Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga invites you to discover its warm atmosphere, rich historical heritage, sunny beaches and delicious cuisine. Between culture, relaxation and nature, the city offers a varied experience to suit all tastes.
In this article, we’ve put together a 3-day itinerary for you in Malaga, combining the must-sees of the historic center with off-the-beaten-track options and excursions into the heart of nature. A week of discovery and serenity.
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 3 days?
What can you see in Malaga in 3 days?
A 3-day visit to Málaga is ideal for taking the time to discover its must-sees and enjoy its friendly atmosphere. This will allow you to visit the historic center, discover its rich heritage and even stroll along the harbor or its beaches.
Nevertheless, as Malaga is the capital of the Costal del Sol, we recommend that you extend your stay and choose it as the base for your trip to Andalucia, as it lies at the crossroads of many points of interest (white villages, natural sites, etc.).
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: 3 days in Malaga
Day 1 – Discover the historic center
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.
Morning: 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 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 historical dive with 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.
Lunch and a stroll through the historic center
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!
Afterwards, 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.
Please note that most stores close between 2pm and 4pm!
Afternoon: Visit to the Carmen Thyssen Museum
Before or after your stroll through the historic center, we recommend a visit to the Carmen Thyssen Museum, a veritable nugget for lovers of Spanish art!
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!
Dinner in a gourmet restaurant
We’re convinced that food is another way to discover a region.
Good news: Malaga’s culinary scene is as vibrant as it is amazing!
Numerous chefs vie with each other in their creativity to sublimate local produce and revisit the classics of Andalucia cuisine. We loved Restaurant Kaleja (1 star) for its boldness and warm welcome, and we’ll soon be sharing all our addresses with you in our dedicated article.
Day 2 – Head for Malaga’s arts district
For this second day, discover Soho, a bohemian and artistic district, more confidential than the historic center and full of surprises!
Morning: Discover the Soho district
From the market, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Soho district. 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.
Vitamin-packed lunch at the Atarazanas Market
After discovering Soho, head up to the historic center to try the Atarazanas Market! It’s a fun way to discover the local culture, while filling up on good produce in a vitamin-packed atmosphere! The place is worth a visit for its wrought-iron façade (built in the 19th century on the site of former Muslim wine cellars) and its splendid, colorful glass roof. Those who come early can hope to secure a seat at one of the few tables available. Otherwise, you’ll do what the locals do, eat standing up at the stall counters!
Please note that the market closes at 2pm…
Afternoon: Discover Malaga Cathedral
Just 7 minutes from the market, you’ll find the magnificent Cathedral of the Incarnation. We loved our visit to this atypical building, famous for its main façade, a Baroque masterpiece, and its unfinished tower giving it a unique silhouette. In addition to the beauty of its architecture, the cathedral’s interior impressed us with its imposing dimensions, rich ornamentation and numerous pieces of sacred art.
Evening: Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Malaga by night
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).
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!
Day 3 – Visit to the seaside district
For this last day, we’re offering you a surprising combination of culture and idleness! Just a stone’s throw from the seafront, the Centre Pompidou invites you to immerse yourself in art before enjoying an afternoon at the beach. You’ve earned it after these first few days of intense sightseeing!
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.
Lunch and stroll around the Port of Malaga
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.
You can also choose to have lunch in one of the chiringuitos (beach restaurants), where you can enjoy delicious fish dishes with your feet in the sand. See our article on where to eat in Malaga (coming soon).
Afternoon: Option 1- Relax at the beach
What could be better than an afternoon lounging on the beach? The most famous is undoubtedly Playa de La Malaguetalocated near the city center and the port.
If you’re looking for wilder beaches, rent a bike and explore those to the east.
The well-developed waterfronts offer pleasant strolls.
Another tip: come during the week to avoid the crowds!
Need more inspiration? Read our article on Malaga’s beaches.
Afternoon: Option 2- Nature adventure
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:
- Hiking in Torcal de Antequera, a unique karst landscape!
- Climb the Caminito del Reya trail suspended above impressive gorges, promises an adrenalin-filled experience.
- Opt for a cycling trip through the majestic Montes de Malaga Natural Park, this mountain range extends over 4162ha – see program and availability
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Alternative 1: 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 Museo Picasso, located 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 2: For architecture enthusiasts
Malaga’s architecture is a fascinating blend of eras and styles, reflecting its rich and complex history. As you stroll through the city, you’ll pass Baroque palaces such as the 18th-century Episcopal Palace, Modernist buildings like Félix Sáenz’s Old Shops and magnificent religious buildings.
For example, theChurch of Los Santos Martires Ciriaco y Paula, with its dazzling Baroque interior remodeled in the 18th century, or the 15th-century Sanctuary of Santa Maria de la Victoria, worth a visit for its sumptuous camarin (chapel), whose altarpiece is richly decorated with cherubs, acanthus leaves, mirror frames and coats of arms.
Otherwise, you won’t want to miss out on the Château de Gibralfaro complex. Built in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba, this fortress offers fascinating remains and a breathtaking view of Malaga, particularly magical at sunset.
And, if you have time, take a trip to the Port of Benalmádena to explore its picturesque marina, whose white architecture evokes a Mediterranean dream. Take the opportunity to swim on one of Torremolinos’ beaches.
Alternative 3: Malaga’s nuggets
We’ve listed our favorite cultural sites above, but if you feel like exploring other places, the city offers many alternatives to suit your interests:
- The Museo de MalagaThe Museo de Malaga: housed in the former Customs Palace, this museum is as attractive for its archaeological collections as for its magnificent paintings by the great Spanish masters.
- La Termica cultural center, a third-party venue for exhibitions, workshops and events (more info here).
- Musée des Arts et des Costumes Populaires: housed in a 17th-century inn, this small museum highlights the richness of the local heritage through handicrafts.
Need more inspiration? Read our article on the best museums in Malaga.
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
After several days exploring Málaga, why not escape the city and discover other sites? For those looking for a green escape, discover Malaga’s natural sites:
- La Concepcion Botanical Garden (15min from Malaga): The 2000 species of tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean plants will leave you breathless.
- Guadalhorce Nature Park (20min from Malaga): This 122-hectare nature reserve is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, and marked trails enable you to discover the park’s flora and fauna, including salt marshes and pine forests.
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, with its small aquarium and bioluminescence installation that’s sure to 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 stay 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
Practice
- Where to stay in Andalucia
- Best luxury hotels in Andalusia (coming soon)
- Best restaurants
- Rent a car in Andalucia
- Driving in Andalucia
- Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks (coming soon)
