Things to see in Malaga
Malaga is a city best experienced when staying right in the city center. From our apartments, you can easily walk to charming squares, bustling markets, leafy city parks, and iconic streets brimming with culture and history. The compact city center makes it easy to explore most sights on foot. The city effortlessly combines history, gastronomy, and Mediterranean life. During the day, stroll through streets like Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitucion, visit markets like Atarazanas or Salamanca, and enjoy a moment of peace in Parque de Malaga or at Muelle Uno. In the evening, relax at one of the many terraces or restaurants and soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere. Discover Malaga's most beautiful sights below and see why the city center is the ideal base for a stay on the Costa del Sol. Check opening hours before visiting.
Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is a magnificent Moorish fortress that rises high above the center of Malaga. Built in the 11th century by the Hammudids, it served as both a military fortress and a residence for the rulers of the time. Stroll through atmospheric courtyards, along colonnaded galleries, and through intricate defensive corridors. The combination of architecture, history, and panoramic views makes this one of the most impressive sites in the city.
📍 Location: Calle Alcazabilla
🌐 Website: https://alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu
🕐 Opening hours: Apr 1–Oct 31 from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Nov 1–Mar 31 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
💡 Tip: Start your visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat and watch the sun rise over the city — a magical view!
Castle of Gibralfaro
Perched atop the hill is the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a renowned castle built in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba and the city. It is best known for its breathtaking panoramic views of Malaga, the Mediterranean Sea, and the expansive coastline. This is the perfect spot for photos, sunsets, and to experience the region's military history.
📍 Location: Monte Gibralfaro or entrance via the Alcazaba
🌐 Website: https://alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu
🕐 Opening hours: Apr 1–Oct 31 from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Nov 1–Mar 31 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
💡 Tips: Combine your visit with a walk along the Gibralfaro Trail—a green route with stunning views that's popular with locals. You can also take bus 35 or a taxi to the top. And combine it with a visit to the Alcazaba for a cheaper fare.
Roman Theatre
At the foot of the Alcazaba lies the Roman Theatre of Malaga, one of the city's oldest monuments. This well-preserved archaeological site dates back to the 1st century AD and offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life in this region. Originally a stage for dramas and musical performances, the theatre now offers a serene place to stroll and experience history.
📍 Location: Calle Alcazabilla, Málaga
🌐 Website: Roman Theatre
🕐 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-4pm. Closed Mondays. Free admission!
💡 Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the Interpretation Centre (a glass, steel and wood building next to the Teatro) nearby for additional context and artifacts.
Malaga Cathedral
The Malaga Cathedral, nicknamed La Manquita (the woman with one arm), is an impressive Renaissance-style building with Baroque influences. The cathedral is unique for its unfinished second tower, which creates a charming asymmetry. Inside, you'll find beautiful chapels, stained-glass windows, and high-quality religious art. For an extra special view, you can even visit the roof.
📍 Location: Calle Molina Lario 9
🌐 Website: https://malagacatedral.com
🕐 Opening hours: from June to the end of October Mon–Fri 10am – 8pm, Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 2pm – 6pm. from the end of October to April.
💡 Tip: Combine it with a visit to the Palacio Episcopal at Plaza Obispo 6.
Atarazanas Market
The Mercado de Atarazanas is the culinary heart of Malaga. In this historic market building with its beautiful stained-glass windows, you'll discover the flavors of Andalusia: fresh fish, seafood, fruit, cheeses, and local delicacies. It's a vibrant place where locals do their daily shopping and visitors experience the authentic atmosphere of the city.
📍 Location: Calle Atarazanas 10
🌐 Website: Atarazanas Market
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Saturday approx. 08:00 – 14:30
💡 Tip: Come around 1pm for the best atmosphere and a quick lunch.
Salamanca Market
The Mercado de Salamanca is a small, authentic neighborhood market, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center. In this recently restored early 20th-century building, you can buy fresh produce and experience daily life in Malaga as the locals know it.
📍 Location: Calle San Bartolomé 4
🌐 Website: Salamanco Market
🕒 Opening hours: Mon – Sat 08:00 – 15:00, Sun closed
💡 TipThis Mercado is practically next to our apartments in the city center, so get your fresh produce here.
Muelle Uno
Muelle Uno is a modern harbor promenade where city and sea meet. Here you'll find restaurants, cafés, and shops with views of the marina, La Farola lighthouse, and Gibralfaro Castle. Relaxing by day, atmospheric in the evening.
📍 Location: Paseo del Muelle Uno
🌐 Website: https://www.muelleuno.com
🕒 Opening hours: daily, catering until late
💡 Tip: perfect at sunset for photos and a drink.
Calle Larios
Calle Larios is Malaga's most famous shopping street and the city's vibrant heart. This wide, pedestrianized street is known for its elegant architecture, shops, and atmospheric lighting during holidays and events.
📍 Location: Calle Marqués de Larios
🌐 Website: Calle Larios
🕒 Opening hours: shops usually 10am – 9pm
💡 Tip: Extra beautiful in the evening thanks to the lighting. Looking for more shops? Calle Nueva has a large selection of stores.
Plaza de Toros
The Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta is an impressive bullring dating back to 1876. Today, the building also serves as a cultural center and museum, where you can learn more about Andalusian traditions and history. Temporary exhibitions are also frequently held there.
📍 Location: Paseo Reding 8
🌐 Website: https://cclamalagueta.com/
🕒 Opening hours: Tue - Fri from 10am - 2pm and from 4pm - 7pm. Sat - Sun and public holidays from 11am - 2pm and from 3pm - 6pm. Closed on Monday.
💡 Tip: combine your visit with a walk along Muelle Uno.
Episcopal Palace
The Palacio Episcopal (Bishop's Palace) is an elegant Baroque palace located directly across from the cathedral. The building hosts exhibitions and cultural events and is a true eye-catcher in the historic center.
📍 Location: Plaza del Obispo 6
🌐 Website: Fundacion Unicaja
🕒 Opening hours: when there is an exhibition then Mon - Sat 10am - 2pm and 4pm - 7pm. Sun and public holidays 10am - 2pm.
💡 Tip: especially photogenic in the evening light.
Malaga Park
📍 Location: Paseo del Parque
🌐 Website: Malaga Park
🕒 Opening hours: daily free admission
💡 Tip: wonderful for a shady walk on hot days.
Botanical Garden
The Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción, the botanical garden just outside the city center, is one of the most beautiful in Spain. Here you can stroll through tropical gardens, past water features and historic pavilions, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
📍 Location: Camino del Jardín Botánico 3
🌐 Website: Botanical Garden
🕒 Opening hours: daily, times vary by season
💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes due to the hilly terrain. Bus 20 is the closest.
Plaza de la Merced
Plaza de la Merced is a lively square full of terraces and restaurants, and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso is located on this square. In the center stands the large obelisk, erected as a monument to General Torrijos and his companions. The square is a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.
📍 Location: Plaza de la Merced
🌐 Website: Plaza de la Merced
🕒 Opening hours: always accessible
💡 Tip: nice square for breakfast or an evening drink.
Plaza de la Constitución
Plaza de la Constitución has been the heart of Malaga for centuries. The square connects Calle Larios with the rest of the city center and is the scene of celebrations, events, and festivities.
📍 Location: Plaza de la Constitución,
🌐 Website: Plaza de la Constitución
🕒 Opening hours: always accessible
💡 Tip: ideal starting point for a city walk.
Travel guides
In the Dutch and English travel guides available in our apartments and beach house, you can read even more about the sights of Malaga. One of the guides is from Beleef Malaga. They also have an extensive website. Click the button below to get in the mood. You can also find a lot of information about Malaga on the Malaga4you website.