15 things you need to do on a weekend in Malaga
Malaga for a weekend, no matter what time of the year, is always a good idea :) In just 3.5 hours by plane, you will move to a completely different world - the land of sun, blue, good food and the Andalusian joy of life. In order to make the most of this time, we suggest what you must do to feel the atmosphere of Malaga with your whole being.
1. Eat a Spanish Breakfast
I know that you prefer to eat your typical breakfast in a rented apartment or hotel, but if you are in Malaga, please make an exception;)
A typical Spanish breakfast consists of coffee (very often served in glasses), orange juice and toast, or "tostados" served as a small baguette (pitufo), a croissant, or a baquette. The most popular ones can be found almost everywhere: tostada con aceite de oliva y tomate (toast with olive oil and fresh tomatoes in the form of a sauce), tostada con aceite de oliva y jamón ibérico (toast with olive oil and long-maturing ham), tostada con queso (toast with cheese), tostada con mantequilla y marmelada (toast with butter and jam). Tea is rarely found on the menu, and in traditional places it will be mint or chamomile rather than regular Lipton.
Where to go for breakfast in Málaga? This is my subjective ranking of the top 10+ places where I visit myself regularly :) Why "plus"? Because it's getting harder and harder to lock in the only and magic 10 :)
2. Shop at Mercado Central - Atarazanas
It is a thriving place, where you will find carefully arranged fresh vegetables and fruits - typical Spanish and more. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see unprecedented in Poland seafood and large fish. The Market is also a great opportunity to learn about Spanish culture and simply see what the Spanish have in the fridge. This is a place where you will see various types of cheeses, jamon serrano, olives, nuts and almonds, which you can boldly try, or local spices.
Open from Monday to Saturday, from the morning more or less until 2 p.m., it attracts not only tourists, but also Malaga residents or restaurateurs in search of the best in Malaga, local benefits :)
I suggest buying olives, salted almonds, hams or local cheeses with the Sabor a Malaga logo.
Find out more about Mercado Central - Atarazanas HERE.
3. Have a drink of vino de Malaga at Antigua Casa de Guardia
As we are close to Mercado, it is worth visiting Antigua Casa de Guardia nearby and trying one of the typical wines of Malaga.
Bodega Antigua Case de Guardia is the oldest winery in Málaga, which has kept its old decor, customs and atmosphere. It is a place where time has stood still, making you feel like in old, traditional Spain. We can find there sweet, young and mature wines served in glasses, such as Pajarete, Guinda, Moscatel, Seco Trasanejo, Lagrima Anejo, Pedro Ximénes, which are produced in local vineyards. Life goes on like a local bar 170 years ago, and the bills are still written in chalk on the bar counter. Cost of one shot from 1.20 €.
All my groups say that this is where I should start visiting, because it gets nicer right away, so feel free to do so;) the wine bar is open from the morning.
4. Drink Coffee in 9 ways
Going further towards Plaza de Contitucion, it's time for another must-see, because I don't know if you know that Malaga is the only city in Spain where you can order coffee in 9 ways. And all this thanks to one of the most popular and oldest cafes located in Plaza de la Constitucion - Cafe Central . It all started in 1954, when the owner of Cafe Central created an original way of serving coffee, based on a measurement system. He was a measure of a finger, because the inhabitants very often ordering coffee used the Andalusian expression "un dedo de café", which verbalized the amount of coffee at the height of one finger. It inspired the unification of the system based on the tastes of its customers and the creation of a unique possibility of ordering coffee. Unfortunately after almost 100 years Cafe Central has been closed in January 2022 :(
What coffee to order? Solo: black coffee without added milk; Largo: a glass of coffee with a few drops of milk - super strong; Semi Largo: black coffee plus 1/4 cup milk - strong Solo Corto: expresso; Mitad: half a cup of coffee, half of milk; Entrecorto: 1/4 cup of coffee plus milk; Corto: almost half a cup of coffee; Sombra: 20% coffee plus milk Nube: a glass of hot milk and 10% coffee.
5. Visit La Manquite
The Cathedral of the Incarnation, affectionately known as "La Manquita", loosely translated means "one-armed lady". The building was erected between the 16th and 18th centuries according to the plans of Diego de Siloé on the site of the main mosque of Malaga. The original project assumed the construction of two towers, but the lack of funds prevented its expansion and the work has not been continued until today. Nevertheless, the Catedral is the tallest structure in Málaga, and the city's development plans prohibit the construction of buildings higher than it. Find out more HERE.
The cathedral can be visited from Monday to Saturday, ticket price € 5, students € 3. However, I suggest going to the temple on Sundays for one of the Spanish masses, which may turn out to be not only an interesting cultural experience, but also a spiritual one, not to mention a few pennies saved;) For those who are not afraid of heights, I also suggest visiting the cathedral's vaults, i.e. Bovedas Catedral. for the price of 6 €. It is a trip to the roofs, during which you have to climb 200 steps of the 18th century north tower, narrow corridors and chapel terraces to climb 50 meters and be able to admire Malaga in full splendor.
6. See the Alcazaba and Teatro Romano
Going further we come across the ruins of the Roman theater in Malaga , lying at the foot of the Spanish-Moorish fortress Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro castle, can become an interesting stop during your walk, a charming place where you can breathe while reading a book, or a point that you will simply want to return and admire.
The theater was built in the first century BC during the reign of Augustus I and served its inhabitants until the third century AD. It was discovered by accident only in 1951. In turn, the Alcazaba is one of the most characteristic points of Malaga, which is worth entering for the price of € 2.20. Alcazaba has numerous courtyards, patios and gardens with an irrigation system, as well as the Torre del Cristo (Tower of Christ), which through for years it served as a chapel, or the Plaza de Armas (Broni Square), which was a viewpoint over the coast. In the palace chambers you will also find an archaeological museum with ceramics found in the Alcazaba as well as Arabic, Roman and Phoenician products.
7. Walk in Muelle Uno
Heading towards the beach, we have to go through the Muele Uno promenade, and then the shopping arcade, consisting of various cafes, restaurants, shops and boutiques. Walking along the Port, we come across parks, playgrounds, moored yachts, and (to the surprise of many people) a chapel built in 1732. which, like the house from the movie Inception, suddenly emerges in the midst of a modern center. It is a testimony to what Málaga really is - history blends with modernity. At the end of our trip, we come across a lighthouse, which is the only one in Spain to receive the female name La Farola. It was built in 1817. and still serves what is at sea.
This is malaguenos favorite spot for a Sunday walk, perfect for me every day. It is here that I run immediately after a long or short absence from Malaga. This is where I can always feast my eye and heart :) Here you will find out that Malaga is a city of light.
8.take a photo next to the inscription Malagueta
Everyone who comes to Malaga must have a photo here :) The famous Malagueta inscription, which is also the name of the city beach. From the city center it is only 10/15 minutes on foot, so living in the center has everything at your fingertips.
Unfortunately, the beach in Malaga is artificial, so do not be surprised by the dark, dirty, and in summer terribly hot sand characteristic of the entire Costa del Sol region. Nevertheless, the possibility of sunbathing and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in the city, without the need for distant escapades, compensates for everything. What's more, a walk by the sea at sunrise or sunset, as well as at night is one of my favorite things in Malaga, I am sure that you will also like it;)
10. Eat Espetos de Sardinas
Traditional Málaga espetos de sardinas are best eaten by the beach in chirinquito, where they are prepared in fires resembling boats. Nevertheless, the best you will eat in El Palo and Pedregalejo, still for only € 2 per serving.
I will also tell you a secret that older malaguenos only eat espetos in the months that do not have "R" in the name - May (Mayo), June (Junio), July (Julio), August (Agosto). They believe that the taste is the best then. Seasoned with coarse sea salt and lemon juice ... just lick your fingers :) You must try it!
9 . Rent a bike and visit the coast
If you are already at the beach, then you can do a walk, preferably a bike ride along the coast. The perfect idea for those who like to spend their time actively and for the lazy who do not want to walk to admire the views and eat something in Terraza El Balneario or further in the district El Palo or Pedregalejo. In turn, the other way we will get to, among others Parque del Oeste.
Along virtually the entire coast you will find bicycle paths and wonderful views. Thanks to this, you will definitely visit Malaga better and faster;)
Most of the bike rentals can be found in the Soho district.
11. View STREETART in the SoHO district
Soho is an artistic district of Malaga and at the same time a dream place for fans of street art, such as murals. Soho is located between the Muello Uno port and the main street, Alameda. It seems to be still a district unknown to many, despite its excellent location and city center.
It is a district where you can feel a real artistic atmosphere. They are created by the shops, restaurants and even hairdressers themselves. In addition, it is fueled by graffti, which can be found literally everywhere - in small streets, blocks or abandoned buildings. It is almost a Mecca for fans of murals, we ourselves counted about 40 of them!
12. Go to the Viewpoint and admire the sunset
Without this place, I cannot imagine Malaga and whenever I think about it, this is the view I have before my eyes. Of course, I am talking about a must for any visit to Malaga - Mirador del Gibralfaro.
The Gibralfaro viewpoint can be entered from two sides - from the Alcazaba (to the right of the entrance) or through the rose park located on the other side of the Port. The ascent may seem steep and frightening, nothing could be further from the truth. A slow walk will reach the top in about 20 / max 30 minutes. Nevertheless I do not recommend going up in the heat, because in the middle of the day the road can be tiring and the better idea wold be go there in the evening, with lower temperatures.
The best moment - in my opinion - is of course the sunset. Stop there for a moment, take a deep breath and enjoy this amazing city view.
13. Have a drink at one of the Terraces
Few tourists know that Malaga is the "city of terraces". The climate and days full of sunshine favor the creation of bars, terraces, vantage points, or city gardens with swimming pools on the roofs of buildings. Residents fill them with flowers, sun umbrellas or even swimming pools, arranging a perfect place to relax. In turn, hotels organize other attractions for their guests, (fortunately) making them available also for other tourists.
Perfect for a refreshing tinto de verano during the day or a drink in the evening or the beginning of a bustling night, as the terraces are open all night. One of my favorites is the Terrace of the Marriot Hotel - AC Palacio, the Terrace of the Chinitas Hostel or the Terrace of San Jua n. You can find my list of terraces in Malaga HERE.
14. Go out in the evening for Tapas
The tradition of going out for tapas in the evening is deeply rooted in the Spanish culture, and every opportunity to eat tapas with friends is good;) the best time is either lunch (1 p.m. - 4 p.m.) or just in the evening, when after a hot day, it swarms a bit cooler and everyone goes out to the streets and the city comes to life. Malaguenos have dinner late between 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm and this is where the tapas bar and restaurants are busiest.
The form of eating tapas is sometimes misunderstood by our countrymen, but the small portions that we share with our companions will certainly allow us to taste more Spanish delicacies :) And always a red wine or refreshing tinto de verano.
You can find the list of the best places to eat in Málaga HERE.
15. Visit one of the Museums
Málaga was once among the top 5 Spanish cities with the best cultural offer. And no wonder, because everyone will surely find something for themselves. My favorite is the Museo de Malaga (free entry) as well Pompid Centro . Certainly fans of the Málaga-born Picasso will run to his museums ( Museo de Picasso ) , nevertheless, I would argue that if it is only on Sundays, when admission to all museums in Málaga is free.
Musea worth seeing: Museo Automovilo, CAC, Museo Rudo, Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga. List HERE.