Illustrated map indicating where Malaga is.

#SmilingCities
Málaga

Málaga began fighting that cliché about ‘sun and sand’ a long time ago.

This Andalusian city is much more than that. It’s a leading cultural destination, with many creative offerings centered around museums and art galleries.

It’s also a collection of unique places and wonderful offers for eating and drinking.

And of course, a feast for anyone wanting to walk through one of the most attractive cities in the world.

Illustrated map indicating where Malaga is.

Strolling and Experimenting

Photograph of a wall with a painting and the interior of the bullring.
Title ruta del arte

We like art and we like to walk, and so we propose an interesting and enriching itinerary. Please write it down, because it goes in an order:

start with La Polivalente, followed by Galería Javier Román, La Casa Invisible and La Casa Amarilla. From there it’s on to the Soho neighborhood, where you can visit the Galería Javier Marín and El Estudio de Ignacio del Río.

And then a final sprint to La Malagueta bullring, which offers interesting shows in its lower level.

Photograph of one of the gates of the La Malagueta bullring.
Illustration Center Pompidou
Title Centre Pompidou

Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n

The large multicolored glass cube at the entrance to Muelle Uno welcomes urban explorers.

Its shows are the perfect way to access part of the attractive collection of one of the great Parisian museums.

If you want to see art from the 20th and 21st centuries, traverse that Pompidou cube.

http://www.centrepompidou-malaga.eu/
Pikolinos shoes and Center Pompidou, colorful building.
Carmen Thyssen Museum Illustration
Carmen Thyssen Museum Illustration Title

Compañía, 10

The exuberance of the multi-faceted Thyssen collection is indisputable. Part of the vast art collection of Carmen Thyssen can be found in this museum in the middle of Málaga.

Especially Andalusian painting, but also an interesting sample of art beginning in the 13th century.

https://www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org/
Illustration of the La Térmica building Title

Av. de los Guindos, 48

This center of artistic production and creation has a wide offering that runs from art exhibits to concerts to theater and workshops to learn graphic design, painting or programming.

In addition, it’s a great place for the kids to be entertained and to learn, to the delight of their parents.

http://www.latermicamalaga.com/
Illustration of the La Térmica building
Photograph of a painting exhibited at La Térmica
Illustration of La Araña beach

Some 99.9% of savvy people says that walking alongside the sea is essential.

Go to La Araña beach, in the eastern part of the city, and take the path along the water that reaches El Candado

And if you’re hungry when you get there, sample the best Mediterranean fish at El Tintero, one of the most curious beach bars on the Costa del Sol.

Playa La Araña at sunset
Title Museo Picasso

San Agustín, 8

Although this genius left his native city while still a child, a large part of his legacy can be found in the Museo Picasso.

Its rooms present the life of the painter by means of his work, arranged by chronology and subject matter.

A presentation of the creator that matches his talent.

https://www.museopicassomalaga.org/
Illustration of a box
Image of the wall and the entrance of the Picasso Museum
Title Museo CAC

Alemania, S/N

The epicenter of the city’s contemporary creativity is located at the mouth of the Guadalmedina river. It is there that the old Wholesale Market, with its Rationalist architecture, receives visitors.

It is attractive both inside and out, with shows, conferences and a library.

http:/cacmalaga.eu/
Sculpture by Stephen Balkenhol in the CAC of Malaga
Fondo blanco
Illustration Central Market of Atarazanas
Title Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Atarazanas, 10

Markets are the most faithful portrait of a city: the people who live in it, what they eat and how they relate to each other.

The Atarazanas market is only one among several in Málaga. A suggestion: stop in the places selling fish and shellfish to discover the city’s most authentic flavor.

http://www.malagaturismo.com/es/recursos-turisticos/detalle/mercado-central-de-atarazanas/455
Image of the mural of the window of the Central Market of Atarazanas
Illustration of tourists at the Gibralfaro viewpoint
Title Mirador de Gibralfaro

Camino Gibralfaro

The Gibralfaro hill has had an influence on the city’s development from the very start. It was the site of a fortress designed to repel attacks, and now boasts the most iconic vantage point in the city.

Looking at the sea from on high may seem like a small thing, but walking up to this point and resting for a while is a wonderful experience.

Image of Mount Gibralfaro
Illustration of the Muelle Uno promenade
Title Muelle Uno

Paseo del Muelle Uno

Part of the city’s port was recovered in Muelle Uno, and open area with a Michelin-starred restaurant, museums like the Pompidou, fashion shops, hairdressers and travel opportunities by boat and bicycle.

And all of it just a few steps from the sea.

http://www.muelleuno.com/
Illustration of the Russian museum building
Title Museo Ruso

Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15

Since tobacco is bad for health, the city decided it was a good idea to convert the old Royal Tobacco Factory into a home for art.

The museum, which is located in the Huelín neighborhood, is the perfect place to discover the art of the world’s largest country.

http:/coleccionmuseoruso.es/
Title Pikolinos Málaga

Marqués de Larios, 4

Illustration of a woman shopping at the Pikolinos store in Malaga

Eating and drinking

Photograph of some glasses with wine in the bar of the old guardhouse
Title Antigua Casa de la Guardia

Alameda Principal, 18

The essence of Málaga’s winemaking can be found in the barrels at the Antigua Casa de Guardia.

Sweet wines, olorosos and vermouths in a setting that’s almost two centuries old.

Ah, like a good winery it sells wines to take away.

http://www.antiguacasadeguardia.com/
Photograph of a waiter in the bar of La Antigua guard house
Title La Galerna

Paseo Marítimo el Pedregal, 66

Illustration of two people sitting on chairs on the La Galerna promenade

Not everything in Málaga is downtown. One of the areas with the closest links to the sea is Pedregalejo.

There, along its seafront, La Galerna offers breakfasts that beautifully prepare you for anything the day can bring. And as that day goes forward, there are custom-prepared hamburgers, salads and sandwiches.

Culinary variety, peace and that great salt air.

http:/galernapedregalejo.com/
Fondo blanco
Illustration of some tourists
Title Beluga

Plaza de las Flores, 3

In one of the classic plazas of the old part of Málaga, Beluga offers an elegant setting, fine food, and a catalogue products and preparations, including rice dishes and, now that you mention it, the caviar that gives it its name.

https://belugamalaga.es/
Illustration of hands making a cocktail in a glass
Title Restaurante Matiz

Bolsa, 14

Close by to everything, at the entry to the old part of the city, Matiz is open from breakfast to the last cocktail of the lively Málaga night. There’s only a short break in the afternoon.

The kitchen features Andalusian cuisine and seasonal products gathered from nearby, which are given an international touch.

https://restaurantematiz.es/
Title Bodega del Pimpi

Paseo del Muelle Uno

Illustration of the barrels of La Bodega Bar el Pimpi

El Pimpi sells a wide range of typical local foods.

This winery, a century and a half old, is specialized in fresh produce from farms and, of course, the Mediterranean.

. It is full of details that please the non-culinary senses. Potato salad, gazpacho, croquetas, cured ham, fried fish… And much more.

http://www.elpimpi.com/
Image of a barrel and the entrance to the Bodega Bar el Pimpi
Title Anyway Wine Bar

Paseo Reding, 15

Illustration of a charcuterie board and a glass of wine

Built with attention to the smallest details, this establishment close to La Malagueta bullring offers a wide selection of wines from dozens of different areas.

To eat: many kinds of carefully selected sausages and cheeses.

Let the founder, David Camino, advise you.

https://www.anywaywinebar.com/
Image of a waiter with a glass of wine at the Anyway Wine Bar
Fondo blanco
Fondo blanco
Title Cosmopolita

José Denis Belgrano, 3

Chef Dani Carnero has learned from the best: Martín Berasategui and Ferran Adrià.

With that base and his own imagination, Carnero presents a menu that changes with each season. Every offer glorifies the Mediterranean and the area’s vineyards, with an accent that’s always local.

http:/lacosmopolita.es/ Illustration of a plate with food and a glass
Title Restaurante Jacinto

Avenida del Obispo Ángel Herrera Oria, 7

Shrimp, Norway lobsters, goose barnacles, lobster, prawns, spider crabs, oysters, clams...

Having read this far, and if you’re not already on your way to this seafood haven on the Avenida Obispo Ángel Herrera Oria, there’s not much more we can do to brighten your day.

http://www.jacintomarisqueria.com/ Illustration of people at the entrance of the Jacinto Rest restaurant.
Title Restaurante José Carlos

Plaza de la Capilla, 1

The most exquisite culinary offering at Muelle Uno comes from José Carlos García, who has earned the only Michelin star in the city thanks to some innovative cuisine based on local tradition and products from farm and sea that will get anyone salivating.

http://www.restaurantejcg.com/ Illustration of seafood and a glass
Title Chinitas Urban Hostel

Pasaje Chinitas, 3

Photograph of some Pikolinos in a street with an arch

Among the more typical Málaga places is the Chinitas Urban Hostel, which has a well-known secret: its rooftop.

Welcoming, pleasant and with spectacular views of the Málaga cathedral. An obligatory stop for anyone strolling through the city.

https://www.hotelesfind.com/chinitas-urban-hostel/ Illustration of flower pots hanging on the grille of a window decorating it
Photograph of some Pikolinos in a street with an arch

Sleeping

Fondo blanco
Title hotel Icon Malabar

Tomás Heredia, 11

This recently opened boutique hotel is located in the heart of Málaga’s Soho area.

It’s a pleasant island of peace and can be a base camp for dedicated walkers, remote workers, and lovers of interior decoration and beautiful details.

Peace and design in a pedestrian area.

http://www.iconmalabar.com/
Fondo blanco
Illustration of a woman entering the Soho Boutique Urban store
Title Soho Boutique Urban

Casas de Campos, 8

Illustration of a woman entering the Soho Boutique Urban store

Mediterranen airs, seaside colors, energy and an excellent location in Soho, just a few steps from the city’s historic center.

A boutique hotel that’s an oasis for the explorer who wants to give his feet a rest before the next day of adventure.

https://www.sohohoteles.com/hotel-soho-boutique-urban-en-malaga/
Title Palacio Solecio

Granada, 61

Photograph of the Palacio Solecio hotel entrance

Just a few steps from the Museo Picasso or El Pimpi, the Palacio Solecio is one of the most select hotels in the city.

It occupies an 18th-century building decorated with a number of classic elements.

The head of the restaurant José Carlos García, who boasts a Michelin star.

http://www.palaciosolecio.com/ Illustration of some people at a table in the Palacio Solecio hotel