Malaga in One Day: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Malaga, Spain is a vibrant and charming city in the south of Spain! It’s famous for its sunny weather, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Only visiting Malaga in one day? Follow this guide!
If you are looking for a destination that offers a mix of history, art, nature, or romantic activities, Malaga is a great choice.
In this article, I’ll explain how you can make the most of Malaga in one day! My suggested itinerary covers the highlights and the best tips and advice for your one day in Malaga.
I’m a travel agent, highly-experienced Europe travel itinerary planner, and Southern Spain (Andalucia) expert. I’ve explored Malaga, Southern Spain, and other regions of Spain in depth. See my “Places I have Visited” page for help planning more of your European travels!
Malaga is also a port on Virgin Voyages. See my Virgin Voyages posts here!
Malaga in One Day: Quick Guide
- Guided walking tour
- Atarazanas Market
- The Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre
- Gibralfaro Castle
- Plaza de la Constitucion and Cathedral of Malaga
- Picasso Museum
- Paseo del Parque and the Port
- Malagueta Beach
Get in touch with me to plan your perfect “One Day in Malaga” itinerary – elevateyourescapes@gmail.com
Malaga in One Day Itinerary
Guided Walking Tour – the best option for one day in Malaga
I almost always recommend guided tours when visiting new cities. The tours provide an excellent lay of the land, an incredible amount of information about the sights, AND local recommendations for things to do and eat during your visit.
Since you’ll want to see the most of Malaga in one day, I highly recommend an Explora Malaga “Free Walking Tour”. You’ll listen to an expert guide tell you the history of the city. Plus, you’ll hit all the major sights with no personal navigation required (my favorite thing!).
At the end of the tour, you’ll contribute what you think the tour was worth. I typically recommend 15-20 euro for smaller group tours and 10-15 if it’s a very large tour group.
Visit the Atarazanas Market
One of the best ways to get a taste of the local culture and cuisine is to visit the Atarazanas Market. This is the central market of Malaga. Here you can find a variety of fresh products, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, bread, and more.
You can also sample some typical dishes, such as fried fish, gazpacho, or tortilla de patatas, at the bars and stalls inside the market. You’ll also enjoy the colorful displays. The impressive stained-glass window that depict the history of Malaga.
This market is located in a historic building that was once a shipyard in the 14th century. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 2 pm.
You’ll admire street art as you walk there.
Explore the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre
After visiting the market, head to the Alcazaba, the most emblematic monument of Malaga. The Alcazaba is a fortified palace that was built by the Moors in the 11th century. It sits on the remains of a Roman fortress. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture in Spain. Plus, it offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
The Alcazaba is open every day, from 9 am to 8 pm in summer and from 9 am to 6 pm in winter. The entrance fee of 3.5 euros, but you can also buy a combined ticket that includes the Gibralfaro Castle and the Malaga Museum for 5.5 euros (as of January 2024).
You’ll hear about the Alcazaba on your guided walking tour but you won’t go inside.
The structure is beautiful and a must for seeing Malaga in one day.
The Roman Theatre is located at the foot of the Alcazaba, and it is the oldest monument in Malaga. It was built in the 1st century BC, and it was used for theatrical performances until the 3rd century AD. After that, it was abandoned and covered by the construction of the Alcazaba. It was rediscovered in 1951, and it has been restored and reopened to the public.
The Roman Theatre is free to visit, and it has an interpretation center that explains its history and features. You can also watch some shows and events that take place in the theatre throughout the year.
Walk up to the Gibralfaro Castle
If you are feeling adventurous and want to enjoy some more panoramic views of Malaga, you can walk up to the Gibralfaro Castle! It’s located on a hill above the Alcazaba.
The Gibralfaro Castle was built in the 14th century by the Nasrid king Yusuf I, and it was used as a military fortress until the 18th century. It’s surrounded by a wall that connects it with the Alcazaba, and it has two towers, a lighthouse, and a small museum.
The Gibralfaro Castle is open every day, from 9 am to 8 pm in summer and from 9 am to 6 pm in winter. The entrance fee is 2.5 euros, but you can also use the combined ticket that I mentioned before.
Alternatively, if you prefer to skip the walk and save some time, you can get there by:
- Bus (number 35) from the Plaza de la Marina to the Gibralfaro Castle
- Hop on/Hop off
- Take a taxi or Uber
Admire Plaza de la Constitucion – a must for Malaga in one day
Next, visit Plaza de la Constitucion, the main square of the city. This square is the heart of the historic center of the city. It’s been the scene of many important events in the history of Malaga. It is another MUST for visiting Malaga in one day.
It has a beautiful fountain, a statue of the Marquis of Larios, and a Christmas tree in December. It is also surrounded by many cafes, restaurants, and shops, where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. This is an excellent people-watching spot!
See the Cathedral of Malaga
After spending some time in the city square, make your way to the Cathedral of Malaga right beside the square. It’s also known as La Manquita (the One-armed Lady). The Cathedral of Malaga is a majestic building that was built between the 16th and the 18th centuries, on the site of a former mosque. It has a Renaissance style, with a Baroque facade and a Gothic interior. It has two towers, but only one of them was completed, hence the nickname.
The Cathedral of Malaga is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm in winter and from 10 am to 8 pm in summer. The entrance fee is 6 euros, and it includes an audio guide and access to the rooftop. On the roof, enjoy a different perspective of the cathedral and the city.
Visit the Picasso Museum – a must for any art-lover spending one day in Malaga
No visit to Malaga would be complete without paying homage to its most famous son, Pablo Picasso. The Picasso Museum is located in the Buenavista Palace, a 16th-century building that was once the home of the Counts of Buenavista.
The museum houses a collection of more than 200 works by Picasso! The works spanning his entire artistic career, from his childhood to his late years. You can see some of his paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints. Some of his personal belongings and photographs are also on display.
The main entrance fee is 10 euros.
Enjoy tapas for lunch at El Pimpi
After visiting the museum, you might be hungry and ready for a delicious lunch. One of the best places to eat in Malaga is El Pimpi! It’s a traditional and charming restaurant that is located in an 18th-century building near the Roman Theatre.
El Pimpi is famous for its tapas, small dishes that you can share, such as ham, cheese, croquettes, meatballs, fried fish, and more.
You can also try some of the local specialties, such as the gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, the ajoblanco, a cold almond soup, or the porra antequerana, a thick tomato and bread soup.
Order a glass of wine, such as the sweet Malaga wine. If you prefer, you can try a loal beer, such as the Victoria. El Pimpi is also known for its atmosphere and decor, with photos and signatures of famous people who have visited the place, like Picasso and Antonio Banderas.
Sometimes it’s tough to get into El Pimpi, so plan ahead!
I also really liked Pepa y Pepe for tapas!
Take a stroll along the Paseo del Parque
After lunch, you can take a stroll along the Paseo del Parque! It’s a beautiful and shady boulevard that runs along the seafront.
The park was created in the 19th century. It’s home to a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as fountains, statues, and benches. Enjoy the fresh air and the views of the sea, as you walk along the park. You’ll also see some of the landmarks that are located along the park, such as the Bank of Spain, the City Hall, the Post Office, and the Customs House.
The park is also a popular place for locals and tourists to relax, play, and socialize.
Enjoy the Malaga Port
At the end of the park, you will reach the Malaga Port. It’s one of the oldest and busiest ports in the Mediterranean.
The port is not only a place for commercial and cruise ships but also a leisure and cultural area, where you can find many attractions and activities.
Visit the Pompidou Centre, a branch of the famous Parisian Museum, that displays modern and contemporary art in a colorful glass cube.
Also, you can visit the Museum of Malaga, which showcases the history and art of the city, from prehistoric times to the present day. Shop at the Muelle Uno, a modern and elegant shopping center, where you can find a variety of stores, restaurants, and bars.
You can also enjoy the Ferris wheel, the lighthouse, or take a boat tour or a catamaran ride.
If your one day in Malaga extends into evening, go to port during golden hour. Then, walk toward the beach for sunset.
End your day with a visit to the Malagueta Beach
If you still have some time and energy left, you can end your day with a visit to Malagueta Beach. It’s the most popular and closest beach to the city center.
The beach is a long and wide stretch of sand, with calm and clear waters, and a lively and friendly atmosphere.
You can sunbathe, swim, play, or relax on the beach, or rent a sunbed and an umbrella. You can also enjoy some of the bars and restaurants that are located along the beach. Have a drink or some food while watching the sunset and the lights of the city.
Enjoy the Nightlife in Malaga
Malaga has a vibrant and diverse nightlife, with many options for all tastes and budgets. You can find many bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues around Malaga. Plaza de la Merced, the Plaza de Uncibay, the Plaza Mitjana, and the Soho district are the most popular nightlife areas.
You can also find some cultural events, such as concerts, theatre, or flamenco shows, that take place in different venues throughout the city.
Nighttime views of the Roman Forum and Alcazaba are also great!
Advice for Your Malaga Day Trip
- Malaga is a walkable city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance from each other
- Get the Malaga Pass. It’s a card that gives you free access to over 30 museums and monuments in the city. You’ll also get discounts on some restaurants, shops, and tours. You can choose from different durations, from 24 hours to 1 week, and save time and money on your Malaga one day trip.
- Malaga is a safe city, but you should always be careful with your belongings, especially in crowded areas, such as the market, the port, or the beach.
- Malaga is a friendly and welcoming city, and the locals are usually helpful and polite. However, you should also respect their culture and customs, and try to learn some basic Spanish words and phrases, such as hola (hello), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), or lo siento (sorry). You should also avoid making loud noises, littering, or drinking alcohol in public places, and always tip around 10% in restaurants and bars.
- If you are planning to stay overnight in Malaga, you can find a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels and hotels to apartments and guesthouses. You can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences, depending on the location, the price, and the facilities. Some of the best areas to stay in Malaga are the Old Town (where I recommend most!), the Malagueta, and the Soho. I strongly recommend TOC for young adults.
Frequently Asked Questions for One Day in Malaga
What is the best time to go to Malaga?
The best time to go to Malaga is from March to June, or from September to November when the weather is warm and sunny, but not too hot, and the crowds are lighter. The summer months (July and August) are very hot and busy, and the winter months (December to February) are mild and rainy. Summer attire is great for packing light!
Is 1 day enough in Malaga?
One day is enough to see the main highlights and attractions of Malaga. However, Malaga is an excellent city to spend more time in, or even slow travel in.
If you have more time, you can also explore some of the other things that the city has to offer, such as the Botanical Garden, the Automobile Museum, or the Contemporary Art Center. You can also take some day trips from Malaga to some of the nearby towns and villages, such as Ronda, Nerja, or Mijas. Check out the beach restaurants in Marbella.
Is Malaga a walkable city?
Malaga is a walkable city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you want to save some time or energy, you can also use the public transport system, which consists of buses, metro, and trains. You can buy a single ticket for 1.3 euros, or a 10-trip ticket for 8.3 euros, which you can use on any mode of transport. You can also rent a bike, a scooter, or a car if you prefer.
What is the most beautiful street in Malaga?
The most beautiful street in Malaga is Calle Larios, the main pedestrian street of the city, which connects the Plaza de la Constitucion with the Plaza de la Marina. Calle Larios is a wide and elegant street, with many shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it is decorated with lights and flowers during different festivals and seasons, such as Christmas, Easter, or the Feria de Malaga.
Is Malaga cheap or expensive?
Malaga is an inexpensive city, compared to other European destinations, especially those that are on the sea. You can find many affordable options for accommodation, food, and entertainment. However, you should also be aware of some tourist traps, such as overpriced restaurants, souvenirs, or tours, and always check the prices and reviews before you buy or book anything.
Conclusion: Malaga in One Day
Malaga is a wonderful province and city to visit in Andalusia, Spain, and you can have a great time even if you only have one day.
You can see the best of the city, from the history and the art of Picasso and other civilizations to the nature and the fun of the parks and the beaches, and enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere. You can also taste some of the delicious and typical dishes, such as the espetos and the gazpacho, experience some of the culture and the traditions. Have a great time!
Trips to Malaga are often planned within larger trips to Southern Spain. Consider adding Seville, Granada, or Madrid to your list if you’re traveling by land. You can also visit some nearby places, such as Ronda or Nerja.
Get in touch with me to plan your perfect “One Day in Malaga” itinerary – elevateyourescapes@gmail.com
