Malaga is one of the most impressive cities in Spain, and it is a cosmopolitan city on a European level, thanks to its commitment to culture and museums, its Mediterranean gastronomy, its warm and homely atmosphere and its mix of modernity and history.
No matter how much time you spend in its streets, on its beaches or swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, you can’t miss any of these ten must-see places in the very heart of Malaga.
1.Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is a fortification with a military function dating back to the Islamic period, which sits on top of a previous fortification from the years when the ancient city of Malaka was dominated by the Phoenicians.
Guarding Mount Gibralfaro, it became a real bastion at the time of the Reconquest thanks to its structure of great walls and high towers. Within its walls are the courtyards, gardens and palaces that formed the complex.
Once inside, enjoy a breathtaking view of Malaga from the Torre del Homenaje (keep) and, of course, pass through the Puerta de los Arcos gate, the Plaza de Armas square and the Cuartos de Granada, the kings’ quarters.
2.Castillo de Gibralfaro
We’ve mentioned it before, and if you’ve got your legs ready for what’s coming, go ahead. The best views of the city await you, and those don’t come easily. Go at your own pace, but you must take the path that links the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro in order to discover the reason why so many civilisations have made Malaga their home.
Reach the Torre Mayor of this 14th century fortress and get one of the best photos you’ll ever have in your phone photo gallery. Wherever you look, you’ll discover a perfect place to enjoy a sunset that will make you fall in love with the Costa del Sol.
3.Teatro Romano
Still in the heart of the city, without leaving the old city limits, we go down to the Roman Theatre, where constructions from different centuries and empires come together.
Emperor Augustus was responsible for ordering the construction of the best-preserved Roman structure in the whole city. Although it dates from the 1st century, it was not unearthed and discovered until 1951 by chance.
If you walk among its stands, you will be able to enjoy a journey back in time. By the way, once you are there, you will see in front of you one of the bodegas, bar, restaurant or meeting point, whatever you want to call it, the emblematic Pimpi. Although it’s not on our list, it’s another of the city’s must-see places, so don’t hesitate to stroll through its corridors and have a drink among the barrels and the history of Malaga.
4.Catedral de Málaga
We are going to visit one of the cathedrals with the most personality and history in the country, we are going to see “La Manquita” (Lil one-armed). Known as such because of the absence of the second tower, its structure has become its hallmark. The reason for not having its second tower is that after more than 250 years of construction, the lack of financing was responsible for putting an end to its construction.
The Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, as it is known in the history books, is a marvellous work of Renaissance and Gothic, although it has Baroque elements, given the long time it was under construction, such as its façade. If its exterior impresses you, wait until you see its interior; the High Altar and the choir stalls by Pedro de Mena will make your jaw drop.
5.Calle Larios
La Calle Marqués de Larios, or Calle Larios as it is known in the city, is the best known street in the whole city. It is named after the man who financed its construction and was inaugurated in 1891. As well as housing the city’s most iconic shops and cafés, it takes walkers to Malaga’s most famous squares. Its marble floor and design make it a monument in itself.
By the way, some of the best times to stroll along Calle Larios are the days of the Malaga Fair, between the 12th and 19th of August, and the Christmas season, when it has one of the most impressive illuminations in the whole country. Welcome to one of the busiest, most expensive and most beautiful streets in Spain.
6.Plaza de la Constitución
Situated at one end of Calle Larios, this square is a hallmark of Malaga life. Dating back to the 15th century, it has become a meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Stand in its centre and turn around, you can enjoy buildings such as the Casa del Consulado or the Escuela de San Telmo, as well as the Fuente de Génova and numerous bars and restaurants. Shall we take a break for a drink?
7.Plaza de la Merced
In the old Plaza del Mercado you will find the birthplace of one of the most famous painters, if not the most famous, in the world and in the history of art; Pablo Picasso. He was born here and lived until 1884, when he left for France.
The square is full of history; the statue of Picasso sitting on a bench, the Obelisk of Torrijos, in honour of Torrijos who was shot on the beach of San Andrés, and a few metres away the Cervantes Theatre. We would have loved to put the Cervantes Theatre in one of the must-sees, which it is, but we can’t fit them all in, so we wanted to take advantage of the proximity of the square to add it. Don’t even think of leaving Malaga without seeing the Cervantes Theatre.
8.Museo Picasso
All roads lead us to the genius, to the Malaga-born figure. The Picasso Museum is located in the Buenavista Palace, and houses 285 works that will take us on a journey through his life, work and evolution.
The place that contains the museum should be part of a museum as well, a 16th century Renaissance building that combines painting with architecture, an incredible place for a unique artist. There we can enjoy some of the donations that he himself made such as Niño con una pala, one of his last works based on his childhood that he painted when he was 90 years old, Acróbata, Bañista o Las tres gracias.
Although the Picasso Museum could well be the largest representative of all the museums that the city has, it is not the only one, feel free to visit some; the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Pompidou Centre, the Museum of Malaga or the Automobile Museum among others.
9.Mercado de Atarazanas
A Nasrid shipyard hides all the activity and comings and goings of the daily life of the people of Malaga; the Atarazanas Market. A colourful market, very lively and with a thousand options for shopping, snacks or just strolling among the stalls and people. It is not the only market, but it is the most representative and well known in Malaga. We recommend you to go there at midday for tapas and a beer or wine.
10.Puerto de Málaga
Take a stroll along the port to get to Muelle 1, the commercial area with a wide range of restaurants, leisure and shopping. Reaching the Farola, as the lighthouse is known, at sunset is one of the most magical, and cheapest, activities you can do during your visit to Malaga.
In addition to the whole leisure area, enjoy one of the greatest museums in Europe; the Centre Pompidou Malaga.
More must-see places in Malaga
Forget the explanations, just trust us, because we couldn’t leave these wonderful places in Malaga out of the list.
Parque de La Alameda
Malaga is brimming with plant life, and to prove it, its parks. As well as the Alameda, don’t forget the Parque de Málaga, with its Pedro Luis Alonso and Puerta Oscura gardens, or the Botanical Gardens.
Barrio del Soho
The Soho district of Malaga, in full cultural and gastronomic effervescence, is a living entity that offers entertainment and fun. Don’t set foot outside the province without strolling through its streets.
Playa de La Malagueta
Malaga, beach, I don’t think I need say much more.