Take a guided tour of the Alcazaba, an 11th-century citadel, to learn about its history and admire its exquisite Al-Andalus architecture. This fortress, which sits at the base of Mount Gibralfaro, is attractive because of its historic arches, patios, lovely Mozarabic water features, and well-kept gardens. You will be astounded by the stunning views over the city and port from its peak.
One of the most famous Malaga tourist attractions, a church built in the Renaissance style, the Malaga Cathedral (Cathedral of the Encarnación) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its expansive courtyard, finely designed chapels, and exquisite frescoes all depict the regal beauty of bygone times. The building was built on top of a mosque from the 15th century. From here, be amazed by the view of the city and the setting sun from the rooftop patio.
Among the best places to visit in Malaga, for lovers of art and history, the Picasso Museum, located in a beautifully maintained 16th-century Buenavista Palace, is a must-see Malaga attraction. It houses more than 285 paintings and sketches from the late 19th to early 20th century, some of his most magnificent creations. The stunning architecture of the building adds to the collection's attraction.
The late 18th-century structure known as the Palacio de la Aduana de Málaga (Customs Palace) was initially constructed as a customs facility for Málaga Port. The former Malacitana Museums of Fine Arts and Archaeology's collections are now displayed there as part of the Malaga Museum. The building is a well-known landmark in Malaga and the best example of neoclassicism in the city.
The Malaga park's curved lines enclose and define islands of various proportions, giving the impression that you are in a landscape rather than a rectangular area. There are many picturesque areas inside the park, including many stands and kiosks, like the bandstand, and multiple fountains, including the Fountain of Swans or of Genoa in the La Cascada garden, a stunning Renaissance fountain commissioned by Charles V.
Take a trip up the rugged Mount Gibralfaro, a 130-metre summit in the Montes de Malaga mountain range, if you're in the vibrant and busy city of Malaga searching for unforgettable things to do. It is one of the most visited Malaga tourist attractions, with fantastic views of the enormous city below, bordered by the dazzling Mediterranean, from the summit of Mount Gibralfaro. The Castle of Gibralfaro is located at Gibralfaro's peak, in addition to this amazing view.
One of Malaga's oldest churches and Malaga places to visit, Santuario de la Victoria, is devoted to the patroness of the diocese and the city. It is well known for its spectacular Retablo, the crypt, and a chapel with a little figure of the Virgin and Child dating from the fifteenth century. It also features Camarin Torres, one of Spain's first changing room towers.
The Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga is one of the best places to visit in Malaga, if you are a history enthusiast. Explore the vast collection of Spanish paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries at the Carmen Thyssen Museum, paying special attention to Andalusian art. Visit the temporary exhibits or schedule a guided tour to discover more about the collection's history in an engaging way from a knowledgeable guide.
The Central Market Atarazanas, one of Malaga's architectural wonders, is a fantastic location to try local cuisine and learn about local traditions. Fresh, inexpensive local produce, seafood, pork, and cheese are available for purchase here. The market, which is always crowded until the afternoon, features Moorish architecture from the 14th century and 19th-century industrial design.
One of Málaga's busiest and priciest pedestrian thoroughfares to visit for dining, shopping, or taking in the city's nightlife is Calle Larios. It is primarily decorated, and both locals and tourists are drawn to it by its festive mood, activities, and ongoing art and photography exhibitions. You can relax on one of the many benches and take in the activity of this continually busy street.
One of the best Malaga places to see, the Roman theatre in Malaga is the city's oldest structure and one of the few preserved Roman buildings in Andalusia. This area of the city centre of Malaga is one of the most historically significant and stunning locations in all of southern Spain because of its placement at the foot of the Alcazaba.
Among the most unique Malaga tourist attractions to visit, the most extensive auto-related museum in Spain is the Automobile and Fashion Museum. The visit to the museum is interwoven with the three extremely disparate subjects of autos, fashion, and art. Visitors from all over the world come to see the collection of rare vintage cars, prototypes, and design models.
Among the most visited Malaga tourist attractions, the Museum Jorge Rando tops the list. This amazing Museum is the first expressionist museum in the nation devoted exclusively to the paintings of Jorge Rando. It holds sporadic exhibitions of the works of fellow Expressionists and houses a sizable collection of his paintings. The museum offers free guided tours, seminars, art-themed movies, and the opportunity to observe artists in action.
Among the best beaches and places to visit in Malaga, is the Playa de la Malagueta, with friends and family. Though there aren't many beaches in the city limits of Malaga, the Playa de la Malagueta is the busiest and nearest to the old part of town. The vast sand and pebble shoreline of this lovely urban beach is complemented with a promenade lined with swaying palm palms.
The lovely botanical gardens of Malaga are located in the surrounding suburb of "La Concepción," just 15 minutes by bus from the city centre, if you feel like spending the afternoon outside of the city. Amid 49 hectares of tropical forest and 23 hectares of botanical gardens, the gardens, which date from the middle of the 19th century, exhibit wildlife and flora as well as trees from five different continents.
Among the most unique and top Malaga places to visit, is the Glass and Crystal Museum, which is filled with timeless collections of rare crystals. The Museum of Glass and Crystal in Malaga has a large collection of glass art dating from antiquity to the present. Along with pieces of stained glass artwork from the 19th century and Art Deco designs from the 20th century, the Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine cultures are all represented.
A former mosque and now a place of worship for both Christians and Muslims, this grand mosque-cathedral is a noteworthy example of Islamic culture blended with traditional Spanish artistry. It has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is considered by many to be among the most beloved places to visit in Cordoba.
The construction of the 'Palm Garden of Surprises' along the promenade, which has a tropical vibe, has played a major role in the transformation of Málaga's longest continuously operating port into one of its most aesthetically beautiful and vibrant locations in recent years. The location is also ideal for a stroll in the early evening or for observing the massive cruise ships as they enter and exit the Mediterranean.
Among the less-visited Malaga tourist attractions, is the Plaza del Obispo, which is a historic square in the city of Malaga. The square was altered by the erection of various religious structures in the 18th century, had further modifications in the 20th century, and dates back to the Moorish era of the city's history. The plaza also features a lovely fountain in the middle that was constructed in the late 18th century.
The Museo Revello de Toro, a museum dedicated to the famous Malaga-born portrait painter and figurative artist, is presently located in the former residence of the sculptor Pedro de Mena. It has six exhibition halls and originally opened its doors in 2010. The Félix Revello de Toro show, which features 116 of the artist's pieces in the first and second, includes Elements of Survival (1950), My Mother (1950), and Self-portrait (1990).