What to do in Málaga

Activities, attractions and tours

Málaga
Gibralfaro Castle which includes a coastal town, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Málaga
Malaga which includes heritage elements, a house and interior views
Málaga

Places to Visit in Málaga

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Málaga, Andalusia while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Málaga attractions from NZ$7, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Málaga tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 369 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Málaga. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Port of Malaga

The Port of Málaga is one of the oldest seaports in Spain and the first stop for many visitors on a trip to the city. The port is both a transportation hub and a popular destination itself. Shop in chic malls, lounge on beaches and explore cutting-edge art galleries, all within the marina area.
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Port of Malaga which includes cycling, a marina and modern architecture

2. Malagueta Beach

Malagueta Beach is an ideal place to escape the city and unwind by the sea. During the high season, waterfront food vendors and busy restaurants line the shore, parents and children use the playground facilities and visitors enjoy beach activities. Stretch out on a sun lounger, walk barefoot on the sands and cool off in the calm waters.
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Malagueta Beach which includes tropical scenes and a beach

3. Picasso Museum Malaga

Born in Málaga in 1881, Picasso grew up in town, but spent most of his adult life elsewhere. In 1953, he said that he wanted his work to be exhibited in his hometown, but he died in 1973 before he could bring this to fruition. Thirty years after his death, the Picasso Museum Málaga was established, thereby making the elderly Picasso’s wish a reality. Visit the museum to see works and sketches by Picasso, a painter and sculptor who is considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time.
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Picasso Museum Malaga showing street scenes as well as an individual male

4. Alcazaba

Built between the eighth and 11th centuries this palatial fortress was named Alcazaba, the Arabic word for citadel. The military-style structure was fortified with double stone walls and tall towers, erected to see enemies approach. Take a historic journey by entering through the fortress’ magnificent gates and explore gardens, towers and patios. From the Maldonado Tower (Torre de Maldonado), you can see all the way to Africa on a clear day.
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Alcazaba showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture

5. Málaga Cathedral

This ornate and stately cathedral is known among locals as La Manquita, or “The One-Armed Lady,” because its tower was intended to be one of two. The first tower was erected to an imposing 276 feet (84 meters), but then construction ceased because the funds were sent to American troops in the War of Independence in 1780. Even without the second tower, the cathedral is grand.
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Malaga Cathedral which includes religious aspects, interior views and heritage architecture

6. Plaza de la Merced

If you have nothing planned on one of your afternoons in Málaga, sit at a restaurant terrace on Plaza de la Merced and watch the activity of the square over a plate of tapas. Resting on the northern edge of Málaga’s Old Town, this open square fills with tourists and locals as dusk settles in. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and delight in the regional cuisine as you look out over the square, which is filled with local history.
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Malaga showing cycling as well as a couple

7. Gibralfaro Castle

Gibralfaro Castle is a Malaga icon and appears on the city and province’s flag and seal. The 10th-century monument with sturdy 14th-century fortifications is perched above the Moorish fortress Alcazaba in the Montes del Malaga mountain range. At the top, you can look out over the historic walls, Malaga’s port and the Mediterranean coastline.
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aerial view of malaga taken from gibralfaro castle including port of malaga, alcazaba castle and the cathedral of malaga during sunset, Shutterstock ID 444551362, purchase_order: SP-1269 HA 2018 Batch

8. Central Market of Atarazanas

The Mercado de Atarazanas is an impressive sight, a covered fresh produce market housed in an old Arabic building with a history that goes back to the 14th century. What was once a shipbuilding yard when the Moors ruled is now a market selling fresh and local products. Embark on a food shopping expedition and stay for tapas in one of the bars.
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Central Market of Atarazanas featuring a city

9. Malaga Roman Theatre

Visit Málaga in the summer to catch an open-air performance in this Roman amphitheatre. Known as El Teatro Romano by Málaga residents, the magnificent ruin had laid hidden underground for around 500 years until construction workers uncovered it in 1951. Dating back to the first century B.C., the Málaga Amphitheatre is Málaga’s oldest structure and one of the only Roman ruins that has survived in Andalusia to this day.
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Malaga Amphitheatre which includes heritage architecture and cycling as well as an individual male

Recommended things to do in Málaga

Number of things to do
369
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Alcazaba to Picasso Málaga’s Best in a Self-Guided Tour: NZ$7
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Málaga

Discover the most popular places to visit in Málaga

Port of Malaga featuring a city and night scenes

Port of Malaga

One of Spain’s most popular cruise ports is a great place to experience the atmosphere and history of lively, welcoming Málaga.

Port of Malaga
Malagueta Beach which includes a coastal town, a beach and swimming

Malagueta Beach

Laze under the Andalucían sun on this popular beach, which is just a short stroll from Malaga's historic city center.

Malagueta Beach
Picasso Museum Malaga showing art and interior views as well as an individual female

Picasso Museum Malaga

The work of Málaga’s most famous son is on display at this extensive museum inside of a 16th-century palace.

Picasso Museum Malaga
Calle Larios

Calle Larios

During your visit to Malaga Historic Centre, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Calle Larios. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Calle Larios
Alcazaba featuring heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture

Alcazaba

Explore the lavishly decorated residence of Moorish sultans and other rulers in this thousand-year-old fortress built on the remains of a Roman settlement.

Alcazaba
Malaga Cathedral which includes religious aspects, interior views and heritage architecture

Málaga Cathedral

The “One Armed Lady” and her ornate Baroque and Renaissance features has charmed locals for over 200 years.

Málaga Cathedral
Plaza de la Merced

Plaza de la Merced

Come to this square in the north of Old Town in late October for a celebration of Picasso’s birthday. Otherwise, visit for the regional cuisine and busy atmosphere.

Plaza de la Merced
Gibralfaro Castle which includes a coastal town, a bay or harbour and general coastal views

Gibralfaro Castle

Malaga’s most famous landmark sits on top of a mountain and offers panoramic views of the city and the Alboran Sea, stretching all the way to Africa.

Gibralfaro Castle
Central Market of Atarazanas

Central Market of Atarazanas

Browse stalls for fresh local produce and experience the sights, sounds and smells of this longstanding market set in a historical building.

Central Market of Atarazanas

Explore areas of Málaga

Port of Malaga showing a marina, general coastal views and boating

Málaga Centro

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are a few top attractions in Málaga Centro. Hop around the city on the metro at La Marina Station or La Malagueta Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning cathedral and captivating waterfront views.

Málaga Centro
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Malaga-Este

You'll enjoy the cafes and spas in Malaga-Este. You might want to make time for a stop at Malagueta Beach or Playa de Pedregalejo.

Malaga-Este
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Ciudad Jardin

4/5(1 area review)

Ciudad Jardin is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Malaga Botanical Garden and Mirador Del Cochino.

Ciudad Jardin
Malagueta Beach showing signage and a beach

La Malagueta

Pristine beaches, ample dining options and captivating waterfront views are just a few things travellers love about La Malagueta. Sights like Malagueta Beach and Muelle Uno are top spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Málaga area at La Malagueta Station.

La Malagueta
Malaga which includes outdoor art

Carretera de Cadiz

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Playa Sacaba Beach and take some time to enjoy the beaches during your time in Carretera de Cadiz. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at El Torcal Station or La Luz - La Paz Station.

Carretera de Cadiz
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Churriana

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Churriana. A stop by Malaga Airport Museum or Parador Malaga Golf Club might round out your trip.

Churriana

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Málaga

La Carihuela which includes street scenes

Torremolinos

Photo by Alex Tebbitt

Colmenar

Malaga Historic Centre featuring heritage architecture, shopping and a city

Malaga Historic Centre

Frequently asked questions

Is Málaga worth visiting?
Whether you're here to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Málaga.
How do I spend a day in Málaga?
Malagueta Beach and Bajondillo Beach are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Málaga while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Málaga?
Don't go home without checking out Malagueta Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Málaga.
Is three days enough to stay in Málaga?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Malagueta Beach, Málaga Cathedral and Picasso Museum Malaga with a three-day break in Málaga. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Marbella.
Is Málaga a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Málaga. Several top sights, like Malagueta Beach and Málaga Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Málaga's neighbourhoods, Málaga Centro is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Malaga Historic Centre is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Málaga with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, check out these great ideas for what to do in Málaga with kids.

What to do in Málaga for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Málaga for adults including Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena and Cortijo de Torres Municipal Auditorium.
Are there free things to do in Málaga?
In Málaga, Malagueta Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Málaga.

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