Looking for information on what to see in Malaga in one day? We’ll present you with a variety of opportunities to make the most of your quick visit to Malaga. Spending more time in Malaga is ideal, but we believe our guide will give you a good perspective.
This guide is equally useful for those who wish to plan a day in Malaga, of course. Just take note of the places that seem most interesting to you, and you’ll have an excellent sightseeing itinerary for your day.
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But it is also true that there is a certain tourist market that only comes to Malaga with very limited time, such as our visitors who arrive by sea, stopping in Malaga on a cruise ship.
October is the start of the high season for cruises in the port of Malaga and during this month alone arrive no less than 48 cruise ships.
Whatever the reason you come to Malaga with limited time, we help you to make the most of your stay with us.
Just take it easy. We don’t think it’s best to run a marathon to see the maximum number of monuments, but to savour Malaga, discovering corners, places and its friendly and open people like the bay that has been welcoming travellers for millennia.
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What to see in Malaga in one day – Our Top Tips
The historic centre is always a good idea.
If we want to enjoy the best of Malaga in one day without dying in the attempt, we have it easier if we limit ourselves to a specific area, the historic centre.
In fact, there are so many things to see in the old town of Malaga, that you will be short of days due to the enormous wealth of heritage it has.
The Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre of Malaga is the main preserved vestige of the Roman presence in Malaga.
It was discovered in 1951 and has become one of the city’s main monuments. Admission is free.
Gibralfaro Castle
A few metres from Alcazabilla street, if we want to enjoy magnificent views over the bay of Malaga from a higher altitude, we can go up to the Gibralfaro Castle.
You can go up either on foot, by bus (line 35) or by car. It has some steep slopes, but it is worth it!
The walk takes about 30 minutes and starts just behind the Alcazaba.
Muelle Uno (Pier One)
Málaga’s port area (Pier One) is a hive of activity any time of year with street performers, street artists, large visiting yachts, stores and eateries, a pop up market… and, of course, the famous Pompidou art gallery with its distinctive multicoloured cube.
Plaza de la Merced
This is a lively square in the heart of the old town.
You can simply sit on one of the benches in the shade of the Jacaranda trees (which are in spectacular bloom in May) and watch life go by, visit the house where Pablo Picasso was born, have your photo taken next to his statue, visit an artisan and book market that takes place frequently or drop into one of the many bars and restaurants to eat and recharge your batteries.
Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución
Larios street is undoubtedly the main artery leading to the heart of the historic centre of Malaga.
Being a very busy street all year round and full of shops, it also hosts the big events of Malaga such as the Easter Processions, the popular August Fair or the Christmas lights which are some of the most beautiful in Europe.
At the end of Calle Larios we reach the Plaza de la Constitución. From there we invite you to dare to lose yourself in the labyrinth of streets and alleys and discover for yourself the thousand charms of the old Malaga.
Alcazabilla Street
One of the most essential streets in Malaga, to get to savour its charm and its people. In just a few metres it concentrates the enormous history of Malaga with many places of interest such as the Roman Theatre, the Bodega El Pimpi, the Albeniz cinema and the entrance to the Moorish fortress Alcazaba.
Alcazaba viewpoint
At the end of Calle Alcazabilla is the entrance to this free viewpoint from where you can enjoy fantastic views of the city, the Roman Theatre and the Cathedral.
There have also been placed letters of Malaga for a nice photo with the Alcazaba in the background. Open from 10 am to 8 pm.
Calle Molina Lario and the Cathedral
Molina Lario street is the other main artery leading to the heart of the old town.
At the entrance of the street we find the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio which we recommend if you feel like going up to one of the best rooftop terraces to enjoy a drink and the beautiful views over the port of Malaga.
We continue walking and a few metres further on we come across Malaga Cathedral.
Atarazanas Market
If you want to literally taste the pulse of life in Malaga, visit the Atarazanas Market in the historic centre, we promise you hustle and bustle, colours and flavours of all kinds.
It’s a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and buy a typical Malaga product.
Next to the market there are several bars with typical tapas, an ideal place to enjoy a cool beer and a well-deserved rest while watching the life in the streets.
Want more? No problem!
Take a look at this article where we present you some of the most charming corners of Malaga.
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