Malaga is a vibrant city with so many exciting attractions. Whether you're here for a day or a week, there's something for everyone in this sunny coastal city!
One of the best things to do in Malaga is to visit the La Concepcion Botanic Garden. It's a beautiful green space with a stunning collection of plants.
1. La Concepcion Botanic Garden
Just a short bus ride north of Malaga's centre, La Concepcion Botanical Garden is a haven of freshness. It's a lush oasis with a large collection of exotic plants and palm groves.
The gardens were created in 1855 by the Loring-Heredia family, iron foundry magnates who commissioned French gardener Jacinto Chamoussent to create the estate.
The 23 hectares of gardens contain flora and fauna from five different continents, a collection of tropical and subtropical trees, and an extensive water system. It's a great spot for a stroll or a run.
2. Hammam Al Andalus
If you are looking for a relaxing place to unwind in Malaga, Hammam Al Andalus is the perfect option! You can enjoy a variety of services like different water pools, massages, and a restaurant area.
Located at the foot of the Alhambra, Hammam Al Andalus revives the Andalusian essence of the old Moorish baths. The traditional design of the hammam features arched brick and tile chambers with grillwork windows, which let in light.
3. Cervantes Theatre
The Cervantes Theatre is the heartbeat of Malaga’s cultural scene, showcasing opera, ballet, orchestral concerts and big names in jazz and flamenco performances. It also hosts the annual Malaga Spanish Film Festival.
Designed by local architect Geronimo Cuervo, the Cervantes opened in 1870 with a spectacular allegory of 19th century Malaga painted by Bernardo Ferrandiz on its ceiling. This colossal oil painting, on canvas (19 x 16.5 metres) is a vision of the city’s history, industry and commerce.
4. Pompidou Centre Malaga
The world-famous Centre Pompidou is opening a new branch in Malaga, Spain. The pop-up art museum is located in the city’s port area and will showcase a selection of works from its mother, the Parisian institution.
The collection is organized into five themes, which are reflected through paintings, sculptures and installations: Metamorphosis>, Self-portraits >, The body in pieces>, The political body>, and The man without a face>. The center also offers a wide range of activities and attractions.
5. Larios Street
The city’s pedestrian-only main street, Larios Street, is one of Malaga’s top attractions. Located in the historic center, this broad avenue is lined with stores and sidewalk cafes.
This shopping promenade is packed with high-end brands and traditional businesses. It’s a must-visit for visitors.
6. Plaza de la Merced
Plaza de la Merced is one of Malaga’s largest squares, and it’s a lively place for both locals and tourists. It’s also home to a number of cultural attractions.
Among them are the Picasso Foundation, housed within the former home of Malaga’s famous son; and the Monument to Torrijos. This imposing obelisk was erected in 1842 to honour the historic deeds of General Jose Maria Torrijos, who was executed by firing squad on nearby San Andres beach for his resistance against Ferdinand VII’s tyranny.
7. Cathedral of Malaga
Built in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque, Malaga’s elaborate cathedral is an impressive mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Inside, a fabulous domed ceiling soars 40m into the air, while the vast colonnaded nave houses an enormous cedar-wood choir.
Aside from admiring the interiors, it’s also worth climbing one of the cathedral’s towers for spectacular views over the city. The name ‘La Manquita’ – loosely interpreted as ’the one-armed woman’ – comes from the lack of a matching south tower.
8. Carmen Thyssen Museum
The newly-restored Museo Carmen Thyssen is one of Malaga's best places to see 19th-century Spanish and Andalucian art. You can tour it on your own or with a guide, and see both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The museum's collection is based on the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza family collection and comprises 230 works that brilliantly summaries 19th-century Spanish art. It includes work by Zurbaran, Sorolla y Bastida and Ignacio Zuloaga, among others.
9. Street Art
One of the best things to do in Malaga is check out the city’s street art. Whether you’re looking for big murals or smaller works, there’s plenty to see in this buzzing creative district next to the Guadalmedina river.
The street art in Malaga has a social content and often features political themes, such as the uprisings in Vietnam or Cuba. The artworks have a 3-dimensional quality and breathe life into the area, making it feel more alive.
