Malaga is a fascinating city in southern Spain. It has a history dating back thousands of years which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. Many visitors to the Costa del Sol use Malaga for its airport and often neglected to visit the city centre, opting instead for coastal towns near Malaga to base themselves from. However, it’s well worth spending at least a weekend in Malaga so you can immerse yourself in the history, culture, and cuisine of this incredible Spanish city.
There are a lot of things to do in Malaga but it’s a very walkable city. In the summer months Malaga is overflowing with tourists, as are many other Spanish cities. However, in the off season you’ll find it much more enjoyable, especially in the autumn. Malaga boasts one of the warmest winters in Europe, so even in the winter months it’s not exceptionally cold.
Malaga is a city with a lot of history, but it’s also one that’s continuously growing. If you’ve spent a weekend in Malaga before, you’re sure to find something new within the city centre. But if you can spend longer than two days in Malaga Centro then you’ll be able to explore it in more depth. A weekend in Malaga will give you enough time to see Malaga’s main attractions though, and find some hidden gems along the way.
Things to do during a weekend in Malaga
Relax in the Arab baths
One of the best things to do during a weekend in Malaga is to relax in the iconic Arab baths. The Hammam Al-Andalus has been renovated to capture the essence of the old Arab baths. They were prominent in this part of Spain hundreds of years ago. It’s an incredible experience in Malaga Centro and the quietude of the baths is completely different from the street noise outside.
Our booking lasted for 90 minutes and included a 15 minute massage. Inside the hammam you’ll find different pools of varying temperatures as well as a steam room. Since the bookings are timed the facilities aren’t overcrowded and chances are you’ll have the pools to yourself sometimes. We tried the Arab baths in Jerez de la Frontera but the ones in Malaga are even more incredible. Make sure you add this experience to your weekend in Malaga itinerary.
Explore Malaga’s breathtaking cathedral
No weekend in Malaga is complete without at least visiting the outside of the Catedral de Malaga. This cathedral is a symbol of the city and is a must-see in Malaga. Building started on the cathedral in the 16th century but due to lack of funds construction was halted in 1782. The south tower still remains incomplete which is why the cathedral has been nicknamed the “one armed lady”.
If you have some time during your weekend in Malaga, I would highly recommend going inside of the cathedral. The interior was influenced by Renaissance and Baroque architecture so it really is special to walk around. Visitors can also pay an additional fee to access the roof though it’s often closed for restoration purposes.
Take in the views from Castillo de Gibralfaro
If you’re looking for viewpoints in Malaga, you can’t beat the view from Castillo de Gibralfaro. The castle was built in the 14th century and sits overlooking the city of Malaga. Its purpose was to defend the Alcazaba below as well as the city’s troops. Today visitors can learn more about the castle’s history through the interpretation centre and walk around the inner castle courtyard as well as the castle walls. Visiting Castillo de Gibralfaro is one of the top things to do while spending a weekend in Malaga.
Mercado Central de Atarazanas
You’ll come across a lot of historic indoor markets around Andalusia. One of the most famous sits in the centre of Malaga though. Mercado Central de Atarazanas dates back to the 19th century and was built on the site of 14th century Nasrid shipyards. Following the Christian conquest of the area, this site was used for various purposes such as a warehouse and barracks.
Today the market is an important food hall with plenty of fresh produce stalls as well as tapas bars where people can grab something to eat. Many walking tours in Malaga pass through here as well.
Grab a cocktail at a rooftop bar in Malaga
There are a lot of fantastic rooftop bars in Malaga with beautiful views of the city. Some are very overpriced though, so if you’re looking for budget friendly rooftop bars a good option is a hostel. Chinitas Urban Hostel is located directly off the main shopping street and is accessed by an elevator. Non-guests are allowed to visit the rooftop bar, and the prices are very reasonable. Plus you get an unbeatable view of the cathedral!
Admire the Roman theatre and the Alcazaba de Malaga
The good thing about spending a weekend in Malaga is that most of the main attractions are close to one another. Two points of interest worth visiting while in Malaga are the Roman theatre and the Alcazaba.
The Roman theatre sits at the base of the Alcazaba and dates back to the 1st century AD. It was later used by the Arabs as a quarry for building the fortress. Visiting the Roman theatre is one of the best free things to do in Malaga and visitors can enjoy a short exhibition before entering the archaeological site.
The Alcazaba de Malaga is an incredible historic site to visit. It stands at the base of Mount Gibralfaro and is connected to Castillo de Gibralfaro by a set of defensive walls. The fortress was built in the 11th century and has witnessed the rule of several dynasties. Walking around the fortress is a very budget friendly thing to do in Malaga. On Sunday afternoons entry is free, but don’t be surprised if there’s a long waiting time to enter.
Join a food tour
If you’re wondering which of the walking tours in Malaga to take, you can’t go wrong with a food tour. There are several food tours in Malaga available and the majority of them will take you to locally run eateries as well as a couple of hidden gems.
We’ve taken two Malaga food tours in the past and both have been centred around Mercado Central de Atarazanas and the surrounding area. Taking a food tour is one of the best things to do during a weekend in Malaga if you want to get a feel for the local cuisine and learn more about the city.
Go church hopping
Beyond the cathedral, Malaga has a lot of interesting religious buildings to visit. Throughout the city centre you’ll come across beautiful churches at almost every turn, and even some of the side streets have churches tucked away. If you take a guided tour of Malaga, chances are you’ll stop at a couple of churches off the beaten path.
One that I would recommend visiting while spending a weekend in Malaga is Iglesia de Santiago Apostol. It was founded in 1490, making it the oldest church in Malaga. It’s also where Pablo Picasso was baptized in 1881.
Visit the musuems
Malaga has a wealth of art and culture to discover, making it a great city for a cultural getaway. One of the best ways to learn more about Malaga and its past is by visiting a few museums. There are a lot of museums in Malaga to choose from, so it can be overwhelming for first time visitors.
Some of the most popular museums include: Museo Picasso Malaga, Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga, Museo de Malaga (free entry for EU citizens), and Centre Pompidou Malaga.
Take some time to shop
Malaga is renowned for its shopping, and there are plenty of places to shop in Malaga Centro. Calle Larios is the most well-known street in the city centre. It’s lined with famous fashion brands, local eateries, and cosmetics shops. Near Christmas the street boasts a stunning light and sound show.
A weekend in Malaga will give you enough time to explore Calle Larios, but make sure you wander down the side streets too. There are plenty of unique, locally run shops in Malaga that sell everything from clothing to handmade souvenirs.
Stroll along the Port of Malaga
One of the best things to do in the evening in Malaga is to walk around the Port of Malaga. The port has a history dating back over 3000 years, and under Roman rule it grew into a prosperous trading port. At sunset the port area takes on a completely different feel than during the daytime, and the view across the water is incredible.
You’ll often find market stalls set up around this area selling a selection of goods. There are also numerous restaurants and a few shops located along the port that are popular among visitors.
Where to eat in Malaga Centro
FOMO Bar
Before spending a weekend in Malaga, it’s a good idea to do some restaurant research. One of the best places to eat in Malaga if you want authentic and modern tapas with a good selection of beers and wines is FOMO Bar. This locally run tavern has a menu based around local ingredients and they personally visit the source of their products to ensure their quality.
We sampled a selection of their most popular tapas dishes and couldn’t fault any of them. The prices are incredibly reasonable as well considering the quality and sizes that you’re given. FOMO Bar is also a great place to stop for a drink if you don’t feel like eating anything. Make sure you add it to your list of places to eat during your weekend in Malaga.
Lucciano’s
Malaga isn’t short of ice cream parlours, but the quality at many of them isn’t the best. Lucciano’s, however, is here to change that. This family-run company has a couple of locations around Malaga Centro but the company is originally from Argentina. They serve deliciously creamy artisanal ice cream with many flavours you won’t find anywhere else. The interior of the ice cream parlour is very modern and helps to create a unique atmosphere while you tuck into some of Spain’s best ice creams.
El Gastronauta
Looking for the best paella in Malaga? Then you need to visit El Gastronauta. Eating here really is a gastronomic experience, as they try to fuse flavours and experiences into all of their dishes. Their menu is based around Mediterranean cuisine and they use only the freshest products that are predominantly from southern Spain. Even the wine menu at El Gastronauta is based around wine from the Malaga mountains.
Their paella is phenomenal, but it would be a shame if you didn’t try a few tapas dishes during your visit as well. This is one restaurant in Malaga not to be missed if you’re visiting the city centre.
Bugio
Dining at Bugio, whether for lunch or dinner, will be one of the best things you do during a weekend in Malaga. This unique modern dining concept restaurant has an incredible menu that’s based around local produce where possible. The cocktails are very popular here since they have a combination of lighter aperitif cocktails to sip on before your food arrives and stronger cocktails to enjoy later. The La Quinqui cocktail is a favourite of mine which is a margarita based around melon and chilli.
On the food side of things, you really can’t go wrong with any of the starters. You’ll find modern twists on classic dishes such as red tuna tartare and thai mussels, but they also have ham croquettes and patatas bravas if you’re craving some Spanish food. There are a lot of main dishes to choose from as well, but their pizzas are definitely a highlight with their high-quality ingredients.
If you still have room left after indulging in all of the savoury dishes, the chocolate brownie is a great way to finish your meal. Bugio is a beautiful restaurant in Malaga to dine at, and it’s relatively new to the scene so it’s not overcrowded- yet.
The Cereal Boom Coffee
One of the most unique places for brunch in Malaga is The Cereal Boom Coffee. They’re the largest cereal bar in Spain, offering guests a wide selection of global cereals to try. The cereals can be paired with colourful milk as well for a completely unforgettable experience. On top of choosing individual cereals, the menu has pre-selected cereal combinations that make it easier for you to decide.
But it’s not only cereals that The Cereal Boom Coffee offers. You’ll find several popular brunch dishes on the menu, including avocado and scrambled eggs on toast. The cafe sits just a short walk from Calle Larios so it’s very easy to add to your weekend in Malaga itinerary.
Copa Açai
Eating healthy while travelling can be a struggle, but we’ve found the perfect spot to get a healthy snack in Malaga. Copa Açai can be found across the street from Mercado Central de Atarazanas so it’s in a prime location. They source the finest quality açai berries to ensure maximum flavour and health benefits. There are plenty of fresh toppings available for you to build your own açai bowl, and the bowls are reasonably priced compared to other similar eateries in Malaga.
Buga Ramen
Buga Ramen is an amazing restaurant in Malaga that perfectly blends Japanese cuisine and anime to create the ultimate dining experience. They use locally sourced and high quality ingredients in all of their dishes, and their secret ramen recipe draws people in from all over Spain. If you miss Buga Ramen during your weekend in Malaga, there are 15 other locations around Spain for you to try.
Buga Ramen has a variety of ramen options on their menu, and each one comes with perfectly cooked noodles and a comforting broth. If you’re not in the mood for ramen though, you’ll find plenty of other authentic Japanese dishes on the menu. I would recommend ordering one of the combo options if you’re feeling particularly hungry.
GOAT
Street food in Malaga Centro doesn’t come much better than GOAT. They have a great selection of burgers and sandwiches on their menu, and everything is made with high quality ingredients. The Truffle Burger and the Goat Classic are both excellent choices if you’re looking to grab a burger in Malaga. It’s a good idea to pair the burgers with the cheddar fries or the hot chicken fries if you’re very hungry. There are a few places to sit inside at GOAT as well as a standing table outside, but most people take their food away with them.
Mala Leche
Mala Leche is one of the best places to go for breakfast in Malaga Centro. Their brunch menu in particular is a must-try and it’s very affordable considering the amount of food you get. I ordered the avocado toast with scrambled eggs option which came with a croissant, orange juice, tea, and a yogurt bowl. If you don’t want a lot to eat they also have plenty of other options on the menu. They’re very well known in the city centre for their specialty coffees too.
If you’re looking for somewhere healthy to have brunch during your weekend in Malaga and you don’t want to walk too far from the main tourist attractions, Mala Leche is the perfect option.
El Ombu Empanadas
You’ll find a lot of empanada takeaways dotted around Malaga, but not all of them are authentic. El Ombu Empanadas is located a short walk from the Alcazaba and offers a menu of 100% handmade authentic Argentinian empanadas. There are a lot of flavours to choose from, and half of them are meat-free. It really is a great place to grab a quick snack, and they’re open late too.
Other places to eat in Malaga Centro
- Restaurante Haruki
- La Tiana Juana
- Pistacho y Azafran
- Tasca Laska Bistrobar
- Spago’s
- Casa Lola
- Pepa Revuelo Centro
- Sentir Cafe
Where to stay in Malaga
Suites Del Pintor
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s centrally located in Malaga, we found that the best option is Suites del Pintor. They have a good variety of apartments available to suit everyone’s needs, from studio apartments to quadruple apartments. All of the rooms are accessible by an elevator as well, and the apartments are accessed using a secure pin code.
The Deluxe apartment is suitable for up to four people. As soon as you walk through the door you’re standing in a spacious open-plan kitchen and living room. Our apartment was on the ground floor so there was a bit of street noise but it eventually subsided once the bar on the corner closed for the evening. The kitchen is fully equipped as well in case you want to make your own meals while you’re spending a weekend in Malaga.
The apartment features a separate bedroom that can sleep two people. There’s a sofa bed that can sleep an additional two guests if needed as well. Next to the bedroom is a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower, and guests are provided with fresh towels and linens. There’s ample storage space in the bedroom in case you want to hang your clothes up during your stay.
We didn’t prepare any meals in our apartment, but we did opt for the continental breakfast at their sister accommodation, Hotel del Pintor. The breakfast is more than enough to fuel you for the day and it’s based around organic and healthy products. The apartments are located down the street from the hotel, so even if you’re not staying in the hotel itself you can still easily book the breakfast there. The hotel is also where you can hire a bike from and store your luggage.
If you’re impressed with the apartment then you’ll be blown away by the rooftop terrace and solarium. This is the perfect spot to come with a glass of wine and chill out in the sun. All guests at Suites del Pintor have access to the rooftop, but chances are it won’t be too busy as most people will be out exploring the city centre. This is a fantastic feature of the apartments that not too many places in Malaga are able to offer.
Suites del Pintor is a great place to stay during a weekend in Malaga within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions. Book early though, because these suites get booked very quickly!
>> See what suites are available at Suites del Pintor <<
Is Malaga worth visiting?
Is it worth spending a weekend in Malaga? Absolutely! There are more than enough historic sites in Malaga to explore, as well as lots of eateries and bars to visit. This southern Spanish city has a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine that’s unlike any other place in Andalusia. If you’ve visited the Costa del Sol before and have never spent more than a few hours in Malaga Centro, this is your sign to book another trip and indulge in everything that makes Malaga such a popular destination year round.
Do you have any questions about how to plan a weekend in Malaga? Or any questions about day trips from Malaga? Feel free to reach out via email or on Instagram, where you can also follow along with my travels and hopefully find some travel tips to help you plan your next trip abroad.
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