Best 20 things to do in Málaga, Spain

Looking to have a blast in Málaga? Well, prepare to tickle your taste buds by indulging in endless rounds of tapas hopping! From fresh seafood to tantalizing Iberian ham, this city knows how to keep your stomach happy. If you’re in need of a cultural fix, don't miss the Picasso Museum, where you'll find more Picasso paintings than the artist had mustaches (and believe us, that’s a lot). And finally, for a truly unforgettable experience, grab your sunscreen and take a stroll along the vibrant beaches where sunbathers compete for the most creative sandcastle award. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or just a beach bum, Málaga has got you covered!

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1. Plaza de la Merced

Pl. de la Merced, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Nestled in the heart of Málaga like a treasure chest, Plaza de la Merced invites you to experience a vibrant mix of history, culture, and pigeons. With its charming cafes and narrow streets, this lively square is the perfect place to feel like a true Spaniard: sipping your café con leche while simultaneously warding off feathered creatures attempting a sneak attack on your breakfast. As you take in the lively atmosphere, don't forget to visit the statue of Málaga's most famous son - Pablo Picasso. It's not every day you can say you've mingled with a great artist, even if he is just made of bronze. Trust us, this encounter will totally enrich your social media feed and make you the envy of all your friends. Oh, and did we mention the Plaza de la Merced is also a hotspot for night owls? Once the sun sets, the square transforms into a buzzing hub of nightlife. Be it cozy pubs with flamenco performances or bars serving up delicious local beverages, you're destined to have a night you'll (hopefully) remember. Just remember, Picasso might still be watching.

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2. Automobile and Fashion Museum

4.6 (5964)

Av de Sor Teresa Prat, 15, 29003 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to the Automobile and Fashion Museum in Málaga – a place that combines the roaring engines of cars with the fabulous runways of fashion! Brace yourself for an amusing collision of two unlikely worlds. As you enter, be prepared to witness the most stylish race between a 1930s Bugatti Veyron and a 1960s Chanel dress – the ultimate test of speed versus elegance! Let this quirky museum take you on an unexpected joyride through the history of automotives and fashion, leaving you both amused and amazed.

www.museoautomovilmalaga.com

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3. Picasso Museum

4.3 (21902)

Palacio de Buenavista, C. San Agustín, 8, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to the Picasso Museum in Málaga, where you'll find more Picasso than you can shake a paintbrush at! This museum is like a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys staring at abstract blobs and pretending to understand what's going on. Get ready to immerse yourself in Picasso's mind-bending world of cubism, where figures look like they were built from leftover puzzle pieces after a wild party. So, bring your best squinting game and get ready to nod your head like a pretentious judge at an artsy talent show!

www.museopicassomalaga.org

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4. Calle Larios

C. Marqués de Larios, Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Calle Larios, a vibrant and lively street in Málaga that will leave you mildly confused and wonderfully entertained. With its narrow lanes and bustling atmosphere, this boulevard takes window shopping to a whole new level - sorry shopaholics, no online carts allowed here! Explore this undeniable haven for fashionistas, where you'll find stores selling everything from trendy clothes to shoes so shiny, it's almost like they're winking at you. Don't worry about losing your way, the colorful Málaga city guide maps make excellent makeshift fans for hot summer days and can serve as a surefire conversation starter - "Excuse me, could you direct me to the nearest ice cream shop? Map says it should be somewhere between 'Where's Waldo' and 'Finding Nemo'!"

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5. Russian Museum

4.5 (3104)

Edificio de Tabacalera, Av de Sor Teresa Prat, 15, 29003 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to the Russian Museum in Málaga, where you can take a stroll through a cultural journey that's as interesting as trying to pronounce "Vladimir Kozlovsky" after sipping on some vodka. This red-brick building, somewhat resembling a misplaced Russian dacha, is filled with artwork spanning centuries, giving you a taste of everything from stoic portraits to more abstract pieces that will have you scratching your head like a confused bear. So put on your fur hat, grab your matryoshka doll, and prepare for a quintessentially Russian experience right in the heart of sunny Málaga!

www.coleccionmuseoruso.es

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6. La Rosaleda Stadium

4.5 (8696)

P.º Martiricos, s/n, 29011 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to La Rosaleda Stadium in Málaga, where football fans can enjoy a thrilling match while secretly hoping they won't lose their voices from excessive cheering! With the capacity to hold over 30,000 people, this stadium is home to Málaga CF, and their fans sure know how to add some colorful language to an intense game day atmosphere. Don't be surprised if the local enthusiasts turn the stands into a spontaneous dance floor, showcasing their peculiar yet highly enthusiastic "victory shimmy" after every goal scored.

www.malagacf.com

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7. Puerto de Málaga

4.5 (1071)

Port of Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Puerto de Málaga, where the sun-soaked charm of Andalusia meets the eternal struggle of parallel parking. Here, visitors can embark on a journey of maritime delights, all while testing their maneuvering skills in a dizzying maze of tightly-packed boats. With its bustling promenade, bustling tourists, and a healthy dose of bustle sprinkled on top, Puerto de Málaga is truly a place where the only thing more impressive than the yachts is your ability to avoid collisions.

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8. Atarazanas Market

4.5 (30859)

C. Atarazanas, 10, 29005 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Atarazanas Market in the enchanting city of Málaga, where foodies are about to embark on a culinary adventure that will make their taste buds high-five each other! This bustling market is a feast for the senses, where vibrant colors, heavenly aromas, and gastronomic delights collide like clumsy synchronized swimmers. If conversations between tomatoes could be overheard, I'm sure they would be gossiping about how lucky they are to be sold in such a marvelous place.

www.malagaturismo.com

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9. Castillo de Colomares

4.5 (11922)

Finca la Carraca, Ctra. Costa del Sol, s/n, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Castillo de Colomares, the quirky fairytale-like castle in Málaga that will leave you scratching your head and questioning whether you've accidentally wandered into a Game of Thrones set. With an architecture that blends medieval, gothic, and downright whimsical styles, this castle is the epitome of "let's throw everything in the mix and see what happens." Get ready to explore the maze-like corridors, where it seems as though the architect played a game of architectural Tetris after a night of questionable decision-making.

www.castillomonumentocolomares.com

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10. Muelle Uno

4.5 (33814)

P.º del Muelle Uno, 4, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Muelle Uno in Málaga, where strolling around feels like gliding through a mall on a fancy skateboard. It's as if the architects just gave up halfway through and decided to throw in a random mix of palm trees, contemporary art, and boutiques. You'll find more lounging chairs than you ever thought possible, so prepare to witness an excessive amount of people perfecting their 'sunburned sloth' pose.

www.muelleuno.com

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11. Malagueta Beach

4.3 (1965)

Playa de la Malagueta (Málaga), Spain

Welcome to Malagueta Beach, where the sun-soaked sands await you like a perfectly buttered slice of toast. With its dazzling views of the Mediterranean Sea, this sandy haven is like a secret hiding spot for those seeking a respite from reality. Whether you're craving an adrenaline rush from water sports or simply yearning to people-watch while sipping sangria, Malagueta Beach has got you covered like a dedicated sunscreen lotion.

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12. Málaga Botanical Gardens

4.3 (169)

Blvr. Louis Pasteur, 29, 29071 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to the Málaga Botanical Gardens, where plants rule and the tourists are just wild flowers in the garden of life! This verdant oasis boasts a delightful collection of flora and fauna that'll make you feel like Alice, but with less nonsense and more oxygen. Stroll through the gardens and try not to get lost; the vegetation here seems to have a mischievous sense of humor, making your adventure all the more exciting!

jardinbotanico.uma.es

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13. Tivoli World

4.4 (1611)

Explanada del Tivoli, s/n, 29631 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Tivoli World, Málaga's answer to Disneyland, if Mickey Mouse took flamenco lessons and discovered a passion for tapas. Prepare to be whisked away on a hilarious rollercoaster of Spanish entertainment, where flamboyant rides and flamenco dancers collide in a glorious cacophony of laughter, screams, and castanets. Embark on a wild adventure around this whirling wonderland, where you can ride the Teacups of Tacos, feast on churros while being serenaded by singing Señors, and maybe even catch a Spanish version of the famous sword-fighting mouse, Zorro, soaring through the air.

www.telefericobenalmadena.com

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14. Gibralfaro Castle

4.5 (12285)

Cam. Gibralfaro, 11, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Perched high atop a hill like a majestic eagle's nest, Gibralfaro Castle in Málaga proudly boasts its historical prowess. Stepping onto its ancient walls is like stepping back in time, but with a fantastic view, so remember to bring your camera and phone for those epic selfies. Be prepared to huff and puff your way up the hill, but fear not, for the castle's magnificent architecture and stunning vistas will make you forget all about your sore calves.

alcazabaygibralfaro.malaga.eu

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15. Roman Theatre

4.6 (5515)

C/ Alcazabilla, s/n, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Step back in time and let the Roman Theatre in Málaga transport you to an era where togas were all the rage and emperors ruled the show! This ancient marvel, nestled in the heart of the city, offers a dramatic setting for history buffs and selfie enthusiasts alike. Marvel at the grandeur of its well-preserved structure, envisioning great gladiator battles and gripping theatrical performances that could put modern reality TV to shame.

www.juntadeandalucia.es

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16. Catedral de Málaga

4.6 (23945)

C. Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to the magnificent Catedral de Málaga in sunny Málaga, Spain! Prepare to have your breath stolen by this colossal architectural masterpiece, affectionately known as "The One with the One-Armed Lady." Inside, you'll find a spectacular mishmash of styles, as if each architect took turns designing separate sections without talking to each other. And remember, if you're not a fan of stairs, this cathedral's got you covered with a ton of them, conveniently located everywhere you turn!

malagacatedral.com

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17. Contemporary Art Center

4.4 (4586)

C. Alemania, S/N, 29001 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to the vibrant city of Málaga, where art enthusiasts can unleash their inner "Picasso!" Venture into the Contemporary Art Center, a haven for avant-garde creativity that will leave you contemplating life's profound questions or scratching your head, wondering if the artist accidentally sneezed on the canvas. Get ready to marvel at mind-bending sculptures, unconventional installations, and paintings that may or may not resemble a toddler's finger-painting masterpiece.

cacmalaga.eu

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18. Alcazaba

4.6 (28677)

C/ Alcazabilla, 2, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Alcazaba in Málaga, where history is served with a delightful side of fortress fun! This awe-inspiring Moorish fortress, standing tall since the 11th century, will make you feel like a character from Game of Thrones. Prepare to be dazzled by its formidable walls, majestic gardens, and panoramic views, as well as the occasional cheeky seagull who might just swoop in for a selfie!

www.malagaturismo.com

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19. Malaga Park

4.6 (8636)

Paseo del Parque, 1, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Malaga Park, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but not from the enthusiastic pigeons that think they're the local tour guides. Marvel at the lush greenery, strategically placed to make it look like Mother Nature went on a decorating spree. And if you enjoy a good game of "avoid the couples passionately smooching on every bench," this park will truly be your personal obstacle course.

www.malagaturismo.com

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20. Carmen Thyssen Museum

4.5 (6481)

Plaza Carmen Thyssen, Calle Compañía, 29008 Málaga, Spain

Nestled amidst the sun-kissed streets of Málaga, the Carmen Thyssen Museum is a delightful treasure trove of artistic genius. With its quirky collection of paintings, it offers a strangely addictive blend of culture, comedy, and creativity. Prepare to have your mind blown by the mind-boggling beauty of landscapes, portraits, and, of course, the occasional slightly odd-looking bird.

carmenthyssenmalaga.org

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Málaga, Spain by plane is to fly to Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport. There are direct flights available from major airports around the world.

Car

To get to Málaga, Spain by car, the fastest route is to take the A-7 motorway from Madrid. The journey takes around 5 hours and passes through some stunning scenery along the way.

Train

To get to Málaga, Spain by train, the best option is to take a high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid to Málaga Maria Zambrano Train Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and there are several trains per day.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Málaga, Spain. However, visitors can take a ferry from Tangier, Morocco to Algeciras and then drive or take a train to Málaga. The journey by boat takes around 2 hours and there are several ferry companies that operate this route.

Bus

The best way to get to Málaga, Spain by bus is to take a coach from Madrid to Málaga Bus Station. There are several companies that operate this route and the journey takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

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