About Malaga |
The sea near Pedregalejo |
Q. How big is Malaga?
Malaga is the second largest city in the Spanish province of Andalusia. It covers an area of just under 150 square miles.
Q. How many people inhabit it?
At the moment, around 600,000 people live in the city of Malaga.
Q. What are the language and the currency?
The official language is Spanish and the currency in use is the Euro (EUR).
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Things to See |
Inside Gibralfaro Castle |
Q. What is Malaga's number one attraction?
Malaga's top spot, in more ways than one, is Gibralfaro Castle.
Q. What's so great about it?
It's probably the best place around for stunning views of Malaga and beyond. This castle dates back to the 14th century and sits on top of a high hill overlooking the city. From the castle ramparts you can get a bird's eye view of some of Malaga's most notable building, including the Cathedral. There's also an interpretative centre filled with interesting historical displays, including things like armour and weapons.
Q. Anything else which shouldn't be missed?
When in Malaga, the Alcazaba is another must-see. It's a Morrish fortress from the 11th century and is filled with pretty fountains and beautiful gardens. You can also climb onto the walls and look out over some parts of the city.
Pablo Picasso is one of Malaga's most notable citizens so it's no surprise that some of the city's top attractions centre on his life and work. To get a taste of both you could visit Picasso's Birthplace and the Picasso Museum.
The house where Picasso was born is located on Plaza de la Merced. Today it houses a museum over a couple of floors, where you can see things like a replica of a studio room, family photos, ceramic works Pisacco created, and even some of this baby clothes.
The Picasso Museum houses around 155 of Picasso's pieces, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and lithographs from all the various periods of Picasso's career. All the different galleries are spread over two floors, constructed around an open courtyard.
On top of those, there is of course the beach. Malaga is extremely well-known for its stretches of beaches, especially in the La Malagueta and Pedregalejo areas. Here you can catch some sun, sea and sand in the company of fellow beach bunnies and heart seekers.
Q. On average how much does it cost to get into Malaga's top museums?
While you do have to pay for the Picasso Museums, the admission fees aren't huge. Two of Malaga's other top museums are free though. These are the Museum del Patrimonio Municipal which houses a selection of artefacts, books, statues and paintings from Malaga's history, and the CAC Malaga, which is the city's modern art museum.
Q. So what's the shopping like?
You won't find it difficult to spend your money in Malaga if shopping is what you're into. The best known shopping area of the city is Calle Marqués de Larios. This is the main thoroughfare in the city centre. It's pedestrianised and lined with a huge number of different shops, both recognisable international names and local favourites.
Another great place to shop is the Centre Commercial Larios Centre on Avenida de la Aurora. Here you'll find lots of stores, including Disney, Swatch, Game, Vero Moda, New Yorker and much more. In fact, this centre has around 153 different shops in total for you to wander around. There are also lots of places to eat if you fancy a break from all that shopping.
For something a little different, why not check out Galerias Goya at Plaza Uncibay. It's the place to go if you're looking for a good selection of Malaga's alternative stores, with lots of handmade jewellery and unusual clothing gracing the shop windows.
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Going Out |
Calle Marque de Larios at night |
Q. Where are most of the bars found?
Malaga has quite a large number of bars and clubs scattered throughout its streets, so you shouldn't have a problem finding somewhere to go for a good night out. There's no one main area that the nightlife is centred around. However, try checking out Plaza de la Merced. There are quite a few bars here, and this tends to be the place where locals start their night. Other areas to go include C/ Luis de Velazquez and the surrounding area. Here you'll find bodega bars and dance clubs aplenty.
Q. Do I need to carry my ID with me when going out?
It's a good idea to carry some ID with you but you might not be asked to show it at all.
Q. Where would you recommend?
For a more typical local experience, you could try La Bodega Malaguena on C/ Santa Lucia. Here you can sit outside or at one of the tables inside, some of which are fashioned from big barrels. Listen to the locals chatter away and check out the musical instruments decorating the walls behind the bar. There's a huge selection of wines, beers and other drinks to sample here, and if you get peckish they do a nifty tapas menu too.
The Weekend Café Bar on Plaza de la Merced is a popular cocktail bar, offering a large variety of drinks from Cosmos to Margaritas. There's also a good choice of beers, and if you fancy something non-alcoholic they do a range of coffees too.
If it's dancing you want, then head to Sala Wengé on C/ Santa Lucia. Here you can party with Malaga's club set until the early hours of the morning. The interior is quite shiny, with lots of space to dance and a few tables as well. The drinks are good value, and there's a good selection.
Q. Anything else I need to know?
If you're looking for something different to do at night, why not try and take in a performance or play at the famous Teatro Cervantes. And if the night is warm, you could take a stroll through Malaga's Parque, located alongside the main thoroughfare of Paseo del Parque.
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Eating Out |
Tapas, a local speciality |
Q. Is it expensive to eat out in Malaga?
Not really. It's easy enough to find places offering special deals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Set menus are popular in quite a few places too, and this will bring down the cost of your meal.
Q. Where is the best selection of restaurants in the city?
Well, if you check out the area around Calle Marqués de Larios you're bound to find somewhere to suit your tastes. Alcazabilla is another street filled with places to eat and drink. If you fancy heading outside the main city area, try the row of beachside restaurants in Pedregalejo.
Q. Are international cuisines well represented?
Yes. Alongside classic Andalusian cuisine, you'll find a good choice of other types of cooking. There's an emphasis on Mediterranean tastes, but you can also choose from Indian, Japanese and others.
Q. Any places you'd recommend?
Anglada on Puerta del Mar is a great spot for breakfast, serving a huge range of pastries and coffees at low prices. It also does a selection of sandwiches, baguettes, salads, and hot meals.
For those looking for a traditional dining experience, Lo Gueno on C/ Marin Garcia is probably the place to go. It serves dishes such as gazpacho, a cold tomato soup, and also does a cheap tapas plate that gives you a great taste of this local speciality. The decoration inside is pretty rustic and you can eat outside too.
Vegetarians and vegans will delight in the Restaurante Vegetariano de la Alcazabilla on C/Pozo del Rey. It serves a varied menu of meat-free treats, with big portions and low prices as standard. Inside this restaurant it's homely and small, with knick knacks spread throughout. The difference here is that the bright yellow walls are covered with messages people have scrawled there in many different languages.
Q. What times do restaurants close?
Lots of places stay open quite late, so you'll generally be able to find a place to eat. Even if it's a midnight snack you're after!
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Transport |
One of Malaga's buses |
Q. What's the public transport like in Malaga?
The main form of public transport in Malaga is the bus system. Services are provided by the Empresa Municipal de Transport (EMT). These bus lines travel across the city and outlying areas. Services are frequent and most one-way journeys cost about €1.
Q. Will I need to use public transport at all?
Probably. It is possible to walk around the city centre quite easily, getting to lots of the main attractions, shopping areas, bars and restaurants. However, if you want to hit the beaches at Pedregalejo, then public transport is the way to go.
Q. Anything else I need to know?
You'll find lots of taxis operating across the city, with ranks in many of the main areas such as Plaza de la Merced. These are another great option for getting around the city as they're quick and cheap.
Book hostels in Malaga | Book tours in Malaga
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