Gary’s guidebook
Food scene
Very popular atmospheric bar that serves good and reasonably priced tapas. Queues can build up at popular times but it has a sister bar diagonally across the street called El Colmado.
135 locals recommend
La Tribu
92 C. CarreteríaVery popular atmospheric bar that serves good and reasonably priced tapas. Queues can build up at popular times but it has a sister bar diagonally across the street called El Colmado.
Tasca La Salita
10 Calle MariblancaA traditional and friendly place which does a range of cheap tapas.
One of the best restaurants in Malaga, serving innovative Spanish influenced food.
73 locals recommend
Restaurante Asako
Avenida PlutarcoOne of the best restaurants in Malaga, serving innovative Spanish influenced food.
Serves some of the best innovate modern tapas in Malaga. The place has become an institution and has opened several other branches in the same area. Each restaurant serves the same food but has a different atmosphere. Others are called Tapeo de Cervantes and Descorche Cervantes.
71 locals recommend
La Terraza de la Aduana
s/n Plaza de la AduanaServes some of the best innovate modern tapas in Malaga. The place has become an institution and has opened several other branches in the same area. Each restaurant serves the same food but has a different atmosphere. Others are called Tapeo de Cervantes and Descorche Cervantes.
Cañadú
21 Pl. de la MercedOne of the best vegetarian restaurants in the buzzy Plaza de la Merced
A small vegetarian restaurant on a side street near the apartment.
34 locals recommend
Vegetariano El Calafate
6 C. Andrés PérezA small vegetarian restaurant on a side street near the apartment.
Probably the best burgers in Malaga. Try their entraña burger.
25 locals recommend
La Calle Burger Málaga Centro
3 C. MosqueraProbably the best burgers in Malaga. Try their entraña burger.
The Terraza on the Alcazaba Premium Hostel is at 12 Calle Alcazabilla near the Roman amphitheatre and just a short walk from the apartment. Don't be put off by the Hostel name, this is fast becoming Málaga´s cool (but not expensive) place for an evening drink. Take the lift to the top floor terraza and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro complex.
26 locals recommend
La Terraza La Alcazaba
12 C/ AlcazabillaThe Terraza on the Alcazaba Premium Hostel is at 12 Calle Alcazabilla near the Roman amphitheatre and just a short walk from the apartment. Don't be put off by the Hostel name, this is fast becoming Málaga´s cool (but not expensive) place for an evening drink. Take the lift to the top floor terraza and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro complex.
One floor below the Terraza bar in the Acazaba Premium Hostel this place serves modern Spanish food in a cool restaurant. There is a terrace outside with the same stunning views of the Alcazaba.
143 locals recommend
Batik
12 C/ AlcazabillaOne floor below the Terraza bar in the Acazaba Premium Hostel this place serves modern Spanish food in a cool restaurant. There is a terrace outside with the same stunning views of the Alcazaba.
A popular and well-established institution is the rooftop bar at the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio next door to Málaga Cathedral on Calle Molina Lario. Take the lift to the top floor to be rewarded with a good view of the top of the cathedral and the whole of Málaga port and central park leading to the bullring.
156 locals recommend
AC Hotel by Marriott Malaga Palacio
1 Calle Cortina del MuelleA popular and well-established institution is the rooftop bar at the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio next door to Málaga Cathedral on Calle Molina Lario. Take the lift to the top floor to be rewarded with a good view of the top of the cathedral and the whole of Málaga port and central park leading to the bullring.
In Soho (south of the Alameda Principal) you will find Room-Mate Valeria in Plaza Poeta Alfonso Canales. Another great rooftop bar with views over the port.
63 locals recommend
Room Mate Valeria Hotel
5 Plaza Poeta Alfonso CanalesIn Soho (south of the Alameda Principal) you will find Room-Mate Valeria in Plaza Poeta Alfonso Canales. Another great rooftop bar with views over the port.
One of our favourites is the Terraza de San Juan next to the San Juan church. It is above the restaurants Bendito and Yuba (both stylish with an interesting menu) but the entrance is the same as the hotel down the alley Calle Cinco Bolas.
35 locals recommend
San Juan Terrace
11 C. San JuanOne of our favourites is the Terraza de San Juan next to the San Juan church. It is above the restaurants Bendito and Yuba (both stylish with an interesting menu) but the entrance is the same as the hotel down the alley Calle Cinco Bolas.
Casa Antigua Guardia
Founded in 1840 and looking like it hasn't changed since that date apart from the provision of a few lightbulbs, this small bar is the perfect place to sample Malaga´s local sherries. No seating, just stand at the bar and order a glass direct from the barrel. A tally is chalked up on the bar and then wiped clean when you pay at the end.
171 locals recommend
Antigua Casa de Guardia
18 Alameda PrincipalCasa Antigua Guardia
Founded in 1840 and looking like it hasn't changed since that date apart from the provision of a few lightbulbs, this small bar is the perfect place to sample Malaga´s local sherries. No seating, just stand at the bar and order a glass direct from the barrel. A tally is chalked up on the bar and then wiped clean when you pay at the end.
Sightseeing
The Glass Museum - Museo de Vidrio y Cristal
The glass museum is a private collection of over 300 pieces of glass collected from all over the world. Best of all it is in a breathtaking setting – a carefully restored 18th century house full of antique furniture and works of art, giving visitors a glimpse of Malaga´s heyday.
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm Tuesday to Sunday
More information at: www.museovidrioycristalmalaga.com
104 locals recommend
Museum Of Glass And Crystal
2 Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la SangreThe Glass Museum - Museo de Vidrio y Cristal
The glass museum is a private collection of over 300 pieces of glass collected from all over the world. Best of all it is in a breathtaking setting – a carefully restored 18th century house full of antique furniture and works of art, giving visitors a glimpse of Malaga´s heyday.
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm Tuesday to Sunday
More information at: www.museovidrioycristalmalaga.com
The Picasso Museum
The Picasso museum is housed in the Palacio Buenavista, a magnificently restored and converted 16th century palace in the heart of the old Arab quarter of Malaga. The museum houses a small collection of original Picasso works as well as temporary exhibitions and sometimes events and evening concerts.
Address: Calle San Augustin, 8. Opening hours 10am to 6pm every day.
Details of exhibitions and events as well as online ticket sales to avoid queuing at the entrance at www.picassomuseummalaga.org/en
1797 locals recommend
Picasso Museum Málaga
8 C. San AgustínThe Picasso Museum
The Picasso museum is housed in the Palacio Buenavista, a magnificently restored and converted 16th century palace in the heart of the old Arab quarter of Malaga. The museum houses a small collection of original Picasso works as well as temporary exhibitions and sometimes events and evening concerts.
Address: Calle San Augustin, 8. Opening hours 10am to 6pm every day.
Details of exhibitions and events as well as online ticket sales to avoid queuing at the entrance at www.picassomuseummalaga.org/en
Thyssen Museum
Malaga´s Thyssen Museum is housed in the stunning Palacio de Villalón, a 16th-century palace (so hidden away, almost nobody knew it was there until its conversion).
Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza (and former Miss Spain 1961) is a major collector of 19th and early 20th century art. The Malaga museum is essentially an offshoot of the world-famous Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid and again, as well as a permanent collection there are regular temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has a shop and a really quite cool cafe too.
Address: Plaza Carmen Thyssen (C/Compañía 10). Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 8pm
More information at: www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org/en
1006 locals recommend
Carmen Thyssen Museum Malaga
Calle CompañíaThyssen Museum
Malaga´s Thyssen Museum is housed in the stunning Palacio de Villalón, a 16th-century palace (so hidden away, almost nobody knew it was there until its conversion).
Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza (and former Miss Spain 1961) is a major collector of 19th and early 20th century art. The Malaga museum is essentially an offshoot of the world-famous Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid and again, as well as a permanent collection there are regular temporary exhibitions and events. The museum also has a shop and a really quite cool cafe too.
Address: Plaza Carmen Thyssen (C/Compañía 10). Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 8pm
More information at: www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org/en
Museum of Popular Arts and Customs - Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
This not too well known museum is really one of our favourites and we do recommend a visit. This one is housed in a delightful 17th century building formerly an inn and hostelry. Over two floors it houses an eclectic collection of objects from the daily life of Málaga, its customs, popular arts and local crafts. All kinds of things can be seen from horse-drawn carriages, traditional fishing boats, the complete interior of a bakery, a forge, a wine press, as well as a slightly alarming birthing chair.
Address: Pasillo Santa Isabel, 10 (next to the Hotel Vincci Palacio)
57 locals recommend
Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
10 Pasillo de Sta. IsabelMuseum of Popular Arts and Customs - Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares
This not too well known museum is really one of our favourites and we do recommend a visit. This one is housed in a delightful 17th century building formerly an inn and hostelry. Over two floors it houses an eclectic collection of objects from the daily life of Málaga, its customs, popular arts and local crafts. All kinds of things can be seen from horse-drawn carriages, traditional fishing boats, the complete interior of a bakery, a forge, a wine press, as well as a slightly alarming birthing chair.
Address: Pasillo Santa Isabel, 10 (next to the Hotel Vincci Palacio)
Picasso's Birthplace Museum - Fundación Picasso. Museo Casa Natal
On the north side of Plaza de la Merced is the building where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and lived until 1884. It houses works and personal belongings of the artist and his family, a specialized library and an on-going programme of temporary exhibitions and cultural activities.
Address: Plaza de la Merced, 15 Hours: Open every day, 9.30am to 8pm
11 locals recommend
Fundación Pablo Ruiz Picasso
13 Pl. de la MercedPicasso's Birthplace Museum - Fundación Picasso. Museo Casa Natal
On the north side of Plaza de la Merced is the building where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and lived until 1884. It houses works and personal belongings of the artist and his family, a specialized library and an on-going programme of temporary exhibitions and cultural activities.
Address: Plaza de la Merced, 15 Hours: Open every day, 9.30am to 8pm
Contemporary Art Centre – Centro de Arte Contemporáneo
The CAC Málaga is located in the old Málaga Wholesale Market, an historic warehouse-like building. It is worth checking out what exhibition is currently showing as they have artist shows from all over the world. Housed in the building is the restaurant Óleo, one of our favourites and it has a large outside terrace.
Address: Avenida del Comandante Benítez (next to the river). Hours: winter Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 8pm, summer (from June 20 to September 7 inclusive) Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm and then 5pm to 9pm
More info: www.cacmalaga.eu
333 locals recommend
Cac Malaga
S/N C. AlemaniaContemporary Art Centre – Centro de Arte Contemporáneo
The CAC Málaga is located in the old Málaga Wholesale Market, an historic warehouse-like building. It is worth checking out what exhibition is currently showing as they have artist shows from all over the world. Housed in the building is the restaurant Óleo, one of our favourites and it has a large outside terrace.
Address: Avenida del Comandante Benítez (next to the river). Hours: winter Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 8pm, summer (from June 20 to September 7 inclusive) Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm and then 5pm to 9pm
More info: www.cacmalaga.eu
Revello de Toro Museum - Museo Revello de Toro
Another small but interesting museum, it houses the permanent collection which the famous portrait artist and figurative painter Félix Revello de Toro has left to his native city. The collection contains 142 works of which 104, including oil paintings, sketches and drawings belong to the Revello de Toro Museum's permanent collection.
Secondly, the Revello de Toro Museum has allowed for the restoration and the promotion of the importance of the Workshop and home of Pedro de Mena, one of the few domestic buildings in Málaga of that time. And finally, but not less important, to promote the figure of Pedro de Mena, singular maker of religious images in the 17th century, and to spread the knowledge of his life and artistic career.
Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10am to 20pm.
Sundays and public holidays: 10 am to 14pm.
Closed on Mondays
More info: www.museorevellodetoro.net/?lang=en
47 locals recommend
Revello de Toro Museum
5 C. AfligidosRevello de Toro Museum - Museo Revello de Toro
Another small but interesting museum, it houses the permanent collection which the famous portrait artist and figurative painter Félix Revello de Toro has left to his native city. The collection contains 142 works of which 104, including oil paintings, sketches and drawings belong to the Revello de Toro Museum's permanent collection.
Secondly, the Revello de Toro Museum has allowed for the restoration and the promotion of the importance of the Workshop and home of Pedro de Mena, one of the few domestic buildings in Málaga of that time. And finally, but not less important, to promote the figure of Pedro de Mena, singular maker of religious images in the 17th century, and to spread the knowledge of his life and artistic career.
Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10am to 20pm.
Sundays and public holidays: 10 am to 14pm.
Closed on Mondays
More info: www.museorevellodetoro.net/?lang=en
Car Museum - Museo Automovilístico de Málaga
Housed in a former tobacco factory (a beautiful complex built in 1923, consisting of regionalist-styled pavilions with Renaissance elements). This is an amazing private collection now open to the public of over ninety cars documenting the evolution of the motor car including Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Rolls Royce and Porsche. The museum also features a unique display of engines converted to art and (rather oddly) over 300 original hats from the 20s to the 50s by great designers such as Dior, Chanel and Balenciaga among others. Although a little way from the centre of town it is worth the effort and there are good beach restaurants nearby.
Address: Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm
Buses 3 or 16 from the north side of Alameda Principal – get off at Avenida Sor Teresa Prat - Tabacalera
More info: www.museoautomovilmalaga.com/en/
214 locals recommend
Museo Automovilistico y de la Moda
15 Av de Sor Teresa PratCar Museum - Museo Automovilístico de Málaga
Housed in a former tobacco factory (a beautiful complex built in 1923, consisting of regionalist-styled pavilions with Renaissance elements). This is an amazing private collection now open to the public of over ninety cars documenting the evolution of the motor car including Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Rolls Royce and Porsche. The museum also features a unique display of engines converted to art and (rather oddly) over 300 original hats from the 20s to the 50s by great designers such as Dior, Chanel and Balenciaga among others. Although a little way from the centre of town it is worth the effort and there are good beach restaurants nearby.
Address: Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm
Buses 3 or 16 from the north side of Alameda Principal – get off at Avenida Sor Teresa Prat - Tabacalera
More info: www.museoautomovilmalaga.com/en/
Russian Museum – Colección del Museo Ruso
Handily situated next door in the same tobacco factory complex is the newly opened Russian Museum - a collaboration with the world-renowned state museum of Russian fine art in Saint Petersburg. There is also a changing temporary exhibition.
Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm 15 September to 15 June, rest of the year (summer hours) 11 am to 10 pm Closed Mondays
Buses 3 or 16 from the north side of Alameda Principal – get off at Avenida Sor Teresa Prat - Tabacalera
More info: www.coleccionmuseoruso.es
255 locals recommend
Coleccion del Museo Ruso
15 Av de Sor Teresa PratRussian Museum – Colección del Museo Ruso
Handily situated next door in the same tobacco factory complex is the newly opened Russian Museum - a collaboration with the world-renowned state museum of Russian fine art in Saint Petersburg. There is also a changing temporary exhibition.
Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm 15 September to 15 June, rest of the year (summer hours) 11 am to 10 pm Closed Mondays
Buses 3 or 16 from the north side of Alameda Principal – get off at Avenida Sor Teresa Prat - Tabacalera
More info: www.coleccionmuseoruso.es
The Roman Theatre, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
This trio provides Málaga with an iconic image and cannot be missed when visiting the city. The Alcazaba is located at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill, crowned by the Arab defence works to which the Alcazaba is connected by a walled passage known as the Coracha. With the Roman Theatre and the Aduana Customs Building, this special corner offers the chance to observe Roman, Arab and Renaissance culture, all within a few yards of each other.
The Gibralfaro was built by the Moors to house troops and protect the Alcazaba, and is today one of the most visited monuments in Málaga. From its walls, visitors get spectacular views of the city and you can visit the Interpretation Centre to discover the site's history. It was named after a lighthouse at its peak (Jabal-Faruk, the light mountain). Although it was used by the Phoenicians and Romans, in 1340 the Nasrid King Yusuf I converted the place into a fortress.
The Alcazaba was constructed between 1057 and 1063, this fortress palace (whose name in Arabic means citadel), is one of the city's historical monuments and is much visited because of its history and beauty.
During the reconquest of Spain it was besieged by the Catholic Monarchs in the summer of 1487 and Ferdinand the Catholic made it his temporary residence after the victory. In addition, he designated the castle as a symbol on the coat of arms of the city.
The much earlier Roman theatre was built in the time of Augustus in the 1st century AD, it was in use until the 3rd century. Much of its construction material such as stones, columns and carved stones were later used for building the Alcazaba.
359 locals recommend
Alcazaba de Málaga
The Roman Theatre, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
This trio provides Málaga with an iconic image and cannot be missed when visiting the city. The Alcazaba is located at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill, crowned by the Arab defence works to which the Alcazaba is connected by a walled passage known as the Coracha. With the Roman Theatre and the Aduana Customs Building, this special corner offers the chance to observe Roman, Arab and Renaissance culture, all within a few yards of each other.
The Gibralfaro was built by the Moors to house troops and protect the Alcazaba, and is today one of the most visited monuments in Málaga. From its walls, visitors get spectacular views of the city and you can visit the Interpretation Centre to discover the site's history. It was named after a lighthouse at its peak (Jabal-Faruk, the light mountain). Although it was used by the Phoenicians and Romans, in 1340 the Nasrid King Yusuf I converted the place into a fortress.
The Alcazaba was constructed between 1057 and 1063, this fortress palace (whose name in Arabic means citadel), is one of the city's historical monuments and is much visited because of its history and beauty.
During the reconquest of Spain it was besieged by the Catholic Monarchs in the summer of 1487 and Ferdinand the Catholic made it his temporary residence after the victory. In addition, he designated the castle as a symbol on the coat of arms of the city.
The much earlier Roman theatre was built in the time of Augustus in the 1st century AD, it was in use until the 3rd century. Much of its construction material such as stones, columns and carved stones were later used for building the Alcazaba.
Málaga Cathedral
A beautiful building in the heart of the city, the foundations of the Cathedral were laid around 1530 and work ended in the 17th century, although it is unfinished and lacks coping on the main façade and the south tower. The missing tower has led to it being popularly known as La Manquita (the one-armed).
The cathedral now offers rooftop tours – a great way to understand its construction and a great view of the city.
Address: Calle Cister and Calle Molina Lario
683 locals recommend
Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga
9 C. Molina LarioMálaga Cathedral
A beautiful building in the heart of the city, the foundations of the Cathedral were laid around 1530 and work ended in the 17th century, although it is unfinished and lacks coping on the main façade and the south tower. The missing tower has led to it being popularly known as La Manquita (the one-armed).
The cathedral now offers rooftop tours – a great way to understand its construction and a great view of the city.
Address: Calle Cister and Calle Molina Lario