Malaga Historic Centre

Travel Guide

Malaga Historic Centre featuring street scenes, a city and shopping
Malaga Historic Centre showing night scenes, heritage architecture and art
Malaga Historic Centre
Malaga Historic Centre
Malaga showing a city

Explore the city’s historic center to see palace fortresses, a leafy promenade and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

Malaga’s historic center, with its monuments and winding streets, is an inviting place for a leisurely stroll. In this small pocket of the city, Malaga’s rich history becomes touchable. Buy an espresso and a handful of Spanish churros (sweet deep-fried pastries) from a street stall and set out exploring. You’ll see ancient Roman, Moorish and Andalusian Christian relics all within a few city blocks.

Follow the curving waterfront paths past the exotic plants and trees of the central communal space called Paseo del Parque. This promenade-turned-park is also the Old Town’s major transport hub and metro buses frequent the long promenade. Rising up from the east end of the park is the impressive Plaza de Toros, Malaga’s historic bullring, which is still in use today.

Leave the park at its northern end to reach the regal fortress, Alcazaba. If you feel fit, walk the steep steps to the towering Gibralfaro Castle to be rewarded with a magnificent view across the city and the Alboran Sea. There are also taxis and buses that drive to the top of the mountain, so there is no need to work up a sweat.

Wandering back down the hill, stop by the Malaga Ampitheatre near the entrance of Alcazaba. This ancient amphitheater dates back to the first century B.C. and is the city’s oldest monument. From here, follow the winding streets west, to see the Renaissance-style Malaga Cathedral.

Finish off your exploration with a Spanish sherry or a spicy sangria and watch the sun set over the terra-cotta tiled roofs of Malaga city.

At night, visit the heart of the Old Town where a lively dining scene unfolds. The narrow, curving one-way streets are dotted with restaurant terraces. Let the charming waiters tempt you to take a seat and order some Andalusian seafood dishes. Until late at night the tapas, paella and fried fish are being brought out to hungry visitors with typical Spanish flair.

The pedestrian-friendly Old Town is best explored on foot but is also serviced by Malaga’s affordable metro buses.

Where to stay in Malaga Historic Centre

Tajo\'s Tree-Lined Avenue showing a park

Ensanche Centro

While you're in Ensanche Centro, take in top sights like Muelle Uno and jump on the metro at La Marina Station to see more of the city.

Ensanche Centro
Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

4 out of 5
Calle Granada 61, Málaga, Málaga
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P14,210 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P14,210
P15,631 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Just lovely. Beautiful clean and friendly. We didn’t have any problems at all - a lovely stay in a luxurious room and hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World
AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott

4 out of 5
Cortina Del Muelle 1, Málaga, Malaga
The price is P10,731 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P10,731
P11,804 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The only issue was during dinner at d restaurant. We had to ask three times for the dessert menu. When we finally got it, we sat there for 10 minutes waiting for someone to approach us,and ask what we wanted for dessert. We left without ordering it. It was a 170 euro dinner and I still left a very ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott
Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Hotel

Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
Calle de las Atarazanas, 19, Málaga, Malaga
Stay at this 3-star boutique hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"La Recepcionista fue muy amable con nosotros. Nos dio la habitacion antes de la hora prevista 3:00 y fue de mucha ayuda"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Atarazanas Málaga Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center

4 out of 5
Calle Pozos Dulces 11, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (416 reviews)
"Great location, great amenities, service, clean. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Aparthotel Spa del Palacete, Historic Center
Graffiti Suites El Museo

Graffiti Suites El Museo

3.5 out of 5
Calle Madre de Dios 11, Calle Alamos 37, Málaga
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (607 reviews)
"This hotel completely knocked it out of the park for our family of four! Beautiful, clean, comfortable, and safe. Excellent location, and amazingly friendly and helpful staff. Great value for money. Stop looking and book here! We would definitely stay here again. Thanks for an amazing stay 😊"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Graffiti Suites El Museo
Apartamentos Málaga Premium - Calle Granada

Apartamentos Málaga Premium - Calle Granada

3.5 out of 5
Calle Granada 42, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (159 reviews)
Great location
"The place is ideally located on the Granada walkway, near amazing restaurants, multiple museums, the Alcazaba, and everything else you want to do in Malaga."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Apartamentos Málaga Premium - Calle Granada
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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