The 11 Best Things to Do in Malaga Spain + 2 Things I Would Skip 2026

Malaga in Spain, has been one of the cities I visited on my recent trip that surprised me the most and that in a very positive way, of course!

I don’t know why I didn’t have the highest expectations; maybe I just thought Malaga was a basic beach destination. But I was definitely wrong about that! Malaga has such a beautiful old town, amazing food, and some incredible day trips that I did from there. And yes, it also has a beautiful beach.

I spent just over a week in Malaga recently, using it as a base for my family vacation. We did loads of fun activities in and around the city, and because I had such an amazing time, I’ve decided to put together this little guide on the best things to do in Malaga that I enjoyed the most.

I want to give you guys some guidance and a better idea of what there actually is to do in this wonderful city!

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The 11 Best Things to Do in Malaga Spain + 2 Things I Would Skip 2026 — We had amazing views from the top of the Alcazaba de Malaga!

What Are The Best Things to Do in Malaga – My Quick Answer

My very quick answer to this is: if I had to name three things that I think you absolutely can’t miss, I’d say the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, the Alcazaba de Málaga, and the Málaga Cathedral.

These were my top three highlights in terms of actual sightseeing, basically the landmarks I would always make sure to see when visiting.

The Alcazaba de Málaga (the fortress) is just so so beautiful. It was actually the very first time I’d seen that kind of Moorish architecture, and I really fell in love with it! If you like that style, I highly recommend visiting Granada and Sevilla as well.

However, my personal number one highlight was definitely the Atarazanas Market. It’s one of my favorite market halls in all of Spain! For a start, the building itself is gorgeous with its huge stained-glass window, but the food there was just so good.

I literally tried everything: Iberico ham, Manchego cheese, oysters, anchovies, and olives. It was incredible! Since I’m a bit of a foodie, it’s probably the number one thing I would recommend to anyone because it’s so much fun trying all the different Spanish specialties in one spot.

My Travel Tips for Visiting Malaga

The Location of Your Hotel Matters

In Málaga, most of the sights and activities are clustered around the city center (the Old Town). For our first two days, we stayed at a hotel right in the heart of everything, and it made sightseeing so much easier since we could literally walk everywhere!

We stayed at Hotel Well and Come Málaga, which was perfect for exploring. It has such a great vibe, and I would definitely stay there again.

Get an eSIM (I use Sim Local)

I’ve been traveling with an eSIM for quite some time now because I really value being connected at all times. I need internet on my phone for literally everything like texting my family, finding restaurants, navigating foreign cities, or even booking train tickets on the go.

I’ve been using Sim Local for a while and highly recommend them; they’re amazing! You can check them out here and use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA for a deal.

Learn a Little Bit of Spanish

Spanish people are very proud of their country and culture, and in my experience, a great way to show appreciation is to try speaking the language.

I pretty much only speak “restaurant Spanish,” but I’ve found that whenever I order or greet people in Spanish, they are always much nicer, even if I have to switch to English right afterward! A little “Hola” and “Gracias” goes a long way.

Rent a Car from the Airport

I spent two nights in the Málaga city center and then another week just outside of town where I had a car to do day trips.

I found that it was so so much cheaper to rent the car directly from the Málaga Airport (AGP) instead of the downtown locations. Getting to the airport by metro is super easy and fast, so it’s definitely worth the quick trip to save a few hundred dollars!

Book Tickets for Attractions in Advance

I visited Málaga at the beginning of April, so it wasn’t peak season yet. For the Alcazaba (the big fortress), I was able to just walk up and buy a ticket at the entrance.

However, for other major attractions like the Caminito del Rey or the Alhambra in Granada, you absolutely must buy tickets months in advance. They sell out incredibly fast, so as soon as you book your flights and hotel, make sure those tickets are next on your list!

My Top Activities in Malaga That I Actually Did Myself

1. Visit the Alcazar de Malaga

I’d say the main attraction in Málaga is definitely the Alcazaba. It’s a massive fortress right in the middle of the city, set high on a hill. I personally absolutely loved coming here because it was the first time I’d ever seen that specific type of Moorish architecture. It is so beautiful, with intricate arches and lush gardens, and since it sits so high up, we also got some amazing views from the top.

I got super lucky when I visited because it wasn’t busy at all! I only had to wait in line for about 10 minutes and was able to buy a ticket at the entrance for 7€. However, if you are visiting in the middle of summer or during a peak holiday, I highly recommend booking your ticket online in advance to skip the wait.

One thing to keep in mind: there are a lot of stairs and uneven paths within the fortress. I visited with my mom, and she did a great job walking up there, but it can definitely be a challenge if you aren’t the fittest person or if you have mobility issues.

Also, on a more honest note, while I think you should definitely visit the Alcazaba if you can, the Alhambra in Granada and the Real Alcázar in Sevilla are definitely more impressive. If you only have time for one major Moorish site during your trip to Spain, I’d prioritize those, but this one is still a great option!

Book Here: Guided Tour Alcazaba de Malaga

2. Eat Your Way Through the Mercado Central de Atarazanas

After visiting so many different cities in Spain, I can honestly say that the Mercado Central de Atarazanas in Málaga is one of my favorite markets. If you are coming to Málaga, I highly recommend visiting!

It’s located right in the middle of the Old Town, so it’s super easy to head here from literally anywhere. I personally like to go first thing in the morning to catch it at its liveliest.

The market hall itself is absolutely beautiful, and has a massive, stunning stained-glass window. But the best part, of course, is the food!

I tried so much here that it basically turned into a full breakfast. I had the Iberian ham (obviously!), olives, oysters, anchovies, and even some paella and it was all so delicious.

What I loved most was the vibe; it has a great mix of locals and tourists. Unlike some markets in Madrid I’ve been to that felt like total tourist hotspots, this one felt much more authentic. It was such a great experience!

3. Enjoy Malagueta Beach (Playa de la Malagueta)

Since I visited Málaga in early April, I unfortunately only went to Malagueta Beach to take in the views. It was just a little too cold to actually get in the water, but it was beautiful nonetheless with bright blue skies. The best part is that it’s within walking distance of the Old Town, so it was incredibly easy to get to.

A word of warning, though: if you’re coming in the high season, it is going to be packed. I’m talking literally like sardines, towel-to-towel on the sand! I know this from experience years and years ago. It’s still fun, but I highly recommend coming early in the day to beat the biggest crowds.

If you really want a spectacular beach day, I recommend renting a car and heading to some of the lesser-known beaches around Málaga. My personal favorite is Playa de Burriana in Nerja. It’s absolutely beautiful and very easy to get to if you have a rental car!

4. Take a Day Trip to Ronda

My favorite day trip that I did from Málaga was to Ronda. If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s a super popular small village close to Málaga that is famous for its massive bridge sitting right in the middle of the city.

We spent hours wandering through the small, winding alleyways. We even visited the famous bullring, which apparently Ernest Hemingway visited and absolutely loved!

After exploring the town, I headed to the iconic bridge (Puente Nuevo) and actually hiked all the way down to the bottom of the gorge. I definitely think you get the best views from down there and it was totally worth the effort for the perspective and the photos!

In terms of getting there, we drove early in the morning by car, which was great for avoiding the biggest crowds. However, if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can easily book a guided bus tour from Málaga, which is definitely the easier option here and much more relaxed.

Book Here: Day Trip To Ronda from Malaga

5. Visit the Catedral de Malaga

Like pretty much all the major cities in Spain, Málaga has a famous and truly beautiful cathedral. I think it’s at least worth taking a look from the outside to take some pictures, but if you want to see some stunning architecture, you can also head inside (a general ticket is 10€).

I’ll be honest with you: I definitely started to get a little “cathedral fatigue” during my time in Spain after seeing so many different churches.

My advice here is similar to my thoughts on the Alcazaba: if you’re planning on visiting other cities like Córdoba (the Mezquita-Catedral is my personal favorite!) or Sevilla, then this one might not be a “must-see” on the inside. However, if you’re only visiting Málaga, you should definitely go in and experience it!

6. Hike the Caminito del Rey

I actually didn’t do this one myself, and I’m still kind of gutted about it! I’ll definitely have to come back to Málaga just for this. I honestly slept a little on pre-booking my tickets, so by the time I was ready to go, they were completely sold out. Don’t make my mistake and book these as soon as you know your dates!

From what I’ve seen and heard, it is absolutely spectacular. It used to be known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world before they built the modern, secure path that people use today. The scenery looks incredible, with massive gorges and sheer cliffs. It’s definitely one of the most unique things you can do in the area, and even though I missed out this time, it’s at the very top of my list for my next visit.

Book Here: Guided Hike Caminito del Rey from Malaga

7. Visit the Picasso Museum

I personally had an amazing time at the Picasso Museum. In case you didn’t know, Pablo Picasso was actually born in Málaga, so it’s only fitting that there is a museum here dedicated to his work.

I went there with my family, and I can tell you right now, not everyone enjoyed it! My little brother didn’t have the best time; I guess he just isn’t a “gallery guy,” but I can’t really blame him. Art isn’t for everyone!

However, it was a total lifesaver for the rest of us. It was a scorching hot day when we visited, so the museum was a perfect escape from that midday heat!

Check out Here: Picasso Museum

8. Visit the Castillo de Gibralfaro (Gibralfaro Castle)

The Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba are often mentioned in the same breath, but they are not the same thing!

They are two different locations right next to each other. We bought the combo ticket that gives you access to both, but just a heads-up: you have to visit them separately; you can’t walk directly from one into the other.

In my experience, the Gibralfaro Castle has the absolute best views in all of Málaga. Just for those views of the city and the coast, I thought it was worth it!

However, I have to be honest, I thought the interior wasn’t quite as pretty as the Alcazaba, and the walk up is very long and very steep. If you’re older or just not as mobile, be warned that it’s quite tiring.

My mom actually skipped the hike because the path looks very intimidating! I went up by myself, and while the views were nice, if you’re short on energy, the Alcazaba is much prettier on the inside anyway.

9. Take a Stroll Through Malaga’s Old Town (And Eat Tapas!)

Málaga’s Old Town (the Historic Center) is actually so pretty. I spent days just wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways, shopping for souvenirs and eating tapas which, for me, is an activity in itself!

No matter where I go in Spain, tapas or pinchos are an absolute must. I always make sure to find spots for a Gilda (a delicious anchovy and olive on a stick), grilled Padrón peppers, or patatas bravas.

My favorite places for a snack are the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, but for a proper tapas sit-down, I really loved La Tasquita de en Medio which is my personal favorite in Málaga! Mesón Mariano is also a fantastic option if you want something authentic.

Check out my favorite Tapas restaurant in Malaga: La Tasquita de en Medio

10. Wander Through de Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción)

Many people don’t know this, but Málaga actually has a gorgeous botanical garden! It’s located a little bit outside the city center, but since we had a rental car for most of our stay, it was super easy for us to get there.

The gardens are massive and filled with incredible flowers. My personal favorite, the bird of paradise, is everywhere, along with loads of massive palm trees.

It is definitely worth a visit for a peaceful afternoon! However, make sure you head to the correct one. You’re looking for the Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción. There are two botanical garden locations in the area, so double-check your GPS to make sure you select the right one!

11. Explore the Torcal de Antequera National Park

Since my family and I are German, needless to say, we had to get out into nature and go hiking!

Luckily, our vacation rental was located super close to Torcal de Antequera National Park, which is an amazing spot for a day trip. It’s famous for it’s super cool, unique rock formations that look like stacks of giant pancakes!

We went there with the whole family and did the “Green Circuit,” which is the easiest route. It took us about 90 minutes to complete, but if you’re looking for a bigger challenge, there are other trails that take up to 3 hours.

We even saw Spanish ibexes climbing the rocks, which was so cool! This is definitely something I’d recommend for families with kids.

Check out Here: Torcal de Antequera National Park

2 Things I Would Skip When I’m in Malaga

Horse Carriage or Donkey Rides

I’ll be totally honest: I would never go on a horse carriage ride. I’ve seen too many videos and stories from all over Europe, from Sevilla to Santorini and Rome, about how these animals are treated.

They are literally out in the sun working all day, and I just don’t think it’s worth it. Málaga’s city center is incredibly walkable, so there’s really no need for it. If you do need a break from walking, there are plenty of other great options like the hop-on-hop-off buses that are much more animal-friendly!

Ordering Paella in Málaga

I’ve talked to some local friends and asked them for their best “what not to do” tips, and the first thing they always say is: Don’t order paella in Málaga.

They usually follow that up with a whole monologue about how authentic paella is from Valencia, not Málaga! In a tourist-heavy spot like this, it’s often going to be overpriced and just not that good. I definitely took their word for it! Instead, I’d recommend sticking to local specialty dishes like Espetos (grilled sardines) or a refreshing Gazpacho. Trust the locals on this one and your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

FAQs About Malaga Things to Do

What are the best things to do in Malaga with kids?

One of the best activities if you’re visiting Málaga with kids is to go hiking in the Torcal de Antequera National Park. We had amazing views from the top of the mountain, we saw Spanish ibexes, and the hikes were very kid-friendly. It’s a great way to let them run around and explore the “pancake” rocks!

Is Malaga worth visiting?

100%! Málaga is one of the most underrated cities in Spain. It has a beautiful Old Town, a stunning cathedral and market, and a great beach. Yes, it does get busy in the summer, but I will definitely be coming back to Málaga because I had such a fantastic time here.

Is Malaga expensive?

Yes and no. Europe is generally a bit expensive when it comes to hotels and transportation, at least in my experience. However, I was super surprised by how affordable beers, coffee, and eating out can be in Spain. You can definitely enjoy a high-quality lifestyle here without breaking the bank.

When is the best time to visit Malaga?

It kind of depends on what you want! My personal favorite time of the year is early April. By visiting then, I could avoid most of the massive summer crowds, but the weather was still lovely and perfect for sightseeing. The only downside is that it’s a bit too cold for the beach, but that’s a trade-off I’m always willing to make!

What are the best things to do in Malaga for free?

There are tons of amazing free activities we did in Málaga! Visiting the Mercado Central de Atarazanas is free, as is heading to the beautiful Playa de la Malagueta. Even hiking in the Torcal de Antequera National Park doesn’t cost a thing!

Also, even the paid activities like the Alcazaba are super affordable compared to other major cities.

Final Thoughts on the Best Activities in Malaga Spain

All together, I would say the absolute best activities in Málaga are visiting the Alcazaba, wandering through the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, and heading to the beach if the weather allows it!

I truly loved all the day trips we took, but there is so much to do right in the actual city center. It was really handy for us when we stayed in the heart of town; I think we were able to tick off about 70% of this list just by walking around from our hotel. I don’t know if you know this about me, but I am not a fan of public transport, so I absolutely loved how walkable Málaga is!

I hope this little guide on the best activities in Málaga helps you get a better idea of what to expect. Happy travels!