How to Spend One Day in Malaga – The Best Itinerary (+ FREE Map)

Where to Stay in Malaga for a Day

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Malaga, you can’t go wrong with choosing La Malagueta. It’s in a prime location, close to all the popular attractions. The neighborhood is always full of life!

On the other hand, if you prefer a nightlife scene, you’ll absolutely love La Merced. The district is high energy, perfect for an exciting evening. Most notably, it also happens to be where the one and only Pablo Picasso was born – a rich piece of Malaga’s history.

Well, here are a few accommodation options in Malaga perfectly suited for a short stay:

✅ Best Hotel – Molina Lario: located in the heart of the old town, this hotel stands out for its breathtaking rooftop pool with a unique view of Malaga Cathedral. This place is also particularly praised for its comfort. 

💰 Best Budget Hotel – La Casa Mata Central: this guesthouse, decorated in Andalusian style, is ideally located in center Malaga, with large rooms, nice equipment, and friendly staff for a very affordable price. 

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Gran Hotel Miramar GL: located right in front of La Malagueta Beach, this historic 5-star hotel will make you feel you’re in a dream. Rooms are outstanding with exceptional facilities. 

For more hotel recommendations in Malaga, check out this dedicated post.

Malaga One Day Itinerary Overview & Map

Here’s my recommended itinerary for 24 hours in Malaga, which is doable at a steady yet reasonable pace. However, feel free to remove or add steps as you wish.

Morning:

• 8 am – Explore Atarazanas Market
• 10 am – Step inside Malaga Cathedral
• 11.30 pm – Visit the Alcazaba & Roman Theater

Afternoon:

• 1 pm – Discover Picasso Museum
• 2 pm – Try a Chiringuito for lunch
• 3.30 pm – Relax on Malagueta Beach

Evening:

• Sunset time – Watch the sunset from Gibralfaro Castle
• 8 pm – Dinner in the city
• 11 pm – Enjoy a drink on Plaza Uncibay

To get your Malaga one day itinerary map for free, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

Now, keep scrolling to discover this itinerary in detail and get some valuable insider tips👇

Best Things to Do in Malaga in One Day

I recommend being at the first step of this route at 8 am so you can enjoy Malaga to the fullest.

I haven’t included breakfast, but I strongly recommend doing it as the day is going to be busy. You can try a local breakfast inside Atarazanas Market, the first stop of this itinerary.

If you’re not much of a breakfast person, make sure to pack some snacks along to keep you going through the morning.

Enjoy your day!

8 am – Explore Atarazanas Market

Allow about 1-2 hours

Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a vibrant and bustling marketplace located in the heart of Malaga. Perhaps the most notable feature, the stunning stained glass will immediately transport visitors to this market’s historical roots.

The market is located on the grounds of 14th-century Nasrid shipyards that held warehouses, arsenal, and military barracks until the 1870s. This architecture was torn down and the market we see today was finalized in 1879.

Dave Pinter / CC BY-NC-ND

Flash forward to today, the market is a well-organized operation, holding plenty of Southern Spain’s very best. The market is organized into 3 sections: fruits and vegetables, fish, and meat.

These stalls are passed down from generation to generation. The stands vary by the time of the year but you’re always guaranteed to find the best seasonal options.

Whether you’re just in the mood for browsing, looking for a fresh smoothie from a local fruit stand, or planning for bites of local snacks, Atarazanas Market is sure to be a delight!

10 am – Step inside Malaga Cathedral

Allow about 1-1.5 hours

Located only a 5-minute walk from Atarazanas Market, you will find the beautiful Malaga Cathedral.

In my opinion, this is one of the most stunning buildings in Malaga. It should absolutely be on your list of places to visit in Malaga, even if you’re just here for the day!

The Malaga Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church constructed between 1528 and 1782. The north tower is 276 feet high, making this the second-highest cathedral in Andalusia. Climb it to discover one of Malaga’s best panoramic views!

11.30 am – Visit the Alcazaba & Roman Theater

Allow about 1.5 hour

Next up on the agenda is a trip to Teatro Romano Malaga, the oldest monument in Malaga, at the foot of Alcazaba fortress which is one of the finest castles in Spain.

Built in the 1st century BC and rediscovered in 1951, the theater was finally opened to the public in 2011 after extensive reconstruction.

The theater is laid out in 3 sections: General seats, VIP seats, and the stage. It’s open from Tuesdays through Saturdays and is free to enter.

1 pm – Discover Picasso Museum

Allow about 1 hour

Pop into the Picasso Museum for the perfect start to your afternoon in Malaga! Picasso was born in Malaga and the museum is a special tribute to one of the most renowned artists in history.

Holding over 285 works donated by Picasso’s family, and offering rotating exhibits and shows. In addition to the stunning pieces of art, you’ll also find a library offering over 800 titles on Picasso. You can purchase admission tickets and an audio guide in advance.

Similar to Antoni Gaudi, Picasso also holds a special place in Spain’s history.

2 pm – Try a Chiringuito for lunch

Allow about 1-2 hours

Your stomach should be growling at this time of the day, so it’s time for a lunch break! In case you didn’t know, Spanish people have lunch not before 2 or 3 pm, so you’ll see restaurants quite empty before.

Espetos de Sardinas from a Chiringuito

Let’s head towards Malagueta Beach to discover the Chiringuitos, one of the best parts of Spanish beach culture. Chiringuitos are beachfront restaurants offering delicious menus and local catches. You’ll also find cold drinks that pair well with any beach day.

So after exploring the Picasso Museum, pop into a local one for a casual lunch. Malaga is the ideal spot to sample local Andalusian favorites like espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines), fritura Malagueña (fried fish) or paella.

3.30 pm – Relax on Malagueta Beach

Allow about 2-3 hours, depending on your preference

If you’re a beach lover, you’re in the right place! Malagueta Beach is a stunning urban beach, conveniently located to all points of interest in Malaga.

Malagueta Beach stretches 1,200 meters offering stunning backdrops of Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro Castle. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, relax, swim, or play sports, Malagueta is the perfect stop on any Malaga itinerary.

If the weather isn’t suitable for beach activities, you might prefer to go shopping in Muelle Uno, an open-air shopping complex situated nearby.

Sunset time – Watch the sunset from Gibralfaro Castle

Allow about 1 hour

When it comes to things to do in Malaga, there’s no better way to end the day than viewing the sunset from Gibralfaro Castle, one of the best lookout points in the city.

View from Gibralfaro Castle at sunset

This castle was built in the 14th century to protect the Alcazaba. From the top of its ramparts, you can enjoy an impressive view of the city, and learn more about its history at its interpretation center.

If the Castillo de Gibralfaro is one of Malaga’s most visited monuments, it’s surely not by chance.

8 pm – Dinner in the city

Allow about 2 hours

After a stunning sunset at Gibralfaro Castle, head back to the city for some dinner. Malaga is a foodie’s dream and it’s worth sampling as much as you can.

There are plenty of fresh seafood options, plus the best tomatoes I’ve ever tasted in my entire life. You won’t regret eating your way through this charming Andalusian city.

From Gibralfaro Castle, I recommend having lunch with a view at Bodega Bar El Pimpi located near Alcazaba. It’s a popular restaurant among both locals and tourists, perfect to indulge in authentic specialties from Malaga and Southern Spain.

11 pm – Enjoy a drink on Plaza Uncibay

After a lovely dinner, enjoy a drink at one of the lively plazas scattered throughout Malaga. Plaza Uncibay in the La Merced neighborhood is a vibrant square located in the historic center. Plaza Mitjana is another great option.

Plaza Uncibay

Malaga has some fantastic nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a tame nightcap or a party until sunset, the plaza is the perfect place to start.

Extending Your Malaga Trip

If you’re lucky enough to have more than a day in Malaga, you can choose to explore the city in more depth or take a day trip. Here’s a quick list of things you can do in your extra time in Malaga:

• Stroll in Malaga Park: located between the beach and the city center, this park is perfect to relax or escape the heat if you’re there in the summer
• Get lost in Soho district: Soho is like an outdoor museum. It’s famous for its street art decorating the neighborhood’s walls which you’ll love snapping.
• Visit La Conception Botanical Garden: this is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe with more than 25k plants, beautiful fountains, and waterfalls in a lush vegetation.
• Visit the Centre Pompidou Málaga: located in the harbor, the ‘Cubo’ hosts +80 works of several artists including Picasso, Frida Khalo, Magritte, and Miro since 2015.
• Take a boat trip to Marbella or Gibraltar: there are lots of great boat excursions to do from Malaga that are great for discovering the Costa del Sol.
• Hike El Torcal de Antequera: located an hour’s drive from Malaga city center, this UNESCO national park is famous for its unique rock formations and breathtaking trails.
• Walk the Caminito del Rey: this is one of the most incredible hiking trails in Spain, entirely along a steep cliff face in the Los Ardales National Park.
• Go on a day trip to Seville: if you have the chance to have more time in Andalusia, I definitely recommend going to one of its most beautiful cities, Seville. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Malaga, but it’s totally doable in a day – and absolutely worth it!

Caminito del Rey

How to Get to Malaga

Malaga is well connected by public transport making it an easy destination regardless of where you’re traveling from.

Malaga Airport is 12 km from the city and sees plenty of domestic flights as well as international ones from European cities. Once at the airport, trains run every 20 minutes with a stop in the city center. Look for train line C1 and ride to Malaga Centro – Alameda.

Buses are also readily available and are a good option if arriving at the airport late at night after the trains stop. Look for Bus Line A Express Aeropuerto. A cab will run you around 20€ and will take about 20 minutes.

Malaga is also well connected to other cities via train. It’s easy to get to Malaga, Seville, beach towns like Cadaques, and more with Spain’s extensive public transportation system.

Malaga Harbor

How to Get Around Malaga in 1 Day

Malaga is extremely easy to see on foot and walking is one of the best ways to get around the city. It’s possible to walk to all major points of interest on foot.

If walking isn’t for you, buses, metros, and taxis are always available.

• Bus: there are about 50 lines running all over Malaga; 1 ticket costs €1.30
• Metro: there are 2 lines serving all the city. To use it, you need to buy a card for €0.30, and then charge it with the amount you want.
• Taxis: taxis are affordable in Malaga compared to other European cities. A short drive would cost about €7-15. Simply wave at a taxi in the street if you need a drive. You should also know Uber works in Malaga.

Lastly, if you love guided tours from locals, there are plenty of tour options available in the city. A hop-on hop-off bus is available in Malaga, which is a very good option when you have limited time in town.

La Conception Botanical Garden in Malaga

Best Time to Visit Malaga

Whether you want beach or sightseeing weather, different months in Malaga will give you the perfect climate for both experiences.

If you want to spend relaxing and sun-soaked days at the beach, I’d suggest planning your visit to Malaga in June or September. During these months, the temperature in Malaga is so warm, but not too intense. You’ll be comfortable basking in the sun without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.

If you’ve ever been to Spain, you know the heat can get overwhelming at times, particularly in July-August. If heat and humidity aren’t your friends, I’d recommend skipping the trip during those months.

Semana Santa in Malaga

On the other hand, if your preference is to explore the city’s marvelous sights and attractions, visiting when it’s a bit cooler outside would be ideal. March for example is a good month to wander around Malaga all day long while discovering its amazing Semana Santa processions.

As the month of October arrives, the temperature and humidity in Malaga tend to drop, creating a pleasant trip for your sightseeing adventures. You can stroll through the streets and marvel at the architectural wonders while enjoying October’s mild weather.

FAQ About Spending 1 Day in Malaga

Now that you have the perfect itinerary for spending one day in Malaga, here are some frequently asked questions about visiting this famous city.

Can you see Malaga in 1 day?

Yes – you can absolutely see Malaga in 1 day. There are a few things you won’t want to miss, like strolling through the historic city center, stopping at Malaga’s famous museums, and of course, spending a few hours soaking up the sun on the beach. You can make your 1 day in Malaga as busy or relaxing as you’d like!

Is one day in Malaga enough?

Absolutely, our guide has laid out the perfect itinerary that hits all the major tourist attractions.

Of course, you won’t be able to visit everything, but spending a day in Malaga will give you a great glimpse of the city. Having a day there is better than nothing, as it’s well worth visiting!

What to do in 24 hours in Malaga?

24 hours in Malaga is best spent eating, exploring, and relaxing. Seeing sites like Atarazanas Market, Malaga Cathedral, the Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro Castle, and the Picasso Museums are a must and are all incredibly beautiful and enriching. Malagueta Beach is stunning and allows for some rest and relaxation.

What not to miss in Malaga Spain?

You don’t want to miss the Picasso Museum or Gibralfaro Castle in Malaga Spain. The Picasso Museum is an incredible chance to witness some of the greatest art in Picasso’s birthplace and Gibralfaro Castle is not only an incredible Spanish historical landmark but offers stunning views of the city.

Is Málaga a walkable city?

Yes, Malaga is one of the most walkable cities in Spain! You won’t have any trouble walking through the historic city centers, strolling through the market, and exploring some of the most popular attractions in the city.

Is Malaga safe at night?

Malaga is quite safe at night. There are no security issues for tourists in the center of Malaga. However, a few areas are less safe at night such as La Palma, Palmilla, and some places in the neighborhood of Trinidad.

What is the famous walk near Málaga?

The Caminito del Rey is located near Malaga and is a famous 8 km path suspended 100 meters up against the walls of the gorge. The walk takes 3-4 hours to complete and is about an hour drive from Malaga.

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There you have it, the perfect Malaga one day trip. If you were wondering what to see in Malaga in one day, you shouldn’t be anymore! Whether you’re a history buff and art enthusiast or foodie and beach lover, Malaga really does have something for everyone.

From the historic streets to timeless art, Malaga is filled with education and beauty for you to explore. Follow this itinerary for an enchanted day in a city that you won’t forget!

More to visit in Spain:

• One Day in Cordoba
• Seville Day Trip from Malaga
• Best Things to Do in Ronda
• Andalusia’s Most Beautiful White Villages
• One Day in Valencia

And discover even more Spain travel guides here.

I hope you enjoy your Malaga day trip; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. Help a fellow traveler and share this guide using the buttons below! 🙂