Where to Stay in Malaga Spain – The BEST Area to Stay in Malaga

The Best Area to Stay in Malaga for YOU

• THE Best Place to Stay in Malaga Spain: Centro Histórico
• Best Neighborhood for Families: El Palo
• Best for Nightlife: La Merced
• Best Location to Stay in Malaga for the Beach: La Malagueta

So, here’s my quick answer to “Where is the best place to stay in Malaga?”. If you want to get more info about each of these districts, keep reading 👇

How to Pick the Best Neighborhood

Located on the south of the Iberian Peninsula in Andalusia, Malaga is a popular tourist destination and the 6th largest city in Spain. People from all over the world are coming to enjoy the sunshine and beaches of the Costa del Sol in Malaga, which is one of the warmest places in Europe. 

However, it’s important to know that Malaga is not only a beach destination. In this provincial capital, you’ll also discover lots of the most famous gems of the Andalusian region.

In Malaga, there are various neighborhoods and many options of accommodations so it’s sometimes complicated to choose the right area for your stay. But depending on your travel style and on what you’re looking for in Malaga, you’ll be able to decide which area is right for you.

For instance, if you’re traveling mostly to enjoy the beach, La Malagueta, right on the beachfront, would be the best district.

On the contrary, if you’re mostly coming for historic and cultural visits, you might prefer staying at the Centro Historico. Right in the city center, this neighborhood is within walking distance of most of the sights.

And if you’re coming to Malaga to party, La Merced, a lively district especially at night, would be the best option. By the way, I have a complete guide about the best areas for nightlife in Malaga, so jump to it right now if this is the case!

Pros & Cons of the Best Places to Stay in Malaga Spain

To help you in choosing the best area for your stay, I’ve organized this post by area: I’ve gathered the pros and cons of each neighborhood, as well as accommodation options in each of them so you won’t lose time searching for one.

By the way, if you prefer checking hotels directly, I have a complete review guide of the best hotels you can find in Malaga. Just check it 😉

THE Best Place to Stay in Malaga Spain: Centro Histórico

El Centro Historico is the most lively district in Malaga where you can find many shops, restaurants and bars. It’s also full of monuments, museums and city attractions such as Plaza de la Merced and the Picasso Museum. In short, it’s the best area to discover Malaga’s heritage.

In view of all this, it’s easy to understand why it’s the best area for any tourist visiting the town. You’ll be close to everything within walking distance, which is ideal for first time visitors. The district is also well connected to public transportations, so visitors won’t be limited to the Old Town and will be able to discover the whole city (and even try one of the best day trips from Malaga if you spend enough time there). The closest beach, Malagueta Beach, is also quite close, only 20min walk from the Centro Historico. Buses and metros are also available to reach the beach.

At the end of the day, restaurants and bars open and offer a wide range of drinking and dining options. Nightlife in this district is definitely another must, either you’re looking for a quiet atmosphere or a vibrant vibe in a nightclub.

Where to Stay in the Centro Historico

In the Centro Historico, you’ll have many options to stay, because of the increase of tourism in the city. Most of them have been recently renovated so you can find very nice accommodations, but don’t worry most of them are still great value for money!

⭐️ Best Hotel: Madeinterranea Suites

Very well located, Madeinterranea Suites is within walking distance of lots of shops and restaurants but also very close to many sightseeing attractions.The staff is lovely and very helpful which is a must, and the rooms are really clean and comfortable. Highly recommended in this neighborhood!

💎 Luxury Choice: Palacio Solecio, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

Located in Palacio Solecio, you’ll be welcomed by a highly qualified staff in this place. This 4-star hotel is very well-equipped and provides everything you’d need. The rooms are all stylistic and really comfortable with big size beds. Definitely the best luxury option in the Centro Historico.

💰 Budget Pick: Apartamentos Marques De La Merced

Apartamentos Marques De La Merced is a lovely apartment very well equipped, cozy and quiet which is really convenient especially in the city center. The hosts are providing really good local advice which is helpful to discover the city. This is a great value for money!

Not satisfied with this hotel selection? No worries, If you sure you want to stay in the Centro Historico, you can read my complete guide of best hotels in this district here.

Best Neighborhood for Families: El Palo

El Palo is located on the east side of the Old City about 30min drive/bus from the center. It’s the perfect place if you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the beach.

Pretty similar to a small city, the atmosphere there is really special, quiet and relaxing. Most of the people you’ll meet in this area are long-term tourists or backpackers who want to discover new places.

El Palo is definitely a nice spot to relax especially if you’re with family or elder people, quieter from the city center and close to the beaches of Playa Virginia and Playa de la Milagrosa.

Where to Stay in El Palo

In El Palo, you’ll find many hotels in front of the beach or the sea. Most of the time, they are small hotels with lovely beachfront terraces. Here are my best hotel recommendations in this neighborhood.

⭐️ Best Hotel: MalagaUrbanRooms – Beach & Sea

Located 250m from El Palo Beach, MalagaUrbanRooms – Beach & Sea, is perfectly located close to the beach and a supermarket. This lovely hotel is very nice and clean with very comfortable rooms. It also provides a kitchen very well equipped. Definitely a must-try in El Palo.

💎 Luxury Choice: Apartamento La Jabega

In Apartamento La Jabega, you’ll enjoy a beautiful sea view and a nice location within walking distance of the beach. It also provides many amenities such as a bicycle rental service, ideal for long bike rides along the beach at sunset. The apartments are all clean, spacious and comfortable, which is convenient particularly for families.

💰Budget Pick: Málaga Alcolea

In Málaga Alcolea, the location close to the beach is absolutely perfect. You’ll have access to many facilities and a lovely roof terrace on the top of the building with a great view over the sea. The apartment is very clean and well equipped which is also really appreciable.

Best for Nightlife: La Merced

The lively neighborhood of La Merced is perfectly located in the city center, about a 5-10min walk from the Centro Historico.

The area stands out for its beautiful street art and nice street market where you can taste delicious local food. La Merced is also very famous because of the Plaza de la Merced, which is the place where Pablo Picasso was born.

In the evening, La Merced becomes the best spot to enjoy nightlife in Malaga. In the Calle Alamo and Calle Carreteria, you’ll have the chance to meet lots of people from all over the world and try a wide range of bars and nightclubs. Another must? Everything stays open until late, perfect for wild nights. This is definitely the place to be in Malaga.

Where to Stay in La Merced

If you’re planning to stay in La Merced, you can guess there are tons of options. However, since this neighborhood is pretty busy at night, it’s very important to make the right choice of hotel. You don’t want to be woken up all night by street noises!

Here are the places I recommend, where you’ll be able to sleep when you want to!

⭐️ Best Hotel: Casa de las Mercedes

This lovely hotel is located in the very center of Malaga, staying there you’ll be close to many supermarkets, restaurants and bars, which is convenient. This charming place is quiet and well decorated, you’ll enjoy cozy and comfortable rooms. The patio is the perfect spot to chill after a night outside.

💎 Luxury Choice: Hotel Palacete de Alamos

In the beautiful Hotel Palacete de Alamos, you’ll be welcomed by a highly qualified staff, very helpful and friendly. After a night out, you’ll have one of the tastiest breakfasts in Spain, with lots of choices. You’ll also love the rooms, all very well equipped and really spacious and comfortable. Definitely the best option if you’re looking for a luxury place in La Merced!

💰 Budget Pick: Apartamentos Marques De La Merced

Apartamentos Marques De La Merced provides a top location close to the Picasso Museum and to many shops. The apartments are very clean and comfortable, with a well-equipped kitchen and a nice terrace.

Best Location to Stay in Malaga for the Beach: La Malagueta

The neighborhood of La Malagueta is very well located on the beachfront, on the east side of the city centre. Located only 15min walk from the city center, this is a very nice district since you can enjoy both the beach and the Old Town, all by foot.

This place, which used to be a fishing district, became a trendy place lately. Everything has been renovated and you’ll find many fancy restaurants and bars.

It’s good to stay in the neighborhood of La Malagueta if you want to spend days having fun at the beach. Of course, you’ll have lots of hotel options with breathtaking views on the beach, and sometimes direct access to the beach.

This is definitely the perfect spot if you want to spend your holidays lying on the beach.

Where to Stay in Malaga Beach District

Do you want to fully enjoy the beach in Malaga? If so, La Malagueta is definitely the place to be!

If you’ve started searching for a hotel there, you’ve probably already noticed that prices there are pretty expensive. To avoid those high prices, try booking as early as possible!

Right below, find what are the best places:

⭐️ Best Hotel: Exclusive Malaga Skyline

Close to many shops and restaurants, the beachfront hotel Exclusive Malaga Skyline is very well located. This beautiful place is providing an amazing terrace with a stunning city view, which is definitely the must of this place. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, you can also enjoy a nice view from there.

💎 Luxury Choice: Gran Hotel Miramar

In the gorgeous beachfront hotel Gran Hotel Miramar, you’ll be welcomed by a highly qualified and helpful staff. They also serve a delicious breakfast that will make you start the day on the right foot. This 5-star hotel in Malaga is the perfect place to fully enjoy your holidays and to relax either in the comfortable rooms or on the beach.

💰 Budget Pick: Hotel Eliseos

Hotel Eliseos is really convenient to enjoy the beach and to discover the city easily. In this hotel, the staff is very friendly, they’ll give you good local tips and advice about Malaga. This charming hotel provides clean and comfortable rooms and a nice view of the city. This is a great value for money!

Where NOT to Stay in Malaga

In Malaga, most of the neighborhoods are safe. You shouldn’t have any troubles, especially if you’re going in the neighborhoods just listed above, all of them are really safe.

However, as in all big cities, there are some neighborhoods to avoid. I won’t recommend you to go to La Palma/La Palmilla and Los Asperones which are both pretty dangerous areas.

La Trinidad is not a good neighborhood either, but in this case it’s mostly because it hasn’t been renovated. It isn’t dangerous but just pretty dirty there.

Anyway, don’t worry too much, Malaga is safe and you shouldn’t have any problem there!

Other Hotels in Malaga

Couldn’t find the right hotel for you on this post? Or, you’d like to see more options before making your choice, just in case? 

Then don’t go, I have other posts that will definitely will be useful to you: 

Looking for the very best overall hotels in Malaga? Then check directly this post 👉 The 19 Absolute Best Hotels in Malaga 

If you’re going specifically to Malaga to party, I have a dedicated guide here 👉 Where to Stay in Malaga for Nightlife

And finally, if you’re looking for specific types of hotels, you can find other awesome pieces below:

• The Best Beach Hotels in Malaga
• The Best Hotels in Malaga City Center
• The Best Luxury Hotels in Malaga
• The Best Hotels with Pool in Malaga

I hope you could’ve found your Malaga home through these guides. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!

Final Thoughts

As said above, Centro Historico is definitely the best neighborhood to stay for any visitors, mostly because everything is close, from beach to famous sights. You won’t need to take any transportation during your stay there. Take care and enjoy your trip!

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