The best things to do in Málaga

What is it? The clifftop Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba fortress and royal residence are brilliant works of architecture that are linked by a stunning battlement walk, and date back to the 11th century.

Why go? The Alcazaba is all delicate Moorish gardens and archways, while the Gibralfaro exudes military might. It’s a hot and sweaty scramble uphill to the Alcazaba (you could take the lift, but where’s the fun in that?), but you can dawdle under Moorish arches and soak up the views from the terraces. From the Gibralfaro, the views are even more spectacular.

Address: Castillo Gibralfaro is located at Cam. Gibralfaro, 11, Distrito Centro, 29016, Málaga. 

Alcazaba is located at C/ Alcazabilla, 2, Distrito Centro, 29012, Málaga

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm from November to March, and 9am to 8pm from April to October

Price: €10 for combined admission to Alcazaba and Gibralfaro

What is it? A modern tavern by the cathedral that's full of blonde wood and tasteful modern art. 

Why go? You won’t want to miss out on food this original, so get there early to beat the crowds. Pull up a stool at the bar if you can’t get a covetable spot on the terrace and tuck into some of the freshest, most imaginative contemporary tapas in town. The delectable little bites change seasonally but often include toasted squid ink noodles with tiny squid, swordfish ceviche, or duck magret with mango.

Address: C/ Alcazabilla, 1, Distrito Centro, 29015, Málaga

Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12.30pm to midnight, closed Sunday

Price: Starters from €3-16, mains from €8-17, desserts from €6-7

What is it? A small, but extraordinary museum with collections of Pablo Picasso's versatile work.

Why go? One of the greatest twentieth-century artists, Picasso is Malaga’s most famous son (tied with Antonio Banderas). You can stop by his childhood home and look through family photos and personal items, but it's well worth following up with a visit to his museum, too. Museo Picasso Málaga set in a restored, 16th-century palace and shows just how creative Picasso really was, holds some excellent temporary exhibitions and has a charming garden café, too. 

Address: Palacio de Buenavista, C. San Agustín, 8, Distrito Centro, 29015, Málaga

Hours: Open daily from 10am to 6pm

Price: A full-access ticket costs €13 per person 

What is it? You can’t turn around without bumping into another art museum in Málaga these days. The Pompidou Centre’s seaside outpost is the only branch outside France, and occupies a technicoloured cube overlooking the port.

Why go? The building already existed before Daniel Buren transformed it into a kaleidoscope of colour, perfect for displaying the Pompidou’s modern and contemporary masterworks from the 12th and 21st centuries. The nearby Café de Paris (French only in name) is also a good spot for a post-visit lunch.

Address: Paisaje del Dr. Carrillo Casaux, s/n, Distrito Centro, 29016, Málaga

Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9.30am to 8pm, closed Tuesdays 

Price: €9 for general admission

What is it? Part of the Festival de Málaga and screened in parks and beaches across the city, the Cine Abierto is an outdoor cinema space with a crowd-pleasing programme that range from blockbusters and kids’ films, to Spanish and international films.

Why go? What could be nicer on a summer’s night than watching a movie out on the beach? Bring a picnic, a bottle of chilled wine, and relax under the stars. Films are either in Spanish or dubbed, so this is a great time to practise the language while catching up on some of the top films in the country. 

For Cine Abierto locations and schedules, visit the official website here. 

What is it? A pocket-sized, first-century Roman theatre that was discovered in the 1950s and has been thoroughly restored. 

Why go? Beautifully set on a hillside, with the walls of the Alcazaba zigzagging behind it, it’s a gorgeous spot to catch one of the summer performances held here. A rare survivor from Roman Malaga, this small and perfectly formed theatre was in use until the third century AD. The sleek little interpretation centre offers a glimpse into life under the Romans.

Address: C/ Alcazabilla, s/n, Distrito Centro, 29015, Málaga

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, Sunday from 10am to 4pm

Price: Free entry

What is it? A funky, colourful hostel with a badly kept secret: its fabulous roof terrace. 

Why go? Perfect for sunset cocktails, you can soak up the views over the old city’s rooftops to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castles. There are lots of rooftop hotel bars in this city, but this one has the edge for its relaxed, friendly vibe and excellent cocktails. Plus, the views of the Alcazaba can’t be beaten. It’s dinky, so get there early to be sure of a prime spot on one of the lounge beds.

Address: C/ Alcazabilla, 12, 5°, Distrito Centro, 29015, Málaga

Hours: Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 2am, and Friday to Sunday from 1pm to 3am

Price: Food from €3.50-23, drinks and cocktails from €2.50-230 (but that's for the bougie bottles of bubbles) 

What is it? Gorgeous, verdent botanic gardens with shady paths and little pavillions

Why go? La Concepción botanic gardens are spread around a 19th century villa, and there’s always something gorgeous in bloom. The gardens are slightly run-down, and are all the more romantic for it. Pack a picnic, hop on the bus, and cool off among the trees, pools and fountains. Look out for the stunning wrought-iron bower, densely covered with wisteria in early spring.

Address: Camino del Jardin Botanico, 3, Cdad. Jardín, 29014, Málaga

Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5.30pm until March 31, and 9.30am to 8.30pm starting April 1st 

Price: €5.20 for general admission (ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

Free admission on Sundays from 4.30pm to 8.30pm after April 1st.

What is it? A small, more secluded beach with boho, hippy, offbeat charm.

Why go? Malaga has lots of beaches – 16, in fact, and Playa Peñón de la Cueva is one of its smallest, and is easily one of the prettiest. A double arc of sand that's punctuated by a craggy rock in the middle, this beach packs out in summer thanks to its public barbecues, but get there early or late afternoon and you’ll enjoy blissful peace.

Address: Parking Peñón del Cuervo, C. Almería, 55, Málaga-Este, 29017, Málaga

Hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry

What is it? A loud and proud chiringuito (outdoor beach restaurant)

Why go? Probably the most famous restaurant in town, El Tintero offers a superb beachfront location, a big, breezy terrace and a raucous, fun atmosphere. Waiters weave confidently through the packed tables while shouting fresh food orders they’re bringing from the kitchen. Don’t expect anything fancy – there are paper tablecloths and plastic cutlery – but the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Just stick up your hand if you want to claim a platter of pescaíto frito (small fried fish) or freshly barbecued sardines.

Address: Avenida Salvador Allende, 340, Málaga-Este, 29017, Málaga

Hours: Open daily from 12.30pm to 11.30 pm

Price: Plates from €9.50-55, and drinks from €2.50-13