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Planning a trip to Málaga, Spain? You’ve come to the right place!
Having explored this coastal city in depth, we can vouch for its incredible charm, not to mention the impressive variety of experiences on offer.
But with so much to do, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the top 10 things to do in Malaga. From savoring local delicacies on food tours and marveling at heritage sites to gliding through the streets on a Segway and immersing yourself in the passion of a flamenco show, this guide truly covers it all. Keep on reading to plan your perfect trip!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience was this wine and tapas tour! Malaga is famous for it’s tapas, and the locally sourced wine paired perfectly. It was the best way to experience the city!
Check out the 1,100+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Malaga, Spain
- 1. Taste your way around Malaga
- 2. See Malaga’s top sights – Alcazaba, Cathedral, and Roman Theater
- 3. Visit the world's most dangerous trail, the Caminito del Rey
- 4. Learn how to cook paella
- 5. Explore the city on a Segway tour
- 6. See a flamenco show
- 7. Experience Andalusian culture and visit Ronda, Setenil, and Sevilla
- 8. Take a private day tour to Tangier, Morocco
- 9. Visit Malaga’s top wineries
- 10. Explore the city on an e-bike
- Where to Stay in Malaga, Spain
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Malaga, Spain
1. Taste your way around Malaga
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 12 pm – 7 pm
- Highlights: Tasting lots of local specialty foods, visiting family-run food shops and beloved bars, alcoholic drink pairings, intimate small group tour
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, all food samples amounting to a full meal, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We love food tours, so we were excited when we signed up for this 3.5-hour wine and tapas tour in Malaga, but it actually exceeded our expectations. The tour fully immersed us into Malaga’s history and culture, as well as its vibrant culinary scene, and it was definitely the best evening that we spent in the city.
We kicked off the experience at a traditional local tavern, where our small group raised a glass of Malaga’s signature sweet “mountain wine” to break the ice. Then, we visited a family-run ultramarinos, which is an old-school Spanish deli. We chatted with the owners, and they hand-carved some Iberian ham for us, which was so delicious, especially because we got to pair it with some yummy local cheese.
We also visited an intimate bar serving cured meats and vermouth, as well as a trendy new tapas spot, so we really got the full picture of Malaga’s food scene. Wandering through Malaga with our guide, Javi, was also a great way to get our bearings here, and he shared tons of fascinating stories about the city’s history with us along the way.
This tour really is a masterclass in how to eat like a Malagueño. We’re the type of travelers who prefer to skip touristy restaurants and eat at places that locals genuinely love, so if you’re the same, then you just have to book this tour!
Book this tour with more than 1,100 5-star reviews here!
2. See Malaga’s top sights – Alcazaba, Cathedral, and Roman Theater
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Visiting Plaza de la Merced, exploring the Malaga Cathedral, enjoying the views from the hilltop Alcazaba fortress, visiting the Roman Theater, learning about the city’s history,
- Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, Malaga Cathedral admission ticket, Alcazaba admission ticket, Roman Theatre admission ticket
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 375+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you only book one tour in Malaga, make it this sightseeing city tour! It’s an immersive walking tour that took us on a deep dive into the city’s rich history and showed us all of the must-see attractions in just a few hours.
We started out at the Plaza de Merced, where we met our guide, Bea, and also saw Pablo Picasso’s childhood home! Then, we visited the Malaga Cathedral, which locals affectionately dub “La Manquita” for its missing tower. It’s such a gorgeous Renaissance building and a true must-see while you’re in the city.
Next up, we went to the Roman Theatre, where we learned about Malaga’s imperial past. But for me, the highlight of the day was visiting the Alcazaba, a hilltop fortress, a well-preserved remnant from the Muslim-ruled Al-Andalus period. It was so interesting to dive into this fascinating pocket of Iberian history, but to be honest, we loved exploring the courtyards and seeing the sweeping views of Malaga even more!
This tour seamlessly combines history, culture, and breathtaking views. Every stop was memorable, and it was the perfect way to get to know the city.
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Visit the world’s most dangerous trail, the Caminito del Rey
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 10:30 am
- Highlights: Walking along the famous Caminito del Rey, seeing the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes canyon, free time to explore the traditional town of Ardales
- Inclusions: Return transport from Malaga, Caminito del Rey admission ticket, English-speaking guide, helmet
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Did you know that you can hike the Caminito del Rey from Malaga? This world-renowned trail was once dubbed “the most dangerous path in the world,” although don’t worry, now it’s been beautifully restored into a super safe experience.
And trust us, it’s still absolutely breathtaking! We still chose to go on this guided tour just to make our experience seamless. With over 100 5-star reviews, we aren’t the only ones who loved this tour!
The day began with a scenic bus ride through the Andalusian countryside, and then, when we arrived at Caminito del Rey, we were greeted by towering cliffs and the stunning Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.
The pathway is suspended 328 feet (100 meters) above the ground, and walking along it is exhilarating without being too scary. The highlight, though, was crossing the suspension bridge at the end and enjoying those epic panoramic views. At the end of the tour, we got to stop in the charming village of Ardales, where we had free time to grab coffee and admire all of the traditional white buildings.
One of the best things about this experience is its exclusivity. Daily visitor numbers to the Caminito del Rey are capped, so the trail doesn’t get too crowded, which means you can thoroughly soak in the beauty of it. However, the trail is also very famous, so thanks to the law of supply and demand, this tour sells out incredibly fast.
Don’t miss out – book this famous trek in advance here!
4. Learn how to cook paella
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Learning how to make the perfect paella from a chef, visiting a food market to pick out ingredients, making gazpacho, feasting on all of the food at the end with beer or wine
- Inclusions: Professional chef instructor, all ingredients and equipment, market visit, snacks, lunch, small class size
- Rating: 5 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Taking this paella cooking class in Málaga was one of the most enjoyable experiences we had in the city – not to mention the best meal! Paella is hands down the most iconic Spanish food, so there was no way that we could pass up the opportunity to learn how to make it ourselves.
The day began at the bustling Atarazanas Market, where our chef and guide, Javier, guided us through the process of selecting the finest and freshest ingredients to cook with. It was basically “Shopping like a Local 101.” We also got to try a few treats along the way, like roasted almonds and aloreña olives.
From there, we walked back to Javier’s sleek kitchen, where the real fun began. We started out by making a gazpacho, which involved blending tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers into a refreshing chilled soup. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Of course, the star of the show was Paella. Under Javier’s expert guidance, we crafted a delicious sofrito base, carefully layered in the ingredients, and learned how to get the rice exactly right for a paella dish. The cooking process was hands-on and super enjoyable, but the highlight of the day was when we all sat down to savor our creations alongside local wine and beer.
This class is an absolute must for food lovers. Just make sure to book early because this class fills up fast – and with good reason!
Check availability and book this cooking class here!
5. Explore the city on a Segway tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am – 7 pm
- Highlights: Malaga Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, Teatro Romano Plaza de la Merced, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Playa de La Malagueta
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, Segway, helmet
- Rating: 5 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for a fun way to go sightseeing in Malaga, then you cannot miss this Segway tour! It was such a fun, unique, and effortless way to take in the city’s top landmarks. Plus, for just €10 extra, you can upgrade to a private tour, which is totally worth it for a more personalized experience.
The adventure began with a quick Segway training session with our guide, Fedor. He was patient and put us at ease. Once we were comfortable, we set off on a two-hour journey packed with history, culture, and beautiful views.
We glided past iconic spots like the Malaga Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the Roman Theatre as Fedor shared fascinating anecdotes about the city’s history and heritage.
Climbing up to Gibralfaro Castle was also mercifully easy on a Segway. I must say, I think that this made the panoramic views of the city and the coastline from the top even sweeter because we weren’t exhausted and sweaty by the time we got up there.
This tour was such a fun and easy way to explore Malaga, and we also think it’s ideal for those who are short on time because we were able to cover so much ground using a Segway! Plus, with 750+ 5-star reviews (see them here!), we just couldn’t say no!
Secure your spot now and pay later when you book this top-rated tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. See a flamenco show
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 10 am – 6 pm
- Highlights: Watching a traditional flamenco performance, enjoying the atmosphere of a traditional theatre
- Inclusions: Admission tickets
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Seeing a flamenco show was one of the main things that we wanted to do in Malaga because the dance was born right here in Andalusia! Plus, the dance itself is so entertaining to watch, as it’s all about passion, soul, and heart. So, of course, we had to book flamenco show tickets while we were in town!
The theatre provided the perfect setting for such an intimate art form. It felt warm and personal, and the performers were absolutely extraordinary. Each note and movement was bursting with intensity – in fact, the dance was impossible to look away from. The performers were so talented, and it felt as though they were laying their very souls bare right there on the stage.
After the performance, we had the chance to order a traditional Andalusian meal at Alegría’s restaurant. This wasn’t included in the ticket prices and cost extra on the night, but we’re glad that we did it as it was another great way to experience Andalusia’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re new to flamenco or a long-time admirer of this quintessential Spanish dance, you can’t miss the chance to catch a show while you’re in Malaga.
Check availability and book your show tickets in advance here!
7. Experience Andalusian culture and visit Ronda, Setenil, and Sevilla
- Duration: 13.5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Visiting the mountaintop city of Ronda, seeing the White Village of Andalusia, exploring Seville, free time for lunch
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned transport; English-speaking guide; guided visits to Ronda, Setenil, and Seville
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 175+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Malaga is in Andalusia, which is home to a ton of breathtaking destinations, and it would be a real shame not to explore them while you’re in the city! This full day tour allowed us to see some of the region’s most beautiful sights without having to organize a thing for ourselves.
The first stop of the day was Setenil de las Bodegas, a unique village where the homes are carved into cliffs. It was so interesting to wander through the narrow streets and learn about how this quirky settlement came to be.
Next up was Ronda, which is perched dramatically above the El Tajo Gorge. This ancient city was fascinating, and we loved seeing the dramatic Puente Nuevo bridge, which has to be one of the most dramatic feats of architecture we’ve ever seen.
Then, it was off to Seville, the beating heart of Andalusia. We began at the breathtaking Plaza de España and then took a stroll through the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood. Seeing the charming orange and yellow buildings was such a treat, and strolling through the area really made us fall in love with Seville! And, of course, we loved admiring the magnificent exteriors of the Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar.
If you want to see more of Andalusia than just Malaga but don’t have time for an overnight stay, this day trip is the perfect whistle-stop tour of the area.
Check out the 175+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
8. Take a private day tour to Tangier, Morocco
- Duration: 12 hours approx.
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Scenic ferry ride to Tangier, visiting Cape Spartel, exploring the medina, visiting souks, strolling through the Kasbah, camel ride across the dunes, enjoying tea or coffee at the Continental Hotel
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup, round trip ferry tickets, van transport in both Malaga and Tangier, breakfast, lunch, English-speaking guide, camel ride, tea or coffee
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Malaga may be in Spain, but Tangier, Morocco, is actually only a few hours away! Honestly, planning this day trip ourselves would have been a logistical nightmare, but booking this tour made everything seamless and enjoyable. We weren’t the only ones who thought so, check out the 100+ 5-star reviews here!
We were picked up and taken to the ferry port, and then our guide, Taoumi, met us on arrival in Tangier. Our first stop was Cape Spartel, where we took a fun camel ride on the beach.
However, the highlight of the day was visiting the medina and kasbah, both of which were a feast for the senses. Exploring the busy streets, historic architecture and vibrant markets with a guide was so much fun, and having a knowledgeable guide with us made a few differences.
Navigating these bustling areas on our own would have been overwhelming, but with Taoumi, it was so easy, and we were really able to take it all in.
Lunch was incredible, too! We visited a local restaurant and feasted on hot and cold salads, as well as the most delicious chicken dwaz. The day wrapped up with a visit to the Continental Hotel, where we got to sip on mint tea and admire the hotel’s collection of Moroccan artwork.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Tangier without the hassle of planning it all. It’s well-organized, immersive, and full of fun activities, so if you’re in Malaga, don’t miss the opportunity to head over the border and explore one of Morocco’s best cities.
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation before you go!
9. Visit Malaga’s top wineries
- Duration: 4 – 5 hours
- Time: 10 am – 4 pm
- Highlights: Exploring a rural vineyard, learning about regional winemaking methods, wine tasting and tapas in a wine cellar
- Inclusions: Return transport from Malaga, wine tasting, tapas, vineyard tour, wine cellar visit, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Drinking lots of wine is one of the best parts of visiting Spain, so booking a wine tour is a must while you’re in Malaga! We loved escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for the day as we were driven out into the Malaguenian mountains.
The first stop of the day was a vineyard in Mijas, with views of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, since we went on such a clear day, we could actually see the mountains of Morocco in the distance – how cool is that?
Walking through the vineyard was delightful. There were tons of farmyard animals around, including hens and goats, and the mountain air was invigorating. Our guide, Beatrice, taught us all about ancient organic winemaking techniques, which added so much depth to the experience.
The next stop of the day was a small, authentic wine cellar, where we got to sample some of Malaga’s most exclusive wines. We had so much fun tasting small-batch wines, and meeting Antonio, the owner, was such a privilege. He was so passionate and paired his finest wines perfectly with locally sourced tapas, which was incredibly tasty!
What makes this tour extra special is that it’s not touristy at all. It’s intimate, authentic, and personal. We had a blast, so if you enjoy a good glass of wine every now and then, be sure to book this exclusive experience before it sells out.
Check out the 250+ raving reviews and book this tour here!
10. Explore the city on an e-bike
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Riding around on an electric bike, Malaga Cathedral, Roman Theatre, Plaza de la Merced, Gibralfaro viewpoint
- Inclusions: Electric bike, helmet, reflective vest (optional), baby seat (if necessary), English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re only in Malaga for a day or two, this electric bike tour is perfect! It’s a quick and easy way to see the city in depth. Plus, the electric bikes make exploring the hilly parts of the city a breeze, so it’s ideal for those who don’t want to do a ton of walking.
The tour began with a quick safety briefing, and then we set off with our awesome guide, James. We zipped through the historic heart of Malaga, checking out iconic sights like the Malaga Cathedral, the Roman Theatre, and Plaza de la Merced. Stopping at Picasso’s childhood home added a nice personal touch to the tour, and we enjoyed hearing James’ stories about local life in the city.
The highlight of the tour was definitely riding up to Mount Gibralfaro. The e-bikes meant that we were able to cruise through the forest and up to the top without breaking a sweat. Once we got to the viewpoint, the panoramic views of the port and coastline made us “ooh” and “aah.
It was even easier to cycle back down, and on the way back to the meeting point, we passed Malaga’s gorgeous beaches, port, and waterfront promenade. It was blissful!
This tour was a fun and wholesome adventure. It was great to explore Malaga while enjoying the fresh air, and the e-bikes made it so easy to get around.
Check availability and book this e-bike tour here!
Where to Stay in Malaga, Spain
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Malaga, you need somewhere perfect to stay! We’ve narrowed down three great options in the downtown area for a luxury, mid-range, or budget traveler:
Luxury – $$$
Vincci Larios Diez is a top-rated hotel suitable for luxury travelers. Located in the center of Malaga, you’ll be close to the top museums, beaches, and city sights. The rooms offer incredible city views and are chic but comfortable. You can book double, triple, and king rooms starting at around €280 per night.
Check prices and availability, and book this stay here on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
If you like art and history, you’ll love staying at the Hotel Palacete de Alamos! It’s located steps from the Picasso Museum and is set in a gorgeous historic building. You can book standard hotel rooms or apartment-style rooms and enjoy the highly reviewed breakfast! Best of all, this hotel is centrally located in Malaga, so you can reach the top activities easily, and it won’t break the bank!
Prices start around €200 and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget-friendly hotel, Elcano is my top pick. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to the beach and 10 minutes from the historic center. The rooms are spacious and clean, offering double or twin rooms. The garden is well-loved, and this is an overall home away from home!
Rooms start at €65 a night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all the hotels in Malaga here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Malaga was one of our favorite cities in Spain – there is simply so much to do! Between the historic buildings, amazing food, and cultural experiences around every corner, we couldn’t get enough of this city. After you check off a few items on this list, I’m sure you’ll love it too!
Before you take off, be sure to check our other travel blogs! We’ve been all over the world and have tons of resources to share with fellow travelers like you. Here are a few related posts to help you plan your next adventure – cheers!
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