10 Unmissable Things to Do in Malaga (2026 Edition)
Are you planning a visit to Malaga? Seeking the top activities to do in Malaga? Look no further!
In this guide we’ll unveil the top 10 best activities and attractions in Malaga and in the costa del sol. Along with must-visit landmarks and fascinating sites. We will also provide expert tips.
All of these places are inside the city of Malaga. The best way to move around is with public transport or walking. We have a little guide explaining more in detail everything you need to know about how to get around Malaga.
From bus to trains, passing through bike. Have a look!
Our Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Malaga
The Alcazaba of Malaga
This iconic treasure takes the crown as Malaga’s most renowned tourist attraction. The Moors constructed this palace back in the 11th century. It served as the residence of Muslim rulers and a fortress guarding the city against Catholic invaders.
Well preserved, the Alcazaba boasts splendid courtyards, patios, fountains, and lush gardens. Perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the sea and the port. Explore its small museum showcasing Moorish pottery and ceramics. To delve deeper into its history, consider booking a 1.5-hour guided tour, which includes the Roman theater ruins.
Gibralfaro Castle
Gibralfaro Castle, another Malaga gem, stands as a must-visit site. You can reach the castle on foot from the Alcazaba via a scenic path, offering panoramic city views. If you prefer an easier ascent, hop on bus #35 from Avenida de Cervantes.
They built this 14th-century fortress to protect the Alcazaba and it features barracks for soldiers and a lighthouse. Its name, “Gibralfaro,” means “mountain of light.” The main draw here is the extraordinary vista of Malaga and the sea from the ramparts. The best views are at night with the city lights.
Malaga’s Roman Theater
The Malaga Roman Theatre is the city’s oldest site. An ancient treasure, nestled at the base of the Alcazaba in the city center. Built in the 1st century AD under Emperor Augustus. They used it as a theater before converting it into a cemetery and ultimately abandoning it.
When they demolished the structure atop them, they uncovered the ruins of the Roman theater in 1951. Today, the venue hosts numerous outdoor performances, and the entrance is free.
Cathedral ‘la Manquita’
Malaga Cathedral is visible from afar due to its impressive height. It stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Construction began in the 16th century on the site of the city’s former mosque, but it took over two centuries to complete.
Because of money issues, they only built one of the two planned bell towers. Locals locally call it “La Manquita” (the armless one).
For an amazing view, climb 200 steps up the 87-meter tower. You’ll see the whole city, Alcazaba, and Gibralfaro Castle from there. Explore the interiors, featuring intricate ceilings, stunning stained-glass windows, chapels, and a grand 4,000-pipe organ.
Beyond Sightseeing: Unique Experiences in Malaga
No visit to Malaga is complete without savoring the authentic flavors of the region. Consider embarking on a memorable tour through the picturesque Valle del Guadalhorce.
This tour takes you to a beautiful white town near Malaga and lush vineyards. You’ll learn about growing grapes and citrus fruits, all with a rich history in the background. You’ll visit local wineries to see locals make wine. Then, enjoy tasting wine with delicious tapas.
Locals run everything, from the tour guide to the winery and the tapas that they offer. It is such an aunthentic place that most of the people don’t know a word of English there (the tour guide is an exception, of course). This tour is, with no doubts, one of the top 10 Malaga things to do.
Dive into the culture of Andalusia on this tour. Experience its food and wine heritage, one of Malaga’s unique attractions. Book your tour now and ensure a memorable experience in Malaga.
This tour offers an immersion into the heart of Andalusia’s culture, bringing you closer to its culinary and viticultural heritage as one of the unique things to do in Malaga. Book your tour now and ensure an unforgettable experience in Malaga.
Best Museums to Visit in Malaga
Malaga boasts a vibrant cultural scene with nearly 30 museums, making it the cultural capital of Andalusia. Here are a few museums to consider depending on your interests:
- Picasso Birthplace Museum: Where the renowned artist, Pablo Picasso, was born
- Flamenco Art Museum: Dedicated to traditional Spanish dance.
- Museum of Glass and Crystal: Showcasing a private collection of an Andalusian aristocrat.
- Malaga Centre for Contemporary Art: Focusing on 20th and 21st-century art.
- Automobile Museum: Featuring 85 restored vintage cars.
- National Museum of Airports and Air Transport: Exploring aviation history.
- Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions: A cultural exploration.
- Centre Pompidou in Malaga: Showcasing contemporary art.
- Carmen Thyssen Museum: Home to an exquisite collection of 19th-century Andalusian art.
Top Beaches in Malaga for Sun & Relaxation
While in Malaga, you’d be remiss not to relish the stunning beaches. Malagueta Beach is a prime choice with its lively atmosphere and stunning views.
Along the coast, find Chiringuitos, cute food stalls serving tasty seafood like grilled sardines on skewers. A top choice for food lovers! A short distance away, Penon del Cuervo Beach is a hotspot for the younger crowd, perfect for parties and barbecues.
La Concepción Historical Botanical Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Malaga, the historical botanical garden is a sanctuary of natural beauty. Explore a wide variety of flora in this lush garden that also offers themed tours lasting from 1 to 4 hours. It’s an oasis of tranquility where you can immerse yourself in nature’s wonders.
The Atarazanas Market
For an authentic local experience when exploring things to do in Malaga, visit the Atarazanas Market. Like markets in Spain, Sicily, or Greece, it’s a treasure trove of delicious local products. Savor fresh seafood, regional specialties, and unique flavors that define the culinary culture of Malaga. Enjoy some food hard to find at regular tapas bars.
Soho Neighborhood
Once a decaying neighborhood, Soho has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to street artists. Discover striking street art adorning buildings and facades, with some murals reaching several stories high. They call this artsy area the art district and it hosts the Contemporary Art Centre of Malaga. Stroll through its charming streets and soak in the creativity that surrounds you among the many things to do in Malaga.
Montes de Malaga Natural Park
Nature lovers will adore the Montes de Malaga Natural Park. It’s a beautiful spot for outdoor activities in Malaga. This pristine park offers an array of hiking trails catering to all levels, including mountain bike trails.
Explore a 7km or 14km route in the park. Enjoy picnics and local dishes like “plato de los montes,” a tasty mountain specialty. One of the park’s highlights is the Caminito del Rey. It used to be risky, but now it’s completely safe for hiking.
Malaga and its surroundings offer an abundance of enriching experiences and sights to explore. Whether you have just one day or several to spare, you can craft an amazing schedule to make the most of your visit. If you’re up for exploring outside Malaga, don’t miss attractions nearby such as Caminito del Rey. No matter the duration of your stay, Malaga promises to leave an indelible mark on your southern Spain journey.
If you are still looking for more, we have created a list of Hidden Gems in Malaga. In this post we expose some of the places we mentioned. But also new ones that will make you want to explore Malaga even more.
And if you want to explore outside of Malaga you can have a look at our guide for the day trips from Malaga you can’t miss.
We also have a guide of the best flamenco shows in Malaga. Find and compare the most popular shows and choose your preferred one.
malaga top 10
If you’re searching for the Malaga top 10, you’re probably trying to solve one thing: how to spend your limited time without wasting half a day on logistics. The best “top 10” lists work when they mix the obvious classics (the city’s major historic and cultural sights) with a few easy wins that make the trip feel local—without sending you zig-zagging across town. Malaga is compact enough that you can group most highlights into simple clusters: historic center (walkable), waterfront (easy), and one “bigger” stop you plan around.
A practical way to use a Malaga top 10 list is to pick 3 items per day: one “anchor” sight, one neighborhood walk, and one food moment. That’s how you actually finish the day feeling like you saw Malaga—without being exhausted.
How to plan your top 10 efficiently:
- Group sights by area (old town together, waterfront together)
- Start earlier for the most popular stops
- Leave one flexible slot daily for “whatever feels right”
- Build in food timing (Malaga is better when you don’t rush meals)
top 10 things to do in malaga
The top 10 things to do in Malaga depend on what you value most: history, viewpoints, museums, food, or beaches. The mistake most visitors make is treating the list like a checklist. Malaga rewards a slower pace because the best parts are often the in-between moments: the walk through the historic center, the waterfront atmosphere, the way the city shifts at golden hour. Choose the top experiences that match your style, then arrange them into a plan that minimizes backtracking.
If you’re here for a short stay (1–3 days), focus on the historic core first, add one “big” cultural stop, and then decide whether your remaining time should be beach-leaning or food-leaning. That’s the simplest way to avoid a bloated itinerary.
A simple way to choose your top 10:
- Pick 3 “must-sees” (your non-negotiables)
- Add 3 “walk-and-feel” experiences (streets, waterfront, viewpoints)
- Add 2 food-focused moments (market / tapas / local specialties)
- Keep 2 slots flexible for weather and energy levels
malaga things to do
When people search for Malaga things to do, they usually want two answers: what’s worth paying for (tickets, museums, experiences) and what’s worth doing for free (walks, viewpoints, neighborhoods). Malaga is great for both. You can build a strong day with very little structure: start with a cultural visit in the morning, spend midday walking or eating in the center, and finish with a sunset moment by the sea. The city’s biggest advantage is how easy it is to “flow” from one area to the next.
If your trip is also a base for day trips, keep your Malaga plan lighter: do the city highlights in the first half of the day, then use later hours for relaxed neighborhoods and food. That way you don’t feel like you’re constantly commuting.
A balanced Malaga day (works year-round):
- Morning: one major sight or museum (when queues are lower)
- Midday: historic center walk + food stop
- Afternoon: waterfront / neighborhood stroll
- Sunset: viewpoint or sea-front walk
- Evening: relaxed tapas plan (simple and flexible)