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
The price is P14,956 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P14,956
P16,452 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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)
"A beautiful hotel in a great location. A perfect place to stay for some quiet luxury while exploring Malaga. Our room was lovely - spotlessly clean, spacious, comfortable and conveniently close to the rooftop pool and bar when we wanted to relax. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We had a ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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 P12,315 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P12,315
P13,547 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! (1,001 reviews)
"great service"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott
H10 Croma Malaga

H10 Croma Malaga

4 out of 5
Calle Prim, 246, Málaga, Malaga
The price is P15,362 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P15,362
P16,898 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (624 reviews)
"Mil"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

H10 Croma Malaga
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (408 reviews)
"Great location property with a small spa in the basement. Right in the centre of the old town close to shops, lots of bars and restaurants and the cathedral. Easy walking distance to the port and beach Really lovely rooms and very clean. Nespresso machine and small kitchen. Quality towels and bedding ..."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 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! (598 reviews)
"The air con in the main bedroom wasn’t working properly and the lighting in bathroom was dim"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Graffiti Suites El Museo
Atenea Malaga Apartments

Atenea Malaga Apartments

4 out of 5
Calle Pozos Dulces 13, Málaga, Málaga
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room espresso maker, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (285 reviews)
"lovely apartment, helpful owner, great location"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Atenea Malaga Apartments
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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