I often associated Malaga with wild stag parties, seeing it as a party destination, and not to experience Spain’s culture, that’s what Seville and Barcelona are for, right? I’m so glad I gave Malaga a chance, what I found was an atmospheric old town, fantastic tapas, and contrary to what the media says, welcoming locals (known as Malagueños). If you’re looking for what to do for 1 day in Malaga, keep reading as I share how best to spend a day in this city.
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. It dates back 2,800 years. Originally founded by the Phoenicians, it was ruled by the Hammudid dynasty, the Zirids of Granada, and the Nasrid emir Muhammad II, up to the late 14th Century when the Spanish monarchs recaptured Malaga. Arab influence can be seen across the city in sites like the Alcazaba and the baths.
This city is full of culture, there are over 40 museums which is impressive for its size. It’s also the birthplace of famous Malagueños like Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas (yes, the voice of “Puss in Boots”).
After spending several months exploring Malaga and the surrounding Andalusia region, using Malaga as our base, I was lucky to wander the Old Town on an almost daily basis.
This one day in Malaga itinerary is a realistic guide on how to spend 24 hours here. I’ve included my favourite breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots along with a helpful map so you can access all these places later on.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
1 Day In Malaga Essentials
Getting Around: Malaga is a walkable city, you don’t need to take any transport for this one day in Malaga itinerary however, the city is served by many buses and an MRT. You can pay with your bank card or cash onboard.
Travel Insurance: I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone outside of here.
Airalo is a super convenient e-Sim that you can just download to your phone for mobile data! Prices start from $4.50. Please note that e-sim packages are data only and you will not get an international number.
Restaurants close pretty early, between 8 and 10 PM. Many also close between 2 PM and 5 PM. Night markets typically operate from 5 PM onwards. No tips.
Where To Stay In Malaga
$ H-A Hotel Trebol: stay in the heart of Old Town, rooms are bright and modern with all the essentials. Breakfast is also provided.
$$ Hotel Don Curro: 3 star hotel located in old town, with elegantly decorated rooms and spacious bathrooms, some rooms also have a balcony. Breakfast is included.
$$$ Cristine Bedfor Málaga: 4 star boutique luxury hotel located in Old Town, with beautiful architecture throughout. Rooms are spacious, featuring a minibar and coffee machine. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar,
Best Time To Visit Malaga
Malaga gets 300 sunny days a year, making it a perfect year round destination. The busiest and hottest months in Malaga are June to September. The temperatures hover between the mid to upper 30’s which is tough when you are out exploring. Hotels tend to be more expensive too. August is extraordinarily busy, both the beaches and the Old Town are packed.
The best time to visit Malaga is in spring (March-May) when the weather is sunny but milder than the summer. Winter (November – February) is also a good option, temperatures are between 12°C to 18°C, it’s actually known as one of the warmest European cities in Winter, oh and if that’s not enough it’s also the cheapest time to visit Malaga.
Is Malaga Walkable?
Malaga is a compact city, it’s not only easy but also enjoyable to explore on foot. If needed, there is an excellent and affordable bus network and also an MRT however this doesn’t go too far and you will likely not use it during your day in Malaga.
How To Get To Malaga
From Malaga Airport
The quickest way to get from the airport to Malaga is the C1 train Málaga-Centro Alameda. It takes just 15 minutes and tickets cost €1.80 which you can purchase from machines. It leaves from outside the arrivals hall of terminal 3 (look for RENFE signs). The last train leaves the airport at 12:54 AM and resumes service at 6:44 AM.
Outside these hours it would be easier to get a private taxi, there is often a long wait for Uber and Bolt so I recommend pre-booking an airport transfer.
From Malaga’s Coastal Towns
The C1 train that you can get from the airport also travels between Malaga’s coastal towns like Torremolinos and Fuengirola. You can book tickets through Omio or just simply from the machine on the day. The trains run every 20 – 30 minutes.
Malaga is also easily reached from Cordoba, Seville and Madrid. Their high speed trains can be booked through Omio. Please note it’s best to book trains in Spain a few weeks before departure to ensure the best budget friendly prices.
How To Spend 1 Day In Malaga
- The total cost of this itinerary is €81 ( €29 for attractions, €2 estimated transport and €50 for food + drink).
Morning: Old Town
9 AM Breakfast
Spanish breakfast is generally a light meal, it typically consists of toast with tomato and olive oil, churros, sandwiches or tortilla de patatas (potato omelet). My favourite is of course churros con chocolate, if it’s acceptable of course I am eating deep fried dough dipped in hot creamy chocolate for breakfast.
Malaga has a varied food scene, so you can also find international breakfast spots with avocado on toast, and even a full Irish (or English) breakfast.
After trying dozens of cafes in Malaga, these are my favourite breakfast haunts:
- Mi Cafecito – cozy cafe with very nice avocado on toast, the coffee is also top notch
- Kima Coffee – award winning coffee, and a small food menu with toasts and pastries
- Casa Aranda – THE place to go for churros con chocolate in Malaga. Authentic Spanish cafe.
- Tejeringo’s Coffee – a cafe chain in Spain, they are known for their churros, which come with 4 different dips, their bocadillos are also delicious for those looking for something less sweet.
10 AM Gibralfaro Castle + Alcazaba
Gibralfaro Castle
Our first stop of the day is a small workout, but rest assured it is a good one. We are going to hike up to the Gibralfaro Castle. Built in the 14th century, this Moorish style castle was a watch tower, positioned to overlook the city of Malaga and the surrounding sea.
Today, you can walk along the well maintained old walls. To get here, you need to hike about 10-20 minutes up a steep but paved path.
The views are phenomenal, you can see across the city, spotting landmarks like Centro Cultural La Malagueta and Playa la Malagueta, there are also musicians along the way which adds that extra layer of charm to this small hike. Otherwise, you can also take the bus no.35 to the top.
Once you get to the top, aside from the walls, there is also the Centro de Interpretación,
which is a small museum with a few artefacts. Although there isn’t too much else to see it’s certainly worth it for the views and a cool breeze.
It’s best to do Gibralfaro Castle in the morning as it can get very hot after midday making it the steep walk that extra bit harder. To get down you can take the 35 bus from here or just walk the way you came up.
Alcazaba
If, like me, you thought “alcazaba” was just a cool sounding word, it actually refers to an Arab (or Moorish) fortified palace. The Alcazaba in Malaga is located the foot of Mount Gibralfaro, initially built as a fortification, it was then developed as a palace/fortress. It dates back to the 11th century during Spain’s Islamic period. Islamic architecture can be seen throughout.
Inside there are two palaces, the Taifa Palace, which has the classic caliphal horseshoe arch and the Nasrid Palace, with two courtyards.
You can purchase tickets for just one attraction or a combined ticket that allows you access to both the Castle and Alcazaba. I recommend going to both, I found it to be the best attractions in Malaga. I also advise booking them online to avoid queuing in the heat.
There isn’t much information around the Alcazaba, therefore I recommend taking your headphones and scanning the QR codes to learn the history of what you are looking at.
12:00 Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica
Affectionately nicknamed “The One Armed Lady” (La Manquita) due to only one of two planned towers were completed. It spent 254 years under construction and still remains incomplete. Malaga’s asymmetrical cathedral is a must visit during your one day in Malaga.
Initially, a mosque was renovated but then it eventually was rebuilt as the cathedral.
At 84 meters tall, the completed north tower makes this the second-highest cathedral in Andalusia after Seville’s famous Giralda. You used to be able to climb up 200 steps to the tower however this is now under renovation until 2027.
Entry costs €6 which includes an audioguide, and you can visit for free 9-10 AM Monday-Thursday or Sunday afternoons 2-6 PM.
12:45 Lunch
The morning has been busy, now it’s time to sit back with a glass of tinto de verano, and enjoy some of the finest Tapas malaga has to offer.
These are a few lunch spots I highly recommend which can also be found on my Google Maps list.
- Casa Lola Strachan – best croquettes I have tried in spain.
- Cortijo de Pepe – recommend the gambas pilpil and lamb stew.
- Picasso Bar Tapas – small paella and chorizo
- Mercado de Atarazanas – fresh food from tapas to sushi
- Yummy – gluten free empanadas
14:45 Self-Guided Walking Tour
Malaga has beautiful Old Town, wandering the narrow alleys is truly one of the best things to do during your 1 day in Malaga.
I’ve created a mini self-guided walking route that you can roughly follow to see some of the best parts of this Old Town.
If you would prefer a tour rather than explore self-guided, this walking tour is led by a local. They take you to all the prominent sites in the Old Town and more.
1. Roman Forum
This old Roman Forum dates back to the 1st century, where it was used up to the 3rd century. During the Islamic occupation of Malaga, the Arabs used the forum’s columns and capitals for their Alcazaba fortress.
It was then buried for centuries until it was uncovered in 1951.
Located on the foot of the Alcazar, it’s free to visit. You can actually see it all from the street, but you can walk around the grounds and visit the interpretation centre where they have some information on the site.
You will likely spend just 20 minutes here.
If you are in Malaga at night, I recommend swinging by here to see it lit up, it’s beautiful.
2. Picasso Museum
Did you know that Malaga is the birthplace of legendary painter Picasso? Located on Plaza de la Merced, the museum is where Picasso spent his early years, with the city inspiring much of his work.
The Picasso Museum showcases his evolution over the years. It’s a small museum with just two storeys, the building itself is the 16th century Buenavista Palace. It’s very picturesque, the courtyard and balcony are worth seeing. The galleries inside are modern, bright, and airy, making it a comfortable experience.
Along with work from Picasso, there are also paintings by other surrealist artists like Oscar Dominguez.
It’s best to prebook tickets online in advance, you will get in much faster. An audio guide is also available. You will probably spend just 30 – 40 minutes here.
3. Mural “Brisa Estival” de Lalone
Walking around Malaga’s Old Town, down a small alley a few metres from Plaza de la Constitución is a colourful mural of a lady in a blue dress sitting on the beach. The painting translates to Summer Breeze.
It’s a reinterpretation by artist Lalone, of another painting in Thyssen museum – “Days Of Summer” by Vincente Palmaroli.
4. 1989 Cheesecake Room
I am by no means exaggerating when I say this is one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever had. Sweet tooth, or no sweet tooth, this place is a must visit.
Drawn to the rows of cute circular cheesecakes in window, I couldn’t resist. The cheesecakes are incredibly creamy, they are not as hard as typical cheesecakes. There are many rich flavours to choose from, including pistachio, kinder, and biscoff. I highly recommend the kinder one.
Each cheesecake costs €6.90.
Cafes In Malaga Old Town
- BOLO – velvety smooth coffee from a humble hole in the wall
- Cookie York – amazing stuffed cookies
- Syra Coffee – speciality coffee in the heart of old town
- Kima Coffee – listed in the world’s 100 best coffee shops
- The Lab by Next Level – a few around the city, consistently good brews
5. Iglesia de San Juan
Iglesia de San Juan is one of the oldest churches in Malaga. This unique church will catch your eye with its red, blue and yellow design along with its tower. It’s my favourite one in Malaga.
This church is also free to enter and is open after 10 AM.
6. Calle Larios
Malaga’s stunning 300 metre main street lined with white ornate buildings, shops and restaurants.
Wander around, enjoy the boutiques, and overall vibe. It’s basically the heart of Malaga and tends to always be busy.
It also connects to Plaza de la Constitucion, a square with a fountain and palm trees.
Visiting Malaga in December? Make sure to check out the christmas lights on Calle Larios, one of the most beautiful decorated streets in Europe.
7. Parroquia Santiago Apóstol Málaga
Another beautiful church in Malaga’s Old Town. Where Picasso was baptised in 1881. It’s a small church, but the tall white baroque ceiling with gold embellishments is a must see.
It’s free to enter but it’s only open between 9AM – 1PM and then 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Monday to Sunday.
8. Gelato Pit Stop
Now it’s time for an all important and well-deserved break for gelato. I have two recommendations for you.
NONNA Helado Artesanal for friendly and not too sweet gelato, and Heladería Mira 1890 Marta which has a trendier atmosphere and seats inside.
Why not try the official Malaga ice-cream flavour of rum and raisin.
Evening
Looking for relaxing things to do in Malaga after sightseeing? The evening offers perfect wind-down activities.
18:00 Málaga Park
At the bottom of Old Town is the beautiful Parque de Málaga. The park stretches 800 metres towards the waterfront, with 3 different paths winding through it that you can explore at your own pace.
You’ll walk under a canopy of orange and cypress trees while listening to a chorus of parrots making their presence known. There are plenty of benches scattered along the way where you can sit and take it all in, maybe even watch the parrots for a bit or just enjoy the shade.
When you’re ready to continue, take the 20 minute walk along Málaga Port toward Malagueta beach. The harbour is always active with boats coming and going, you’ll see everything from small fishing vessels to cruise ships and impressive yachts. The walkway offers nice views back toward the Old Town, with the Alcazaba perched up on the hillside.
The walk ends at the beach, where you can finally kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. It’s a nice way to finish off your exploration of this part of the city.
18:30 Playa de la Malagueta
We’ve come to the last attraction on our 1 day Malaga itinerary, a stop at the most popular and longest beach in the city: Playa de la Malagueta. This 1.2 km (1,200 metre) sandy beach is lined with palm trees and chiringuitos (small beach bars) serving fresh seafood.
It’s Malaga’s liveliest beach, the atmosphere is high with people are sunbathing and sipping cocktails.
I recommend drinks in El Mercader and Cafe Central is a popular place for food if you’d like some pre dinner snacks.
A popular tapa in Malaga are Espetos: grilled sardines on a stick. They are served along beaches in chiringuitos, often cooked outside on a boat shaped open grill. It’s so good with a drizzle of lemon.
21:00 Dinner
There is no better way to wind up your 1 day in Malaga than a variety of tapas while sipping on a sangria or tinto de verano. The restaurants in Malaga were the best I’ve experienced throughout Spain. I mostly visited tapas bars and rarely had a bad experience.
- La Tasquita de en Medio – amazing tapas, inside feels like a Greek island.
- Bodega El Pimpi – famous restaurant, their snails are a must try, also the best patatas bravas I’ve had.
- Restaurante Esquina Granada – another great spot for tapas, the outdoor seating is atmospheric, I highly recommend the stew with blood sausage.
- Andino Gastrobar – for something different, Andino offers the best of Latin American cuisine. You must try the Venezuelan Arepas.
- Mezcal – lively Mexican restaurant, delicious food and great cocktails.
Sometimes it’s more fun to go to dinner with a group. This tapas and wine tour is led by a local expert who will take your group around his top rated places.
Is 1 Day In Malaga Enough?
Malaga is a compact city that is doable in 1 day. However, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. I recommend 3 days here, this will allow you to visit the incredible Caminito del Rey, as well as lie on the beach, and even visit a coastal town.
Comments
Related Posts
3 Days In Barcelona – Best Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
16 Fun Things To Do In Vienna: Travel Guide
19 Best Things To Do In Riva del Garda | Ultimate Travel Guide
3 Days In Krakow For First Timers: 18 Fun Things To Do
Naples 1 Day Itinerary
No Car? No Problem: 7 Best Lake Garda Towns To Stay In Without A Car
The Perfect 1 Day In Riva del Garda Itinerary
One Day In Venice: Itinerary, Maps + Tips For An Epic Day
24 Best Things To Do In Sibiu | This City Will Surprise You!
The Perfect One Day Siena Itinerary (2025)
26 Free Things To Do In Madrid
Leave a Reply