Midsize Woman

I didn’t really think about visiting Málaga until my parents mentioned they were running the Málaga Marathon. I wasn’t chasing another big European city. I didn’t have a long list of sights. I just wanted to support them and enjoy a few days in the south of Spain.

If you’re a first-timer who loves slow travel, sunshine, and a city that feels alive and livable, Málaga might surprise you too.

Where to Stay in Málaga

I stayed in the Old Town (Centro Histórico), and for a first visit, I honestly think it’s the easiest and most practical place to stay, especially if you’re traveling on a budget like I do.

Everything is close. I could walk to the main sights, cafés, bars, and even the harbor without thinking about transport. That alone made the trip feel slower and more relaxed.

Old Town (Centro Histórico) – Best Overall

If you want to be in the middle of things, this is the area to choose.

• Most attractions are within walking distance
• Lots of hostels, guesthouses, and simple apartments
• Easy to pop back to your place during the day

It can get busy, especially in the evenings, so I’d suggest staying on a quieter side street rather than right on a main road.

Mid-Range Options: Soho & La Malagueta

If you want a bit more comfort but still want to stay close to the center:

• Soho feels more local and artsy, and it’s still an easy walk to Old Town
• La Malagueta is good if you want to be near the beach and don’t mind a 15–20 minute walk into the center

Both are good choices if Old Town feels too busy for you.

Fancy Stays

If budget isn’t an issue, Málaga has plenty of nicer hotels, especially near the beach or slightly outside the center. You’ll get more space, views, and quiet but you’ll probably rely more on taxis or longer walks.

Things to Do in Málaga (All Easy to Walk)

I stayed right in the center, and what I liked most about Málaga is how walkable it is. I didn’t use public transport at all. Most days, I just walked out the door and let the city decide the pace.

The Old Town is flat, compact, and pleasant to walk around. Even when it gets busy, it never feels too stressful.

1. Walk Around the Old Town

This was honestly my main activity. I spent a lot of time just walking with no real plan.

• Narrow streets
• Small plazas
• People sitting outside with coffee or wine
• Street musicians here and there

Some mornings were quiet, especially early. Evenings were livelier, but still relaxed. Málaga feels like a place where people actually spend time outside, not just pass through.

2. Málaga Cathedral

The cathedral is right in the middle of the Old Town, so you’ll pass it naturally while walking around. Locals call it La Manquita because one of the towers was never finished.

I went inside using a little budget trick: there’s a free entry window in the mornings, usually Monday to Saturday around 8:30–9:00 AM, and on Sundays until about 9:30 AM. It was quiet, I could explore at my own pace, and it didn’t feel rushed. Even just sitting nearby afterward and watching people go by felt like part of the experience.

3. Shopping Around Calle Larios

Calle Larios is the main shopping street. It’s busy, but it’s also part of everyday life in Málaga.

I walked through a few times, mostly just to look around and people-watch. The smaller streets nearby are nicer if you want to escape the crowds and find quieter cafés or local shops.

4. Alcazaba & Gibralfaro Fortress

This was one of my favorite things to do.

The Alcazaba is a fortress built into the hill, and walking through it gives you great views over the city and the harbor. It’s historic but not overwhelming, and it’s easy to take your time.

If you still have energy, you can keep going up to Gibralfaro for even better views. I went later in the day when it was cooler, which made the walk much more enjoyable.

5. El Pimpi (The Famous Bar)

If you ask anyone about bars in Málaga, El Pimpi always comes up.

Yes, it’s popular with tourists, but it’s also part of the city’s identity. I stopped by for a drink and a small bite, enjoyed the atmosphere, and moved on. It’s worth seeing once, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

6. Málaga Harbor (Muelle Uno)

The harbor area is an easy walk from the Old Town and a nice place to slow down.

I liked coming here in the late afternoon. There’s a breeze, open space, and views back toward the city and the Alcazaba. It’s a good spot for a quiet walk or to sit and do nothing for a while.

7. Picasso Museum Málaga (Free Entry Hack)

One of the most famous museums in Málaga is the Picasso Museum (Museo Picasso Málaga), partly because Picasso was born here and partly because the collection gives you a great look at his life and work right in his hometown.

I actually went inside it for free, here’s how: the museum offers free admission every Sunday during the last two hours before closing (often something like 5 PM–7 PM, depending on the season). I queued for about 30 minutes to get in, but once inside, it was definitely worth it. The rooms aren’t huge, so you can explore at your own pace, and seeing original works in this setting was a memorable experience.

Just keep in mind that the free time window gets very crowded, so arriving early and being patient in line is part of the budget travel adventure!

8. Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Exploring the local market is a must on any Málaga itinerary. At Mercado Central de Atarazanas, you’ll find stalls overflowing with fresh produce, seafood, meats, olives, nuts, and other local specialties from across Andalusia.

The market building itself is beautiful, it was once a Moorish shipyard, and you can still feel that old‑world charm mixed with everyday local life. That said, it can feel a bit touristy around the bar inside, where visitors stop for a drink or tapas, so try to wander the main stalls to get the most authentic experience.

9. Sunset or Evening Walk Along the Seafront

After a day of sightseeing, one of my favorite quiet moments was walking the seafront promenade toward La Malagueta as the sun was going down. The air is cooler, the light softer, and it’s an easy, peaceful way to end a day of exploring

Final Thoughts

I came to Málaga thinking it would be a quick stop for the marathon, but the city surprised me. It’s walkable, sunny, and full of life, yet it never feels overwhelming. For a first-time visitor, especially someone traveling on a budget, it’s easy to explore, relax, and still feel like you’re seeing a lot.

As an Indonesian traveling in Europe, Málaga gave me the vibe I always imagined: historic streets, lively plazas, outdoor cafés, and the feeling that life moves at a gentle pace. It’s not flashy or crowded like some bigger Spanish cities, but that’s exactly why I loved it.

Would I come back? Absolutely. Next time, I’d spend more days just wandering, sipping coffee, exploring markets, and letting the city unfold at its own rhythm.