Hola! Welcome to Malaga, the vibrant city on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Here, rich history, beautiful old town, vibrant culinary scene, world-class museums, golden sandy beaches, and a lively atmosphere blend together perfectly. No wonder so many travelers love Malaga – it’s an amazing coastal getaway any time of the year!
There is no shortage of things to do in Malaga old town in one day! From exploring charming streets and squares and admiring quirky works by Picasso to hiking to stunning viewpoints and eating fresh espetos in the beach bars… Malaga is a city that offers something for every kind of traveler. Vamos, let’s dive in!
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Malaga, Spain FAQ
Malaga is located in the Province of Malaga (it’s its capital city) on Costa del Sol. Thanks to its great location, Malaga is also a great starting point for discovering many amazing places in Andalusia like Benalmadena, Nerja, Caminito del Rey, Cordoba, or Antequera.
Malaga old town is a fantastic destination offering a thrilling mix of history, culture, beaches, views, and good food. Combine it with amazing weather and fairly cheap flights from many European cities and you’ll get a perfect travel destination in Spain! And with so many amazing things to do in Malaga and its surroundings you definitely won’t complain about being bored!
Malaga is best known for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, its holiday-perfect sandy beaches, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia, amazing views from Gibralfaro Castle, and a food scene full of fresh seafood and tapas. And we can’t forget about the dizzying number of 30+ museums around the city!
If you’re staying nearby, Malaga Old Town is a perfect destination for a day trip. One day is enough to see all the main landmarks (they are all close to each other within walking distance) and get a good feel of what the city is all about. But if you want to experience Malaga more, we recommend staying around 2-3 days.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Malaga, with warm, pleasant weather, slightly fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summers can be extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C. Winter offers comfortable, mild temperatures and lots of sun – and it’s an amazing time for sightseeing without the crowds!
Things to do in Malaga Old Town in one day
Malaga Old Town Streets
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe with its history dating back to 770BC. Over the centuries it was inhabited by various civilizations like Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and finally Spaniards. Most of them left a trace behind so nowadays we can admire an interesting mix of architectural styles in the city.
Malaga old town is fairly small, with the most important landmarks located close to each other. And it’s mostly pedestrianized! So there’s no better way to discover it than just getting lost in a maze of its streets and slowly exploring every corner! Nice squares, historical landmarks, religious buildings, impressive viewpoints, restaurants, green spaces… There are many interesting things to do in Malaga old town – something for everyone!
In Malaga Old Town, you’ll find points of interest like: Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro Castle, Picasso Museum, Cathedral with Plaza del Obispo Square, street Calle Marqués de Larios, square Plaza Constitución, Malaga Park, the seaside promenade, Centre Pompidou, the port, and Soho district. Shortly, we’ll take a closer look at them.
If you’re wondering if Malaga is a walkable city, the answer is yes. In many areas it’s flat and most people shouldn’t have any problems with moving around. As for reaching uphill places like Alcazaba or Gibralfaro Castle, don’t worry! There’s a lift and a bus available to make your visit easier.
Malaga Tourist Office is located in Plaza de la Marina, just a few steps from the beginning of Palmeral de Las Sorpresas promenade and the port. It’s a fantastic place to pick up maps and get helpful sightseeing tips.
Alcazaba of Malaga
Alcazaba is one of the most important landmarks in Malaga old town. It’s a hilltop Moorish medieval palace-fortress built in the 11th century by King Badis of Granada. An interesting fact is that it was built using some of the surrounding Roman ruins! Today, Alcazaba is one of the most significant landmarks in Spain, and exploring it is one of the best things to do in Malaga old town in one day. You don’t want to miss it!
Inside Alcazaba, you can admire defensive elements like watchtowers, crenels, and walls, as well as beautiful, lush gardens, courtyards, ponds, and horseshoe arches. And we can’t forget about the magnificent views over the sea, coast, and surroundings from Alcazaba grounds! There’s also a small museum showcasing Moorish pottery and ceramics.
Entrance to Alcazaba costs €7 for a normal ticket and €3 for a reduced one (January 2026). You can also buy a combined ticket with Gibralfaro Castle for €10/€5, which we recommend. Tickets can either be bought in advance online or in ticket machines on site.
For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu website. The entrance to Alcazaba is located behind the Roman Theatre. Oh, and if you want to save a buck, you can always visit on Sunday after 2pm when it’s free (but also probably very crowded). You’ll need about 1 hour to explore Alcazaba of Malaga.
Roman Theatre
Malaga’s Roman Theatre was built in the 1st century AD, during the times of Augustus, and used until the 3rd century. Later, materials such as columns and stones were used by the Moors to build the Alcazaba. What’s fascinating is the fact that it was discovered only in 1951 after remaining hidden underground for many centuries!
Today, the Roman Theatre is one of Malaga’s oldest archaeological remains. It’s fully visible from the square in front of it, but you can also enter it and walk among the stairs and seats. It’s also nicely visible from a path above, along the walls of the Alcazaba. In addition to the theater itself, you can also visit an Interpretation Centre. Entry is free during opening hours.
Malaga sign
Looking for a cool place for a photo in Malaga old town? Follow the stairs behind the Roman Theatre Interpretation Centre, and there you’ll find a “Ma()aga” sign with Alcazaba and Theater in the background. Put yourself in the spot of the missing ‘L letter’, and you’ll get a perfect photo!
Travel tip. We also recommend following the path for a little longer, along the walls of the Alcazaba, up to a viewpoint named Pasarela – Mirador de la Alcazaba. Great views over Malaga Old Town are waiting!
Gibralfaro Castle
Another important attraction in Malaga is Gibralfaro Castle (es. Castillo de Gibralfaro). It was built in the 14th century at the top of Mount Gibralfaro to protect Alcazaba. It has two lines of walls (what’s best seen in drone photos), eight towers, a courtyard with an Interpretation Centre, and a lower ground (used to house troop barracks and stables).
The best part of the visit? Strolling around Gibralfaro Castle walls and enjoying panoramic views over the city, the coast, and the surroundings. Truly wonderful experience and definitely one of our favorite things to do in Malaga old town. If we needed to choose only one place to visit during a day trip, this would be it!
The best way to reach Gibralfaro Castle is on foot, although we must warn you that the hike is quite exhausting. But the views along and at the end are definitely worth it! Don’t forget to take a short break at Mirador de Gibralfaro, located somewhere in the middle of the hike. Alternatively, you can drive up or take bus number 35 from Avenida de Cervantes.
Entrance to Gibralfaro Castle costs €7 for a normal ticket and €3 for a reduced one (January 2026). You can also buy a combined ticket with Alcazaba for €10/€5, which we recommend. Tickets can either be bought in advance online or in ticket machines on site.
For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu website. Oh, and if you want to save a buck, you can always visit on Sunday after 2pm when it’s free (but also probably very crowded). You’ll need about 1 hour to explore Gibralfaro Castle.
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Calle Marqués de Larios & Plaza de la Constitución
Calle Marqués de Larios is a long, pedestrian-only main shopping street in Malaga Old Town. Plaza de la Constitución is its adjoining square, which has been the hub of city life for hundreds of years. Still, it’s a popular meeting place with some restaurants, cafes, small shops, and a beautiful 16th-century fountain – Fuente de Génova.
Together they create an area where some of the biggest Malaga events are hosted, like Christmas Lights shows, Malaga Fashion Week, or Holy Week Processions. You should definitely walk down this picturesque street when exploring Malaga old town.
Malaga Cathedral
The cathedral is one of the most iconic monuments in Malaga old town. Its construction was ordered by Catholic Monarchs and started in the 16th century and continued into the 18th! Hence, such a variety of styles with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. It sits on a place where there once was a mosque. Malaga Cathedral is affectionately called La Manquita, which translates to the one-armed woman. All thanks to the fact that the south tower wasn’t finished due to the lack of funds.
Cathedral’s most noteworthy features are its baroque facade, 17th-century ornate choir stalls, gardens, and courtyard. Inside, you’ll also find a small Cathedral Museum and a roof with great views over the city (note: from April 2024, roof visits were suspended due to repairs being carried out; the works are expected to last for 3 years).
Entrance to the Cathedral costs €10 for a normal ticket, €6 for children 13-17 years old, and €7 for students (January 2026). You can buy tickets either online or at the ticket office on-site. For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit malagacatedral.com website.
For nice photos of the Cathedral, visit Plaza del Obispo, the small square with a stone fountain. From Calle Císter street you can catch a nice photo of the beautiful Cathedral Gardens.
Picasso Museum
When you think of Picasso, you probably think of France – he lived there for many years and died in Mougins, a charming village on the French Riviera. But he was actually born in Malaga, and his wish was to have his works on display in the city of his birth. So, no wonder that visiting the museum dedicated to his life and work is one of the most popular things to do in Malaga Old Town in one day.
Picasso Museum is located just a few steps from the Cathedral, in the beautiful Buenavista Palace. Inside, you’ll find a fine selection of his 200+ works donated from the private collections of his relatives. Works are presented chronologically and cover different styles and techniques used by the art genius over the years.
Entrance to the Picasso Museum costs €13 for a normal ticket, €11 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 17 (January 2026). You can buy tickets either at the ticket office on-site or online in advance (which we recommend to save some time waiting in a long queue). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit museopicassomalaga.org website.
Picasso’s Birthplace Museum & Plaza de la Merced
Hungry to see more works from Picasso? Then, you should head to Plaza de la Merced, where you’ll find his family home converted into a small museum with a collection of his works. Entrance costs only €3 for a normal ticket and €2 for a reduced one (January 2026). To learn more about current prices and opening hours, visit museocasanatalpicasso.malaga.eu website.
While there, don’t forget to wander around Plaza de la Merced, a square known for being the place where Picasso took his first steps! Also, admire a large obelisk and take a photo with Picasso himself – you’ll find him sitting on a bench. If hungry or tired, you can choose one of many restaurants around for a quick break.
Explore local attractions
Malaga Port & Seaside promenade
Heading to the seaside areas located at the foot of Gibralfaro Castle is another amazing thing to do in Malaga old town. There, you’ll find a modern seaside promenade with a picture-perfect white pergola – Palmeral de Las Sorpresas, an iconic multicolored cube with Centre Pompidou, Muelle Uno outdoor shopping mall, historic port, La Farola lighthouse, and nice views over the city and coast. And of course many restaurants and cafes with outdoor patios. Malaga Port is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic walk, dinner, or shopping.
Malaga Park
If you are looking for a peaceful place where you can rest for a moment, head to Malaga Park (es. Parque de Málaga). It’s a huge green oasis in the middle of the city, located between Alazaba and the seaside promenade. Paths among exotic trees and plants, beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, sculptures… It’s a truly pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Malaga old town.
Malagueta Beach
After a whole day of exploring Malaga old town, it’s time to relax. As you probably already know, southern Spain is a paradise for beach lovers, and one of the best things to do in Malaga is undeniably hitting the beach. Yes even for a little while! Just a short walk from the seaside promenade, you’ll find Playa la Malagueta, the city’s main beach.
It’s a popular urban beach known for its golden sand, calm waters, palm-lined promenade, and many amenities. There you’ll also find a famous ‘Malagueta’ sign and many beach bars in which you can try famous local dishes like espetos – fresh sardines skewered on long canes and grilled over a wood fire, or pescaíto frito – fried fish.
If you’re staying longer in Malaga, you’ll be glad to know that Malagueta Beach isn’t your only choice. Along the city’s 14 km-long coastline, more amazing beaches await. You can choose between urban or other more secluded ones – something for everyone.
You might want to take a look at beaches like Playa de la Misericordia, Playas del Palo, Playa Peñon del Cuervo, Playa Pedregalejo, or Playa de Guadalmar (with a nudist zone). Remember that most of them are crowded during the summer months, so be sure to arrive early to find a good spot.
Other things to do in Malaga Old Town
If you have more time to spare, or some of the mentioned attractions don’t really interest you, here are a few other ideas for things to do in Malaga old town in one day that might interest you.
Your first option is to explore the famous Soho District, commonly known as an art district. There, you’ll find small and large-scale graffiti covering the buildings (most are close to the Contemporary Art Center), art galleries, craft shops, and many quirky restaurants and cafes. The area is located not far from the promenade and port.
Do you like visiting museums? There are more than 30 in Malaga! Besides the ones already mentioned throughout the post, other popular museums include: the Carmen Thyssen Museum, Pompidou Centre, Automobile Museum, Russian Museum Collection, and Malaga Museum. If you want to dive into the whole long list of museums in Malaga visit visita.malaga.eu website. We’re sure you’ll find something perfect for your interest!
Hungry? You can visit Atarazanas Market, an old-school covered market with a variety of fresh foods and several tapas bars. Also, be sure to take a look at stained-glass windows that depict historical highlights of the city.
How to get to Malaga, Spain?
Malaga is located about 60km from Marbella, 80km from Estepona, 130km from Gibraltar, and 170km from Cordoba. The most convenient way to get to Malaga is by train or car.
Where to park in Malaga?
If you’re traveling by car, you can choose from many car parks located in Malaga old town. We left our car for a whole day in the Parking Parkigrund located in the Soho District – good prices and nice location.
Airport near Malaga
Malaga has its own airport located only about 10 kilometers from the old town. From the airport, you can get to the centre by train, bus, or taxi. To learn more about connections that might interest you, visit rome2rio.com website.
To Malaga by train
Malaga has a train station, and you can quickly get there by train from many cities like Granada, Antequera, Cordoba, Seville, or even Madrid. For example, a trip from Cordoba will take only 1 hour, 2 hours from Seville, and 1.5 hours from Granada. To check out a map of available connections, visit acprail.com, and to learn more about routes that might interest you, visit rome2rio.com website.
Málaga’s main train station (María Zambrano Station) is located about 2 kilometers from the old town area. You can easily get there on foot or by bus.
To Malaga by bus
From many places, you can also reach Malaga by bus, although the trip will be usually longer than by train. For example, a trip from Cordoba will take about 2.5 hours, 1 hour from Marbella, and 1h45min from Granada. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Camping in Malaga
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping Castillo AlMálaga or Aparcamiento de Caravanas might interest you. All are located close to Malaga.
To Malaga with an organized tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. If you want to explore Malaga’s old town with a guide, we recommend taking part in this Old Town Highlights & Viewpoint Walking Tour. Do you want to give your legs a break? Then this Expert Tour of Malaga in Private Eco Tuk Tuk will be perfect for you!
Looking for a unique local experience? Take a look at this delicious Malaga Wine & Tapas Small Group Guided Tour or this Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria. And later, with a full tummy, you can take part in the Authentic Live Flamenco Show and immerse yourself in the traditional Spanish atmosphere.
Explore local attractions
Things to do in Malaga Old Town in one day – Summing up
Now you understand why Malaga is one of the most interesting places to visit in Andalusia, loved by many travelers. And the wonderful thing is that even if you can’t stay longer, one day is enough to get to know Malaga old town areas and its most important landmarks. It might be a huge city, but tourist areas are not scattered around, thankfully! As you can see now, the choice of things to do in Malaga old town in one day is wide, and we’re sure that every traveler will find something perfect for themselves. We wish you a fantastic time! Enjoy!
Our video from Malaga
Our opinion about Malaga Old Town
For us, a visit to Malaga old town was a day trip from Benalmadena, where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in late December, and during that time, the city was quite busy with tourists, but not too much. Exploring everything we wanted in Malaga’s old town took about 7 hours.
Overall, Malaga didn’t steal our hearts. But we think it’s a very lovely and pleasant city to explore, and we can understand why many visitors love it so much! So even though we lived right next to it for almost 4 months, first in Mijas and then in Benalmadena, we visited it only once. Out of the big cities in southern Spain, it’s Cordoba that really stole our hearts.
What we liked most was exploring Gibralfaro Castle – the views from the walls are just top-notch! It was definitely our favorite thing to do in Malaga old town. Alcazaba was great too, but the views were slightly less spectacular.
We were a little disappointed with the Picasso Museum, but mostly because we thought we’d see more for the price we paid. Other than that, nothing really to complain about! Malaga is a nice city worth exploring while exploring Andalusia.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Malaga?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Malaga:
