beautifully preserved stone seats and atmospheric ruins.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Malaga, Spain, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Picasso Museum

4. Picasso Museum

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4.3 (34,369)
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Dive into Picasso's artistic roots framed by stunning palace architecture. Walk through evolving periods of genius while soaking in authentic Andalusian vibes.

Centre Pompidou Malaga

5. Centre Pompidou Malaga

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4.4 (17,551)
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Experience dazzling modern art and panoramic harbor views. Discover creativity in a glowing cube that transforms Malaga's seafront.

La Malagueta Beach

6. La Malagueta Beach

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4.4 (26,079)
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Relax on golden sands just steps from urban buzz. Savor grilled sardines and sunsets with a lively local vibe.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

7. Carmen Thyssen Museum

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4.6 (9,750)
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Discover the vibrant soul of Andalusia through stunning 19th-century art. Experience colorful landscapes and lively traditions captured in over 230 paintings.

Atarazanas Market

8. Atarazanas Market

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4.6 (47,097)
MarketTourist AttractionSpanish RestaurantGrocery StoreFood Store

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Experience a sensory feast from freshly caught seafood to vibrant fruits. Dive into lively local culture embraced by stunning stained glass artistry.

Additional popular things to do in Malaga, Spain

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Bienmesabe Malagueño

Bienmesabe Malagueño

Bienmesabe Malagueño is a traditional almond cream dessert in Malaga, known for its smooth texture and sweet flavor made from ground almonds, sugar, and lemon zest.

Tarta Malagueña

Tarta Malagueña

Tarta Malagueña is a well-loved Malaga almond cake, combining local almonds and Malaga sweet wine for a rich and moist dessert.

Leche Frita

Leche Frita

Leche Frita, or fried milk, is a beloved dessert in Malaga where milk pudding is fried until golden and crispy, often dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Espeto de Sardinas

Espeto de Sardinas

Espeto de Sardinas is a classic Malaga dish of sardines skewered and grilled over open flames on the beach, famously enjoyed during summer evenings.

Porra Antequerana

Porra Antequerana

Porra Antequerana is a cold, thick tomato soup similar to gazpacho, but creamier and heartier, originally from the nearby town of Antequera, popular in Malaga as well.

Ajoblanco

Ajoblanco

Ajoblanco is a refreshing cold almond and garlic soup from Malaga, served with grapes or melon, perfect for hot Mediterranean days.

Traditional Beverages

Malaga Virgen

Malaga Virgen

Malaga Virgen is a sweet fortified wine made from local Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes, famous for its rich, fruity taste and deep heritage.

Zurracapote

Zurracapote

Zurracapote is a traditional Malaga alcoholic punch made from red wine, fruit, sugar, and spices, commonly consumed during festivals.

Montilla-Moriles

Montilla-Moriles

Montilla-Moriles is a well-regarded Andalusian sherry-style wine, often enjoyed in Malaga for its dry and nutty characteristics.

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Most popular day trips

Granada

125 km 1.5h by train

Famous for the Alhambra palace and stunning Moorish architecture.

Ronda

100 km 2h by car

Known for its dramatic cliffs and the historic Puente Nuevo bridge.

Nerja

50 km 1h by bus

Coastal town with beautiful beaches and the Nerja Caves.

Rent a car in Malaga, Spain

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Getting there

Train stations

Málaga María Zambrano

High-speed AVE connections to Madrid, Córdoba, and Seville

From Málaga Airport, take the C1 suburban train line directly to the city center in about 12 minutes.

Find flights to Malaga, Spain

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The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Useful information for Malaga, Spain

Shopping locationsCalle Larios, El Corte Ingles, Muelle Uno
Nightlife locationsPlaza de la Merced, Soho, Pedro Luis Alonso
Popular casual restaurantsEl Pimpi, La Tranca
Popular fancy restaurantsRestaurante Vino Mio, Los Patios de Beatas
Popular coffee shopsCafe Central, Recyclo Bike Cafe
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appMyTaxi, Cabify, Uber
Taxi price / km$1.2
Tourists / year9000000
Population578000
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage12 %
Poverty percentage20 %
Average income / month$1800
Average cost of living / month$1000
Hotel price / night from$70
Beer price from$3
Coffee price from$1.5
Street food price from$4
Restaurant meal price from$12
Local currencyEUR
Power plug typesC, F
ReligionsChristianity
Spoken languagesSpanish, English
EthnicitiesSpanish, Gypsy, Other Europeans
Political orientationcenter-left
Population density2000 /km²
Geographical area398.25 km²
Possible natural disastersEarthquakes, Floods
Dangerous animalsNone
Locations for a nice walkMalagueta Beach, Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, Historic Center
Public transportationsBuses, Cercanías Train, Taxi
AirlinesRyanair, Vueling, Iberia
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Tetanus
Architecture typeMoorish, Baroque, Modernist
Average beer consumption per person / year75 l
Average wine consumption per person / year20 l
Tipping cultureOptional but appreciated
Coworking / day$15
Airbnb / month$900
1BR rent / month$600
Gym / month$30
Daily budget (backpacker)$40
Daily budget (mid-range)$80

Overview for Malaga, Spain

English proficiencyAverage
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareGood
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyAverage
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeGood
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood
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