Posted by Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, a famous stretch of coast in the south of Spain. Many important cultures have been involved in the great history of Malaga: The Carthaginians, Romans and Moors ruled here before the Catholic Monarchs came to power in 1487. Some historical sights, the fine wines of the region around Malaga as well as regional dishes make Malaga interesting for tourists. Many of the tourists in Malaga are day trippers from the surrounding mega tourist resorts on the beaches of the Costa del Sol.
Picture: © Narcis Parfenti – Fotolia.com
Sights Malaga
The inhabitants of Malaga are proud of the city’s most famous son – Pablo Picasso, probably the most famous painter in the world of his time, was born in Malaga in 1881. Plaza de la Merced is a central square closed to cars. Here, next to Picasso’s birthplace, you will find several exhibitions and cafés.
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Top attraction in Malaga: Picasso Museum
One of the things that a holidaymaker “must” visit in Malaga is the world famous Picasso Museum Malaga. Over 200 works by the painter and sculptor can be seen here. Opening hours Picasso-Museum-Malaga: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm in winter and 8 pm in summer. The entrance to the Picasso Museum Malaga is comparatively cheap with 7 Euro for adults (with special exhibitions 10 Euro, prices summer 2017, students with ID and persons over 65 years reduced 5,00 Euro). The “Museo Picasso” is located directly in the old town, behind the big cathedral. The birthplace of Picasso is also in Malaga and can be visited. It is not far from the old town and can easily be reached on foot (entrance fee 2 Euro). Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga on 25 October 1881.
Current tip 2025: Online tickets for the Picasso Museum in MalagaYou can buy the tickets for the famous Picasso Museum on this great website. The Internet ticket also includes a visit to the ancient cellar of the archaeologically very interesting Palacio de Buenavista and an audio device in German for the museum. A ticket costs less than 12 euros online. |
The Picasso Museum in Malaga is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The museum is housed in the Palacio de Buena Vista, a beautiful 16th-century palace in the historic center of the city. Since opening in 2003, the museum has become a must for art lovers and visitors to Malaga.
Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881 and the museum aims to pay tribute to his life and work. The museum has an impressive collection of over 200 works by the artist, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints. The collection covers Picasso’s entire career, from his early student days to his later, more experimental work.
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One of the most remarkable things about the Picasso Museum in Malaga is that the collection is not limited to any one period or art style. You can see works from the Blue Period, Cubist Period, Surrealist Period, etc. This gives visitors a full understanding of Picasso’s work and the different styles he tried throughout his career.
Tip: You should buy cheap tickets for the famous Picasso Museum online on this website.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts special exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities for adults and children. These programs aim to bring the artists’ work to life and involve visitors in the creative process.
The Palacio de Buena Vista itself is also a main attraction of the museum. The palace has been restored and remodeled to house a museum. Visitors can explore the beautiful courtyards and see the building’s original decoration and architecture. The palace also has a library with over 5,000 books on the artist and his works.
The Picasso Museum in Malaga is a wonderful place for anyone interested in art, culture and history. Visitors can better understand one of the most important artists of the 20th century while enjoying the beauty of one of Malaga’s most emblematic buildings.
Very popular with tourists in Malaga: boat tour in the evening – catamaran trip at sunset, inexpensive: >>> More information and booking
Further sights in the city
One of the highlights of Malaga’s architecture is the Alcazaba fortress, built by the Moors in 1040. The Alcazaba stands on a hill east of the city centre. Behind the town hall (Spanish: Ayuntamiento) there is an elevator that takes the tourists to the fortress every day except Monday. The city hall of Malaga is a sight in itself and is only approximately 500 metres away from the Picasso museum described above between the oldtown and the harbour.
Picture: © ATLANTISMEDIA – Fotolia.com
Not far away is another sight: a Roman theatre from the first century BC. Another castle in Malaga is connected to the Alcazaba by a footpath: It is the mighty Castillo de Gibralfaro from the 14th century (visit about 2 Euro entrance fee). The visit of the Castillo de Gibralfaro is worthwhile already because of the great view of Malaga including bullring. The lovers of parks should visit in Malaga the gardens Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso (high botanical biodiversity).
Gibraltar tour from Malaga (bus tour, day trip): >>> More info and booking
Fans of art and museums should also definitely visit the Museo Carmen Thyssen art museum, which is only about 10 years old. It is the most important museum of 19th-century Spanish painting. The focus is on painters from southern Spain (Andalusia). The Carmen Thyssen Museum is in a great old building right in the old town of Malaga. Many museums have limited visitor numbers due to Corona. Tickets can be bought online in advance. Online tickets for the Museo Carmen Thyssen are available on this website.
Also well-known is the Russian Museum of Malaga, located a few kilometers outside the city center. More information and tickets
Ronda and Setenil de las Bodega Tour from Malaga (bus tour, full day): >>> More information and booking
Another attraction in Malaga is the beach Playa de la Malagueta. It is the beach closest to the city centre. The Playa de la Malagueta is not only a beautiful beach, it also has a special feature: it is an artificial beach from the 17th century that was already back then filled with sand from the Sahara.
But for us, the biggest of all sightseeings in Malaga is the oldtown, which is almost completely a pedestrian zone. In the pubs and restaurants there is a lot going on until late into the night. Dozens of alleys and places worth seeing invite to a long walk. After almost every corner, one comes across something interesting. Hardly where in Spain one can eat better tapas or fish than in the beautiful old town of Malaga. Those who have the choice should definitely take a hotel room in the oldtown.
Shopping Malaga: Most shops are in the old town. The huge department store Corte de Ingles with 8 floors is approximately 200 metres away from the oldtown on the other side of the mostly waterless river. A big new shopping centre in a modern, international style is in the main station (station Malaga María Zambrano).
Budget Accommodation in Malaga – Tips with Booking.com Links
If you’re looking for budget accommodation in Málaga, there are many good options: hostels, simple hotels, or private guesthouses. Here you’ll find 10 affordable accommodations with direct links to Booking.com.
1. The Lights Hostel (Old Town)
Modern hostel with a rooftop terrace, dorms, and private rooms. Great location, ideal for young people.
Go to accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from approx. €25 (dorm), €60–80 (double)
2. Hotel Sur Málaga
Simple, well-maintained hotel in the center. Good location, ideal for city travelers on a budget.
Go to accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from approx. €65 for a double room
3. Feel Hostels Soho Málaga
Affordable hostel with a shared kitchen near the harbor and old town. Chill vibe.
Find accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €20–30 (dorm), double room from €60–70
4. Málaga Stop Hostel AB
Clean hostel near the train station – ideal for those arriving or departing by train.
Find accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €25 (dorm), double room from €60–70
5. Hostal Vidamia
Small, family-run guesthouse in the heart of the old town. Friendly and quiet location.
Find accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €65 for a double room
6. Residencia Universitaria San José
Minimalist, central accommodation – primarily for students, but also bookable for tourists.
Find accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €45–55 for a single room
7. ibis Budget Málaga Centro
Solid quality at a reasonable price. Good location, air-conditioned, practical for short stays.
For accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €60–70 for a double room
8. Hotel Don Paco
Affordable hotel near the train station. Comfortable, less touristy, but quieter.
For accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €70–80 for a double room
9. Casa Al Sur Terraza Hostel
Nice hostel with a rooftop terrace and a pleasant atmosphere. Central, friendly, and relaxed.
For accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €25–30 (dorm room), double room from €60–75
10. Málaga Lodge Guesthouse
Guesthouse in a residential area with a shared kitchen. Quiet, intimate, and good value for money.
For accommodation on Booking.com
Price: from €50–60 (single room), double room from €70
Tip: Many accommodations are 10–20% cheaper during the off-season (November to February).
Parking in Malaga
If you are travelling in Spain by car or rental car, you know the problem. Parking spaces are hard to find in big cities and expensive. Parking garages and public parking lots are often full. On this great website you can reserve a parking space in Malaga (in English). So you have a safe parking space and know the price in advance.
Our tip: Tour to the world famous hiking trail Caminito del Rey (Path of the Kings) with hiking and lunch. Very popular full day bus tour with best reviews: >>> More information and booking
Approach Malaga
Costa del Sol and airport: From the holiday resorts Torremolinos and Fuengirola, it is better to take the suburban train than the bus that is clearly more camped in order to get to the centre of Malaga. The penultimate station of the train is the above mentioned main station, the last station next to the old town. From Torremolinos, a one-way trip costs, for example, only 2,05 Euro. The same train line can also be taken from and to Malaga airport. The train is called Malaga Cercanias and is abbreviated with a “C” (red signs). There are only two lines, the above mentioned trains run on line C1 every 20 minutes. Of course there are also buses. The buses of the Cost del Sol do not stop at the big bus station at the main station, but not far from the old town at the sea.
Larger distances: All buses with more distant destinations stop at the big bus station right next to the big railway station “Malaga Maria Zambrano”.
The famous Aquarium Dubai is the highest house of the world.
Picture: © Gerhard Egger – Fotolia.com
The various buses are operated by several companies, each of which has its own sales counter. For tourists this is quite complicated at the beginning, but there is information for all buses in the middle of the counters. English is understood here. For Farthen to Cordoba, Barcelona or Madrid the modern express train AVE of the Spanish railway company RENFE is better suited. If you buy the train tickets in advance, they are much cheaper (ideally a few days in advance). There is also a cheap daily train connection to the popular city of Ronda. Marbella can only be reached from Malaga by bus (frequent departures). To Gibraltar you take the bus to the neighbouring city “La Linea de Conception” (very long journey, about 3 hours, about 4 times a day).
Since 2014, Malaga has had a metro consisting of two lines. However, the main tourist area in the city centre is within walking distance. Besides there are many buses in Malaga and the two train lines mentioned above. Also good beaches are not far away from the centre and can be reached on foot.
Suggestion: Here you can find a great overview of accommodation in the city of Malaga
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Pages about Andalusia on Spain-Travelinfos.de
| Sevilla – Hauptstadt Andalusiens, bekannt für Alcázar und Kathedrale | Hier klicken |
| Granada – Heimat der Alhambra und Blick auf die Sierra Nevada | Hier klicken |
| Alhambra – Maurischer Palastkomplex und UNESCO-Welterbe | Hier klicken |
| Málaga – Lebendige Küstenstadt mit Museen und Hafenpromenade | Hier klicken |
| Malaga Flughafen – Wichtigster Flughafen der Costa del Sol | Hier klicken |
| Plaza Mayor – Großes Einkaufszentrum nahe dem Flughafen Málaga | Hier klicken |
| Nerja – Hübscher Ferienort mit Stränden und berühmter Tropfsteinhöhle | Hier klicken |
| Torre del Mar – Familienfreundlicher Badeort östlich von Málaga | Hier klicken |
| Torremolinos – Früher Hotspot, heute familienfreundlich und zentral | Hier klicken |
| Carihuela – Stadtteil von Torremolinos, bekannt für Fischrestaurants | Hier klicken |
| Benalmadena – Freizeitangebote, Seilbahn, Marina und Strände | Hier klicken |
| Marbella – Exklusiver Urlaubsort mit malerischer Altstadt | Hier klicken |
| Puerto Banús – Nobel-Yachthafen mit Luxusgeschäften und Nachtleben | Hier klicken |
| Fuengirola – Beliebter Badeort mit Tierpark und langem Strand | Hier klicken |
| Fuengirola Zoo – Moderne Tieranlage mitten in der Stadt | Hier klicken |
| Estepona – Ruhigerer Küstenort mit Blumen und Altstadtflair | Hier klicken |
| Ronda – Beeindruckend auf einer Schlucht gelegene historische Stadt | Hier klicken |
| Jerez de la Frontera – Heimat des Sherry und der Pferdeshows | Hier klicken |
| El Puerto de Santa Maria – Sherry, Strände und Fähre nach Cádiz | Hier klicken |
| Cádiz – Historische Stadt auf einer Halbinsel mit Altstadt und Promenade | Hier klicken |
| Almuñécar – Urlaubsort an der Costa Tropical mit Burg und Strand | Hier klicken |
Malaga Insider Tips
1. El Balneario – The Hidden Beach Club
Just outside, east of the center (towards Pedregalejo), lies El Balneario Baños del Carmen, a semi-ruined old bathing establishment right on the sea. Perfect for a sundowner or a romantic dinner at sunset – overlooking the waves and away from the tourist crowds.
Address: C. Bolivia, 26
Tip: It’s best to arrive just before sunset.
2. Rooftop Bar of the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio
Not entirely secret, but often overlooked: The rooftop terrace of this hotel in the heart of the old town offers a fantastic 360° view of the city, harbor, and cathedral – also accessible to non-hotel guests.
Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1
Note: Cocktail prices are a bit higher – but the view is worth it!
3. The “other” market hall: Mercado de El Carmen
While the Mercado de Atarazanas is packed with tourists, the Mercado de El Carmen near the train station is mostly for locals. Fresh fish, Iberian jamón, and affordable tapas – authentic and affordable.
C. la Serna, 3
Open: Mon-Sat until about 2 p.m.
4. Street Art in the Soho District
The creative Soho district of Málaga (between Alameda Principal and the river) is full of murals, street art, and galleries. Obey (Shepard Fairey), among others, has left behind large-scale works of art here. It’s a fascinating place to stroll – and almost always tourist-free.
Tip: Bring your camera – there are endless photo spots!
5. La Concepción Botanical Garden
A true gem away from the center: The Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción is a blend of tropical garden, palm forest, and romantic villa – with stunning views of Málaga. Ideal for a hot afternoon in the shade of nature.
Camino del Jardín Botánico, 3
Admission: 5–6 euros
Bus line: 2 (approx. 30 minutes)
6. Gibralfaro Viewpoint – but in the evening!
Most tourists visit the Castillo de Gibralfaro during the day. But in the evening, it’s almost empty – and the view of the city lights, the harbor, and the cathedral is spectacular. The best time is about 30 minutes after sunset.
♂️ Tip: The walk from the center takes about 30 minutes – but it’s worth it!
7. Tapas like the locals: Taberna Uvedoble
Small, modern tapas bar with creative dishes that locals love. Not entirely hidden, but very authentic – often without a touristy feel.
Calle Císter, 15
Tip: Croquetas de rabo de toro (oxtail croquettes)
8. Playa del Peñón del Cuervo
A small, natural beach with rocks in the water – perfect for a picnic or relaxing away from the crowded city beaches. There’s hardly any infrastructure, so bring food and drinks.
Towards the east, about 6 km from the center
9. La Térmica – Cultural Center with Events
Concerts, exhibitions, poetry slams, and flea markets take place here regularly – usually free or very inexpensive. Most tourists don’t even notice them.
Av. de los Guindos, 48
latérmica.com
10. Fábrica de Cerveza Victoria
Málaga’s local brewery offers tours with beer tastings. Exciting, modern, and not as well-known as many wineries.
Av. de Velázquez, 61
Book online in advance: cervezavictoria.es
11. Pedregalejo & El Palo – Charming Fishing Villages
These eastern neighborhoods have retained much of their old Andalusian charm. Right on the waterfront, fishermen still grill sardines on skewers (espetos) over open fires. Perfect for a long walk or dinner by the sea.
Reachable by bus 11 from the center
Tip: “El Tintero” – the waiter there calls out what’s available!
12. Museum of Glass and Crystal
Sounds boring – but it isn’t! The Museo del Vidrio y Cristal is privately run and full of surprises: antique glass, furniture, paintings – almost like a lived-in house. Very personally run.
Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre, 2
Admission: approx. €6 with guided tour
13. Muelle Uno by Night
The modern harbor area of Muelle Uno is often crowded during the day – but in the evening or at night, it’s a real insider tip. Then it quiets down, and you can stroll along the water, admire modern art (Centre Pompidou Málaga), or relax in a bar with a sea view.
Tip: The Pompidou’s cube sculpture is illuminated at night – a great photo spot!
14. Antigua Casa de Guardia – the city’s oldest bodega
This quaint bar dates back to 1840 and feels like something from another era. Wine is poured from wooden barrels, and the price is written in chalk on the counter. Very rustic – and authentically Andalusian!
Alameda Principal, 18
Tip: Be sure to try the sweet Málaga wine
15. The hidden city beach, Playa de la Malagueta – on the far left!
Not exactly an insider tip: the city beach of La Malagueta. But: If you go all the way to the eastern end (behind the last palm trees), there’s a section with rocks, hardly any infrastructure, and almost no people. It’s mostly locals who swim there – super quiet!
16. Mirador de Pocopán – Hiking with a View
A little further out, in the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, lies the Mirador de Pocopán viewpoint. Only accessible by car or hiking – but the view over the mountains and the Bay of Málaga is stunning.
Tip: Combine with a short hike through pine forests
Google Maps: “Mirador Pocopán”
17. Bookstore-café “Librería Luces”
A place to browse and take a breather. Combines a bookstore with a small café – a quiet atmosphere, Wi-Fi, plenty of books in English, and friendly people. Perfect for a short break in the middle of the old town.
Alameda Principal, 16
Tip: Also events, readings, etc.
18. “MIMMA” – Interactive Musical Instrument Museum
A small, charming museum where you can try out many instruments – especially interesting for children and music fans. Little known, although very centrally located.
Calle Beatas, 15
Admission: approx. €5
19. La Rebaná – The best toast bar in town
A breakfast insider tip! This small bar serves countless variations of “tostadas” – toasted bread with olive oil, avocado, cheese, ham, tomato, etc. Super affordable – and super delicious.
Calle Carretería, 82
20. Parque del Oeste – Flamingos in the heart of the city
Near the Huelin district lies a little-known park with ponds, sculptures, ducks, and even flamingos. Hardly any tourists, lots of families. Ideal for a relaxing hour in the countryside.
Calle Realenga de San Luis