What first comes to mind when you think of Malaga? For many people it’s the city’s vast amount of beaches, its nightlife scene, and its near perfect temperature all year round. If this doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll be pleased to know that Malaga is much more than that, and has a deep rooted history going back thousands of years. There are also countless historic attractions in Malaga Centro to visit, and many of them are free to enjoy.
Malaga is one of my favourite large cities in southern Spain to visit, and is very different from the likes of Granada and Seville. Founded in 770 BC by the Phoenicians, Malaga is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world. Based on its geographical location, it’s also the largest southernmost city in all of Europe.
From Roman archaeological ruins, to an Arab fortress and Catholic religious monuments – Malaga is practically bursting with historical sites to visit. As you can imagine, there are numerous things to do in Malaga’s city centre, especially if you’re planning on spending a while in the city. Here are my top picks for the best historic attractions in Malaga Centro that you won’t want to miss.
Historic attractions in Malaga Centro
1. Catedral de Malaga
One of the main historic attractions in Malaga Centro is the Catedral de Malaga (Nuestra Señora de la Encarnacion). Building began on this cathedral in 1530, on the site of an old Arab mosque, and finished in the 17th century. Strangely enough, although work has finished on the cathedral, one of the towers remains unfinished due to funds being sent overseas for various wars. The cathedral has lovingly been nicknamed The One-Armed Lady by locals because of this.
I would highly recommend going inside the cathedral if you can, but if you’re not able to it’s very impressive on the outside and there are plenty of different angles you can take photos of it from. You can add a tour of the cathedral’s roof to your ticket as well for some amazing views of Malaga.
2. Palacio Episcopal
Sitting next to the cathedral, in Plaza del Obispo, is the very colourful Palacio Episcopal. The original construction of this palace dates back to the 16th century. It was later deemed to be too small so it was expanded upon, and the palace that you see today dates to the 18th century. Its doors are not always open, but if you happen to be walking past and they are, it’s worth taking a look inside because it now houses religious artwork as well as other interesting exhibitions. Unfortunately, many tourists in Malaga stop outside to take a photo of the building, but don’t actually explore its interior.
3. Hospital de Santo Tomas
Across from the main entrance to the cathedral is one of the most overlooked historic attractions in Malaga among tourists. Hospital de Santo Tomas is not your typical tourist attraction in Malaga, but it does have an interesting history behind it. It was founded in 1505 by a knight who fought with the Catholic army to reconquer Malaga from the Muslims (his remains rest inside the building). Its main purpose was to provide healthcare to the poor. The building that stands today is a 19th century reconstruction of the original, which was needed following a large earthquake that struck the city. You can’t miss it if you’re heading to the inside of the cathedral.
4. Palacio de Zea-Salvatierra
Considered to be one of the most important buildings in the city coming from the 17th and 18th centuries, Palacio de Zea-Salvatierra still proudly stands opposite the cathedral entrance, next to Hospital de Santo Tomas. Over the years, it’s been used as both the headquarters of the city council, as well as a postal office. This is one of the historic attractions in Malaga Centro that’s often passed by without much thought, but it’s a lovely piece of Baroque architecture to look at as you make your way through the city.
5. Calle San Agustin
One of my favourite streets in Malaga’s city centre has to be Calle San Agustin. It leads from the cathedral all the way up to the Picasso Museum, and is lined with small shops and restaurants. You’ll also pass by the 16th century Iglesia de San Agustin which is very bright and colourful, much like Palacio Episcopal. This street is a great example of the traditional layout of Malaga’s centro historico. If you turn around to take another look at the cathedral, you’ll be in for a beautiful view (and a great photo spot) too.
6. Museo Picasso Malaga
Did you know Picasso was born in Malaga? The city is very proud of its ties to one of the world’s most famous artists, and at Museo Picasso Malaga you can see many of his artworks on display. The museum sits on Calle San Agustin, which is where Picasso went to nursery school and also where his father worked as a curator. The building that was chosen for the museum is the 16th century Palacio de Buenavista. It was used as a home for centuries before being turned into a school, a factory, and a hospital during the Spanish Civil War.
7. Iglesia de Santa Ana
Iglesia de Santa Ana is a bit of a hidden gem in Malaga, and is easily missed as you make your way from the cathedral to the fortress. This 19th century church is also referred to as the Cistercian Abbey, and was only recently restored in 1990. The doors were unfortunately closed when I came across it, however it’s a lovely quiet street to take a photo in. This is just one of the many unique historic attractions in Malaga Centro that you can visit.
8. Museo Revello de Toro
Just across the street from Iglesia de Santa Ana is another interesting museum that you can add to your Malaga itinerary – Museo Revello de Toro. It’s housed in a 17th century building which would have been home to the sculptor Pedro de Mena. Inside, you can find over 100 artworks of the famous portrait and figurative painter Felix Revello de Toro. There are plenty of museums in Malaga and many of them are just as unique as this one. Museums are a great option for something to do in Malaga on a rainy day.
9. Museo de Malaga
Museo de Malaga boasts an interesting mixture of Fine Arts pieces and archaeological artefacts. Although it wasn’t opened until 2016, this museum sits in Palacio de la Aduana, which was built in the 18th century and used as a customs building for the Port of Malaga. It’s a very impressive building to look at from the outside and is definitely one of the key places of interest in Malaga. Entry costs €1.50 for non-EU citizens and is completely free for EU citizens, which is great if you’re visiting Malaga on a budget.
10. Teatro Romano de Malaga
Are there free things to do in Malaga? Absolutely! Teatro Romano de Malaga is one of the most recognizable historic attractions in Malaga Centro and it’s completely free to enter. It dates back to the 1st century AD, during the reign of Augustus, and was in use until the 3rd century. Many of its stones and columns were later used by the Arabs to construct the fortress that it stands at the base of. If you’re lucky with your timing, you’ll be able to see a show taking place in the Amphitheatre too. This is one of the best historic attractions in Malaga Centro and is a big hit with visitors.
11. Piletas de Garum
Right in front of the Roman Amphitheatre is a small glass pyramid in the middle of the pedestrianized street. Calle Alcazabilla is home to what’s known as the Roman Piletas de Garum, which are Roman basins that would have been used in a salted fish factory in the 4th century. The sauce that would have been made in these basins is called garum, hence the name. The glass pyramid allows people to look directly at the basins, while at the same time protecting them. Make sure you take a look the next time you’re near the Amphitheatre.
12. Alcazaba de Malaga & Castillo de Gibralfaro
You can’t visit Malaga without going inside the alcazaba and the castle. The Alcazaba de Malaga is an Arab fortress built in the 11th century, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Spain. It sits at the base of Gibralfaro hill, and overlooks the Roman Amphitheatre. At the very top of the hill is where you’ll find Castillo de Gibralfaro, which was built in the 14th century to protect the alcazaba. The castle is less impressive than the fortress, but it’s definitely worth visiting and is one of the best castles in the Province of Malaga.
At the base of the fortress and castle you can also find two beautiful gardens, Jardines de Puerta Oscura and Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso, which are nice to stroll around. The alcazaba and castle are definitely 2 historic attractions in Malaga Centro that need to be added to your list of things to do in the city.
13. Cementerio Ingles de Malaga
This one might be a bit unusual, but the Cementerio Ingles de Malaga (English cemetery) is located only a short walk from the alcazaba and is one of the most popular points of interest in Malaga. Established in 1831, it’s the oldest Protestant cemetery on the Spanish mainland. It was advocated for by a British Consul after he saw the way Protestants were being buried along the shoreline in the middle of the night. It’s one of the most unique historic attractions in Malaga Centro to visit and the small entry fee goes towards the upkeep of the cemetery.
14. Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta
I know that most people don’t condone what goes on inside a bullring, but they are an important aspect of Spanish culture and history, so it’s worth it to learn more about them. Many of the bullrings in Spain offer guided tours of the building, which are usually quite impressive. Malaga’s bullring is called Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta, and it opened in 1876. Unfortunately it still hosts bullfights. It sits across the road from the English cemetery, and is one of the most famous places in Malaga.
15. Centre Pompidou Malaga
The Centre Pompidou Malaga is a standout building along Malaga’s waterfront. It’s a very modern structure, opened in 2015, but inside you can view beautiful works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Artists on display include Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Francis Bacon – and that’s not including artists from the temporary exhibitions. It’s the first branch of the French museum to be located outside of France too, so you really shouldn’t miss it.
The building itself is one of the most unique things to see in Malaga, and it’s a great spot for a photo. Directly below the Centre Pompidou Malaga is a large parking garage that’s perfectly located to explore Malaga from.
16. Puerto de Malaga
The Puerto de Malaga may look very modern now, lined with restaurants, palm trees, and shops, but its history dates back to the time of the Phoenicians in the 1st century BC. It quickly grew into an important export port for a wide variety of goods, and was also used by Spanish soldiers when the Catholic army reconquered Malaga from the Arabs. It’s one of the prettiest places to go in Malaga for a casual stroll, and is just across the road from Parque de Malaga.
17. Estatua de Hans Christian Andersen
As you make your way into Malaga’s old town, you may come across this statue of Hans Christian Andersen. It was commissioned by the Danish royal family to commemorate the Danish author’s trip to Malaga in 1862. He loved the city so much that he wrote about it in his book, In Spain. It’s not one of the main points of interest in Malaga, but it’s an interesting statue to take a quick photo with.
18. Calle Larios
One of the main shopping streets in Malaga’s historic centre is Calle Larios. If you happen to visit Malaga during the festive season, this street is beautifully decorated with a light and sound display that’s magical to walk under. During the summer months, it’s lined with colourful flowers and is covered to provide shade for shoppers. The redesigned street was officially opened in 1891, and since then has been at the centre of life in Malaga.
19. Plaza de la Constitucion
At the far end of Calle Larios is Plaza de la Constitucion, which has been in use since the time of the Catholic reconquest. You can often find large events being held in this plaza, and many of the buildings surrounding it are of cultural importance. Tucked away in a corner of the plaza is Fuente de Genova, which dates back to the 16th century but wasn’t brought to Malaga until the 17th century.
On all sides of this plaza you’ll find narrow, winding streets that are filled with shops and restaurants as well. Due to its central location, this plaza is one of the easiest historic attractions in Malaga Centro to find. It will only take a few minutes out of your schedule to take a look at as well.
20. Plaza de las Flores
Only a short walk from Plaza de la Constitucion is another plaza which is often missed by tourists. Plaza de las Flores is a bit of a hidden gem in Malaga, and is packed with cafes and restaurants. Between the 10th and 12th centuries, this area would have been used by the Moors for tanning leather. You can see some archaeological remains of one of the tanneries under a glass panel in one of the shops. At one end of the plaza there’s a large water fountain in the shape of a horse trough, which was built in recognition of the plaza’s past.
21. Mercado Central de Atarazanas
If you love food, you’re going to want to check out Mercado Central de Atarazanas. This market is where people in Malaga go to buy fresh produce, as well as grab some delicious tapas. Most walking tours in Malaga will stop here, and if you have time I would recommend going on a food tour of Malaga for an unforgettable experience.
The market itself dates back to the 14th century, and the current building was constructed to reflect its original design. It’s one of the best historic attractions in Malaga to visit – especially if you’re a little bit hungry.
22. Sagasta, 5 Guerrero Strachan
Directly opposite the market is an interesting example of neo-Moorish architecture. Sagasta, 5 Guerrero Strachan was built in the 20th century, but resembles the architectural style that was popular in Malaga in the 18th century. This obviously isn’t one of the top attractions in Malaga, but it’s very unique, so make sure you look up as you make your way to the market.
23. Puente de los Alemanes
Puente de los Alemanes (Bridge of the Germans) was built in 1909. It was gifted to the city of Malaga by the Germans, as a thank you for helping one of their vessels that became wrecked in the port during a storm. The bridge sits on the outskirts of the old town, making it a somewhat overlooked historic attraction in Malaga. It’s definitely worth walking across though, as it connects to the beautiful Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzman, which has a history dating back to the 15th century.
24. Coleccion del Museo Ruso
This one is a little outside of the historic centre, but if you like learning about Russian history or automobiles, it will be worth the trip. The Antigua Fabrica de Tabaco (Old Tobacco Factory) was built in the 1930’s, and played an important role in the industrial scene of the city. Today, the factory is being used for a number of different things, from municipal offices to museums.
The Museo Automovilistico de Malaga (Malaga Automobile Museum) is a key tourist attraction in Malaga, and is home to one of the most important vintage car collections in the world. You can also find Coleccion del Museo Ruso (Russian Museum) within the factory grounds, which houses Russian artwork from as far back as the 15th century. The art comes directly from the Russian State Museum in St Petersburg. This factory complex is one of the more interesting places to visit in Malaga if you have some extra time on your hands.
25. Hammam Al Andalus Malaga
What better way to relax than in the Hammam Al Andalus? The baths are themed on Arab architecture, and follow the traditional Turkish bath circuit, where you change between pools of different temperatures. You can find a number of these Arab baths throughout southern Spain, but Malaga’s has a very good reputation. If you travel to Jerez de la Frontera I would recommend trying theirs out as well. Malaga’s Arab baths are not too far from Picasso’s museum either.
26. Plaza de la Merced
One of the most picturesque spots in Malaga is Plaza de la Merced. It’s located less than a five minute walk from the Roman Amphitheatre, and is lined with popular cafes and restaurants. The plaza has been in use since the Roman’s occupation of Malaga, and since the 15th century it’s operated as an outdoor marketplace. In the spring time it’s a beautiful space to visit, with the purple flowers blossoming on the trees. Currently there are ongoing archaeological excavations on one side of the plaza, where they’re expecting to find medieval and Roman ruins.
27. Museo Casa Natal de Picasso
A big claim to fame that Plaza de la Merced has is being the birthplace of Picasso. Museo Casa Natal de Picasso sits in a corner of the plaza, just behind the statue of Picasso, and is where the famous artist was born. Today it’s used as a museum that showcases the life of Picasso and his ties to the city. This is one of the most popular historic attractions in Malaga, and is a very unique museum to visit.
28. Mercado de Salamanca
One thing to see in Malaga’s city centre that most people don’t know about is Mercado de Salamanca. This market was built in the 1920’s, and reflects the Arab-style architecture that would have dominated much of southern Spain in the medieval period. There are tiles around the main arch which show you what kind of produce you’ll find inside. This market is smaller than the popular Mercado Central de Atarazanas, but it’s a big hit with the locals and is only a short walk from the old town too.
29. Santuario de la Victoria
I came across Santuario de la Victoria while I was walking around the outskirts of the historic centre, and was amazed that this building had never come up on any lists of things to see in Malaga. This beautiful church was built in the 16th century, and was originally used as a hermitage. The spot it was built on was where the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, camped during the siege of the city. It’s also been home to a number of brotherhoods who participate in Holy Week in Malaga. It has a lot of history behind it, and is one of the best historic attractions in Malaga to visit if you don’t mind venturing outside of the old town.
30. Cementerio Historico de San Miguel
In terms of historic attractions in Malaga Centro, they don’t come much bigger than Cementerio Historico de San Miguel. This cemetery is considered to be one of the most historic in all of Spain, and is also one of the only 19th century necropolises to survive intact today. It was built as a result of a royal decree, when it was decided that burials in churches couldn’t continue for health reasons. The cemetery is filled with elaborate mausoleums which are very interesting to look at. It’s a bit of a trek to get here from the old town, but if you have nice weather it makes for a lovely walk.
31. La Concepcion Jardin Botanico-Historico
Although not in Malaga’s city centre, La Concepcion Jardin Botanico-Historico is definitely worth adding to your list of places to see in Malaga. The garden is over 150 years old, and is one of the only gardens that features subtropical plants in Europe. It was originally the recreational home of a wealthy family in the 19th century, and they kept various archaeological artefacts within the grounds (which are still on display).
As you walk around, you’ll find a number of sculptures, temples, and of course their stately home which you can explore. It’s one of the most beautiful historic attractions in Malaga to visit, and is very different from the regular tourist attractions in the city centre.
32. Mirador de Gibralfaro
The best viewpoint in Malaga can be found at Mirador de Gibralfaro. From here, you’re able to see the port area, the city, and the mountains in the background, which makes for some spectacular photo opportunities. This is also where you’ll find the 14th century Castillo de Gibralfaro, with parts of it dating to the 10th century. You can hike up to this viewpoint by following the walls of the fortress from the bottom of the hill, or you can hop on one of the many tour buses that bring you to the top.
The Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro Hotel is also situated at this viewpoint, so you can grab something to eat and drink here as you take in the views.
Where to eat in Malaga Centro
Las Muns
Do you like empanadas? If your answer is yes, there’s no better place in Malaga for empanadas than Las Muns. They use only fresh and natural ingredients in their signature recipes, which are inspired by different cuisines, and close each of their empanadas by hand. There are a lot of great flavours to choose from at Las Muns, including spinach and Emmental cheese, Thai chicken, and chocolate and banana. Las Muns is located only a short walk from the city’s main market and is a great places to eat in Malaga.
Byoko
There are many healthy restaurants in Malaga to choose from. We came across Byoko by chance as we were walking around Plaza de la Merced, and it turns out that it’s a very popular spot for brunch in Malaga. Their Buddha Bowls are a big hit with their customers, as are their smoothies and coffees. If you don’t want a big meal you can always stop in for a quick drink.
As you can see, there are plenty of historic attractions in Malaga Centro to choose from, many of which are overlooked by tourists. Its long standing history makes it the perfect Andalusian city to explore, whether you’re on a day trip to Malaga or are staying for longer. I would highly recommend checking out some other unique places in the Province of Malaga too because there are a lot of interesting day trips from Malaga you can go on.
Are you planning a trip to Malaga in the future? I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about what to do in Malaga. Or, if you have any other recommendations concerning historic attractions in Malaga, I would love to hear from you in the comments section below. Please feel free to follow my travels on Instagram too!
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