Things To Do in Malaga City Centre

Last updated 31 July 2019

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

The Malaga city centre

Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe with a long history stretching a couple of millennia. The greatest civilizations of the Mediterranean, from the Phoenicians and the Greeks to the Romans, passed through the city due its strategic port location.

The city centre of Malaga is rich in culture, has many historical attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars and more. A suggestion would be to dedicate at least one day to visit the city.

Things to do in Malaga city

Castillo Gibralfaro

Perched on top of Mount Gibralfaro lie the remains of a Moorish castle that dates back to the 10th century.

The castle offers walkable walls and breath-taking views of Malaga city and the port. It’s a bit of a mission to climb the hill to get to the castle, but it’s worth it for the fantastic views.

A good thing to note is that the Gibralfaro hill has two of the best viewpoints in Malaga city. One viewpoint is located on the side of the Gibralfaro hill, between the gardens and the castle, the other viewpoint is on top of the hill next to the castle, also accessible by car. If you choose to walk it is a steep and taxing climb that can take over half an hour, depending on how fast you walk. The viewpoints make good sunset spots.

Alcazaba de Málaga

Constructed in the 11th century on the ruins of another Roman bastion, Alcazaba de Málaga was the palatial fortress of the city’s governing Muslim’s. This is the best-preserved alcazaba in Spain, so it’s worth a visit.

On your visit to the alcazaba you can also see the Roman theatre dating to 100BC. The remnants of the Roman theatre are situated adjacent to the entrance of the Alcazaba and are undergoing restoration.

Here is the Google location for the Alcazaba . Note, that Teatro Romano is right next to it on the map.

Malaga city beaches

The city of Malaga is a coastal city and no holiday to Malaga is complete without a trip to the beach.

Playa de la Malagueta is a conveniently situated beach near the city centre. The dark sand beach spans an area of 1,200 metres in length and 45 metres in width.

There is a children’s playground, a restaurant, and during the hot months you will also find rentals for water sports such as pedalos.

Visit Atarazanas Market in Malaga city centre

Built during the reign of Mohammed during the 14th century, the market was originally built by Moors as a shipbuilder’s yard. During its lifespan the venue was repurposed several times, and has also seen life as a convent, military barracks, a hospital, a school, and in 1870’s rebuilt as a market.

Today the market is known as Mercado Central de Atarazanas and is a place where you can find a variety of decently priced good quality local products including fruit, veg, nuts, oils, seafood, meat and so on, and where you can eat tapas.

The market is open Monday to Saturday during the early part of the day from 8am to 2pm.

Here is the Google location for Atarazanas Market.

Museo Picasso Málaga

The Picasso Museum in Malaga was inaugurated by the Queen and King of Spain in October 2003. Now you can see a great collection of Picasso’s works, although perhaps not the most famous pieces.

The hard Picasso fans will enjoy the journey, the colours and the energy of the paintings. However, even if you are not a big fan of Picasso, the museum is nonetheless a nice break between swimming pool, beach and tapas bars.

The museum is open daily and you can get free entry during the last two hours before closing time on Sunday. For more information about the museum visit the museum’s official website.

Tip: Go early to avoid lines during the peak season.

Here is the Google location for Picasso Museum Málaga.

Museo Casa Natal de Picasso

Malaga is the city where Pablo Picasso was born. His house, the Casa Natal, is now a museum which you can visit with a ticket.

Expect to see some family memorabilia, travel back in time to get a sense of the period, and get some idea of the influences on Picasso’s early life. This is a humble little museum that generally speaking can easily be visited within an hour. It’s better suited for the hard Picasso fans.

Here is the Google location for Fundación Picasso - the famous artist's birthplace and museum.

Top Hostels in Málaga

Here are the top 5 best rated hostels in Málaga city:

Chillinn' Hostel Malaga

Chillinn' Hostel Malaga is in the heart of Málaga within 200 yards of Atarazanas Market. The property is around 750 yards from Carmen Thyssen Museum, 0.9 miles from Picasso Museum and 1 miles from Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation. The property is situated in the Malaga Centro district, 1.1 miles from Alcazaba.

Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer, rooms at the hostel also provide guests with free WiFi.

The Lights Hostel

The Lights Hostel offers a roof terrace and balconies with views of La Alameda Principal y Torregorda Street, a 24-hour reception and free WiFi, Lights Out Hostel is located in Málaga City Centre, 350 yards from famous Calle Larios Street, 450 yards from both Malaga Cathedral and from Carmen Thyssen Museum.

The Urban Jungle Hostel

The Urban Jungle Hostel is conveniently located to Picasso Museum reachable within 80 metres. The hostel is close to other noted attractions, around 0.7 miles from Gibralfaro Viewpoint, 0.9 miles from Malaga Cathedral and 0.9 miles from Malagueta Beach. Other popular points of interest near the hostel include Alcazaba, Museum of Glass and Crystal and Jorge Rando Museum.

The hostel provides a 24-hour front desk, non-smoking rooms, a bar, a shared kitchen for guests, a shared lounge, free WiFi and features a terrace. The hostel also provides a paid airport shuttle service.

Malaga Stop Hostel AB

Malaga Stop Hostel AB is rated for the best value in Málaga. The hostel is 0.8 miles from Jorge Rando Museum, 1.1 miles from Alcazaba, 1.4 miles from Malaga Park and 1.4 miles from Malaga Museum.

The hostel provides air-conditioned accommodation, a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi.

Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel

Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel is located in the centre of Málaga, surrounded by many bars and restaurants. Playa de la Malagueta Beach is a 15-minute walk away. From the hostel it’s a 5-minute walk to Malaga Cathedral and Picasso Museum. Carmen Thyssen Museum is just 150 yards away, and you can reach Malaga Train Station within a 15-minute walk.

The hostel overlooks the Church of the Holy Martyrs, and guests can choose between rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Rooms with private bathrooms include air conditioning and free toiletries. Some rooms have a balcony. All rooms at the hostel feature unique décor including handcrafted materials and a vintage style.