Malaga Old Town | Perfect One Day Itinerary + Map
Are you planning a visit to Malaga this year? Don’t miss Malaga old town - the city’s historical and most beautiful quarter. In this guide, I’m sharing how to spend the perfect day in this incredible Spanish beach city: where to visit, what to see, eateries, and hotels with the best old town views.
Malaga old town is a gem.
I’m sitting outside Malaga Cathedral, in the heat of the old town, where I’m spending a long weekend. It’s early morning, but the sun is already shining on the slowly filling square. Nearby, cafes start to spill out onto the streets, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.
I’m exploring this often-overlooked Spanish beach city before moving further along the coast; my next destination is the iconic beach resorts of the Costa del Sol, which tempt their So-Cal vibes and swaying palms.
Often seen as the gateway to Spain’s famous beach towns, Malaga airport is one of the busiest in Europe. Yet many travellers pass through without ever seeing the city, which is, I think, a real shame.
Yet that is changing, thanks partly to Malaga's old town and its bucket-loads of charm.
Is Malaga old town worth visiting?
The second largest city in Andalusia, Malaga sprawls along the coast, an intriguing mix of modern city break, luxury seaside hotels, and buzzy harbour that reminded me very much of another Spanish beachside town on the east coast.
But its best part, undoubtedly, is the historic quarter - Malaga old town.
The old town occupies a considerable city centre area, yet it’s compact enough to be easily walkable. In fact, exploring on foot is the only way to see and experience the historic quarter - fully pedestrianised; this area is a maze of narrow alleyways and pretty, pastel streets that lead between hidden plazas, phenomenal tapas bars, and historical wonders.
Malaga Old Town is very much worth visiting - this is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and in the historic centre, a Moorish palace, Roman theatre, hilltop castle, bullring, and Picasso museum are but a few signs of this city’s ancient, and more modern, past.
Since my first visit, I’ve visited Malaga three times, on both south coast day trips and city breaks. And I thoroughly recommend both. There is so much to see in Malaga's old town and the city in general that a four-day weekend break in Malaga should be high on your European bucket list.
How to get to Malaga Old Town
From the UK
Those flying from the UK have an easy three-hour flight and regular flights from most major airports. I travelled with Jet2, which offers a range of Malaga city break packages, including flights, hotels, and a generous 22kg of luggage.
From Malaga Airport, it’s a quick 15-minute journey into the city, and tickets cost €1.80 (at the time of writing). Take the C1-line train from airport terminal 3 to Alameda Station in Malaga city centre. From there, it’s a short walk into the old town.
Alternatively, you can take a cab from the airport; taxis in the city cost around €25, depending on the location of your hotel.
From the coastal resorts
If you’re visiting Malaga old town on a day trip from the coastal towns of Benalmadena, Torremolinos, or Fuengirola, take the Renfe C1 train towards Alameda Station. Your journey will take around 30 minutes, and tickets cost around €2.70, depending on which resort you’re leaving from.
Where to stay in Malaga Old Town
There are Malaga old town hotels to suit every style of travel and budget, including gorgeous (and affordable) luxury options with roof terraces and pools. You’ll also find other hotels a short walk from the old town, either in the newer parts of the city, or along the beach front.
I stayed in the H10 Croma Hotel, located on the edge of the old town; the rooftop bar overlooks the cathedral, and the rooms are light, bright, and beautifully furnished.
Other equally incredible options are:
Soho Boutique Colón | affordable option; boutique stay with design-led, modern rooms.
Molina Lario | sun terrace, rooftop pool, and views over the Cathedral.
Casa de la Merced Suites | modern apartments with all the essentials.
H10 Croma | mid-lux option; excellent old town location rooftop terrace, bar, and pool.
Only YOU Hotel | luxury option; incredible location, rooftop terrace, pool, and stunning rooms.
Posada del Patio | contemporary stay with a rooftop pool and lush green spaces.
Alternatively, book a Malaga city break from the UK with hotels, flights, and luggage included.
How to spend the perfect day in Malaga Old Town
For the purposes of this post, I’m sharing how to spend a day in Malaga's old town—the best things to do and places to visit.
Seeing the old town highlights is doable in one (long) day.
However, other nearby areas are also worth visiting, such as the lively port area and La Malagueta; from Malaga old town, it’s only a 15-minute walk along the promenade to Malaga’s best beach. That’s why I highly recommend spending three or four days in Malaga; it's an amazing Spanish city break and a wonderful alternative to overcrowded cities like Barcelona.
Malaga Old Town map
This Malaga old town map is a useful tool; save it on your phone for easy access to the city's historic centre's best attractions, eateries, cafes, and hotels.
In the morning
Coffee & breakfast
I recommend making one of these cafes your first stop for breakfast in Malaga old town: BYOKO (for acai bowls and crepes), La Tetería (for croissants, tea, and coffee), Casa Lola (traditional Spanish breakfast and good coffee), Bun & Coffee (for speciality coffee and fun, fresh donuts), and the Mi Cafecito Brunch & Bistro (for excellent breakfast and brunch dishes).
Castillo de Gibralfaro
We’ll start our day in Malaga old town at the highest point, hilltop Moorish fortress Castillo de Gibralfaro. Dating back to the 10th century, the ancient castle has a fascinating and was once part of the ancient walls that protected Malaga from would-be invaders.
Relax with a coffee at terrace bar La Terrazita, wander the scenic route between the miradors (viewpoints), and take in the view all the way down to the bullring and harbour. Technically, the castillo sits just outside the old town boundaries, but it’s a stunning (and ancient) site I’d recommend visiting for its incredible views.
Entry to the castle costs just €3.50, and you can find out more about the castle and tickets here.
Alcazaba
From the castle, it’s an easy walk to Malaga’s iconic Alcazaba.
Much like the rest of Andalusia, Malaga’s history is intrinsically linked to the region's time under Moorish rule. Though Granada was the epicentre of the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled Al-Andalus (as it was known then), Malaga was an important port city. In the 11th century, the Alcazaba, a palatial fortification, was built to protect the city.
These days, Malaga’s Alcazaba is one of the best-preserved in all of Spain. For me, it is a less-crowded, miniature version of the more famous Alhambra and just as beautiful.
Any trip to Malaga and the old town should include a visit to the Alcazaba - a stunning palace with a maze of ancient walls, gardens, plazas, decorated doorways, and sculptures.
Buy tickets in advance and avoid the queues at the entrance.
Roman Theatre
Lying at the foot of the Alcazaba, you’ll find an almost perfectly preserved Roman amphitheatre. Built in the 1st century, many of its parts were taken by the Arab invaders who conquered the city and used in the building of the Moorish palace. It is an astonishing sight, made more special by its recent history—the theatre was completely hidden underground until it was rediscovered in 1951.
The best way to see the amphitheatre is from the plaza on Calle Alcazabilla (here on Google Maps), a beautiful street that’s also a wonderful viewpoint (and entranceway) to the Alcazaba above.
Lunch
One of the first things I loved about Malaga's old town was the number of restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars - there’s a booming gastronomy scene, and the historic centre is packed with incredible eateries. My advice is to follow your feet (or stomach) to whichever restaurant takes your fancy, but if you’re looking for inspiration, my favourites are:
Casa Lola (for authentic bistro vibes and tapas)
La Bouganvilla (for paella and a pretty setting)
Casa Lola Strachan (for tapas by the cathedral)
Vermuteria La Clasica (for a traditional lunch)
BYOKO (for an organic all-day brunch)
In the afternoon
Malaga Cathedral
After lunch, it’s back to sightseeing, and one of the most beautiful spots in Malaga old town is the soaring Malaga Cathedral. Construction began in the 16th century, but it took nearly 300 years until the cathedral was almost fully completed; to this day, one of the towers is missing, leaving an unusually non-symmetrical facade. A mix of architectural styles, the grand building towers over the city and is unmissable on your walk around the old town.
Admire from the outside, where you’ll find a pretty, shaded garden with fountains. Or head inside and explore the vast hall - tickets cost €10 for adults and €6 for children and can be purchased online or on the day.
Museo Picasso
When the temperature rises and you seek shade, head to one of Malaga’s excellent museums or galleries. My favourite is the famous Picasso Museum, the perfect afternoon activity for art lovers to discover famous paintings and sculptures in a series of exhibitions.
Picasso spent his childhood in Malaga and returned almost every summer, painting some of his most famous works in the city. Expect to spend one to two hours in the museum/gallery and buy your tickets in advance; otherwise, expect to queue at the entrance.
Grab an ice cream
After all that exploring, you’ll need a break, and there’s little better on a hot day than either (or both) an ice cream or cold drink.
The best ice cream in Malaga old town comes from Martonela. This popular parlour offers an array of flavours, all made with natural ingredients. There’s usually a queue, and for good reason, it’s seriously good ice cream!
Or a tinto de verano
If you’re seeking something stronger than ice cream, try a glass of Tinto de Verano. Not unlike sangria but far more authentically Spanish, this tall, refreshing drink is made with red wine and soda. It’s dangerously drinkable but strong- consider yourself warned!
There are many bars in Malaga's old town, but El Pimpi serves the best tinto verano and is a must-visit.
This bar is something of an institution, visited by celebrities and travellers alike. Sit on the outdoor terrace, but make a point of visiting the maze of rooms and patios inside.
Siesta / Arab baths
Our final activity is one of the best Spanish traditions - siesta! Head back to your hotel and enjoy your room or rooftop pool, then freshen up for a night on the town.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a relaxing evening in the Hammam Al-Andalus. An ancient Andalusian tradition, these historical Arab baths have been transformed into a stunning spa and are a wonderful way to unwind. There are hot and cool pools, a lounge area, mint tea, robes, and steam rooms to enjoy.
Sessions last 90 minutes and include a massage with essential oils. These baths are incredibly popular, so book your ticket in advance.
Dinner
Honestly, there are so many exceptional restaurants in Malaga's old town that it’s almost impossible for me to choose a favourite. However, if pressed, I’d say:
Los Patios de Beatas (for wine and tapas)
La Burguesita (for amazing burgers)
Comparte Gastrobar (for a delicious & varied menu)
Tatanegro (for gorgeous terrace views and paella)
Mesón Mariano (for traditional Andalusian cuisine)
Kraken Centro (for tapas + sophisticated dishes in a beautiful setting)
La Barra de Zapata (for Spanish dishes in a family-run eatery with a terrace)
In the evening
Experience a flamenco show
Synonymous with Andalusia, flamenco is a quintessential part of Malaga's history. There’s no better way to spend an evening than catching a live flamenco show - these performances are legendary and sure to captivate, with live music, passionate dancing, and authentic flamenco performances.
I’ve caught a few flamenco shows, but my favourite in the old town is held in the Teatro Flamenco Malaga, a traditional and incredibly atmospheric theatre. Shows run three times a night (5.30pm, 7pm, and 8.30pm) and last one hour.
At night
Sunset from a rooftop bar
There’s only one way to end the perfect day in Malaga’s old town - with a cold beer or cocktail at a rooftop bar.
Malaga old town has heaps of rooftop bars and lounges, and although incredible at any time of day, they have a special ambience in the evening. From your elevated viewpoint, the panoramic views across the city are sensational; watch the sunset, and, once dark, the city sparkles under a blanket of lights.
The best rooftop bars in Malaga Old Town are:
H10 Croma Rooftop Bar
San Juan Terrace
Batik
ÀTICO Bar
Lolita Skyview at YOU Hotel
The Top at Hotel Molina Lario
Malaga Old Town walking tours
Finally, though I’ve shared my favourite way to explore Malaga old town, and how to spend the perfect day getting happily lost amongst its picturesque streets, you might prefer to let someone else do the guiding. These highly rated walking tours are an excellent way to explore whilst learning about Malaga’s history from an expert:
Malaga old town: wrap up
As one of Spain’s oldest cities, Malaga and the historic quarter offer endless experiences and picturesque streets to explore. Whether you’re strolling the walls of the ancient Moorish palace, admiring the pretty plazas, or taking in the foodie scene in a cosy tapas bar, there’s something around every corner in Malaga old town.
So, book a city break, weekend away, or a day trip from your resort town and add this Spanish city to your list of favourite places.
Don’t forget to check out my Southern Spain road itinerary and my guide on visiting Malaga in winter for more information on this incredible region.
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