Why A Weekend City Break in Malaga Might Surprise You
If you’re looking to spend 2-3 days in a vibrant Southern Spain city with beautiful architecture, lots of art and delicious food, this guide will help you plan the perfect weekend in Malaga!
Part of the Andalucia region of spain, Malaga is one of the most visited cities in Southern Spain, with a rich history and a captivating cultural scene. From the charming and well-preserved old town streets and striking historical castle; to the modern metropolitan buzz and thriving art scene, here’s why a city break in Malaga should be on your to-do list!
We’d booked to spend three nights in Malaga’s city centre, with Jet2 City Breaks. Our Jet2 Flights to Malaga were included in the package, and we headed to the airport for the outbound leg at a much less ungodly time than my usual Stansted take-offs – 10.30am.
*press trip – Jet2 provided our flights, accommodation, food and activities*
How many days should I spend in Malaga?
Two days in Malaga is plenty of time to soak up the city’s key sights, explore some museums and enjoy some downtime with food and drinks. If you’ve got three days in Malaga or more, it’s worth looking at some day trips from Malaga to experience even more of Southern Spain and the Costa del Sol.
A Weekend in Malaga: Things To Do
I played with the idea of creating a full 2 day Malaga itinerary here, but with the small size and laid back vibes of the city, it’s best explored at your own pace. However, there are some essential sights to see, and with this list, you won’t run out of things to do on a weekend break in Malaga!
(if you’re after art-focused museums and attractions, scroll down – there’s a whole section on these!)
Gibalfaro Castle
One of the first things we did on our Malaga weekend break was take a little hike up Paseo de Don Juan Temboury to Gibralfaro Castle. As we rose up above the city (and got a bit of a sweat on), views of the seaside streets unfolded below. Palm trees line pathways, and the Moorish castle fortress itself is pretty stunning and well-preserved, with walkable walls and ramparts.
If you’re not feeling like making the climb, you can catch the 35 bus from Plaza de La Marina or Plaza de Toros that will take you to the top of the hill.
The castle was originally built in 929AD, and features on the flags of both the city and province of Malaga.
Alcabaza Fortress
If the Castillo was impressive, the Alcazaba fortress blew me away with its detail. Built in the 11th century, it served as the palace for the city’s governors. Inside, original features are perfectly preserved, with intricate tiles, tucked-away-nooks and a beautiful garden space with a fountain and sea views.
Budget Travel Tip: Both Castillo de Gibralfaro and Alcazaba are free on Sundays from 2pm; so if you’re in Malaga for a weekend, it’s definitely the best day to go. Otherwise, you can get a joint ticket for both for €5.50.
You can also book a guided tour of Alcabaza Fortress with included entry.
El Teatro Romano
Next to the Alcazaba, you’ll also find the ruins of a Roman theatre, dating back to 1BC. El Teatro Romano is Malaga’s oldest monument, built in the first century BC. Eventually, the theatre was abandoned and left to become buried under rubble. It was only rediscovered in 1951, where archaeologists began to excavate the site. It’s now open to the public, with a visitor centre allowing visitors to learn a bit more about the original site.
You can also book a combination tour of the Alcazaba and Roman theatre.
Malaga Cathedral
Malaga’s magnificent cathedral is referred to by locals as La Manquita, which translates to ‘the one-armed lady’. Why? Construction work on the cathedral was stopped abruptly at the beginning of the 17th century (some say due to financing the American Revolutionary war, some say because the money was better spent building a road to Vélez-Málaga), therefore it’s been left with just one tower.
Whatever the reason, it’s still a unique, intricate and beautiful building inside and out – well worth a look around!
OXO Video Game Museum
Not your average museum, Malaga’s OXO Video Game Museum is an immersive experience, where visitors can delve into the history and future of the humble video game.
Opening Times: Daily 11am-10pm
Entrance Fee: €15
La Concepción Jardín Botánico
Transport yourself to the tropics in Malaga’s botanical garden! With over 150 years of history, its home to over 25,000 plants from all over the world.
The garden is a bit further out of the city centre, but worth making the trip for. You can catch the number 2 or 91 bus to San José, where it’s a 10-15min walk to the gardens.
Opening Times: Tue-Sun 9am-5.30pm
Entrance Fee: €5.20
Playa de La Malagueta
Who doesn’t love some beach time on a sunny Spain holiday? If you’re looking to enjoy some holiday chill on your Malaga weekend, Playa de la Malagueta is a long, sandy stretch perfect for walking, lounging, or even taking a dip in the Alboran Sea.
Sunset Boat Trip
Okay, yeah, this is me – I can’t go anywhere that’s beside the sea (or a river, or lake…) and not go on a boat trip, can I? Despite it being December and pretty windy, we hopped on board a catamaran for an hour-long sunset cruise across Malaga Bay. With an on-board bar, obviously.
Initially we took a seat at the front of the boat on the netting, but after a face full of my coconut shampoo-ed hair for 10 minutes, we retired to the back of the boat for a much more sheltered but still awesome experience. The views of Malaga’s shoreline were beautiful as the sun went down over the surrounding hills and mountainous landscapes, and the €2 San Miguels weren’t bad either…
Book your Malaga sunset boat tour in advance!
Art in Malaga
Malaga has a rich artistic history, and whether you’re an aficionado or a casual enjoyer of all things arty, there’s plenty of it to be discovered in Malaga. A selection of Malaga’s best art museums and galleries incoming…
Picasso Museum
Did you know one of the world’s most famous artists, Pablo picasso, was born in Malaga? Here in his birth city, a chronologically-organised journey through Picasso’s life showcases his developing style as an artist within the Cubism and Post-Impressionism movements.
Opening Times: Daily 10am-7pm
Entrance Fee: €13 (free on Sundays for the last two hours of opening)
Want to learn more about the iconic artist? Take a guided tour of the Picasso Museum with a knowledgable guide to hear the stories behind some of his best-known works.
Casa Natal Picasso / Picasso’s Birthplace
Picasso lived in Malaga from his birth in 1881 until 1891, when his family moved elsewhere in Spain. Visit his childhood home for a glimpse into life in the 19th century, as well as exhibitions of his more unique and niche works.
Opening Times: Daily 9.30am-8pm
Entrance Fee: €3 (house only) / €3 (temporary exhibitions only) / €4 (both)
Centre Pompidou
This branch of the Parisian art insititution is easy to spot from the exterior, with its colourful glass cube standing out against the sunny Malaga sky. Within the centre itself, you can explore a permanent collection that spans five themes: the metamorphosis, the body in pieces, the political body, self-portraits and the man without a face.
Opening Times: Wed-Mon 9.30am-8pm
Entrance Fee: €7 (semi-permanent exhibitions only) / €3 (temporary exhibitions only) / €9 (both)
Soho Street Art
On our final evening, we took a stroll around the Soho area, where we found walls adorned with vibrant street art next to cool cafes and bars. If your take on art is more pop art than Picasso, it’s definitely worth a wander. The Soho area used to be regarded as one of Malaga’s more dangerous areas, but nowadays it’s a lively cultural and nightlife hub.
Day Trips from Malaga
Spending three days in Malaga or more? Check out the best day trips to take from Malaga in Andalusia:
Montes de Malaga Natural Park
Although this is strictly part of Malaga, it’s outside the city so you might well want to dedicate a full day (or at least most of it!) to exploring the numerous hiking trails in this gorgeous natural spot. The eastern slopes of the Guadalmedina River basin make a stunning backdrop as you escape into nature!
Find out more about Montes de Malaga Natural Park here.
Caminito del Rey
Once considered one of the world’s most dangerous routes, the restored (and now much safer) Caminito del Rey still offers a rush of adrenaline for adventurous types. Step out onto the walkways that hang 100m up on a sheer cliff face, crossing the striking landscapes of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.
An hour’s drive from Malaga, you can book Caminito del Rey entrance tickets on their own, or with transportation from Malaga.
Marbella
Less than an hour’s drive or bus ride away from Malaga, Marbella oozes charm and oceanside glamour. Walk the well-kept streets of the historic old town, stroll the beaches and drop by Puerto Banús, the luxury port that’s a magnet for the rich and famous.
It’s also a popular spot for scuba diving on the South Coast of Spain – I actually completed my PADI Open Water course in Marbella!
Read more: Marbella one day itinerary | How to spend a weekend in Marbella: 2 Day Itinerary
Gibraltar
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar is a popular day trip from Malaga, with a drive time of around two hours to get there. Here you’ll be able to adventure around the Rock of Gibraltar, with a peak over 400m above sea level. Enjoy stunning views and ample walking opportunities before heading back down and underground to explore the World War II tunnels and St. Michael’s Cave.
Not driving? Book a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga via bus.
Read more: The best day trips to take from Malaga
Where to eat and drink in Malaga
You know that feeling when someone else orders something that looks AMAZING and you’re instantly sad that you didn’t get it? Sharing plates of tapas totally eliminates the food envy, as you get to have a little taste of everything. Perfect.
El Tapeo de Cervantes
Needless to say, tapas were definitely on the menu during our Malaga city break. My absolute favourite meal during the trip was at El Tapeo de Cervantes. The menu at El Tapeo de Cervantes showcases some of the finest traditional Malaga cuisine, as well as creative and innovative takes on historical dishes.
Each dish is served as a full or half portion, and I’d definitely recommend ordering lots of half portion dishes to get a taste of as much as possible. For traditional dishes, you can try various presentations of Iberian ham, local cheeses, pig cheek and squid. If you fancy being a bit more daring, try the smoked salmon roll with Russian salad or anchovies with guacamole.
El Tapeo de Cervantes, C. Cárcer, 8, 29012 Málaga
Open every day except Monday from 1-3.30pm/7.30-11pm
Other restaurants in Malaga we loved:
Cortijo de Pepe, where we enjoyed breadcrumbs with quail eggs, garlic prawns, jamon iberico and chorizo
Recyclo Café for a delicious, have-it-your-way breakfast – they also serve an affordable lunch and dinner menu
El Pimpi to try the traditional Malaga ‘sweet wine’ with a side of tasty tapas
The Good Burger, a basic yet satisfying burger joint
Tejeringo’s Coffee – serving the most delicious churros – we rarely saw this spot without a queue all weekend
Bars in Malaga
Remember that ‘Brits abroad’ stereotype I mentioned earlier? I was half expecting the drinking scene in Malaga to represent that. And although there were still the classic party bars and a fair few Irish pubs, there are also lots of lovely wine cellars, cocktail bars and cosy cafes to enjoy a drink in…
Chester & Punk
Chester & Punk serves quality cocktails in a neon-lit, indie-soundtracked venue. My ‘Walking Dead’ cocktail came complete with four types of rum and a flaming pomegranate shell, served in a black skull with tropical leafy garnish. If you’re spending the weekend in Malaga, this is the one drinking spot you HAVE to check out.
Other bars in Malaga we loved:
Armonia Holiday Bar, a cosy nook with Hawaiian vibes and board games
Chloe Bar for fancy and delicious (albeit pricey) gin and tonics
Bar Lemmy for the metalheads – as you can guess from the name, they like Motorhead here…
El Rincón del Cervecero – a local spot with eight taps serving beers from local breweries
Terraza Chinitas, an intimate and relaxed terrace bar for views and a cocktail.
Both the Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba have small cafes, ideal for rewarding yourself with a cold beer and sweet views after walking your way up to the top.
Shopping in Malaga
If you’re thinking about doing some shopping during your weekend city break in Malaga, you’re in luck. The city has plenty of your regular faves (including Zara and Pull & Bear). Muelle Uno is an outdoor shopping complex on the harbour. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, there are plenty of boutiques and independent shops, selling everything from scarves, art, decor and ceramics to hand-cut crisps and local snacks. Oh, and my *favourite*, there’s an Ale-Hop. Seriously, check it out.
A Weekend City Break in Malaga: Travel Guide
Getting to Malaga
We had return Jet2 flights from London Stansted as part of our Jet2City Breaks trip to Malaga. Flights run four days a week, and our flight time was just under three hours.
From the airport, you can get the train to Malaga Centro Alameda for €1.80 each way, every 20 minutes between 6:30am-12:30am and taking around 12 minutes. There’s also a bus service that takes 20 minutes and costs €3. A taxi, which will get you to your hotel, will cost around €20 (on the meter) and take around 15 minutes, traffic and hotel location dependent.
Getting around Malaga
A single bus ride costs €1.40, or if you’re making more than 3 bus trips, the €4.20 10-Journey Ticket offers the best value for money.
Where to stay in Malaga
We stayed at the Petit Palace Plaza Hotel with Jet2 City Breaks, which was perfectly located next to the main shopping street – and where the big Christmas lights were!
The room was cosy, comfortable and clean – exactly what we were looking for. There’s a breakfast room, 24 hour reception and bike hire is available from the front desk. It’s a welcoming, simple and affordable hotel – perfect for a city break visit where you want to stay somewhere nice, but also plan on spending lots of time exploring!
Looking to get outside the historic center and explore more of the city? One of the best areas to stay in Malaga is the Soho district, a hip up-and-coming neighborhood.
Hotels in Malaga:
Malaga Lodge Guesthouse (££) – affordable and homely rooms 10mins walk from town
Easyhotel Malaga (££) – simple, clean rooms close to the seafront
Apartmentos Larios (££) – apartments with kitchen facilities and roof terrace
Hotel Elisios (£££) – rooftop terrace with a small seasonal pool and Bullring views
Hotel Bro (£££) – adults only hotel with rooftop pool
Summary: Is Malaga a good city break?
Malaga is definitely one of the more underrated destinations for a city break in Europe. With sunny and warm weather almost all year round, a delicious foodie scene and stunning architecture, a weekend in Malaga is the perfect way to combine sightseeing with relaxation.
If you’re looking at visiting Spain with Jet2holidays, I’d definitely recommend Malaga as an awesome all-year-round destination! There was a lot more to the city than I initially expected, especially in the way of history and attractions, and it had a lovely, laid back vibe.
Discover another Spanish destination that surprised me – a road trip in Lanzarote!
A fantastic post. It is worth taking day trips to cities such as Marbella, Ronda or Nerja and Frigiliana.