15 Top Things to Do in Malaga When it Rains
Rainy days in Malaga aren’t the norm, and although I’m not a big fan of these cloudy and wet days, we need some rain in Malaga. In fact, it barely rains regardless of the time of the year.
So, it’s unlikely it’ll happen during your trip, but if it does, don’t worry; there are many great things to do in Malaga when it rains, and as a local, I’m going to tell them all.
You can visit one of the many museums, go to Malaga’s central market, visit the cathedral, pamper yourself at the spa, and more.
Are you ready to discover fun activities to do on a rainy day in Malaga?
Let’s dive into it!
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Things to do in Malaga when it rains
1. Learn about Malaga Cathedral
Malaga Cathedral, known as La Manquita, is a must-see building regardless of the weather.
However, if you’re looking for shelter from the rain, what better place to do so than the Cathedral?
This architectural gem dates back to 1487, when Castilian troops conquered the city, and it’s considered one of the most emblematic buildings in the Spanish Renaissance.
Contemplate the beautiful ceiling and figures, and learn about the interesting history behind the cathedral.
Your ticket also includes a free audio guide available in 10 languages, including English, Portuguese, Italian and German.
The visit will take you approximately an hour.
2. Buy local products at Atarazanas Market
Atarazanas Market is the most popular indoor food market in Malaga, as it’s located next to the historic centre. It isn’t as big as La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, but it’s definitely worth visiting.
You’ll find anything from meat, fish and vegetables to nuts and fruits in the market. But you can also buy some local products to take home as a small Malaga souvenir.
I highly recommend trying the raisins. They’re super flavourful. Other things to taste are goat cheese, almonds, and olives. Despite the fact that I really dislike olives, we have a good variety!
Mercado de Atarazanas is also an excellent place to have tapas.
3. See Picasso’s masterpieces at Picasso Museum Malaga
Picasso Museum Malaga is one of the most visited museums in the city.
The artist Pablo Picasso was born and raised in Malaga, although he spent much of his time in France.
The museum has two floors featuring the magnificent works of Picasso, from the famous Las señoritas de Avignon to lesser-known but still worth admiring pieces.
There are over 200 paintings, so you can spend quite a bit of time exploring the rooms and learning about each one.
You can visit the museum for free on Sunday afternoons, but I can confirm that the queue forms early and it gets very busy, so it’s usually better to visit on other days, though you must pay for an entry ticket.
4. Watch a Flamenco performance
If you’re ready to immerse yourself in the Andalusian culture, going to a live flamenco concert is a great idea.
Despite Seville being the birthplace of flamenco, Malaga also offers fantastic flamenco performances.
There are several places to check out. One of them is the Restaurante Alegría near the port. They host flamenco every day from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. You can also book dinner before the show.
I recently did this, and I enjoyed the food. Their Andalusian and tapa menus are worth trying. I especially loved the ham and cheese platter, the salmorejo, and the croquetas. I also liked that the theatre was small and cosy.
The Peña Juan Breva and Flamenco Museum are other places to immerse yourself in flamenco and discover its origins.
5. Shop in the Old Town
Although you’ll stay away from the rain at the shopping centres, Malaga Old Town has many independent local shops that are worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for a unique souvenir for a loved one or yourself.
You can get a lovely homemade abanico (Spanish fan), local raisins and wine or even a high-quality leather bag. The options are endless.
If you love reading, I also recommend nipping to Libería Luces, my favourite book shop with books in Spanish and other languages.
6. Book Jewels and Wine
Are you looking for fun activities with friends in Malaga? I recommend the Jewels & Wine workshop in Malaga city centre. My friends booked it for my hen do earlier this year, and it was a great activity. The workshop includes everything you need to build necklaces and earrings, plus unlimited wine!
Enjoy making your own creations, chatting with friends, and listening to music in the background.
You don’t really need to have any experience making necklaces or anything like that (I didn’t). They explain step-by-step how to make it, and if you can’t figure it out, you can always get their help.
7. Visit the art galleries and museums
Carmen Thyssen Museum, Centre Pompidou Malaga and the Automobile and Fashion Museum are a few of the many museums and art galleries you’ll find in Malaga.
There are over 30 museums across the city, so you have plenty of options. No matter if you aren’t into art, music or culture, there’s one for you.
Also, if you travel with kids or teens, you can visit many kid-friendly museums like the Interactive Music Museum and the Videogame Museum.
8. Treat yourself in Centro Comercial Larios or Vialia
Centro Comercial Larios is one of the biggest shopping centres in Malaga city centre.
You can spend the morning or afternoon shopping. It has famous brands like Zara, Pull & Bear, and Primark, as well as other Spanish shops.
But it is also home to cafes and restaurants, from Burger King and Dunkin’ Doughnuts to 100 Montaditos and VIPS.
A five-minute walk from Larios Shopping Centre, you also have Vialia Shopping Centre, which has more shops and places to eat.
9. Take a tapas tour
When you visit a new place, it’s easy to end up in a tourist trap. It’s happened to me, especially when I haven’t done the research.
If you don’t have time to check out restaurants online and traditional food in Malaga, a tapas tour is the answer.
You’ll savour delicious local foods while learning about them with a guide. Plus, you get the opportunity to meet other travellers.
10. Pamper yourself at Hammam Al Andalus
Rainy days are for slowing down, and one of my favourite activities is going to the Arab Baths.
You won’t need to go far as they’re a short walk from the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
The moment you enter, you’ll disconnect from the outside world. The hot and cold baths, the aroma, and the atmosphere make everything so relaxing.
What I love the most about these baths is their Moorish architectural style, which you can enjoy while being in the bath or sipping Moroccan mint tea.
For the perfect pampering session, book a massage too.
11. Enjoy some chocolate and churros
One of my favourite activities on a rainy day is getting cosy at a cafe with friends and having some delicious churros con chocolate.
Casa Aranda is an institution when it comes to churros. It’s a traditional cafe serving some of the best churros in Malaga. However, my go-to place is Tejeringo Coffee.
I love their churros, and when I don’t fancy a hot chocolate, I order one of their delicious sauces. Dulce de leche (caramel) is my favourite.
They have different locations across Malaga, so check out which one is closest to you.
12. Watch a film at the cinema
You have two cinemas within walking distance of Malaga Old Town.
Cine Albeniz is the best cinema for travellers, since it offers a wide selection of films in their original versions (i.e., English, French, or other languages), and it’s in the heart of Malaga.
The other cinema is on the second floor of the Vialia Shopping Centre. It has comfortable seats and the latest films, but most of them are in Spanish.
13. Sip a cocktail at Speakeasy “The Pharmacy”
Rainy night, but don’t want to stay in your hotel? You have lots of great places to enjoy a boozy drink in Malaga.
However, if you’re looking for a unique place, The Pharmacy Speakeasy is a great option.
Cosy atmosphere and a wide variety of delicious cocktails, and it isn’t usually very busy.
I recommend sitting at the bar and watching them prepare your chosen drink; it’s amazing.
14. Take a paella cooking class
First of all, paella isn’t a traditional dish of Malaga, but of Valencia. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat delicious paella in Malaga.
If this is your first time in Spain and you would love to learn this popular delicacy, you can do it while you’re in Malaga.
This 3.5-hour cooking class is fantastic because you’ll buy the ingredients from the market, prepare a delicious paella and also make the Andalusian cold tomato soup called gazpacho.
15. Do an escape room
If you’re looking for a unique activity to do in Malaga on a rainy day, do an escape room.
It’s entertaining and will keep your mind busy trying to read clues and solve riddles.
Parapark Malaga is one of the companies that arrange these escape rooms. They have different great rooms, and their prices are reasonable.
16. Check out the concerts
Depending on the time of the year, you’ll find more or fewer concerts, but it’s worth checking the calendar.
Some of the most unique concerts, which you can also attend in other cities, are the candlelight concerts. Most of them take place in beautiful locations like the Gran Hotel Miramar and the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
If there are no concerts, check out the theatre performances.
Frequently asked questions about Malaga
What do I do in Malaga on a rainy day?
There are plenty of things to do in Malaga when it rains, from having churros con chocolate at a cosy cafe and visiting the museums to going to an escape room and going shopping.
What is the rainiest month in Malaga?
November is the rainiest month in Malaga. November to February is the period when it’s most likely to rain; however, Malaga isn’t a rainy city.
Does it rain much in Malaga?
No, Malaga has a maximum of 50 rainy days a year. It’s one of the sunniest cities in Spain.
Conclusion on what to do in Malaga when it rains
Malaga is better on a sunny day, but we don’t get many rainy days, so it’s nice to do something a bit different when it does.
I would say most locals like me prefer staying indoors on a rainy day; however, if you don’t plan to stay in Malaga for long or don’t want to be stuck in your accommodation, there are many fun indoor activities.
Relax at the Arab baths, grab a coffee and cake or churros, if you prefer, visit Malaga Cathedral and enjoy the beauty of a rainy day in the city.
Other indoor activities near Malaga are visiting Nerja Caves, hitting the Sealife aquarium or Butterfly Park in Benalmadena or going to the Mayan Monkey Mijas chocolate factory in Mijas Pueblo.
Do you have any questions about Malaga? Drop them in the comments below or join my Facebook group.
Cristina xx
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Top things to do before visiting Malaga
- Check out and book cheap flights to Malaga here.
- Book accommodation in Malaga. Have a look at my guide on the best boutique hotels in Malaga.
- Read 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 about the best day trips from Malaga.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance. This is a must for any trip! SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible health and travel insurance.
