If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss the essence of this vibrant Andalusian city, here’s a guide on what to see in Málaga in a day. Whether you’re just passing through, arriving by cruise, or want to make the most of your last day before flying out, this guide will help you enjoy the local cuisine and historical charm that make Málaga a destination you’ll likely want to return to.
Málaga, located in southern Spain in the Andalusian province, is an unmissable destination. It's common for visitors staying on the beaches of Cádiz or nearby towns and cities like Torremolinos, Marbella, Frigiliana, or Nerja to come for a day or spend one night in the city.
Below are my recommendations to make the most of your time and consider coming back to enjoy more of what Málaga has to offer.
1. Morning Stroll along Alameda Principal & Calle Larios
Start your day under shaded palms at the pedestrianized Alameda Principal, then wander through Calle Marqués de Larios, Málaga’s iconic boulevard filled with shopping, historic architecture, and locals gathering for coffee
Then you can head to one of the two beaches closest to the city center: La Malagueta, located next to Muelle Uno to the east of the port, or Huelin Beach to the west of the port. If you prefer, you can save the beach for sunset after exploring the city.
The beaches in Málaga might not be your idyllic, natural shores since many are man-made, but the water is incredibly clear, allowing you to spot fish as soon as you put on your goggles.
During the warmer months, I swim in open waters daily, and it’s a breathtaking experience surrounded by harmless sea creatures, mostly fish. I've even encountered octopuses, and spotting dolphins during October and November isn’t uncommon.
Top Tip
Málaga’s most beautiful, colorful, and dramatic sunsets happen from October onwards, after the start of fall.
Then, head to the historic center, starting with Calle Larios. This pedestrian street, with its stunning white marble pavement, is constantly bustling with people, and its decorations change throughout the year with the various events Málaga hosts. You can grab some ice cream at Casa Mira, a favorite among locals, though we prefer Santinis Gelato and Gianduia Gelateria for a more Italian-style experience.
Before reaching the end of Calle Larios, which opens onto Plaza de la Constitución, you have the option to explore Pasaje Chinitas, a unique little route that I especially recommend strolling through at night.
2. Explore the Historic Center & Plaza de la Constitución
Wander through the narrow lanes of Málaga’s old Judería near Plaza de la Constitución, where whitewashed façades and flower vendors set the tone for a charming detour. In summer, the air fills with the scent of jasmine from handmade biznagas—delicate floral creations made by threading fresh jasmine petals onto a stem.
Traditionally sold in the streets, these fragrant ornaments can be placed in your home as natural air fresheners, filling the space with their sweet aroma for a couple of days and adding a touch of local tradition.
3. Wander the Alcazaba, Roman Theather & Climb to Gibralfaro Castle
Head to the Museo Picasso Málaga in the Buenavista Palace, followed by the adjacent Roman Theatre, where you can see archaeological remains through glass sections above, this structure that remains intact, right next to Málaga's Alcazaba, crowned by the beautiful Gibralfaro Castle.
Across from the Roman Theater, take a moment to stop at the famous restaurant El Pimpi. While there’s often a wait to dine, you can skip the line and head straight inside for a drink and tapas in one of its three additional rooms.
The ambiance is charming, with a lovely Andalusian courtyard filled with potted plants and flowers. Just walking through the restaurant immerses you in Andalusian culture.
4. Lunch at Mercado Central de Atarazanas
Experience Málaga’s heart at this historic covered market. Sample local olives, fresh produce, marinated anchovies, or papayas—all offered by friendly vendors in a stained-glass–adorned setting.
From here, continue walking towards Plaza de la Merced, full of life with its restaurants and bars. In the spring, the majestic jacaranda trees turn the square into a sea of color between May and June, making it one of the most visited places in Málaga.
Afterward, head to the plaza in front of Teatro Cervantes, a quiet spot with a historical atmosphere.
If you’re already feeling hungry and don’t want anything too fancy, just something quick, there are affordable food options like falafels, shawarmas, and pizzas in the area. These spots are open almost all night, perfect for those looking to dive into Málaga's lively nightlife, which runs from Monday to Monday.
5. Art and Culture in Soho and Surroundings
Next, head to the Botanical Garden and take a walk inside. This long park separates the port area from the historic center and provides refreshing shade to escape the heat. From here, continue to Plaza de la Marina and enter the Soho district, which used to be a rundown neighborhood but has been revitalized in recent years. Today, it’s one of the trendiest neighborhoods, full of restaurants and bars offering excellent food.
What makes Soho unique are its buildings decorated with stunning graffiti by artist Roa, known for his large-scale black and white animal murals. This street art transforms the neighborhood into an open-air museum.
If you’re looking for specialty coffee paired with delicious pastries, Santa Coffee is a great choice. With several locations around Soho and the city center, they offer a wide range of treats catering to everyone—regular, vegan, and gluten-free options included. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly brewed coffee or a slice of cake, Santa Coffee’s cozy vibe and quality selection make it an ideal spot to relax or grab a quick snack on the go.
Our favorites include Bar La Pechá for the best vermouths, Atrezzo for the best Neapolitan-style pizzas (we recommend the Atrezzo Pizza if you love truffles), and Cb23 (formerly Casa de Botes) for delicious paella, traditional fried eggplants, and Russian salad.
Make sure to check our post where to eat in Málaga to to find your way into the delicacies this city has to offer.
Top Tip
In Spain, dinner is usually between 9 and 10 p.m., so most restaurants don’t serve dinner before 8:30 p.m., except in the historic center, where many restaurants offer continuous service.
6. Visit Málaga Cathedral (“La Manquita”)
From Soho, make your way to Málaga Cathedral, known as “La Manquita” due to its incomplete south tower. Its architecture is a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Surrounding the cathedral, you’ll find gardens offering a perfect green space for a short break.
In front of the cathedral is the Unicaja Foundation Cultural Center, which hosts temporary exhibitions by local and international artists. You’ll also find the Fountain in Plaza del Obispo, an 18th-century Baroque fountain that dominates the center of the plaza, perfect for a photo stop with the cathedral as a backdrop.
7. Reflect at Café or Promenade by La Malagueta & Muelle Uno
If you still have time, end your day at Muelle Uno, strolling through the shopping promenade where cruise ships dock. You can also snap a photo with the colorful Pompidou Museum in the background.
8. Bonus: Pedregalejo Beaches
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to fit in a little extra, head to Pedregalejo, one of Málaga’s most authentic seaside neighborhoods. Just 20 minutes by bus from Alameda Principal, this laid-back stretch of coastline offers calm waters and a row of traditional chiringuitos (beach bars), tapas joints, and family-run restaurants serving some of the city’s most genuine local fare.
Take time to wander the inner streets behind the promenade, where former fishermen’s houses now host a mix of cozy Airbnb stays and charming eateries. The vibe here is relaxed, local, and ideal for wrapping up your day with sea views and sizzling plates of grilled veggies or espetos (if you’re traveling with omnivore friends). It’s a glimpse into Málaga’s coastal soul, without the crowds.
This is actually where we live, and honestly, we’d choose to live here a thousand times over—it’s that special.
9. Night: Tapas and Málaga Atmosphere
To wrap up the day, if you have time for a quick beer, wine, and some tapas, don’t miss La Tranca, which offers a fantastic Málaga atmosphere. This is a spot where tourists and locals gather daily from noon until well past midnight.
You might even get lucky and see some locals dancing flamenco, or if not, you’ll still enjoy plenty of vintage music that gets everyone singing along and reminiscing.
Most of the eating and drinking here is done standing up, but if you’re lucky, you can grab a spot at one of the barrels or at the bar. The kitchen is fast and affordable.
If you have to pick just three tapas, I suggest the spinach empanadas, padrón peppers, and one of their tortillas. If crowds aren’t your thing, try going before 8:30 p.m.
A quieter but similarly styled option is the bar across the way called El Colmado. Afterward, you can head to Santinis on Calle Carretería for some ice cream.
Otherwise, head to Plaza Uncibay, where you’ll find La Dolores, offering very traditional tapas.
If you prefer something cheap, delicious, and Italian, also in Plaza Uncibay, stop by Spago’s, a restaurant exclusively serving pasta. The menu is simple—just choose your pasta and sauce. You’ll get a quick, satisfying meal. Note: there are only four tables, but turnover is fast.
Final Tip
If you’re spending the night in Málaga, I recommend saving the historic center tour for the evening. Why? The nighttime lighting of the buildings is beautiful and will allow you to admire the architecture much better. Plus, if you visit during the warmer months, the city center is much more enjoyable at night when the temperatures drop.
If you love beach destinations, don't forget to check out Tenerife. Located in the Canary Islands, it is a great destination to surf, swim, and enjoy canary wine which are very distinctive due to its volcanic soil.
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