13 Things to Do in Malaga at Night From a Local
Wondering what to do in Malaga in the evening? While there are more activities to do during the day, you can still experience a different side of Malaga when the sun sets.
I prefer day activities, but Malaga has plenty to offer at night too, especially during the summer, when many locals like me have dinner out, and the atmosphere is definitely livelier than in winter.
If you want some inspiration from a born-and-raised local, keep reading!
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Things to do in Malaga at night
1. See the main attractions lit up
The Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral and Gibralfaro Castle are historic buildings worth exploring, and if you see them during the day, which you’ll likely do, you’ll be amazed by their history and architectural details. While I prefer day to night, I must admit that the lit-up attractions are even more special.
2. Enjoy some tapas outdoors
I totally think that there’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious alfresco meal in the summer in Malaga. We, locals, love food and a meal out. However, it can be any time of year; some restaurants have heaters next to their outdoor tables.
It’s really an experience. You can have tapas while talking with family or friends and people watching.
Most bars and restaurants have tables outside, from the famous El Pimpi to Kraken and Casa Lola.
There are numerous places to have tapas in Malaga, but I’ve included my favourites in this article.
3. Grab a drink at a rooftop bar
As soon as the sun starts going down, it’s the perfect time to grab a drink at a rooftop bar.
Rooftops have become so popular in Malaga that it seems that every new hotel sees the opportunity to open one. I can’t keep up with all of them!
If you’re looking for a classic rooftop, the one at AC Palacio doesn’t disappoint. I personally like the one at Room Mate Collection Valeria, with views of the Cathedral, Gibralfaro, and the port, and the one at ME hotel, overlooking the Alcazaba fortress palace.
If you want to catch the sunset, I highly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early, as it gets busy and it’s difficult to find a table.
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4. Book a night tour
Are you a night owl? You’ll prefer night over morning tours. They give you the chance to see a different side of the city and the attractions lit up, too.
There are several types of tours carried out at night, from tapas crawls to walking and ghost tours. You’re spoilt for choice.
These can also be an amazing alternative in the summer, as temperatures are high during the day.
Here’s a list of the top-rated night tours in Malaga:
5. Enjoy a flamenco performance
There’s nothing more Andalusian than watching a flamenco show.
Whilst Malaga isn’t the origin city of flamenco music and dance, it belongs to Andalusia, and therefore, it makes it a good place to watch live flamenco.
This traditional music and dance is part of our culture, so if you want to immerse yourself in it, book a flamenco show.
You have different options for watching a show. From my experience, Flamenco Alegría near the port is a good introduction. I love that they have a restaurant connected to the theatre. My partner and I had dinner before the flamenco show. I didn’t have high expectations of the food, but I really enjoyed it. Then we ordered a sangria while watching the show.
💃🏻 Book your flamenco show here
6. Walk on Muelle Uno
Málaga Port, referred to as Muelle Uno, is one of the best places to walk in Malaga. If you ask me why, the views from its different points are stunning, there’s a lively atmosphere, and if you love shopping, you can buy things at many shops, including the famous Ale-Hop shop.
Is it touristy? Well, yes, it is, but it’s still worth walking, and I especially love it at sunset.
7. Eat an ice cream
Day or night, ice cream parlours are filled with locals and travellers, especially during the peak season.
Casa Mira is one of the most emblematic ice cream shops in Malaga city centre. They offer classic and unique flavours typical of Malaga. I really like the mango ice cream here.
If you have food intolerances or are vegan, check out Yummy, near the cathedral.
Willing to go for a good ice cream outside the city centre? Heladería Inma in the neighbourhood of El Torcal serves a wide variety of flavours. Every time I go, there’s a queue. I don’t normally queue, but this ice cream is worth the wait.
For more recommendations, this article covers the best ice cream parlours.
8. Book a sunset cruise
Whether you want to have a great time with friends or a romantic time with your other half, sunset cruises are such a fantastic option.
There are many tours available, so I recommend taking a look at each so you can find the most suitable one depending on who you’re going with.
Here are some of the top-rated sunset cruises:
9. Wine Gogh
If you come with a group of friends and want a fun evening activity, Wine Gogh is a good option.
Let your more creative side run freely and paint in a fun atmosphere. What makes it different from others is that you use fluorescent paint.
All the materials are provided, and you can take your picture home.
10. Play in the arcades
A fantastic activity for kids and teens in Malaga is playing in the arcades. You have to go to Galaxy Parks in Malaga city centre: one in Vialia Shopping Centre and one in Muelle Uno.
Play different games, win prizes or have fun bowling.
11. Relax at the Arab Baths
If you’re looking for a romantic evening activity in Malaga, you might want to consider the Arab Baths, which are open until 12 am and 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
They offer the ultimate relaxing experience. Switch between cold and hot pools, enter the steamy sauna or book a massage.
While it isn’t the biggest Arab bath I’ve ever visited, I feel it’s cosy and complete. It’s so beautiful at the same time!
12. Attend a candlelight concert
Candlelight concerts are a good idea for a date night. While these don’t take place all the time, check if there’s one happening when you’re around Malaga.
The concert locations are unique. For example, some of these are in Hotel Miramar, one of the few 5-star hotels in Malaga, which is absolutely gorgeous inside (see photo above).
13. Go clubbing
Planning a night out in Malaga? There are plenty of clubs to choose from. I’m not a nightlife expert as clubbing isn’t my thing, but some of the most popular spots are Sala Gold, Malafama and Barsovia Club.
If you come in the summer, you might want to check out the beach clubs near Malaga. I actually prefer them over normal clubs. If I were you, I would head to Torremolinos.
You can also do a pub and club crawl in Malaga. It’s a good introduction to the city’s nightlife.
Short FAQ
Is Malaga safe at night?
Yes, Malaga is generally safe at night. Especially the main streets and spots like Calle Larios and Muelle Uno.
Is Malaga lively at night?
Yes, Malaga is lively, but even more during the summer months.
Conclusion
In addition to the activities mentioned above, I would like to conclude by suggesting that you check out Malaga events when you come.
For example, La Noche en Blanco is worth checking out. It consists of an evening when you can expect free entrance to museums, art galleries, special exhibitions, and activities.
You can also enjoy the Christmas light show from late November to early January.
There’s something going on that takes place every other month or every season.
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Enjoy your time in Malaga!
Cristina
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