Best attractions in Malaga: Top 26

Our review will tell you what to see in Malaga will be interesting for tourists of all ages. We have gathered in one rating all the most significant and popular attractions in Malaga, taking into account the reviews and recommendations of guides and travelers.

What to see in Malaga first

No matter what reason you want to travel, whether you’re attracted to the Costa del Sol or a bargain shopping trip, when you arrive in the city, be sure to learn about the following excursions in Malaga:

1. City Hall

The facades of Malaga City Hall are decorated with picturesque bas-reliefs by Berthold Werner

Like many other important landmarks in Spain, this one took several years to erect. Construction began in 1912, and upon its completion, the city received a unique Neo-Baroque structure. The administrative building has been recognized as a cultural and architectural monument of the country. Inside there are paintings by postmodernist masters.



2. La Malagueta Arena

A bullfighting arena on Reading Boulevard in Malaga

Every tourist should see this bullfighting arena, created in 1876. The facility can accommodate about 14 thousand guests. You can also watch the bullfighting from the Mount Gibraltar (don’t forget to bring binoculars). In addition to the bullring there is a bullfighting museum with costumes of famous bullfighters, weapons and bulls’ heads.

Official website: https://torosmalaga



3. Constitution Square

Marble Renaissance Fountain "Carlos V" in Malaga's central square Kārlis Dambrāns

Malaga’s old town is famous for, among other things, its historic and most visited Constitution Square. This is where all the city’s festivities are organized. On Christmas Eve, the main Christmas tree of the city is erected here. Local highlights include the 16th century marble fountain of Genoa.

4. Merced Square

View of Merced Square in the center of Malaga Banja-Frans Mulder

The area is home to the Torrijos statue and the famous Picasso Museum. In addition, city events are often held here. Although the square is quite compact, it is of great historical importance. Here are the most famous entertainment venues, unique buildings and the best hotels in Malaga. Merced is also popular because of the fact that from it you can go anywhere in the city.

Official website: http://www.malagaturismo

5. Rue Marques de Larios

Markets, boutiques and sculptures on the Marques de Larios promenade Emilio

An upscale avenue with many boutiques and stores. Visitors and residents are also attracted here by street performers. Before Christmas, Marques de Larios is richly decorated with light compositions.

Check out the beautiful views of Malaga in this breathtaking video!

6. The Fortress of Malaga

Fortress of Malaga or the 8th century Alcazaba fortress on a hill in the central part of the city

The Moorish military citadel (Alcazaba) is a fortified structure with eight gates and strong walls. The fortress is visible from literally anywhere in Malaga. The construction of the palace began in 1057 on the orders of the ruler B. B. Abus. From the former grandeur of the building is left only two walls, stretching down the hill. On the slope between the walls are also the ruined outer and inner courtyards (the latter was originally inhabited by wealthy Spaniards). Inside the fortress there is an archaeological museum with models of the castle itself and of Malaga and Arabic pottery.

Official website: http://www.malagaturismo

7. Ghibralfaro Fortress

Ruins of the Arab fortress of Hibralfaro on a mountain overlooking Malaga Maksym Abramov

The complex is located near the Alcazaba in Malaga and consists of the remains of a tower, gates and defensive walls that offer incredible panoramas of the city. The date of construction of the fortress is the 14th century.

Official website: http://www.andalucia

8. Picasso Museum

Museum of Pablo Picasso in the 16th century Buenavista Palace gastromartini
Museum of the great Spanish surrealist Pablo Picasso in Malaga Emilio Luque

The great painter Picasso was a native and citizen of Malaga. So it’s no surprise that the city has opened a museum in his honor. The collections contain more than two hundred of the master’s creations, including ceramic objects, sculptures and artistic paintings. Fans of the genius can look at the masterpieces that Picasso created in different periods of his life. Samples of the permanent exhibition are arranged in 14 rooms. Many exhibits were donated to the museum by the master’s relatives.

Official website: https://www.museopicassomalaga

9. Branch of the Russian Museum

The Russian Museum Branch in the Tabacalera (former tobacco factory) building in Malaga Tyk
Exhibit of the collection of the Russian Museum in Malaga JamesNarmer

The museum complex, which occupies about 2,300 square meters, opened its doors in 2015. In addition to permanent collections, there are temporary thematic exhibitions. If you do not know what to visit in Malaga, but want to see the artistic works of modern creators and masters of a bygone era, come here.

10. Pompidou Center

The building of the branch of the famous Parisian contemporary art gallery in Malaga Epizentrum

The best option of where to go in Malaga for art lovers. The collections include paintings from the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition to exhibitions, the center hosts monographic and thematic events that attract young people.

Official website: http://www.malaga

11. Automobile Museum

Retro car in the background of the Automobile Museum of Malaga nkreuzer
One of the 10 sections of the Automobile Museum of Malaga Jorbasa Fotografie

Guides in Malaga recommend visiting this place even for those who are not into cars and their history. In the museum center with a dozen spacious rooms, set up in a former tobacco factory, on an area of 6 thousand square meters are all kinds of cars, dating from the 18th century. A collection of hundreds of vintage cars is of great interest. In addition to the inspection, all vehicles can be rented. However, the rental price is quite impressive - the trip will cost a pretty penny.

Official site: https://www.museoauto

12. Glass and Crystal Museum

Stained glass from the Glass and Crystal Museum's private collection of arts and crafts Tyk

A complex of applied art whose glass and crystal specimens tell the story of the development of mankind. The total number of objects belonging to different time periods is over 3 thousand. Lectures are given in different languages. For children under 6 years old the entrance is free.

Official website: http://www.museovidrio

13. Carmen Thyssen Museum

Entrance to the Carmen Thyssen Museum Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada

This modern art museum was opened more than 8 years ago. Guests are invited to view paintings, mostly by Spanish masters of the 18th century. The works demonstrate the local culture and traditions of the state. Please note: on Sunday evenings, the collections are free to view.

Official website: https://www.carmen

14. Center for Contemporary Art

Center for Contemporary Art in the building of the former wholesale market of Malaga Té y kriptonita

The date of opening of the complex, which is 2.4 thousand square meters, is 2003. The center is a repository for valuable visual and sculptural art objects of the 20th century. In addition, the exhibitions include works by contemporary masters. There are about four hundred works of world-class artists in the permanent collection. In addition to exhibitions, the facility attracts attention with its art workshops, congresses and thematic film screenings.

15. Bishop’s Palace

The main facade of the Bishop's Palace in Plaza Obispo in Malaga Berthold Werner

Construction of the castle began in 1762. At the moment, the stately baroque palace with its altar and rose columns is the best example of urban civil architecture. Inside is a museum of sacred art.

16. Malaga Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Incarnation against the background of the cityscape of Malaga Danielmlg86
The north facade of the eighteenth-century Malaga Cathedral PILAR J

A Renaissance-style cathedral whose tower is visible from various parts of the Old City. The building has only one tower, as no financial means could be found to build another. For this reason, the “popular nickname” of the grandiose construction is “one-armed” or “La Manquita”. There is a museum inside.

Official website: http://www.malagatur

17. The Basilica of Santa Maria de la Victoria

Basilica of Santa Maria de la Victoria in Plaza del Santuario in Malaga David Jones

The building is famous for its original architecture. The size of the basilica is quite modest in contrast to its chic interiors. Inside is a beautiful altar, as well as many gilded sculptures and canvases depicting saints. If you do not know what to see in Malaga in 1 day, come to Merced Square and from there follow to the basilica.

18. The English Cemetery

Necropolis in the center of Malaga NatalieMaynor

Few places of interest in Malaga are as imposing in size or as longstanding in history as this necropolis. This non-Catholic cemetery is the oldest in Spain. On a landscaped area of 8,000 square meters there is a huge number of burials. The necropolis has been included in the list of historical sites due to the fact that many of the graves belong to famous personalities. In addition, there are valuable specimens of flowers and trees growing on the territory of the botanical garden. The complex includes a visitor’s center.

Official website: https://cementerioin

19. The Roman theater

The seats for the audience of the Roman theater at the foot of the hill with the Alcazaba fortress in Malaga Américo Toledano

The ancient construction of the theater dates back to the first century B.C. At that ancient time, the city was part of an ancient Roman province. Until the 3rd century B. C. the building was used for its intended purpose. Later, after the conquest of Malaga by the Muslims, it lost its purpose and became a quarry. Gradually the theater fell into disrepair, began to be dismantled to create the Alcazaba (the castle is located next door). But despite the fact that the destruction was observed for many years, the ancient object has managed to reach us in a fairly complete form: there is a circular stage for performances of artists and a number of seats for spectators.

20. Atarazanas Central Market

Facades of Atarazanas Central Market in Malaga Luis García (Zaqarbal)

When listing the best attractions in Malaga, we should not forget this 14th century bazaar. Nowadays, only the historically priceless arch remains from the first market. In the 19th century the building was destroyed almost completely. The last restoration was done ten years ago. Now the central market offers all kinds of food and a variety of Spanish gastronomy.

Malaga sightseeings: what else to visit in Malaga?

We have told you about the main attractions of Malaga in brief. In addition to them, we recommend to see:

21. Palm Surprise Park

The Palm Surprise Park along the waterfront in downtown Malaga miez!

The arrangement of the exotic palm trees in the area is zoned. In addition to these trees, the area is attractive due to the dancing fountains, comfortable benches for relaxing in nature, playgrounds for children. At nighttime, multicolored illumination is turned on. The park has several outdoor cafes and small restaurants.

22. La Farola Lighthouse

The La Farola Lighthouse rises 38 meters above sea level in Malaga Daniel Capilla

The snow-white structure, which is the trademark of the resort of Malaga and can be seen in many paintings of local artists, is 38 meters high. The building, erected in 1939, is located within walking distance of the port. The lighthouse is active.

23. La Concepcion Botanical Gardens

A beautiful corner of the La Concepcion Botanical Garden in Malaga Panarria
The collection of flora in the historic La Concepción Botanical Garden in Malaga rosergoula

In addition to the 1850 botanical garden itself, the complex includes an estate. La Concepción, an English-style residence, was created at the behest of a wealthy Spanish family. The total number of rare tropical plants blooming on the area of 23 hectares, is about 3 thousand varieties. There are guided tours for visitors. In addition to a special area with hundreds of varieties of palm trees, there is an area of bamboo and citrus trees. “Inhabitants” of the garden are also cedars, magnolias, perennial ficuses, all kinds of water flowers. To visit such interesting places in Malaga is worth it for the whole family.

24. Malaga Park

Lounging in the alley of Malaga Park Ricardo Ricote Rodrí

The green area, approximately 30,000 square meters, is designed in a Mediterranean style. It was laid out over a period of 25 years (beginning in 1896). The park is known for its unique fountains, among which the Genoa, the Waterfall Garden and the Swan are especially significant.

25. La Malagueta Beach

The popular city beach of La Malagueta with dark sand in the resort area of Malaga elfeffe

The beach line with artificially imported sand is located in the resort area of the city. Its length is about 1.2 thousand meters. There are all necessary infrastructure for recreation - changing cabins, cafes, sports and playgrounds. Get ready for the fact that in high season at La Malagueta you will not find empty seats.

26. Malaga Cruise Port

Panorama of Malaga Cruise Port from Chateau Gibralfaro in Malaga Grez

An old functioning Spanish port that receives both transport and passenger ships of various sizes, from cruise ships to private boats. It can be reached from the city center in less than a kilometer. Guests are invited to take inexpensive boat trips. During the trips you can see, among other things, located on the hills of the ancient fortifications.

All the attractions of Malaga, photos with names and descriptions of which we have led, cause great interest to residents and visitors of the city. You too should see them with your own eyes.

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