How to spend a perfect day in Málaga

Are you planning your trip to Málaga but you have only one day to visit this beautiful city? Don’t worry! We have a perfect plan prepared for you.

Málaga, the capital of Costa del Sol, is currently known not only for its superb beaches, sunny weather and tasty seafood. It can also boast a large number of museums and art galleries, stunning monuments and beautiful Historic Center. Even though you can stay here forever and never be bored there is still plenty you can do and see during one day!

Scroll down for our guide for a perfect day in Málaga.

Indice de la Entrada

9.00 Breakfast at Casa Aranda

The best way to start your day in Málaga is of course breakfast in a cafeteria. If you want to feel like a real Spaniard you should try eating the most typical and yummy breakfast treat – churros with chocolate! It will give you the energy for the whole day of sightseeing.

The best place to try them in Málaga is Casa Aranda. Make sure you get there early! The place very quickly fills up with both locals and tourists every morning.

10.00 Atarazanas Market

Just two minutes away from Casa Aranda you can find another important point on the map of Málaga – the Atarazanas Market. The building of the market used to be a shipyard – hence the name: atarazanas (shipyard in Arabic).

The market is divided into 3 parts: section with seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables and meats. At the Atarazanas you can find a wide selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables such as persimmons, cherimoyas, avocados, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, artichokes, aubergines, purple carrots… As well as some exotic fruits like dragonfruit, okra, soursop and many more.

The most famous section of Atarazanas market is probalby the one with fish and seafood. Thanks to Malaga’s location on the coast of Mediterranean sea and close proximity to Marocco and Atlantic ocean you can always find fresh local fish like sardines, mackerels and anchovies as well as seafood: Prawns, mussels, crayfish, and various kinds of clams.

Atarazanas is also a popular stop on food tours through Málaga as some bars sell delicious tapas and drinks. Take a stroll among the stalls filled with both regional and exotic products and feel like a true local. It might also be a perfect moment to find some delicious souvenirs.

The market is open from Monday until Saturday from 08:00 to 15:00. Address: Calle Atarazanas, 10.

10.30 Historic Center stroll

A day in Málaga wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Historic Center of the city. Take a stroll along the winding streets and beautiful squares to really feel the character of Málaga.

The points you cannot miss include:

Plaza de la Constitución (main square of the city)
Larios Street (Main commercial street of Málaga
Cathedral of Málaga (La Manquita)
Plaza de la Merced (Picasso’s birthplace!)
Roman Theatre and Alcazaba at Alcazabilla Street

The best way to discover Málaga is to join our free walking tour! Our friendly tourguides will show you the best the city has to offer, we’re sure you’re going to fall in love! The tour starts everyday at 10.00 and 12.00 at Plaza Obispo. For more information visit our website: Free walking tour

11.30 Visit to Alcazaba

Alcazaba is the most emblematic monument of Málaga, some people call it the little sister of Alhambra! This Arabic palace-fortress from 11^th century is something you cannot miss during your visit! You will get a chance to learn it’s history, see the impressive defensive walls, delightful gardens and beautiful palace. This will definitely be one of the highlights of your day in Málaga. The best way to discover Alcazaba and its secrets is with a guided tour, we start everyday at 16.00 at the Glass Pyramid in front od Alcazaba. Book here!

Opening time:
Winter (1 Nov – 31 Mar): 9:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:30)
Summer (1 Apr- 31 Oct) : 9:00 – 20:00 (Last entry 19:30)

Tickets:
General entrance:
3,50€ one monument;
5,50€ combined Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
Reduced entrance: (students, retired, disabled)
1,50€ one monument;
2,50€ combined Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
Groups:
2,50€ one monument;
4,00€ combined Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
School students: (6-12 years)
2,00€ one monument;
3,50€ combined Alcazaba and Gibralfaro

For more info visit www.alcazabamalaga.com/

13.30 Chilling at Malagueta beach

A must-see place while visiting Málaga is of course the famous beach, Malagueta. A photo with the large sign is almost obligatory! Malagueta is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, water sports. There are also many beach-bars, chirungitos where you can enjoy a typical espetos de Málaga or a cold drink.

Since in Málaga all the main attractions are located within the walking distance take your chance and enjoy a stroll from the Historic Center to Malagueta. You can walk through the exotic Parque de Málaga and admire hundreds of fascinating species as well as noisy green parrots.

Later continue your walk through Muelle Uno, one of the most emblematic spots in Málaga. The promenade shaded by a white construction is really something to see. Muelle Uno is located in the Port of Málaga so make sure to take a look at it as well! There are many shops, restaurants and bars to choose from. Last but not least, before reaching the beach you will have a chance to see the colorful cube on top of the building of the famous art gallery – Centre Pompidou Málaga.

If you want to learn more about museums and art galleries in Málaga check this post.

17.00 Visit to Gibralfaro Castle

The next thing you must see during the day in Málaga is Gibralfaro castle build in the 10^th century during the muslim rule. It lays up the hill, overlooking the city and it offers amazing panoramas of Málaga, some say that on a clear day you can even see Marocco. We highly recommend watching a sunset from the viewpoint. And remember to take your camera because the views will be stunning!

To get to Gibralfaro Castle you can walk up the hill – it takes around 20-25 mins but during a hot day it can be quite a challenge. You can also take a bus 35 from Paseo del Parque.

The prices and opening hours are the same as Alcazaba Malaga (scroll a little up), for more info visit www.alcazabamalaga.com

20.00 Drink at AC hotel rooftop

Málaga is famous for stunning rooftop terraces. One of the most impressive ones in AC Hotel Málaga Palacio. It offers amazing views of the Port, the Cathedral and the city. The prices here might be a pleasant surprise for you as they don’t differ from any other restaurant in the Historic Center. The entrance is free apart from Saturdays when you have to pay 8 euros (one drink included). It’s a perfect spot to catch a breath after the day full of sightseeing and to gather the strenght for the rest of the night.

Málaga’s nightlife certainly has a lot to offer. From restaurants and tapas bars open until late hours to coctail bars and clubs where you can dance until the sunrise.

21.00 Dinner at Gallo Ronco

Malaga is famous for its tasty cuisine and fantastic seafood. One of our favourite restaurants in Málaga is El Gallo Ronco. Apart from serving delicious local dishes you can also watch a flamenco show while enjoying your meal. Doesn’t get more Andalusian than that! The restaurant is located in the heart of Málaga, in the Plaza de Las Flores, just next to Larios Street.

Next door from El Gallo Ronco there is a place which can make your Spanish experience even better. Go ahead and enjoy a life performance of Flamenco at Cal y Canto, Taberna Flamenca opens its doors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and invites the guests to enjoy the tablao flamenco show accompanied by delicious dishes, tapas and wine.

22.30 Dancing the night away

There is no better way to finish the day than dancing! Especially in Spain where people really know how to party. Málaga offers a wide choice of places you can dance – from typical clubs with reggeton music – like Anden or Sala Gold to places with salsa and bachata music – Pura Vida or Silay. No matter which one you choose we’re sure you’re gonna have fun! Remember that Spanish people usually go out quite late so many parties starts as late as 00:30