If you want to know what to see in Malaga and discover why it is one of the most popular destinations in Spain, stay and we will tell you! From its historical monuments, markets and street markets, legendary restaurants, beautiful beaches, etc. In the following list you will find the main places of interest and then you can adapt it depending on the number of days you have, time of year and your preferences. And, if you like gastronomy, at the end of the post, we leave you some suggestions and a video guide with everything to see in 3 days.

15 must-see places in Malaga city and surrounding areas
First of all, I would like you to know that the Malaga city is becoming more and more popular. Below, we share with you our list of things to do in Malaga, to enjoy your getaway and be able to discover the most authentic side of this beautiful Andalusian city.
1. The Alcazaba of Malaga, what to see in the center
If it's your first time, the Alcazaba It is undoubtedly one of the first places to visit in Malaga. This 11th century Arab fortress offers some Spectacular views of the port and the city, as well as a rich history that connects with the city's Muslim past.
- ⏰ Alcazaba schedule: From 9:00 to 20:00 (last admission at 19:15), from November 1 to March 31 the schedule is until 18:00 (last admission at 17:15).
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: €3,50 for general admission and €1,50 for reduced admission (students, senior citizens and children under 6). If you buy the double ticket that includes Gibralfaro Castle, both tickets cost €5,50 or €2,50 (reduced).

2. The Roman Theatre, what to see in central Malaga
Right at the foot of the Alcazaba, is the Roman TheatreDiscovered in 1951, this theatre is a testimony to the Roman presence in the city and is perfectly preserved.
- ⏰ Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00h. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 16:00h.
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: Free entry.

There is a free tours of about two hours that passes through these and other places to visit in Malaga. You can reserve it at this page. In this case you only have to pay tips. If you want a more complete tour (about 3 hours) that includes a guided tour of the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre without queues, take a look this article.
3. The Cathedral of Malaga
Known as "La Manquita" due to its unfinished tower, the Malaga Cathedral It is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture and one of the tourist sites in Malaga to see. If you are walking through the city centre, we recommend that you at least walk past it, as there is a fee to enter.
- ⏰ Schedule: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 20:00h. Saturdays and holidays eve from 10:00 to 18:00h. Sundays and holidays from 14:00 to 18:00h.
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: €10 per person, with a reduced rate for groups, seniors and students. The entrance fee includes an audio guide of the Cathedral.

4. Larios Street
Another must see What to see in the center of Malaga is Larios Street (initial photo of the post). This pedestrian street, Surrounded by 19th-century buildings, it is known for its lively atmosphere and for being the epicenter of shopping and events in the city. During the holidays, such as the Malaga Fair or Christmas, Larios Street It is spectacularly decorated, attracting thousands of visitors.. In addition, it is a perfect place to walk, shop, enjoy the terraces and connect with other emblematic places in the city. For example, the Plaza de la Merced, the Plaza de la Constitución or the Central Market of Malaga which we will talk about next.
5. The Atarazanas Market, things to do in Malaga for free
Another Things to see in Malaga city centre is Atarazanas Market, a place full of life where you can taste local products and experience the true essence of MalagaHere you will find fresh fruits such as Malaga avocado, to its famous anchovy. There's also stalls where you can have some tapas, such as those selling olives and pickles, those of Salted almonds from Malaga, natural juices, etc. As we show you in the video at the end, this market is a must-see for food lovers.
- ⏰ Schedule: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m.
- 💵 Price: Free entry.

6. Casa Aranda's churros, a classic thing to do in Malaga
A few steps from the market, another of the things to do in Malaga is to go eat churros at the Casa Aranda Churreria, founded in 1932. In addition to the churros, we loved the hot chocolate and the service. They also have toasts and sandwiches, although this is a place to go to enjoy this traditional delicacy. There are other Typical churros from Malaga called tejeringos or jeringos (they are drawn by hand) and that you can try in the The Malagueña Churreria.

7. The Picasso Museum Malaga
If you are an art lover, the Picasso Museum It is another of the essentials what to see in Malaga capital. If you didn't know, Malaga is the birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso, and this museum houses more than 200 of his works. You'll find it just a few steps from the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba.
- ⏰ Schedule: open every day from 10:00 to 19:00h
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: 12€ per person
There are other museums to visit in Malaga such as the Thyssen Museum of MalagaOh the Museum Pompidou, in case you were looking for plans What to do in Malaga in 3 days or more.
8. Malagueta Beach
For those looking for a break from urban tourism, the Malagueta Beach is the ideal choice. It is the closest beach to the city centre and has all the services to spend a relaxing day by the sea. Along the promenade there areseveral beach bars and you can walk north to the Spa (a classic for having a drink in Malaga) and even the Pedregalejo beach (famous for its beach bars with espetos). And, if you walk south, it connects with the Port of Malaga and the Muelle Uno area, which we discuss below.

9. Pedregalejo Beach, what to see in Malaga and surroundings
La Pedregalejo Beach It is one of the most authentic what to see in Malaga and a must-see place if you want to enjoy the local cuisine. Here, the sardine skewers are the star dish, roasted to perfection in the classic beach boats. We were recommended the Chiringuito The Palm trees and we loved it. In addition to the espetos, their gazpacho y Anchovies opened with lemon They were delicious. Just a few steps away is also the Cremades ice cream parlour, founded in 1970 and famous for its ice creams and delicious horchataWe arrived at Pedregalejo walking along the promenade (approx. 1 hour from the centre) and on the way back we took the bus (line 3 or 34) which takes only 10 minutes.

10. Muelle Uno, an area of Malaga to see
El Pier One This is a modern area in front of the port where you can stroll, shop and enjoy the local cuisine in the many restaurants around it. There is also a market here which is open every day from 11:00 to 23:00.

11. Gibralfaro Castle, Malaga, tourist attractions
Another of the places to visit in Malaga is the Castle of Gibralfaro, where you can have one of the best panoramic views of the city and the sea. This castle, which dates back to the 14th century, is connected to the Alcazaba by a wall. So, if you are going to visit the Alcazaba and you are interested in visiting this castle as well, remember to buy the double ticket.
- ⏰ Castle Schedule: From 9:00 to 20:00 (last admission at 19:15), from November 1 to March 31 the schedule is until 18:00 (last admission at 17:15).
- 💵 Ticket prices 2024: €3,50 for general admission and €1,50 for reduced admission (students, senior citizens and children under 6). The ticket for La Alcazaba + Gibralfaro costs €5,50 or €2,50 (reduced admission).
12. Bodega El Pimpi, a classic to visit in Malaga
The REl Pimpi restaurant is another The most iconic places to visit in Malaga, known for its traditional atmosphere and for being a meeting point for locals and tourists, including numerous famous people have left their signature on the wine barrels that decorate the place. It is located in the historic center (next to the Roman Theater) and here you will find a wide variety of Andalusian dishes. We recommend you try the rfried osada (typical fish from Malaga), salmorejo, anchovies and Russian salad. For dessert, both the torrija and the puff pastry were 10/900. The place has capacity for XNUMX diners in its different dining rooms and terrace, but we still recommend making a reservation.

In short, if you are looking What to see in Malaga in one day, you can choose from all the plans above. If you have more days, keep reading!
13. Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs, what to see in Malaga province
If you are looking for an what to see in Malaga province, we rented a car and visited the municipality of Nerja, with a stop at the famous Chanquete Boat and the Maro-El Cerro Cliffs (approx. 1 hour by car). These cliffs hide the Cañuelo cove, ideal if you are going to visit Malaga in summer. This beach is known for its Crystal clear waters and difficult access. In fact, to go down to the beach You must park at the top of the cliff and take the mini bus which costs 2,20€ (vehicles cannot access). On the beach there are Two beach bars with sea views and a nudist area. I'll tell you more details in the video below.

If you do not plan to rent a car or are going to travel to Malaga in winter, I recommend other options below: Activities to do in Malaga province.
14. Caminito del Rey, a must-see in Malaga and surrounding areas
El King's Path is a spectacular hiking route Located in the province of Malaga, it is famous for its walkways suspended at great heights over the Gaitanes Gorge. This trail, which was originally built to facilitate access to a hydroelectric power station, has been restored and has become one of the most impressive routes in Spain. Along its 7,7 kilometers, you will enjoy incredible views, suspension bridges and canyons that will leave you breathless. There is an excursion that includes Transfer from Malaga city and Spanish and English speaking guide that you can book at this pageWhether you go on your own or in a group, it is advisable to book in advance due to its popularity. It is only 1 hour from Malaga city.

15. Route through the town of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas, what to see near Malaga
Ronda is one of Towns to see in Malaga, known for its impressive Puente Nuevo, which stands over the Tagus, a gorge more than 100 meters deep, and for its rich history as the cradle of bullfighting. Less than 20 km from Ronda, already in the province of Cádiz, you can visit Setenil de Las BodegasThis town stands out for its houses dug into the rock, integrated into the geological formations of the environment, which creates a unique and picturesque landscape. There is a excursion to Ronda and Setenil with transfer from Malaga and very good reviews from other travelers, ideal if you don't have a car and prefer to go accompanied by a guide.

If you would like to have more options places to see in Malaga province, take note of the people of Frigiliana, very close to Nerja, as well as the town of MijasThe places you visit will depend on your tastes and available days, but here is the best selection for you to choose from.
Map with the best places to see in Malaga
Below, I share with you a map with all these places essential things to see and do in Malaga city. This will make it easier for you to plan your visit and make sure you don't miss anything.
Video of what to see in Malaga in 3 days
In the following video of our YouTube channel I'll tell you in first person the route we took through Malaga: what to see in 3 days with an excursion to Nerja and the famous Maro CliffsIn the video you will find several recommendations of restaurants in Malaga, however, I leave the list below in case it is of interest to you.
Where to stay in Malaga
From our point of view, the ideal is staying close to the center of Malaga so you can explore the entire city on foot. In any case, keep in mind that it is a very bustling city full of terraces. Make sure to stay in a good hotel with soundproofing that guarantees your rest. We leave you some recommendations below.
- Boutique Hotel Roman Theatre (Booking.com rating above 8,5 and just 100 metres from the Alcazaba)
- NH Malaga (more than 8,5 on Booking.com and 1 km walk from the Alcazaba. We stayed at this hotel the first time we visited Malaga and it is located in an area away from the hustle and bustle.
- Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel (more than 8,5 on Booking.com and less than 10 minutes walk from the Alcazaba.
Restaurants in Malaga
I share with you the list of places to eat in Malaga that we loved in case it is useful to you.
- Pepa Stir €€: The Russian salad, the tuna tartar, the pink wine and the Payoyo cheesecake were delicious.
- The Pimpi €€: Salmorejo is a must, fried fish, torrija and puff pastry for dessert.
- The Patio of the Beatas €€€: brioche on steak tartare and squid croquettes.

- Casa Lola €€: ideal for tapas with anchovies in vinegar and good vermouth.
- The Cathedral of Malaga €€€: We didn't get a table, but my friends have been there several times and it's very good (a taxi driver also recommended it to us).
- Casa Aranda Churreria €: a classic to eat churros in Malaga.
- The Palms €€ (Pedregal beach): anchovies opened with lemon and gazpacho.

Now that you know The best things to do in Malaga, I'm sure your trip will be unforgettable. Each of these sites tells a part of the city's history, and together they create a complete experience that you won't find anywhere else. If you liked this guide about what to see in Malaga, don't forget to share it and continue exploring more guides on our blog about Gran Canaria and other destinations in Andalusia and around the world. For example, the article on What to see in Carmona, Seville and route through China that we did in 2024 and we tell you in detail.

Hello! I am Ruth, Canarian with a traveling soul. With training and experience in the tourism and digital marketing sector. In this blog I tell you all the tips you need to get to know the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own. I also share my travel guides to all the places in the world that I am visiting so that you can discover the destinations like a local and save time planning. In addition to traveling, I love gastronomy and sports. I run and hike in the mountains with my “dog-children” (Silver and Plata). In all these adventures my partner accompanies me, Jorge, which you will also see a lot on this blog.
I loved the 3-day guide to Malaga, very well explained and with plenty of information about what to see, what to visit and what to eat... Thank you very much and very good work!!
Thank you very much Patricia!! Now it's your turn to enjoy!!