Have you decided to visit Malaga in one day? You’ll have to make a choice, but you’ll be able to discover the city’s must-sees and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
The capital of the Costa del Sol invites you to discover its rich historical heritage, sunny beaches and eclectic museums. Between culture, relaxation and nature, the city offers a varied experience to suit all tastes.
In this article, we propose a detailed itinerary to optimize your day through Malaga’s must-sees. Here you’ll find practical tips, plenty of photos and alternatives for nature excursions.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Malaga in 1 day?
What can you see in Malaga in 1 day? Is it long enough?
If you’ve only got a day in Malaga, you’re bound to have to make some choices, as the city’s attractions are numerous. We’ve written a full article on the subject. Rest assured, one day is enough to see Malaga’s must-sees: its fortress, cathedral and historic center. If you have the energy, you can also add one of its fascinating museums to your program.
However, we can’t advise you enough to sleep in and take your time. Check out our 2-day, 3-day, 5-day and week-long itineraries.
All the more so as the town is an ideal starting point for exploring this part of Andalucia, with its sublime landscapes and picturesque villages.
Maps of must-see attractions
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here’s our map of Malaga’s main tourist attractions:
Getting around Malaga
To get around, walking is undoubtedly the most pleasant option, with the city center and seafront easily accessible. We advise you to avoid taking a car in the city center, which is often saturated with traffic.
You can still use the metro system (more info here).
And, if you want to visit more remote areas or climb up to Gibralfaro Castle, you can opt for the good city bus network (more info on the official website here) or for a cab ride (see Unitaxi or Taxi Unión), the network being very efficient and inexpensive.
Finally, there are many options for organized tours from Malaga. This can be a good alternative for long journeys and/or if you don’t want to drive.
Where to sleep in Malaga
WHERE TO STAY IN Málaga
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historical center
Hotel Palacio Solecio – see photos and availability
Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta
Gran Hotel Miramar – see photos and availability
In the Soho district
Hotel Only You Malaga – view photos and availability
Our ideal itinerary: 1 day in Malaga
Ready for a 1-day tour of Malaga? Here’s an itinerary of must-do activities in the capital of the Costa del Sol.
09h-10h: Typical breakfast!
Get your day off to a good start with a typical Andalucia breakfast: your choice of pan con tomate or churros, those delicious, addictive sugar-fried doughnuts!
They’re usually accompanied by a dark, creamy hot chocolate.
We found them delicious in the Casa Aranda restaurant, but you’ll find many other addresses in the city.
Did you know? It was the Spanish conquistadors who introduced chocolate to other Europeans.
10am-12pm: Discover the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba
Once you’ve recovered your strength, you can set off to discover Malaga’s heritage, the fruit of Roman and then Arab influence:
- You start your visit at the Roman TheatreMalaga’s oldest site, dating from the 1st century BC, when the city, then called Malaka, was a prosperous center founded by the Phoenicians. Admire its remains, whose well-preserved tiers reach 16 metres in height.
- Then continue your dive into history with the star of the city: theAlcazabalocated above the theater. This 11th-century fortress dates back to the Muslim occupation of Al-Andalus. Imposing on the outside, it reveals a maze of ramparts, nooks and crannies and the remains of superb gardens and palaces, demonstrating its dual military and residential use.
12h-13h30: Lunch break in the sun
After a morning rich in discoveries, a short break is in order! You’ll find plenty of places to eat in the city center, including good alternatives for eating on the go and even on a terrace in the sun! For our part, we liked the Illari Vinos y Tapas restaurant for its terrace, tasty sandwiches and proximity to the city’s sights. Restaurant La Bodega El Pimpi, opposite the Alcazaba, is also a city institution! You’ll find all our addresses in our article Where to eat in Malaga (coming soon).
2pm-3pm: Discover Malaga Cathedral
Once you’ve grasped Malaga’s Moorish heritage, pay a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of the Incarnation to see the Christian imprint. After the reconquest of Malaga by the Catholic Monarchs, this building was constructed in 1528, but the tower remained unfinished, giving it a unique silhouette. Inside, the cathedral impressed us with its imposing dimensions and rich ornamentation.
We recommend that you visit the building during your lunch break, or at the end of the day for a more peaceful moment.
3:30 pm – 5 pm: Visit to the Carmen Thyssen Museum
Want to immerse yourself in the colors of Spanish painting? Discover the Carmen Thyssen Museum! Housed in the magnificent 16th-century Palacio de Villalón, this museum offers a panorama of Spanish painting, from romantic landscapes to naturalism and costume scenes. A variety of themes, colors and techniques that we loved discovering. Finally, if you’re coming in summer, visiting a museum in the afternoon can be a great way to cool off!
5:30-7:30 pm: Stroll through the city center
Do you have any energy left? We recommend a stroll through Malaga’s charming historic center. The city is best explored on foot, alternating between teeming palm-lined arteries, cobbled streets with colorful facades and lively squares.
We suggest this walk at the end of the day, as many stores close between 2 and 4 pm. Enjoying Malaga in the evening is an ideal option, as the city remains lively in the evenings, with its friendly bars, illuminated streets and stores open until 9pm…
Another option: Get some height at Gibralfaro Castle
If you’re not the type to stroll the streets and prefer panoramic views, take a trip to Gibralfaro Castle! Built in the 14th century by King Badis to protect the Alcazaba, the fortress today reveals its remains. As you walk along its ramparts, you’ll discover a variety of architectural features that bear witness to the military ingenuity of the period. Don’t hesitate to go there at sunset for an even more magical moment!
Tapas evening to round off the day
You can’t end your stay in Malaga without a tapas night! Tapeo is an Andalucia custom emblematic of Spanish gastronomy, the concept of which is to share dishes in small portions. We obviously succumbed to this delicious tradition, and were quick to try Malaga’s own specialties, such asajo blanco (a cold soup made with garlic and almonds) and fried fish. And let’s not forget the sweet Malaga wine, ideal to accompany the end of your meal!
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- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Alternative 1: Colorful Malaga
In our ideal itinerary, we’ve suggested Malaga’s must-sees, so that you can understand its history and live to the rhythm of its vibrations, but if you’d prefer to see the more contemporary side of the city, we recommend the following itinerary.
A surprising morning at the Centre Pompidou Malaga
You’ll first come to this museum to admire its cubic architecture, adorned with the signature stripes of French artist Daniel Buren. Beneath this famous cube lie immense underground spaces housing part of the collection of Paris’s iconic Centre Pompidou museum. Renewed every two years around a different theme, the selection of works offers a forward-looking look at contemporary art.
You’re not necessarily a fan of contemporary art, but you love discovering a territory through the prism of culture? Discover our article on the best museums in Malaga!
Lunch at the Port
After this colorful morning, we recommend a stroll around the Port of Malaga. Take a stroll along the marina quays, where you can observe the azure blue of the water, browse the stores at Muello Uno, before reaching the lighthouse and its view of Malaga Bay. You’ll also find plenty of places to eat in the port, including..:
- Restaurant La Galga Specialty Coffee & Bistro for a good coffee, a sandwich on the go or a hearty breakfast!
- Restaurant José Carlos García for a gastronomic break in a contemporary setting.
Afternoon: Discover the Soho district
Discover Soho, a bohemian and artistic district, more confidential than the historic center, and full of surprises! Here you can discover:
- Malaga’s Centre d’Art Contemporain (CAC) showcases the varied and colorful work of Spanish artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Many trendy addresses: from small designer boutiques to first-rate second-hand goods, art galleries and tempting restaurants.
- The MAUS open-air space, featuring numerous murals by a wide range of street artists (more info here).
Would you like a guided tour of this vibrant and colorful neighborhood? See more info, prices and availability.
Evening: Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Malaga
Do you still have energy? Why not enjoy the atmosphere of Malaga by night? In addition to the many traditional festivals (Carnival, Feria, Holy Week) and cultural events (Spanish Film Festival) that punctuate the year, Malaga is renowned for its lively atmosphere, even in the evenings. You can choose to:
- Shopping: stores are usually open until 9pm.
- Enjoy the lively bars and stroll the illuminated streets at night!
- Take in a show: check out the program of the city’s theaters(Teatro Cervantes, Teatro Echegarey, Teatro Cánovas).
Alternative 2: Malaga, in the footsteps of Picasso
Are you a fan of Picasso and want to visit the center through the prism of his work? Try this route:
- Start with the Maison Natale de Picassotransformed into a colorful, immersive museum, offering an intimate look at the artist’s early life and his relationship with Andalucia.
- From the Plaza de la Merced, where Pablo played as a child and a statue of him can be seen, continue along Calle Granada, where you’ll find the Santiago parish church, where he was baptized.
- Pass by his old school, Collège San Rafael, and the Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta, where he attended many of the bullfights that marked his work.
- Finally, immerse yourself in his work at the Picasso Museumlocated in the Palacio Buenavista, an ideal setting for the artist’s various works, including oils, drawings, engravings, sculptures and ceramics, testifying to his virtuosity and constant renewal.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Alternative 3: Malaga in relaxation mode
Renowned for its vibrant energy, Malaga is also a perfect destination for a relaxing day out, offering a range of varied beaches.
If you come during the week, you’ll be lucky enough to find an almost deserted beach.
This is our ideal program:
- Start by renting a bike: the coastal walks offer an idyllic setting for reaching more unspoilt beaches, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
- For lunch: settle into one of the chiringuitos, beach restaurants where you can enjoy fish specialties with your feet in the sand.
- After a lazy afternoon, head for the Port of Malaga. Stroll along the quays, browse the boutiques of Muello Uno and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Do you prefer action to relaxation? We have an alternative for sports enthusiasts who want to get away from the city for a while and enjoy the countryside:
- Guadalhorce Nature Park (20min from the center): This 122ha nature reserve is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, and signposted trails enable you to discover the park’s flora and fauna, such as salt marshes and pine forests.
- La Concepcion Botanical Garden (15min from the center): You’ll be amazed at the 2000 species of tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean plants in this city garden, a true haven of peace.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Things to do near Malaga
The capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is the perfect starting point for exploring the wonders of Andalucia: from picturesque white villages to exceptional landscapes.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, we’d like to hear from you:
- A hike to Torcal de Antequera, a unique karst landscape!
- From the heights of the Caminito del Reya trail suspended above impressive gorges, promising an adrenalin-filled experience.
Those who prefer heritage tours can visit white villages such as Frigiliana or Mijas. A stay in Malaga is also an ideal way to discover the rest of Andalucia. You can easily reach the mythical cities of Ronda, Cordoba and Granada by train or car.
Read all our tips in our article on the best excursions from Malaga!
Things to do in Malaga with children
If you’re in Málaga and your kids are along for the ride, you’ll have plenty to keep them occupied with a few museums first:
- The MIMMA Museum, Malaga’s interactive music museum, offers a musical exploration where children can try out a range of instruments (more info here).
- The Musée de l’Imagination, where children are invited to take the stage in surprising and colorful installations (more info here).
- TheOXO-Muséedu Jeu Vidéo plunges visitors into the history of video games with a rich collection of objects (consoles, figurines, etc.) and immersive installations, not to mention free access to numerous game terminals!
If your kids are more into outdoor activities, you can take them out on the water! We advise you:
- Well-equipped beaches like Playa de la Malagueta, Playa de la Misericordia or Playa de La Carihuela in Torremolinos.
- And don’t miss Marina Benalmádena ‘s small aquarium, whose bioluminescence installation will delight children.
Another alternative? Discover the caves around Malaga and opt for excursions into the surrounding area:
- Nerja cave (1h from Malaga): see info, prices, availability
- La Grotte du Trésor (20min from Malaga): see info, prices and availability
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What you need to know for your day in Malaga
The weather in Malaga
The weather is generally mild in spring, with temperatures fluctuating between 20 and 25°. Summer becomes much hotter, and 40° to 45° are easily reached in the hottest hours of the afternoon. Even though several improvements have been made in the town (sunshades, shaded promenades), we advise against going there at this time of year. On the other hand, autumn and winter are good seasons, and to find out more, read our article on visiting Malaga in winter.
The crowds in Malaga
Due to its popularity as a seaside resort and party destination, Malaga has to cope with a sometimes intense influx of visitors. To take full advantage of Malaga’s cultural wealth, we recommend avoiding weekends, when the cultural sites are crowded and the restaurants are packed.
Visiting the city during the week and out of season makes for a more peaceful discovery( especiallyin winter ). It’s also a way of contributing to more responsible tourism that respects the environment and local people.
If, however, you’re taking your vacation in summer, we advise you to book your accommodation and restaurants in advance. We prefer the booking platform because it offers a wide choice of accommodations and the calendars are updated in real time.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
If it rains during your stay in Malaga, don’t panic, as the city is full of museums with enriching itineraries. See our list of the best museums in Malaga.
The city also organizes numerous cultural events.
Take a look at the Cervantes Theatre’s program of shows (more info here) and the various creative workshops offered by the La Termica Cultural Center (more info here).
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Andalusia
Inspiration
- Best things to do in Andalucia
- The most beautiful cities
- The most beautiful white villages
- Cathedrals
- Archaeological sites
- Seville, Cordoba or Granada? (coming soon)
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia (coming soon)
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
Places not to be missed
- Things to do in Sevilla
- Things to do in Cordoba (coming soon)
- Things to do in Granada
- Things to do in Ronda
- Things to do in Malaga
- Things to do in Cadiz (coming soon)
