A Local’s Guide to Malaga Old Town with Insider Tips and Map
This detailed guide by a local tells you all the attractions you shouldn’t miss in Malaga Old Town during your trip.
Malaga is well-known for its sunshine and stunning beaches, but the truth is that there’s much more to the city than those.
Many travellers make the mistake of visiting my hometown for a day or only visiting the beaches in coastal towns like Benalmadena and Fuengirola. Still, if you love culture, I can assure you Malaga is for you.
Malaga Old Town is rich in history, architecture and culture. You can find Moorish buildings like the Alcazaba fortress palace, almost intact Roman ruins, and exquisite architectural styles present in attractions like the Cathedral.
Plus, the city is home to over 30 different types of museums, including the famous Picasso Museum.
Are you ready to discover the historic centre of Malaga through the eyes of a local? Let’s dive in.
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22 Best things to do in Malaga Old Town
1. Discover the Alcazaba de Malaga
No Malaga guide is complete without mentioning this palace.
Alcazaba de Malaga is the prettiest historical building in the city. This fortress palace, highly influenced by the Moors during their time in the city, is an architectural gem.
The Alcazaba was a residence and fortress for many civilisations, including the Romans and Moors. It was the perfect place for these civilisations to defend themselves from attacks because of its strategic location, on a hilltop overlooking the port.
Its jasmine-scented patios with beautiful fountains, manicured gardens, Moorish arches and panoramic views of the city make it unique.
You can visit it at your own pace or book a guided tour to uncover the secrets behind this palace.
It’s one of those places I keep going back to. I never get tired of visiting it.
Apart from wandering the complex, I love getting a refreshing lemonade from their little kiosk. It’s one of the best I’ve had!
Once you visit the Alcazaba, you might also want to visit Gibralfaro Castle, one of the most important fortresses in the city. You can get a combo ticket to save money.
2. Check out Teatro Romano
The Roman Theatre is one of the oldest archaeological remains that dates back to the 3rd century. This emblematic theatre proves the Roman civilisation period in Malaga. Besides being a theatre, civilisations also used this place as a cemetery.
It was hidden for many years and wasn’t discovered until 1951. However, it’s very well-kept. You can see its three main elements: the stands, the orchestra pit and the stage.
Take your time to appreciate this Roman gem, and if you’re interested in its history, visit the interpretation centre to see fragments of Lex Flavia Malacitana consisting of municipal tablets, which were the political and religious centre of cities.
3. Appreciate art at Picasso Museum Malaga
Although Picasso spent many years living in France, did you know he was actually born in Malaga?
Visiting his museum is one of the most popular things to do in Malaga Old Town. Thousands of travellers around the world queue to see some of the artist’s well-known masterpieces.
You can find Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, a painting that broke with the previous traditional painting movement, and you can already see some characteristics of the Cubism movement.
He was one of the founders of the Cubism movement, which is reflected in many of his paintings.
If you’re really into art, Picasso Museum Malaga is a must-see. You’ll love exploring its three floors.
4. Immerse yourself in art at Carmen Thyssen Malaga
The second-best art gallery in Malaga is Carmen Thyssen, so if you’re passionate about art, make sure to add this one to your Malaga itinerary.
Founded in 2011, this museum has over 280 paintings, including some of the most important Spanish and Andalusian collections.
You go back in time and do a route through the different Spanish art movements that go from Romanticism to the beginning of the 20th century.
It’s possible to visit this art gallery for free on Sunday afternoon, but make sure to be there a bit earlier as many travellers come then.
5. Take a tour of Catedral de la Encarnación
Malaga Cathedral is considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Southern Spain, so it’s an unmissable place to visit in the old town.
The Catholic Monarchs of Spain ordered the construction of this building, where a former mosque used to be. Although the main architectural style is Renaissance, you can also spot Gothic and Barocco elements.
The cathedral is commonly called La Manquita among us locals, and if you wonder why, the reason is that this cathedral was never finished. It’s missing a tower.
The best way to visit the cathedral is by booking a tour to get all the insights and history behind this important building.
You can also book tickets to access its rooftop terrace. During the summer months, you have the opportunity to access it in the evening, which offers a different experience.
6. Relax at Hammam Al Ándalus
It’s sometimes just nice to relax for a few hours, and there’s no better place to do this than at Hammam Al Ándalus.
Having lived in Malaga for many years, I still ask myself why I didn’t visit it until last year.
When you enter the Arab baths, you feel like you’re in another world. The combination of hot and cold baths, the Moorish architecture and the cosy atmosphere is incredible.
You can also enjoy Moroccan mint tea as you move from bath to bath.
I got my tickets via Get Your Guide, which included a 15-minute massage, and although I’m not a big fan of massages, it was good.
7. Have a meal at El Pimpi
El Pimpi is one of my favourite restaurants in Malaga. Yes, you might hear some people saying it’s touristy, but some places are worth visiting even if they can be.
The truth is that you won’t only find tourists eating at El Pimpi; many locals like me enjoy this restaurant, and I can assure you it has a good reputation for a reason.
First, it isn’t just another restaurant. It’s divided into two parts: the outdoor terrace with lovely views of the Alcazaba and the indoor part, which is much bigger than you think. You have the bar, the wine barrels and lots of tables.
As you walk through El Pimpi, you can also see photos of celebrities who have visited this restaurant and winery.
If you’re wondering about the food, I’ve never had a bad meal. They use high-quality produce, so the flavours are spot on. One of my favourite dishes is fritura malagueña, a platter with different types of fried fish and seafood, which is also a traditional dish in the city.
8. Buy local products at Mercado Atarazanas
Mercado de Atarazanas is Malaga’s central food market. Those who live near the city centre come to the market to do their shopping, but it’s also a famous spot for travellers who love food.
The market isn’t as big as other food markets in Spain, like La Boqueria Market in Barcelona. However, it’s packed with great stalls selling everything from meat and fish to fruit and spices.
It’s also a fantastic place to have some tapas, and you’ll see many locals and travellers enjoying them at the outdoor tables.
Booking a food tour is a great choice if you’re into food. Most food tours will take you to Atarazanas Market, where you can taste local foods like almonds, olives and more.
9. Snap a picture at the Malaga sign
Ma()aga sign hasn’t been there for many years; it’s, in fact, relatively new, and it’s a popular spot for photos. You have the letters spelling the city’s name, well, without the L, so you can pose and the Alcazaba in the background.
It’s located next to the Roman Theatre and its interpretation centre. It’s definitely a very picturesque location!
10. Learn about the city’s history at Museo de Malaga
Museo de Malaga is completely underrated, and it wasn’t long ago that I decided to visit it.
The museum was founded after the unification of the former Fine Art Museum and the regional Archaeological Museum in 1972.
This museum showcases the history of Malaga, and you’ll be able to see a combination of paintings and archaeological objects. I was impressed by the numerous floors and collections in the museum.
Also, the building is wonderful and has a central courtyard where you can sit down and admire its architecture.
11. Walk on Calle Larios
Larios Street is Malaga’s main street. It’s home to plenty of shops and cafes and leads to other parts of the historic centre.
It’s lively all year round, with tourists and locals walking with their friends and family to visit the main attractions, have a coffee and a chat or go shopping.
I love Calle Larios because it’s where the main events also take place. You can see the beautiful Christmas Lights from the end of November to the beginning of January and the impressive religious parades during Easter, among other important festivals.
12. Sip a cocktail on a rooftop
A sunny day in Malaga is perfect for enjoying a nice juice, mocktail or cocktail with a view. Luckily, there are many rooftop bars in the city offering beautiful views and a lively atmosphere.
They’re typically more expensive than a regular bar, but it’s sometimes worth paying for somewhere fancier overlooking the city or sea.
Wondering where to go? AC Palacio Malaga is a popular one for the sea views. Terraza la Alcazaba is best for a view of the Alcazaba Fortress Palace, and La Terraza de Valeria, which isn’t technically in the historic centre but is next to it, it’s my favourite.
It has a lovely Andalusian-style bar, turquoise tables and chairs and lovely views of the port. Plus, their smoothies are flavourful.
13. Go inside Iglesia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula
I’m not really into churches, but Santos Martires Ciriaco y Paula Church is worth seeing.
This Gothic-Mudejar church was established in 1494 and has been deeply associated with the Easter brotherhoods since then.
Being so old, it has gone through several refurbishments, but the exterior and especially the interior are impressive. It’s one of the best examples of Rococo, late Baroque architecture.
Go inside to admire the beautiful ceilings and impressive religious figures that are significantly important to the city.
For a different view of this church, head to the rooftop terrace inside Dulces Dreams Boutique Hotel & Café Gallery. I love the views from there!
14. Take a photo with the Picasso statue at Plaza de la Merced
Not very far from the Picasso Museum, you’ll find Plaza de la Merced, a lovely square surrounded by restaurants.
It’s inside this square where the Picasso statue is. It consists of a bench with the artist sitting on it, so you can take a photo by sitting next to him.
15. Watch a flamenco show
Who hasn’t heard of flamenco? It’s one of the most famous things Spain is famous for.
This traditional music and dance originated in Southern Spain, more specifically in Seville.
However, you can watch fantastic flamenco shows in other Andalusian destinations like Malaga.
Restaurante Alegría has to be the best place to watch flamenco. They have flamenco shows every day, but it’s recommended that you book in advance or get your tickets with Get Your Guide.
I opted to have dinner before the flamenco show, and I must admit the food was quite good. My partner and I tried the Andalusian and the tapas menus. I especially loved the salmorejo and torrija with ice cream.
Museo Peña Juan Breva is a flamenco museum with over 60 years of history. It’s a very emblematic space for local artists, and they often host flamenco shows on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Another recommended place to watch flamenco is El Pimpi. However, they don’t have many live performances. Check out their site to find out when they host them.
16. Try the best churros in Malaga
If you’re looking for a traditional breakfast or merienda (afternoon tea snack), you need to try churros. They aren’t specifically from Malaga, but you can find very good cafes serving delicious churros.
Casa Aranda is a favourite among locals. It isn’t a fancy cafe, but the churros are really good.
However, my favourite churros place is Tejeringos Coffee. Theirs have the perfect consistency and flavour, plus besides the traditional thick hot chocolate you can find anywhere else, you can have your churros with different sauces like caramel and white chocolate.
17. Taste unique ice cream flavours
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then you can’t leave Malaga without eating ice cream.
The city has a good reputation for delicious ice creams. Casa Mira is the oldest ice cream shop in the historic centre and the favourite among locals and travellers. Their ice creams are ace.
Freskitto is another popular ice cream shop in the area, but if you’re looking for a vegan alternative, Yummy is the one to go to.
Okay, so what unique flavours can you actually taste? Malaga wine and raisins, tomato and avocado ice creams.
Capricho is the place to go for unique ice cream flavours, but unfortunately, it isn’t in the historic centre.
18. Take a photo of Fuente Plaza del Obispo
One of my favourite squares in Malaga old town is Plaza del Obispo, located opposite Malaga Cathedral.
It’s a fantastic place to take photos of the Cathedral alongside the beautiful marble fountain in the middle of the square.
Take photos, enjoy a meal or coffee in the outdoor seating of one of the restaurants surrounding the square and check out if there are any interesting exhibitions at the Centro Cultural Fundación Unicaja de Málaga.
The last exhibition I visited was “Mr. Günter, The Cat Show”, which had fantastic cartoon paintings and sculptures. I’m always checking out upcoming exhibitions, and I love the fact that they showcase local artists.
19. Check out Librería Mapas y Compañía
One of the coolest shops in Malaga’s historic centre is Librería Mapas y Compañía. This bookshop has a wide variety of books, but also lovely decor that would go perfectly in an office room.
Besides the selection of books, including pocket-size books, I love the globes.
It’s a small shop but worth visiting.
20. Taste the local wine at Antigua Casa de Guardia
When people mention Spanish wine, they often talk about La Rioja region or Jerez in Cadiz, but Malaga doesn’t come up in most conversations.
Nevertheless, the province of Malaga also has amazing vineyards that produce different types of wine, including the most popular wine in Malaga (vino de Málaga). The latter is a very sweet wine.
Antigua Casa de Guardia is a small winery serving all sorts of local wines, and it’s in the historic centre, so you don’t need to travel all the way to La Axarquia region or Ronda to try them.
The place is quite small and can get crowded, but I love the atmosphere and the prices are very reasonable too.
21. Grab a book from Libreria Luces
If you love books, one of the best things to do in Malaga Old Town for you is to go to Libreria Luces. This bookshop, which has been open for over 20 years, has plenty of books of different genres and ages.
Of course, many of the books are in Spanish, but you’ll be surprised by the extensive collection of books in other languages, from English and French to German, Portuguese and Italian.
It’s one of Malaga’s main cultural hubs! I love reading their book recommendations and the fact that they organise different events for those who love reading.
22. Museo del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga
Are you looking for a unique museum in Malaga? If so, you might want to visit Museo del Vidrio y Cristal. I mean, you don’t often hear about a museum of glass.
The museum is located in a charming 18th-century building where you can learn all about the history of glass. You can see about 3,000 masterpieces made out of glass!
They also organise great workshops where you can learn how to create and decorate glass. They are 12 euros, so you won’t break your bank either.
Malaga Old Town map
Click on the map below to open it in Google Maps. You can access directions to each of the locations mentioned in this article.
Where to stay in Malaga Old Town
The historic centre of Malaga has endless options when it comes to accommodation. You’ll usually pay more to stay in such a location, but it’s also possible to find affordable options.
Here are three recommendations for hotels in Malaga Old Town based on budget:
- Luxury: Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
- Mid-range: Molina Lario
- Budget: The Urban Jungle Hostel
Frequently asked questions
What is the old town in Malaga called?
It’s called Centro histórico de Málaga or Casco Antiguo in Spanish.
What is Malaga old town like?
Malaga Old Town is neat, lively, walkable and has plenty of incredible historical buildings, museums, shops and cafes. It’s interconnected like a maze; you can easily get lost in its streets.
Is Malaga old town worth a visit?
Yes, the historic centre of Malaga is where you will find the most emblematic buildings in the city.
Conclusion on things to do in Malaga Old Town
Overall, there are many reasons to visit Malaga, and the old town is one of the best places to explore in the city; after all, it’s where you’ll find the city’s major attractions – from the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre to the Cathedral and highly important museums like Picasso Museum and Carmen Thyssen.
Although you can definitely explore the historic centre on your own, if you love immersing in every city’s history and culture, this walking tour, which includes entry fees to the Alcazaba and Cathedral, is a good option.
Do you have any questions about visiting Malaga like a local? Drop them in the comments or join my Malaga Facebook group to connect with me and other travellers.
Enjoy your trip to Malaga!
Cristina xx
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Things to do before visiting Malaga, Spain
- Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Check out tours and activities in Malaga with Get Your Guide.
- Book a free walking tour in Malaga with GuruWalk.
- Travelling around Costa del Sol? Check and compare car rentals with Discover Cars.
- Buy travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
Read more about Málaga
- Is Malaga Worth Visiting? Reasons Why Malaga Needs To Be On Your List
- How to Spend One Day in Malaga Itinerary
- 20+ Best Free Things To Do In Malaga
- Beautiful Castles in Malaga and its Surroundings
- Where To Stay in Malaga: Best Hotels and Areas
- 15 Best Boutique Hotels in Malaga
- Best Malaga Food Tours
- Best Malaga Winery Tours and Experiences
- Incredible Day Trips From Malaga
