{"id":72143,"date":"2025-03-25T10:06:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T09:06:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/?p=72143"},"modified":"2026-06-19T15:32:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T13:32:32","slug":"what-to-do-malaga-hotspots-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/en\/wat-doen-malaga-hotspots-bezienswaardigheden\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in M\u00e1laga: Must-Sees, Hotspots & Travel Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sunshine, tapas and a touch of Andalusian charm, that\u2019s M\u00e1laga in a nutshell. One thing is certain: you won\u2019t be bored during a city trip to M\u00e1laga. Wander through the stunning Centro Hist\u00f3rico, admire iconic landmarks like the Alcazaba and the impressive cathedral, and stroll along the stylish Muelle Uno promenade with views of luxury yachts. Feeling hungry? We\u2019ve also rounded up the best food spots and local hotspots in M\u00e1laga for you. This is your ultimate travel guide to a city trip in M\u00e1laga.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Iconic sights and places to visit in M\u00e1laga<\/h2>

What to do in M\u00e1laga? The city is bursting with impressive sights! Below we share our best tips for an unforgettable trip!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Wandering the streets of M\u00e1laga<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A city full of magnificent historic buildings<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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1. The city beach Playa de La Malagueta<\/h3>

If there\u2019s one thing we absolutely love about M\u00e1laga, it\u2019s the perfect combination of city and beach. One moment you\u2019re wandering through the lively streets of the city centre, and the next you\u2019re relaxing on the beautiful city beach Playa de La Malagueta. This is exactly what makes M\u00e1laga one of the most enjoyable city trip destinations in Europe<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>

The beach is a wide stretch of golden sand, lined by a long, lively promenade filled with trendy caf\u00e9s and beach bars. You can rent sunbeds at various spots along the shore, but of course, simply laying down your towel is just as easy and popular.<\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> Did you know that besides the city beach Playa de La Malagueta, there are even more beaches around M\u00e1laga? On both sides of the city centre you\u2019ll find clean and relaxed beaches, such as Playa La Caleta and the beach of Pedregalejo. Rent a bike and you can easily hop from one beach to the next.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Playa de La Malagueta<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Palm trees on Playa de La Malagueta<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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2. The Cathedral of Malaga: the one-armed lady of Andalusia<\/h3>

Walking through M\u00e1laga, there is one building that you can spot from almost every corner of the city: the Cathedral of M\u00e1laga.\u00a0As such, it is one of the most iconic sights of M\u00e1laga.\u00a0<\/span>This impressive structure, located in Plaza del Obispo, is not only the tallest cathedral in Andalusia, but also has a special story.<\/span><\/p>

The cathedral\u2019s official name is \"La Santa Iglesia Catedral Bas\u00edlica de la Encarnaci\u00f3n\", but locals simply call it La Manquita, meaning \u201cthe one-armed lady.\u201d And that nickname? It comes from its long and unfinished construction history.<\/p>

The first stone was laid in 1528, on the foundations of an old 8th-century mosque. However, due to a lack of funding, construction was repeatedly put on hold. In the end, the cathedral took more than 200 (!) years to build\u2014and yet\u2026 it was never fully completed. The left tower, rising 84 meters above the skyline of M\u00e1laga, was finished, while the right tower was never completed and remains half-built to this day.<\/p>

What makes this centuries-long construction even more fascinating is that you can clearly see different architectural styles throughout the cathedral. From Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque, it\u2019s a true architectural masterpiece with a unique blend of influences. A visit to the cathedral is an absolute must when in M\u00e1laga. And once you\u2019re standing in front of it, you\u2019ll immediately understand why this \u201cone-armed lady\u201d is so beloved by the Malague\u00f1os!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The cathedral of M\u00e1laga<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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'La Manquita': the one-armed lady<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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3. Plaza de la Merced and the Picasso Museum<\/h3>

One of the liveliest squares in M\u00e1laga is Plaza de la Merced. Especially in the evening it comes alive here. You will find some of M\u00e1laga's most beautiful sights on the square, such as the obelisk and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The obelisk was placed in honor of freedom fighter General Torrijos and his supporters. The \"Casa natal de Picasso\" (Picasso's birth house) has been official heritage since 1983 and can be visited today as a museum. \u00a0<\/p>

One of the nicest spots here is BYOKO Merced, a great place for an extended brunch. It\u2019s also perfect for a coffee while enjoying views over the square, making it an ideal spot to sit back and soak up the atmosphere.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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4. The Alcazaba of M\u00e1laga<\/h3>

High above M\u00e1laga, on the slopes of Mount Gibralfaro, the impressive Alcazaba of M\u00e1laga rises above the city. This former Moorish fortress is not only one of the best-preserved alcazabas in Spain, but also a place where you can step back in time. Narrow passageways, imposing city walls and fairytale-like courtyards... here you\u2019re fully immersed in Arab-influenced architecture and history.<\/p>

The name Alcazaba comes from the Arabic al-qasbah, meaning \u201ccitadel.\u201d The fortress was built in the 9th century during the Hammudid dynasty and was further expanded in the 11th century as part of M\u00e1laga\u2019s defensive walls. But this was not just a military stronghold, it also served as the residence of the Moorish rulers. Inside the walls, you can still find remains of their palaces, including the beautiful Palacio Nazar\u00ed.<\/p>

What makes this fortress so special? It was designed like a labyrinth! The maze of passageways and walls was a clever defensive strategy to confuse intruders. Fortunately, today you don\u2019t have to navigate it for survival. You can simply get lost in the beauty of Moorish architecture, with its elegant arches, colourful mosaics and lush gardens.\u00a0From the ramparts you look out over the historic city center, the port of M\u00e1laga and even the mountains of <\/span>Montes de M\u00e1laga!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Brunch at BYOKO Merced<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The birthplace of Picasso<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Alcazaba of M\u00e1laga<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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5. The parks of M\u00e1laga<\/h3>

M\u00e1laga is of course known for its beautiful beaches and rich history, but did you know the city is also surprisingly green? Between the lively squares and winding streets, you\u2019ll find several beautiful parks where you can escape the hustle and bustle for a while.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Parque de la Alameda<\/strong><\/h4>

The most famous park is Parque de la Alameda, also known as Parque de M\u00e1laga.\u00a0This is not just a park, but rather a long green promenade in the very heart of the city. The Paseo del Parque runs straight through it, connecting M\u00e1laga\u2019s historic centre with the La Malagueta district.<\/span><\/p>

Along the way, you\u2019re surrounded by tall palm trees, tropical plants and shady benches. It\u2019s the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll. And honestly? This was one of those places where we thought: imagine living here and starting your morning with a run through this park\u2026 what a life!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The botanical garden Jard\u00edn Bot\u00e1nico La Concepci\u00f3n<\/strong><\/h4>

If you really want to immerse yourself in greenery, head to the Jard\u00edn Bot\u00e1nico-Hist\u00f3rico La Concepci\u00f3n just outside the city. This is a true paradise for nature lovers, with more than 1,000 plant species spread across 23 hectares of land. And the best part? This lush oasis has existed for over 150 years! Here, you wander among exotic plants, elegant fountains and romantic gazebos. It almost feels like stepping into a tropical jungle.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Streets in M\u00e1laga<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Parque de la Alameda<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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6. Calle Marqu\u00e9s de Larios\u00a0<\/h3>

If there is one street you can\u2019t miss in M\u00e1laga, it\u2019s Calle Marqu\u00e9s de Larios. This elegant, car-free boulevard is not only the city\u2019s main shopping street but also an architectural gem. Wide marble paving, grand buildings and a sophisticated atmosphere make it a stylish place where both locals and visitors shop in style.\u00a0Major fashion brands such as Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Zara and Mango showcase their latest collections in beautifully dressed window displays along the street. And yes, we have to admit it: there\u2019s always something just a little different compared to back home, so it\u2019s definitely worth taking a look inside the shops.<\/span><\/p>

What makes this street even more special? During the summer months, large white canopies are stretched above the street, creating shade so you can stroll comfortably even in the hottest part of the day. It\u2019s both smart and atmospheric!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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7. The Muelle Uno<\/h3>

The Muelle Uno waterfront promenade is one of the most beautiful sights in M\u00e1laga and a great place to stroll along the water, shop, or relax on a terrace overlooking luxury yachts and sailboats.\u00a0In 2011, the pier underwent a complete transformation and has since become a hotspot for both locals and visitors. Along the 500-metre-long promenade, you\u2019ll find a mix of trendy boutiques, well-known brands and inviting restaurants. If you really want to go all out, book a table at <\/span>Jos\u00e9 Carlos Garc\u00eda, a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can enjoy refined dishes with stunning views over the sea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The best food hotspots in M\u00e1laga: local dishes, markets and hidden gems<\/h2>

A city trip to M\u00e1laga isn\u2019t complete without diving into its local flavours. And trust us, this city is a true paradise for food lovers. From traditional markets and cozy tapas bars to hidden cocktail spots, the gastronomy alone is reason enough to book a trip to M\u00e1laga today. We went on a culinary journey (not that we needed much convincing) and rounded up the best places you\u2019ll definitely want to try. Buen provecho!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Calle Marqu\u00e9s de Larios\u00a0<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In search of the best hotspots in Malaga<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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1. Mercado de Atarazanas: the flavors of M\u00e1laga all under one roof<\/h3>

Step inside the Mercado de Atarazanas and let your senses go into overdrive. This is where locals do their daily shopping, and where the aromas of freshly sliced jam\u00f3n, sun-ripened fruit and grilled fish fill the air at every corner. Be sure to try a bocadillo de calamares (a sandwich filled with fried squid) or grab a glass of M\u00e1laga wine from one of the stalls. A fun detail: the market hall itself is a historic building featuring impressive stained-glass windows.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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2. Mercado de la Merced: when you can't choose<\/h3>

For a modern twist on the traditional market hall, head to Mercado de la Merced. Here, you can hop between different food stalls and try a variety of small dishes, perfect if, like us, you can never quite decide what to order. From tapas and Asian fusion to local cheeses and Spanish cured ham, you\u2019ll find it all here. Order a glass of wine, find a cozy spot and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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3. Not traditional, but an absolute favourite: cheesecake from La Tarta de la Madre de Cris<\/h3>

Cheesecake in Spain? Absolutely! And not just any cheesecake, but the one people from all over M\u00e1laga are willing to travel for. La Tarta de la Madre de Cris is a small spot that does one thing exceptionally well: baking some of the creamiest, fluffiest and most addictive cheesecakes you\u2019ll ever taste. It may not be a traditional Spanish classic, but it\u2019s definitely a place you don\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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4. Tapas-time! These are the best tapas bars in M\u00e1laga<\/h3>

M\u00e1laga and tapas: a match made in heaven. We\u2019ve rounded up the best tapas spots for you:<\/p>