Malaga Historic Centre Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Malaga Historic Centre which includes street scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Malaga Historic Centre showing art, outdoor art and night scenes
Malaga Historic Centre
Malaga Historic Centre
Malaga featuring a city

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

Malaga’s historic centre, 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 amphitheatre 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 ฿7,231 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿7,231
฿7,954 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Superb hotel!
"This hotel is one of the cleanest I e ever stayed in."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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 ฿6,047 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿6,047
฿6,652 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"A beautiful modern hotel central to everything we needed."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott
Hotel Vincci Larios Diez

Hotel Vincci Larios Diez

4 out of 5
Calle Marqués de Larios, 10, Málaga
The price is ฿7,905 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿7,905
฿8,696 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Málaga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (533 reviews)
"Excellent location just a short walk from multiple dining options and shopping. Close to all the public transportation and the taxi stand. Staff are very courteous and helpful. Very clean and comfortable room. The walls should be refreshed as there are some stains and spots. My room was facing back ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Hotel Vincci Larios Diez
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 Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (412 reviews)
"Great location, great amenities, service, clean. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (604 reviews)
Perfect location
"Excellent accommodation Perfect for our trip to Malaga Very clean, tidy with amazing staff and a convenient location - Perfect and great value for money"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 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 Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (158 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 15 Jul 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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