25+ Best Things to Do in Marbella By a Local
Marbella has a special place in my heart. It’s my happy place, and I’m always excited to share the city’s best things to do with others.
As a local, I can assure you there’s more to Marbella than beaches and fancy resorts. If you like those, that’s fine, but if you’re after unique experiences, you can also discover Marbella’s authentic charm.
Whether you stay in Marbella or take a day trip from Malaga, my top tip is not to miss the old town. Its white-painted buildings, bougainvillaea flowers, and squares are so picturesque.
Enjoy a coffee while soaking up the sunshine in Plaza de Los Naranjos, take a walking tour or tuck into delicious Andalusian dishes. I’ll cover some of my favourite restaurants below.
However, if you want a taste of the famous Marbella lifestyle, Puerto Banus is an unmissable stop. You’ll love the high-end boutiques, luxury yachts and restaurants.
Beyond these two sides of Marbella, which I recommend experiencing at least once, plenty of other activities are worth adding to your itinerary.
Ready to discover the best of Marbella with me? Let me show you my favourite activities, including what we locals do!
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Things to do in Marbella
1. Uncover the charm of Marbella Old Town
Personally, Marbella has the most beautiful old town on the Costa del Sol.
Immerse yourself by wandering its cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed buildings, squares adorned with scented orange trees, bougainvillaea hanging from houses, and blue plant pots with bright flowers.
Many of these little streets connect to Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square), Marbella’s main square with restaurants, bars, and the town hall. I highly recommend enjoying a coffee or freshly squeezed juice (my favourite is the watermelon juice!) at Churrería Ramón and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
While you’re there, don’t miss Casa del Corregidor, a 16th-century building known for its architecture. It has elements from Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudejar art.
The historic centre also has many boutiques and independent shops, perfect for buying something unique or a souvenir and supporting the local businesses.
For example, you can do an olive oil tasting and buy high-quality extra virgin olive oil at D-Oliva or beautiful dresses at TANDEM. I love their boho summer outfits!
And I can’t forget to mention that Marbella Historic Centre has many photo spots you won’t be able to resist. You can spend hours just wandering around and taking photos, as I do, no matter how many times I’ve been. Calle Carmen and Calle Nueva are definitely the most beautiful streets in Marbella.
If you want to find more photo spots, check out my guide to the most instagrammable spots in Marbella.
2. Capture history by taking a photo of Marbella Castle Walls
Marbella Castle is a historic landmark located in the Old Town. The castle was built in the 11th century, reflecting the area’s Moorish influence.
Before exploring Marbella Old Town, you might expect to see a castle; however, nowadays, you’ll only find the restored remaining walls of what used to be Marbella Castle.
Although you can’t do much more than take photos at the moment (according to SUR in English, they’re working on opening parts of the castle to the public), seeing the walls and reading the history posters is still lovely.
Alternatively, I recommend taking a guided tour to learn more about Marbella’s history and these walls. I’ve created this self-guided tour of Marbella’s old town, so you can explore at your own pace. No need to follow a guide and group!
3. Contemplate the beauty of La Encarnación Church
Just off Plaza de los Naranjos is Plaza de la Iglesia, a charming square with a fountain, a cross, palm trees, a statue, and Iglesia de la Encarnación on the side.
The old town has a few churches, but I wouldn’t miss this one.
If you appreciate the exterior of this beautiful church, you’ll love the interior, with religious statues and small stained-glass windows near the ceiling that are equally impressive.
If you visit in December or early January, you can also see a beautiful nativity scene inside the church.
The church’s opening times vary between summer and the rest of the year. Check the exact times on this page.
4. Discover the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings
The Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings, also known as Museo de Grabado Español Contemporáneo, is a must-visit for anyone who loves graphic art.
Housed in the former Bazán Hospital, the museum features a wide collection of Spanish engravings, from graphic art dating back to the 15th century to works by recognised artists such as Picasso and Dalí.
The museum has three floors to explore and immerse yourself in art. I was impressed by the number of objects and paintings in this museum.
5. Relax on the tiled benches in the Alameda Park
If there’s at least one park you must visit in Marbella, it is Alameda Park. A three-minute walk from the Old Town, the park is an escape from the lively atmosphere to a relaxing place.
Every time I walk through the park, I feel like I’m in a small jungle with many plants and tall trees that keep me in the shade. It’s the sort of place you want to go to in the summer when it’s scorching.
Plus, other reasons to visit this lovely park include its impressive fountain at the centre, a popular photo spot, and benches made of beautiful tiles.
It’s a popular meeting spot for us locals, and some summer events, like the Marbella Fair, take place here.
6. Treat yourself in Puerto Banús
Marbella’s world-famous port, Puerto José Banus, is a must-see during your time in Marbella.
The port is well known for its expensive yachts, cars, shops, and restaurants. You can find shops such as Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.
Although it isn’t budget-friendly, it’s a nice place to watch the sunset and get a taste of this luxurious area in Marbella. You can grab a cocktail in one of the restaurants overlooking the port and soak up the stylish atmosphere.
If this is your first time in Marbella, I recommend visiting to experience another side of the city. However, it isn’t the most authentic place to visit, and I think it’s overrated.
7. Go on a sailing boat cruise
If you want a different view of Marbella, a sailing boat cruise is perfect for taking in the beautiful coastline, whitewashed buildings, and mountains. The scenery is magical. It’s one of the must-do activities in Puerto Banus.
This 3-hour boat cruise includes drinks, snacks, and snorkelling equipment. You can simply relax and enjoy the views or dive into the sea. You might be lucky to see some dolphins and other marine life. It’s a great activity in Marbella.
8. Eat Andalusian tapas
If you’re a foodie like me, you can’t leave Marbella without trying traditional Andalusian dishes, such as fresh fried fish, spinach with chickpeas and berenjenas con miel de caña (fried aubergine with sugar cane honey).
Casa Blanca is a fantastic place to eat in Marbella. I love its cosy atmosphere and dishes such as garlic prawns and serrano sandwiches.
Taberna La Niña del Pisto is also one of my favourite places to eat. It’s charming and cosy, with flavourful dishes.
If you prefer to discover food on a food tour, check out this tapas and wine tour, which takes you to two traditional tapas restaurants in the old town. You’ll enjoy the Andalusian flavours and learn more about Marbella.
9. Chill on a rooftop terrace
Another fantastic thing to do in Marbella is to go to a rooftop terrace. There are many pretty rooftop bars where you can enjoy a cocktail, mocktail, or smoothie.
The rooftop at Linda Boutique Hotel has stunning views of the Santo Cristo de Marbella Church. Their terrace is very cosy and beautifully decorated.
However, if you want coastal views, head to Belvue Rooftop Bar. Personally, it’s the best rooftop to watch the coastline at sunset. It’s simply magical, and I love their Piña Colada. The way it’s presented, it’s cool too (see photo above).
10. Soak up the sun at one of Marbella’s beaches
Marbella and its surroundings have lovely beaches; some have even been awarded Blue Flags because of their facilities and quality.
If you’re looking for the most accessible from Marbella’s Old Town, go to Playa Venus.
It’s a small beach with plenty of activities if you’d rather do something different than sunbathing. You’ll find water sports, restaurants, and shops nearby. It’s also a great beach for watching the sunset.
One of my favourite beaches in Marbella is Cabopino Beach, which is excellent for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and hiking in Las Dunas de Artola Natural Park.
11. Spend the day at a stylish beach club
I’m not a partygoer, and I’ve never been, but I love the atmosphere at the beach clubs in Marbella.
They’re different from other beach clubs across the Costa del Sol. They have that glamorous vibe and incredible music you can enjoy all day.
Book a sunbed, enjoy a meal and soak up the sunshine while listening to chill-out music.
Amare Beach Club, part of the Marbella Amare Hotel, is good. However, there are other more well-known beach clubs, such as Ocean Beach and Nikki Beach.
I also have to mention the Calma by Koppaberg. My husband and I love it there, especially the atmosphere and drinks. The Piña Colada is so good, and I can spend hours admiring the sea views.
12. Do water sports
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Marbella, check out the water sports activities.
Whether you love paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, you’ll find plenty of classes and tours across Marbella’s coast.
Paddleboarding has become increasingly popular on the Costa del Sol, and you can find great tours and classes where you’ll learn stand-up paddleboarding.
Scuba diving is another great activity. You might see anything from octopuses and eels to seahorses. An interesting fact about Marbella is that it has a type of sea slug you won’t find anywhere else.
13. Walk through Avenida del Mar
This avenue used to be part of the popular Alameda Park, but this changed in the 80s when they started building underground car parking. From the 90s onward, the avenue became what it is now.
It’s a great place to contemplate the ten bronze sculptures by the artist Salvador Dalí. There isn’t a clear connection between Dalí and Marbella, but we locals know these sculptures sparked controversy.
Some people believe Dalí didn’t create these sculptures from scratch and drew inspiration from another artist’s sketches.
From Avenida del Mar, you can go down to the beach and continue a relaxing walk along the promenade.
Also, if you’re interested in seeing more art, visit the Ralli Museum, which houses numerous artworks by Latin American artists.
14. Ride a bike on the beach promenade
Riding a bike is a different way to explore Marbella and its coastline. It’s a great way to see as much of the town as possible quickly.
You can always rent a bike and explore on your own, but if you want to go with a group and learn about the town, take a guided bike tour.
This 3-hour guided bike tour takes you from one side of town to the other, with time to take photos and have a quick drink at one of the beach restaurants.
15. Join the locals for an ice cream at Purolatte
Summers in Marbella are hot, and there’s no better way to cool down than having a handmade ice cream or a refreshing smoothie at Purolatte.
This ice cream shop offers many delicious flavours—from cookies and tiramisu to mango, fresh smoothies, crepes, waffles, and other sweet treats. The mango ice cream is my go-to when I visit Purolatte. It’s smooth and full of flavour!
In winter, I love ordering a chai latte. It’s one of the best I’ve tried in Marbella.
If you want to discover other ice cream parlours, this guide includes my favourites.
16. Enjoy great events at The Farm
The Farm is a fantastic restaurant with modern dishes that aren’t only Spanish. They use organic, fresh ingredients and offer a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
However, what I like the most about The Farm is its events. You can listen to anything from live flamenco to rock and jazz; the atmosphere is incredible.
They also organise BBQs and yoga lessons. Check the event calendar before you go!
17. Stroll through Represa Park
Parque de la Represa is a beautiful urban park that once divided the historic centre from the new. Inside this park, you can also find the dam stream.
Strolling through this park is lovely, with many trees and plants from around the world. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Marbella with children. They can play at the playground and see ducks, swans and turtles in the lake. By the way, there are so many turtles!
My favourite activities are going to the park and watching the turtles in the lake.
Although I prefer this park, you might also want to add Parque de la Constitución to your list.
18. Go on a scenic hiking trail
Marbella is surrounded not only by a beautiful coastline but also by mountains. Whether you want a close view of the Mediterranean Coast or a peek-a-boo view of the African continent, you’ll find a route.
La Concha is one of the most popular routes for those who want a challenge. This route starts at Refugio de Juanar and takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. On clear days, this hike offers fantastic views of the coast, Gibraltar, and even Africa. It isn’t an easy hike, so I wouldn’t do it alone, and I always recommend checking the route information and the weather.
For an easy walk, Senda Litoral Dunas de Artola is a beautiful route that takes you along the coast. It won’t take you more than 35 minutes to complete! It’s a peaceful walk where you can see the dunes and then swim in the sea.
19. Play golf at some of the best resorts in Costa del Sol
A popular activity in Marbella is playing golf. It’s a golf paradise, offering courses for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
If you’ve never played golf before, you can also get into it by booking lessons with a professional.
My husband and I recently took an hour-long lesson with Thomas Milone of TM Golf Marbella at Villa Padierna Golf Club, and it was amazing. He was very friendly and made us feel comfortable. While golf takes time, I saw a big improvement by the end of the lesson.
Other good golf courses in Marbella include:
20. Go to the lively Marbella street market
Do you love street markets? Marbella has a street market every Monday in Las Albarizas, Calle Platino, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The street market has over 350 stalls and sells anything from clothes to fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
But if you prefer antiques and quirky items, I recommend visiting the flea market at Centro Comercial Centro Plaza on Sundays.
21. Do some shopping at La Cañada
La Cañada is the best shopping centre in Marbella and the Costa del Sol. If you’re looking for something, you’ll likely find it here. The shopping centre has over 250 stores and plenty of parking.
You can find national and international brands here, including Zara, Quicksilver, Levi’s, and Superdry. In addition to the stores, the shopping centre offers a good variety of restaurants and fast-food options.
The best way to get to La Cañada is by car; take AP-7 and exit 186 towards A-355 / Ojen / Marbella (East). Alternatively, you can get a bus to La Cañada.
22. Attend Marbella’s Fair
If you’re in Marbella at the beginning of June, you can’t miss one of the many fantastic events on the Costa del Sol: the Feria de San Bernabé (Marbella’s Fair), celebrated every year.
During the five days of the fair, lots of activities take place across town—from incredible fireworks, attractions, dances, and live performances to churros and paella tastings.
23. Discover Parque de las Ranas
One of Marbella’s secret places is Parque de las Ranas. This lovely walk lets you cool down on a hot day. The tall trees and the Guadalpin stream immerse you in nature. You can also start the Marbella-Ojen hiking trail from here, a 17 km walk.
It’s one of my favourite places in Marbella because it’s quiet and only locals and expats know about it.
24. Watch the sunrise or sunset at Embarcadero
One of my favourite places to watch the sunset in Marbella is the Embarcadero pier at Marbella Beach Club, in Playa de Nagueles.
It’s a magical spot you can visit year-round, and the beach club doesn’t need to be open.
Other beautiful sunset spots in Marbella include Trocadero Playa and Playa del Faro.
25. Treat yourself to a special meal
Marbella’s culinary scene is growing. It isn’t known for being a culinary destination, but I’d say it is. The wide range of restaurants, including Michelin-starred ones, is impressive.
One of my favourite restaurants for a unique food experience is Tragabuches by local chef Dani Garcia. Located between Puerto Banús and San Pedro, the restaurant is worth a visit.
I love his Andalusian menu. The Three-Tomato Salad (photo above) is scrumptious. The croquetas and Payoyo cheesecake are also excellent.
The prices are reasonable for what you get, plus his entire menu is Andalusian-inspired, so you’ll get to try local flavours!
26. Explore San Pedro de Alcántara
One thing to do near Marbella is visit San Pedro de Alcántara. It’s between Marbella and Estepona, and although it’s part of Marbella, it feels like a different town.
Here, head to Plaza de la Iglesia, the main square, where you’ll find a parish church, narrow streets, and plenty of boutique shops and restaurants.
Other places to see are Boulevard San Pedro and the Basilica ruins.
However, my favourite place in San Pedro de Alcantara is the beach promenade, from where you can walk to Puerto Banus or enjoy a meal with a view. I love Playa Nini beach restaurant.
Map of places to see in Marbella
Click the image below to view the map of all the Marbella attractions mentioned above.
How to get to Marbella
If you’re flying to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), the easiest way to travel to Marbella is to rent a car – this way, you can have more freedom to visit other beautiful places in the Costa del Sol – or take the Avanza bus to Marbella just outside the arrivals doors at the airport.
If you drive from the airport to Marbella, there are two routes: one along the coast (the scenic route) and the toll route, which gets you there faster.
Don’t fancy driving? You can also book a transfer to Marbella with Kiwitaxi.
Where to stay in Marbella
From experience, I can recommend Óbal Urban Hotel, located in Marbella Centre, between the historic centre and Parque de la Alameda. It ticks all the boxes: an amazing location, modern decor, and great facilities.
The rooms are spacious and have all the amenities you might need. The rooftop bar with pool is great, but what I love the most about the hotel, besides the location, is the food. The restaurant serves delicious Andalusian dishes.
Overall, it’s a great stay for anyone looking for a mid-range hotel. You can check availability and prices for Obal Urban Hotel here.
Other good accommodation options are:
- Luxury: Puente Romano Beach Resort (best for families) and Nobu (best for adults! I loved my stay here)
- Mid-range: Linda Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Hostal El Caprichito Marbella and Casa Postigos
Conclusion on what to see in Marbella
In conclusion, there are plenty of things to see in Marbella. In addition, Marbella in comparison to Malaga is a better beach holiday destination because of better beaches and more water activities to do.
It’s a great summer destination, but because of its mild temperatures year-round, you can enjoy it at any time.
Marbella has enchanting places; however, if you’re staying longer, which I recommend, you can take a day trip from Marbella and discover other Southern Spain destinations.
For more personalised advice from a local on what to do in Marbella or other towns on the Costa del Sol, check out my services.
Cristina xx
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Marbella looks so stunning. I can’t believe a lot of people only go there to party. I’m happy to see that there’s a lot more to do in this town. Definitely landed on my list!
I am happy that it made it to your list! It has much more to offer than just partying.
Love your photos! I like the small towns of Andalucia and Marbella looks like my kind of town. The old town, churches, narrow cobblestone streets, some history with castles – all sound good to me. I will check out this town on my next trip to Spain. Saving your blog post. 🙂
Thank you, Jan! I love Andalusia too, and it’s great to hear you’ve added Marbella to your list 🙂
I love places that have a “something for everybody” vibe; especially when you’re traveling with friends, some members of your group may be into beaches and relaxation while others are more into history. I’d definitely want to check out the Roman ruins and the historic buildings! I usually travel solo but every once in awhile I get together with friends and we try to decide on a place we’d all equally love, going to remember Marbella!
I totally agree with you, Claire. I love places that have a bit of everything, so it makes it easier to make everyone happy 🙂 Marbella is definitely one of those. In addition to that, the town is very close to other amazing places too.
Yes, it happened to me as well! I thought Marbella didn’t have much to see, but I loved the old town. Thank you.
I am sure you will love Setenil de las Bodegas and the Roman ruins 🙂 I also agree about whitewashed villages looking even better during the sunset.
I hope you can visit it soon 🙂
I am glad that you have discovered a new place by reading the blog!
Thank you, Cosette! I hope you have the chance to visit Southern Spain soon 🙂
Marbella sounds incredible! So much to do, and so beautiful. I love all the outdoor opportunities too, not just hiking and paddling, but even strolling those amazing streets.
Many travellers think it is all about the beaches, but there’s so much else to do in Marbella and its surroundings 🙂 I think you will like it.