SUITSUIT CITY GUIDE | Málaga
In the south of Spain lies the beautiful city of Málaga. An ancient port city full of extraordinary monuments, rich history, and delicious tapas. Whether you want to recharge at the beach for a day or visit the authentic city centre, the city offers a wide range of options. We take you to this beautiful Spanish city and let you pass by all the authentic spots.
Multicultural
Málaga has a history of three thousand years. Various cultural groups have lived here in those years, from Greeks to Romans and Moors. Their influences can still be seen in the various architectural styles. For instance, there is a Roman amphitheatre, but also a Gothic cathedral. Málaga is especially popular because the city's airport is close to the Costa del Sol. As a result, tourists quickly disappear to this popular area, while Málaga has so much more to offer. With many authentic restaurants, historic buildings, and lively streets, Málaga is definitely worth a visit.
Local
In a quiet little street, hidden away in the centre of Málaga, lies La Recova, a second-hand shop and breakfast spot in one. This is a perfect place to start your day with a delicious breakfast and do a little vintage shopping. Enjoy a coffee and homemade dips on freshly baked bread while observing all the special items they have.
Afterwards, walk around the city centre and visit highlights such as the Alcazaba fortress or Gibralfaro castle. You can of course do this yourself, but you can also book a walking tour with a local. That way, they will show you all the city's great locations and you'll get to know more about the local community as well. And who knows better to tell you about Málaga than the locals themselves? In the evening, eat authentic tapas at Casa Lola. You can't miss the blue and white tiles on the building's façade. Take a seat on one of the high stools outside the door and taste the fresh tapas they serve here, such as the popular patatas bravas, or the original pincho Sardina Lola.
Take a break
Are you looking for a little more peace and quiet? Then Parque del Málaga is the place to relax. The park is close to the coast and there are plenty of palm trees. Here you can escape the busy streets in the middle of the city. There is a wide footpath and unpaved paths with many sitting areas and small ponds. A nice place to unwind during a hot day.
If you walk a little further, you will reach the beach. This spot is great to have a picnic and watch the sunset. Before heading to the sea, head to the food market Mercado Central de Atarazanas to pick up your picnic supplies. Walking in here, you immediately feel the vibrancy of everyday Spanish life. There’s a lot of local fresh food; from fruit to meat, or pastries. Imposing is not something the Spaniards do here, the vendors are very proud of their products and are happy to show them off. They know that a little taste is enough to convince you that they have the best product on the market.
Oldest bodega in the city
Mercado Central de Atarazanas is also home to Málaga's oldest bodega: Antigua Casia de Guardia. The bar is simply decorated and is almost always filled with locals. If you order a glass of wine, it is tapped from the wine barrels located behind the bar. You probably drink your wine there standing, as there are almost no seats. But, before you spend an authentic Spanish summer evening here, we recommend eating tapas at El Tapeo de Cerventas. A typically Spanish tapas shop with no fancy interior. Here you eat typical local products, such as Ibérico ham, goat cheese and a good glass of wine from the region. This is where you will leave satisfied and spend the rest of the evening reminiscing.
Tapastour
Want to completely immerse yourself in Málaga's tapas culture? Then you can book a traditional wine and tapas tour of the city through AirBNB. The host of the tour, Silla, will take you to markets and unknown, local tapas restaurants. An example of one such shop with tasting is El Amacen Del Indiano. The place is known for its authentic and local products. El Chinitas is another place she will take you to, where you can try typical Spanish Jamón Ibérico with a local wine on the side.
Visit museums
Of course, the food in Malaga is one of a kind but it is also nice to discover new things and learn more about the city's history. The Picasso museum is definitely worth a visit. Here you will find several works by Picasso himself, but also by Spanish upcoming artists. Once every few months, they change the exhibits of the artists. Are you not done viewing beautiful and impressive art? Then head to Centre Pompidou. From extraordinary film and photography to beautiful statues and paintings; the museum has a lot of surprising things to offer. This year, Spain's Guillermo Mora showcases his exhibition 'Sí pero no'.
Outside the centre
Málaga's city centre is full of energy and is highly enjoyable, but sometimes you want to get out of the busy streets and find a quiet spot. The Pedregalejo district is perfect for that, located by the sea. The neighbourhood's atmosphere and character give the feeling of an authentic, Spanish fishing village. Tall buildings can’t be found here. If you also want a bite to eat there, you can walk to the promenade and stop at Miguelito el Carninoso. Here they serve fresh fish and Spaniards get in every so often to eat there themselves. The smell of a campfire can't be missed here, as this is the place where they roast their sardines. You can hardly get fresher food than that. The restaurant does not have a website, so reservations are not possible.
Dancing
If you travel to the southern part of Andalusia, going to a dance show is a must-do. Flamenco dancing is wildly popular in this region. Here the versatility of old Málaga shows itself. Flamenco dancing has influences from the Romans and Greeks, but it is still traditionally Spanish. At El Gallo Ronco, you are guaranteed to have a very enjoyable evening. Where people dance, sing, and drink until they can't stand on their feet anymore. You will find yourself in the middle of Spanish culture and happiness.
Sangria
Besides tapas and flamenco, Spain is of course known for their famous sangria. At La Odisea del Vino, you can take a seat in a hidden courtyard garden. The vintage details of the interior are already enough reason to take a look, but the sangria makes it even better. Perfect for a relaxing evening. If you've enjoyed yourself late into the night, you can unwind at Byoko the morning after. This is a breakfast and lunch café where all dishes are made with organic products. Here you can enjoy a fresh smoothie with toasted bread and eggs.
Now you're all set for your city trip to Málaga. Would you like to read about another city? Read one of our other City Guides, like Antwerp or Lisbon.