Malaga Historic Centre

Travel Guide

Malaga Historic Centre featuring heritage architecture, street scenes and shopping
Malaga Historic Centre showing art, outdoor art and heritage architecture
Malaga Historic Centre
Malaga Historic Centre
Malaga which includes 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 garden

Ensanche Centro

While you're in Ensanche Centro, take in top sights like Soho 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 €193 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
€193
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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)
"Perfectly located in the historic center and a beautiful hotel all around."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 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 €166 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
€166
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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! (1,007 reviews)
"best location, great surroundings, nice facilities and great staff"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott
Feel Hostels City Center

Feel Hostels City Center

1 out of 5
Calle Concejal Agustín Moreno, 1, (Plaza del Carbón, 1), Málaga, Malaga
Stay at this hostel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of Malaga and Malagueta Beach are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (254 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Feel Hostels City Center
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (435 reviews)
"The location was fabulous...right in the old part of town...but the spa was only available during the day and only if booked and cost was about $50 per hour. So, that information should have been listed on expedia...we were disappointed that we couldn't use the pool in the evenings."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 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! (638 reviews)
"Large suite with all the amenities"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Graffiti Suites El Museo
Casa de la Merced Suites

Casa de la Merced Suites

3 out of 5
Granada, 82, Málaga, Malaga
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Málaga. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (372 reviews)
"The location is a plus. Very clean and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Casa de la Merced Suites
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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