22 Best Free Things To Do In Malaga Suggested By A Local

Who doesn’t like to save some money while travelling? Well, there are many incredible free things to do in Malaga.

Southern Spain is more affordable than other Spanish destinations. In this case, Malaga can be an affordable destination if you know how to avoid touristy places or when to visit them.

At the same time, you’ll be surprised by discovering all the free things to do in Malaga – from visiting stunning museums to exploring beautiful parks and beaches.

Here is a list of free places and activities you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Malaga and insider tips to help you make the most of my beautiful city.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.

---

Free Things to Do in Malaga

1. Enjoy the panoramic city view from Gibralfaro

Gibralfaro, located next to the Alcazaba de Málaga, is my favourite viewpoint in my hometown. You will have to walk a hill and steps to get there, but believe me, it’s worth it. 

When you get there, you get a panoramic view of Malaga – you will see the colourful Centre Pompidou Málaga museum in the port, the famous bullring, the gardens and much more.

The most magical time to visit Gibralfaro is during sunset. However, you won’t be surprised to know it’s the busiest time.

If you’d like more time to enjoy the view without people around taking pictures and standing in your way, you may want to go early in the morning and avoid weekends.

After spending some time in the viewpoint, you can head to Gibralfaro Castle, which is a bit further up. Just be aware that there’s an entrance fee of 3.50€.

2. Visit the Alcazaba de Málaga

At the bottom of Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba de Málaga is one of the city’s most beautiful historical and architectural monuments. It consists of a fortress-palace built during the Muslim period (11th century). 

The building was used for military purposes due to its location, overlooking the city and bay. Although it was restored in the 20th century, you can still imagine how things used to be.

As you enter, you can expect hills that give access to beautiful viewpoints across the Alcazaba, rectangular patios with fountains, small gardens filled with scented jasmines and other flowers, and other hidden gems.

There is an entrance fee to the Alcazaba de Málaga. However, I have included it in my list because you can also visit it for free; many people don’t know this.

You can visit Alcazaba for free every Sunday from 2 pm. It isn’t the best time to go during the summer as it’s really hot, but you get free entry.

In case you can’t visit it for free because you aren’t in the city on a Sunday or you have other plans, I still recommend visiting the Alcazaba as it’s one of the best things to see in Malaga Old Town.

3. Visit Teatro Romano

Next to the Alcazaba is the Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano), which you can visit for free.

It’s the oldest monument in the city, and it’s accompanied by a visitors centre where you can learn more about the history of the ruins and their subsequent excavation.

4. Contemplate the Cathedral of Malaga and gardens

The Cathedral of Malaga is a few minutes walk from Alcazaba and Teatro Romano.

Its size is quite impressive, so you won’t be surprised to know it’s the second-highest Cathedral in Andalusia.

Although there’s an entrance fee, it’s also worth walking around – it’s just beautiful. And you can visit its gardens for free.

I love sitting on the benches while contemplating the cathedral and listening to the noise of the water running through the fountains. It’s very relaxing and picturesque.

If you want to go inside, you can expect Renaissance and baroque details and designs that will amaze you. I highly recommend the entry with the rooftop tour. You’ll have to climb two hundred steps, but the views you get are unbelievable. 

5. Go to Museo de Málaga

Malaga Museum is one of the largest museums in Andalucia and the fifth in Spain. It comprises two parts – the Museum of Fine Arts and the Provincial Archaeological Museum.

In the fine arts section, there are plenty of Spanish paintings from famous painters like Murillo, Velázquez and Goya you can’t miss. Whereas in the archaeological section, you’ll find interesting collections and pieces that have been recently found in the excavations next to Alcazaba. 

6. Window shop in Calle Larios

Calle Larios is Malaga’s liveliest street, where you can find high-street shops (Zara, Pandora, etc.). It’s the shopaholic paradise! 

Apart from shopping, getting lost in its alleys is one of the best things to do. Each alley is connected and has bars, restaurants, gift shops where you can stop by and buy souvenirs, and impressive buildings or monuments.

No matter how long I have lived in Malaga, I always get lost, but that’s the magic of it.

7. Learn about Andalusia art at Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga

Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga, located in the city centre, is an art museum that includes impressive Spanish paintings from the 19th century. 

Carmen Thyssen Malaga is one of the best museums in Malaga. There are over 200 paintings inside the museum, and most of these paintings represent Andalusia’s landscapes and culture. 

To visit Carmen Thyssen Malaga for free, plan your visit for a Sunday from 4 pm. However, I must tell you that it often gets very busy, so start queueing 15 minutes before to avoid a long wait.

8. Have some tapas at Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Atarazanas Market is the central market in the city, and if you enjoy tasting delicious and fresh local produce, this is definitely the place for you. 

Fresh fish, meat, olives, and all sorts of spices and sweets are available. Ready for some tapas? Have some tapas at Bar Atarazanas, where they serve delicious “pescaíto frito” (fried fish) and seafood.

You’ll also find plenty of small cafes, bakeries and independent food shops outside the market. You must try tortas locas, also known as locas, at El Colmenero bakery. Locas are delicious puff pastry sweet filled with custard and topped with orange frosting and a cherry.

Another way to experience the market is by booking a food tour. Although these aren’t free, you’ll definitely get to taste Malaga’s traditional food and learn more about the food culture.

However, even if you aren’t a foodie, the market has a beautiful entrance to contemplate. You actually won’t believe the building is a market. 

The entrance is an impressive off-white marble arch shaped like a horseshoe, but that’s not all! Go inside to see the colourful glass window. 

9. Go inside Santiago Church

This isn’t just a church but a piece of art. Santiago. Parroquia Santiago Apóstol is Málaga’s oldest church, which was formerly a mosque.

The church is also very well-known for Easter processions and the fact that Picasso was baptised here in 1881.

10. Learn about Picasso at Museo Picasso Málaga

Picasso is one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Who hasn’t seen his famous Guernica painting? 

You’ll be surprised to discover that although he spent most of his adult life in France, like many other artists, he was born and raised in Málaga. This is why you can find a museum with masterpieces of the painter here.

Museo Picasso Málaga is free every Sunday for the last two opening hours (from 3 p.m. onwards).

Also, if you happen to be in Málaga on Día de Andalucía (28 February), Día Internacional del Museo (18 May) and Día Mundial del Turismo (27 September), you will be able to enter for free.

11. Take a picture with Picasso Statue 

Not very far from Calle Larios, Picasso’s Statue is in Plaza de la Merced, a square that used to be a market in the 15th century.

Nowadays, it’s mostly visited because of Picasso’s statue and the house where he used to live (number 15 of the plaza).

Its atmosphere also attracts locals and tourists during the summer months. You’ll see people having late dinner or drinks late at night.

12. Explore the Soho neighbourhood

One of the most unusual things to do in Malaga that many travellers miss is visiting Soho.

Soho is an art neighbourhood situated between Alameda Principal and the port. The popularity of Soho has increased in previous years, and you can see that on Instagram and other social media platforms.

It has become a top location for anyone who loves graffiti and street art. Graffiti artists are recognised by including their work description and biography on the Malaga Arte Urbano Soho (MAUS) website. 

The area is lively and frequented, and you’ll find plenty of bars, cafes and little shops.

13. Relax in El Parque de Málaga

El Parque de Málaga is located in the city centre on the big road avenue that leads to the bullring.

Don’t miss the opportunity to walk through the park because not only will you see a good variety of plants and tropical flowers, but you’ll find beautiful fountains and monuments. On top of this, you’ll see many lovely green parakeets flying over your head.

I love walking through this park because it always surprises me, and it’s a good way to avoid the heat in the summer months.

14. Go for a stroll in Muelle Uno

Malaga’s port, Muelle Uno, is the ideal place to go for a stroll because of the scenic views you can get from different points, especially to the sea. 

There is always something going on in Muelle Uno – from crafts and art markets to activities for kids and live performances. But apart from all sorts of events, the port has many restaurants and shops.

Visiting Muelle Uno is one of the best things to do in Malaga at night during summer. It’s a great place to enjoy a cocktail or a family meal.

Inside Muelle Uno, you’ll also find the Centre Pompidou Malaga, a contemporary art museum that displays permanent and temporary exhibitions worth seeing. 

15. Go to Malagueta Beach

Whether you love sunbathing, relaxing on the beach or watching the sunset, there’s no better place than going to the beach. 

Malagueta Beach is the main beach in the city centre. Its location next to Muelle Uno port makes it very easy to go to the beach and spend a couple of hours or even a full day there.

If you prefer less touristy beaches, I would recommend travelling a bit further, and to the west side of the city, you’ll find Playa La Misericordia.

Having lived in that area for many years, I guarantee there are more locals than tourists. 

16. Go on a free walking tour

There’s no better way to learn about a city than doing a walking tour. The good thing is that GuruWalk offers incredible free walking tours in many Spanish destinations. Luckily, they offer tours in Malaga too.

By doing one of their free walking tours, you’ll learn about the history behind the city of Malaga and the main historic buildings and discover some of Malaga’s hidden gems.

📌 Check out these free walking tours

17. Have a picnic at Parque del Oeste

This is a hidden gem in Malaga that only locals know. This park is underrated and mostly visited by locals living on the city’s west side in the Santa Paula and La Paz neighbourhoods.

Parque del Oeste brings me good memories because I used to live next to it, so I spent many afternoons visiting it when I was a kid.

The park is huge and has many spaces for different activities – sports, picnics, playgrounds, etc. Beautiful green spaces surround all these places, but the park’s main feature is the lake.

As you walk along the park, you’ll find sculptures and interesting monuments. There’s also a rock area with animals you can see (mainly exotic birds and parrots).

At the bottom of the park is the Misericordia Beach, where you can spend the rest of the day walking in the beautiful paseo marítimo (beach promenade) and sunbathing or swimming on the beach.

---

---

18. Go to Cortijo de Torres Flea Market

Whether you love buying antiques, clothes or jewellery, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit Malaga Flea Market.

This market has over 300 stalls and is considered the main street market in Malaga. Not only will you find clothes but high-quality local produce such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

It takes place in the fairgrounds of Malaga, known as “El Cortijo de Torres”, every Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.

19. Spend the day at Montes de Málaga Nature Park

This nature park is located five kilometres north of Malaga which makes it a great day trip if you want to escape from the city and love adventure.

The park has endless river beds, streams and steep paths, and the fauna and flora are absolutely incredible.

Although you can pack some sandwiches or snacks to eat throughout the day, instead, have some local traditional food at Los Montes restaurant. When I was a kid, I used to love visiting this place with my grandparents. 

So what can you find in Los Montes? Plenty of traditional starters like sheep cheese (Manchego), olives, scrambled eggs with mushrooms, meat and fish courses and homemade desserts.

The most famous meal is Plato de “Los Montes” which consists of pork loin, chips, fried egg, fried peppers and chorizo.  

✨ Join my community. My free Exploring Malaga and Beyond Facebook group is the place to ask questions about your trip, be inspired and connect with other travellers who love Southern Spain. Click here to join!

20. Visit the Botanic Garden at the University of Malaga

If you visit the Teatinos area, the neighbourhood next to the University of Malaga, you might want to pop into the botanic garden.

Located between the Faculty of Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities, this hidden gem is worth visiting.

Explore its beautiful gardens, see its lovely fountains and relax.

21. Go on an archaeological route

If you’re a history buff or love archaeology, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to go on an archaeological route in the city centre of Malaga.

It’s completely free, and you can do it by following this map, which includes all the main points to visit along the route. You can learn about each place by clicking on the numbers on the map. Unfortunately, the information is only in Spanish.

22. Attend a traditional event

Before heading to Malaga, check out the calendar for free and traditional events, such as the carnival, the religious Easter parades, the Three Kings Parade and Feria de Malaga (Malaga’s fair).

All of these events are great for immersing yourself in Malaga and its culture.

Map with all the free attractions to see in Malaga

Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.

Conclusion on free things to do in Malaga

It’s entirely possible for you to travel on a budget as there are plenty of free things to do in Malaga, and you can find cheap things to do in Malaga, too.

Just to recap, Sunday is the best day to fit your museum schedule as most of them are free, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try locas cakes and other traditional food and explore beyond the city centre.

Apart from all these fantastic activities and events mentioned, don’t forget that you can also join a free walking tour in which they’ll show you the main attractions, although I often prefer to explore a city on my own.

If you’re wondering, “How many days do you need in Malaga?“, at least two days, although I always try to stay longer in destinations as it gives me more time and opportunities to go on day trips.

There are incredible day trips from Malaga – Nerja, Benalmadena, Mijas Pueblo, and Gibraltar are some to name. However, a great way to explore Malaga and its surroundings is by going on a road trip around Costa del Sol. 

If you have any questions on what to do in Malaga on a budget or travelling around Costa del Sol, leave them in the comments below.

Cristina xx

Save these free things to do in Malaga Spain on Pinterest for later

Top things to do before visiting Malaga

• Check flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) with Skyscanner.
• Book accommodation in Malaga. This hotel guide will tell you the city’s best hotels for all budgets.
• Have a look at this Malaga food guide to indulge yourself in eating the best typical food and sipping cocktails on the best rooftops.
• Are you planning to visit other nearby Andalusian destinations? Check out my blog on the best day trips from Malaga.
• Book travel insurance. This is a must for any trip!

Read more about Malaga

• Is Malaga Worth Visiting? 
• How to Spend One Day in Malaga
• Unique Things to Do in Malaga for Couples
• Beautiful Castles in Malaga and its Surroundings
• The Best Views in Malaga
• The Ultimate Malaga Food Guide
• Incredible Festivals in Malaga
• Where To Stay in Malaga: The Best Hotels and Areas
• Beautiful Towns in Malaga You Will Love
• Incredible Day Trips From Malaga

Sharing is caring!