Centro Histórico
First-timersThe old town and cathedral.
Málaga city guide
Things To Do In Málaga
Picasso's birthplace, a Moorish fortress above a working port, a city beach and more than thirty museums. The gateway to the Costa del Sol and the Caminito del Rey.
25
Hostels in the city
8.3
Average, from 26,469 reviews
1881
Picasso born here
300
Days of sun a year
12 min
Airport to the centre by train
More than the Costa del Sol
For years Málaga was the airport people passed through on the way to the Costa del Sol. It has since turned itself into a city worth staying in, with a restored old town, a waterfront and a remarkable number of museums, including the Picasso Museum in the city where he was born.
Above the centre, the Moorish Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro castle overlook the port, with a Roman theatre at their feet. The Malagueta beach is a short walk from the cathedral.
Málaga has 300 days of sun a year and a mild winter. Three days is right, with Ronda, Nerja and the Caminito del Rey as day trips.
Where to stay
Stay in the historic centre, Soho for street art, or near the Malagueta beach.
Soho
Street artBetween the centre and the port.
Malagueta
BeachThe city beach.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 12 top-rated hostels. Map © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors.
How long have you got?
The routes we would take, in the order we would take them.
Things to do
Things to do in Málaga
The Picasso Museum, in a sixteenth-century palace, holds work from across his life; his birthplace on the Plaza de la Merced is a small museum too.
Walk up through the Alcazaba, an eleventh-century Moorish fortress, to the Gibralfaro castle for the view over the port. The Roman theatre sits below.
The cathedral is known as La Manquita, the one-armed lady, because its second tower was never finished. The Centre Pompidou Málaga, in a glass cube on the port, and the Carmen Thyssen are the other major museums.
Eat at the Atarazanas market, and finish on the beach at the Malagueta.
Free things
Free things to do in Málaga
The Malagueta beach, the port and Soho's street art are free.
Many museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba, are free on Sunday afternoons; check ahead.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Málaga
Espetos, sardines grilled on skewers over a fire on the beach, are the Málaga classic. Pescaíto frito, fried fish, and ajoblanco, a cold almond soup, are the other local dishes.
The Atarazanas market has stalls and bars.
A menú del día is €12 to €15.
Nightlife
Going out in Málaga
The historic centre has bars and terraces busy late, especially around Plaza de la Merced. The Feria in August turns the city into a week-long party.
A beer is €2.50 to €4.
Getting around
Getting around Málaga
The centre is walkable. The train from the airport reaches the centre in about twelve minutes.
AVE trains reach Madrid in under three hours. Buses reach Granada, Ronda and Nerja, and trains run along the Costa del Sol.
Costs
What Málaga costs
Málaga is mid-priced, though prices have risen sharply. Dorms start around €22, more in summer. A careful day is €45 to €60.
The euro is the currency. Cards work almost everywhere, though small bars still like cash.
Safety
Staying safe in Málaga
Málaga is safe, with pickpockets in the centre and on the beach.
Summer heat can be intense; take shade in the afternoon.
Emergency number is 112, with English-speaking operators usually available.
Day trips from Málaga
Gorges, white towns and the coast.
Caminito del Rey
A walkway pinned to a gorge wall. Book ahead.
Ronda
A town split by a deep gorge.
Nerja
Beaches and caves.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The August Feria is the city's biggest party.
Staff pick
28 December
Verdiales
Verdiales is a lively celebration of Málaga, Spain’s deep-rooted folk traditions, featuring energetic music and dance that predate flamenco. Groups of performers, dressed in…
13 Oct – 6 Jan
Dance Málaga
Danza Málaga 2026 is a dance festival held in the Andalusian city featuring a mix of international and experimental performances alongside traditional flamenco and…
7 November
Hijos De La Ruina
Hijos De La Ruina Tour is a concert event featuring the artist group Hijos de la Ruina. The event takes place at the Palacio…
20–21 November
Melendi
You can experience Melendi live as he presents his upcoming album Pop Rock on this tour. The event offers a direct and engaging musical…
14 Apr – 10 Oct
De estreno con Filmin: LA TORRE DEL HIELO
Kandale Films, in collaboration with the independent film platform Filmin, presents a monthly cycle of film screenings at the contemporary culture center La Térmica…
12 May – 7 Nov
Mi Eterno Verano
This event is a monthly film screening series presented by Kandale Films in collaboration with Filmin at La Térmica cultural center. The series features…
1 October
Formula V
Formula V is a legendary Spanish pop group known for their enduring hits that have become part of the cultural memory in Spanish-speaking countries.…
3 October
ROBOT ROCK ALIVE
Robot Rock Alive is a duo that recreates the 2007 world tour show of the French duo Daft Punk, featuring their iconic pyramid stage.…
Hostels
Where to stay in Málaga
The top-rated places to stay in Málaga right now, live from Hostelworld.
Coeo Private Pod Hostel Beatas
Dorms from €44 a night
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Coeo Hernán Ruiz Rooftop Pool Hostel
Dorms from €35 a night
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The Urban Jungle Rooftop Hostel
Dorms from €33 a night
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The Lights Hostel
Dorms from €30 a night
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Literal Hostel
Dorms from €23 a night
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Feel Hostels City Center
Dorms from €26 a night
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La Moraga de Poniente Malaga Hostel
Dorms from €30 a night
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Terraza del Limonar
Dorms from €24 a night
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Málaga Stop Hostel
Dorms from €20 a night
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TOC Hostel Málaga
Dorms from €20 a night
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Ilan's Hostel
Dorms from €16 a night
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Feel Hostels Soho Malaga
Dorms from €25 a night
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When to go
March to June and September to November. Winters are mild.
Jan
Mild
Feb
Mild
Mar
Spring
Apr
Holy Week
May
Excellent
Jun
San Juan
Jul
Hot
Aug
Feria
Sep
Excellent
Oct
Good
Nov
Mild
Dec
Christmas lights
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs. Málaga is one of the mildest cities in Europe in winter.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in euros.
Summer and Feria prices run higher.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Málaga travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Málaga worth visiting?
Yes, for the museums, the Alcazaba, the beach and day trips.
How do I get from the airport?
By train, about twelve minutes.
What is the Caminito del Rey?
A walkway along a gorge wall, about an hour away. Book ahead.
Is Málaga good in winter?
Yes, it is one of the mildest cities in Europe.
Are museums free?
Many are on Sunday afternoons.
How many days do you need?
Three.
When is the best time to visit?
March to June and September to November.
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