Are you visiting Malaga but you don’t have much time to do it? Even though you would need some days to explore in detail all the hidden gems and spots of the city, if you organise yourself strategically, you can make the most of this coastal and incredible city! Below I’ll show you what to do in Malaga in one day: 24 hours full of fun, I promise you!
I know you can see more things in the city than the ones that I will mention later, but I chose the ones I think you can’t miss if you want to do sightseeing in Malaga just for one day.
Stop 1: Having an authentic Spanish breakfast: churros
Churros con chocolate (hot chocolate with churros) is one of the most famous breakfasts all over Spain. This delicious and simple food, made with flour, water and salt, is a tradition in this country. It’s very common to eat them in the morning as breakfast, in ferias (Spain festivities), or in, what they called, merienda (snack before dinner)
The best places to eat churros in Malaga city centre are:
However, if you are not a sweet person, you definitely have to taste a ‘mollete’. Mollete is a specific type of bread (originated in Antequera, Malaga) that malagueños are used to eating in the morning. The mollete usually comes with olive oil, jamon and pureed tomato. Tasty!
Stop 2: Let’s do some sightseeing around Malaga city centre
Malaga is famous for being a very cultural city with many museums, exhibitions and monuments to enjoy. Because we only have one day, I have chosen the most important ones.
Malaga in one day route: monuments and places in the city centre
1. Mercado de Atarazanas
Atarazanas market opens from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 3pm. There you’ll find dozens of stands that sell typical and fresh products of the region: fish, meat, vegetables and fruits. It’s one of the most traditional spots in Malaga city centre and you have the possibility to taste some spanish tapas there: you should give a try to boquerones en vinagre (anchovies marinated in vinegar) or lomo en manteca (pork loin in lard)
Also, its architecture is very beautiful and mixes arabian and christian styles.
2. Calle Larios
Calle Larios is the most famous street in the city. It’s located in the heart of Malaga old town and it’s very known for its shops and restaurants. From there, you will be able to walk around the tiny streets of the center and visit some famous squares like La Constitución square, Uncibay square or El Obizpo square (just in front of the cathedral)
3. Malaga's Cathedral
Malaga cathedral has a Renaissance style and is still unfinished, that’s why it’s well known as ‘La Manquita’ (the One-Armed Lady), because one of its towers is unbuilt.
It has a museum and also You have the possibility to come into Malaga Cathedral decks and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Malaga city center. You can visit this rooftop at night and you will enjoy a sunset all over the city.
4. Roman Theatre and Alcazaba castle
Two minutes walking from the Cathedral and Alcazaba castle, we find the Roman Theatre, located on the west slope of the Alcazaba castle. This fortress was built between the 11th and 14th centuries, was the palace-fortress of the Muslim governors and it was intended to protect the city of conquers, both by water or by land.
You can’t buy online tickets to visit Alcazaba. If you want to come inside, you should go to Alcazabilla street and buy them in one machine you’ll find there.
5. Muelle Uno
Muelle Uno is the port of Malaga and it has become one of the most famous places to eat, walk or shop in the city. It's an outdoor shopping center and it has a wide range of restaurants, shops and museums to visit. There, you can visit Pompidou Centre, or Malaga lighthouse, apart from enjoying an incredible views of Malaga city centre.
Stop 3: Eat in a chiringuito in Pedregalejo (Malaga neighborhood)
After a complete morning walking all around the centre, the best plan after that is to eat some fresh fish in front of the beach! Pedregalejo neighborhood has one of the most famous beaches in the city and there are plenty of restaurants and bars there to drink and eat while enjoying a great sea landscape.
You can go there on foot, by taxi, or by renting a bike to do a little route for all the promenade.
If you are wondering which restaurant or chiringuito you should go to, click here and I’ll show you the most famous and delicious ones!
Stop 4: Visit Castillo Gibralfaro and watch the sunset
After spending a relaxing afternoon at the beach, now it’s time to see Malaga from the heights.
This castle is located in Gibralfaro hill, and it has an incredible view all over Malaga. My advice is to wear comfortable shoes and go up to the Castle on foot. You will enjoy the route and your reward will be waiting for you at the top: an amazing and unforgettable sunset!
You can start your journey directly from the city center, and it will take around 30 min on foot.
Stop 5: Go for some tapas in Malaga city centre
I know you were waiting for this moment! We cannot finish a Malaga day without going for some tapas, of course! You’re lucky because Malaga, as a vibrant and vivid city, has plenty of restaurants where to enjoy the real Mediterranean cuisine!
Uncibay square or Carretería street are examples of spots where you will find these desirable tapas.
If you are looking for some recommendations, just check this blog: best local tapas bar in Malaga city centre
Malaga in one day: best plan ever!
Now it's your turn! Go outside and explore this coastal and incredible city, and let yourself get lost in its streets!
