In September, Naivedya & Seyamie visited Málaga together. It was the third time for Seyamie, but first time for Naivedya! In this article, he will tell you everything about visiting Málaga just for day.
What to expect in this article:
A day in Málaga – I dare you 🙂
Málaga — a city known for expats, parties and great summers — was my weekend getaway as the summer sets in the Netherlands. Off to meet my classmates, I was excited to get back to Spain. Having lived there for 3 years, I knew the good, the bad and the sun that kept shining throughout the year. And it was a great time to see if I could still comprehend Andaluz, not Spanish but a version of Spanish that eats up half the words as the people from Andalusia speak.
Now back to the 1-day itinerary. Honestly, I had not been to Málaga, which is super weird and basically meh because I lived in Sevilla for over a year!! Anyway, Málaga has a lot of tourist spots as it holds nearly 23% of foreign nationals — which is a national high for Spain. With that statistic it’s evident that there’s a multicultural vibe to it and also it’s more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, where I also lived.
When to visit Málaga
Let’s be honest — there’s really no bad time to visit Málaga. The sun shines for more than 300 days a year.
- May – September: For warm beaches. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Perfect if you’re chasing that Mediterranean tan
- April – May or September – October: Calmer and more local vibe. This is my favorite period, you can walk everywhere without melting, and you still get those dreamy orange sunsets.
- November–March: It’s mild, usually around 15–20°C, and it’s the best time for city sightseeing, tapas hopping and Christmas lights.
My tip:
If you want both sun and culture, plan your trip around the Feria de Málaga in August — it’s one big week-long street party with flamenco, music, parades, and food stalls everywhere. The whole city turns into a fiesta, and you’ll understand why Andalusians are known for their joy and energy! I loved to experience that in Sevilla!
Read more articles about our time in Spain!
The most beautiful places in Andalucía (and how to get there from Sevilla)
Morning: Sunshine, tapas and old-town charm
Well, if you haven’t eaten Spanish food, I would recommend trying out the local tapas, bocatas and basically all Spanish food. For meat lovers, just remember jamón ibérico & chorizo and the world is your oyster. It’s delicious, succulent and sold everywhere. Do not miss it!!
Anyway, start your day early at Café Central in Plaza de la Constitución, which is a Málaga classic! Order a café con leche and a tostada con tomate (toasted bread with tomato) like the locals. Sit outside, enjoy the sunshine (& food!) and watch the city wake up.
From here, stroll through Calle Larios, Malaga’s most famous street. It’s elegant, lined with the most well-known shops and palm trees. In the summer there is luckily a ‘big curtain in the sky’, which cools everything down. You can see an example of the picture with my classmates. My gf Seyamie loved walking here and going to stores like Sephora.
Don't forget to book a fun activity in Málaga
Afternoon: Art, architecture and appetite
Walk off the food with some culture. The Alcazaba + Roman Theatre combo is right in the center and feels like stepping into a history sandwich: Moorish fortress above, ancient Rome below. If you still have legs, continue up to Castillo de Gibralfaro (yes, more stairs) for those sea-meets-sky views you can’t stop photographing. It will take you some hours, so be aware of that.
After that, it is art time, because Málaga is Picasso’s hometown. The Picasso Museum is compact and human, not one of those museums that kidnaps your whole day. If you’re still in an art mood, swing by CAC Málaga (contemporary and edgy) or peek at the cube by the port (Centre Pompidou Málaga) for something bright and modern.
Last thing for the afternoon: a tapas stop, obviously. El Pimpi is touristy but fun — barrels, photos and a buzz that makes you order one more plate than necessary. If you want something faster: order boquerones (anchovies), croquetas and a cold caña (small draft beer). Simple, salty, perfect.
If you still have space for dessert, grab a scoop at Casa Mira, one of Spain’s oldest ice-cream shops. The turrón (almond nougat) flavor is heavenly! I loved it.
Addition: If you’re into street art, don’t miss the Soho neighborhood — colorful murals, local artists, and that creative vibe that makes Malaga feel younger than it is. Perfect for your Instagram feed!
Evening: Sunsets and sea breeze
In the evening, make sure to have a cathedral moment. La Manquita is gorgeous and slightly unfinished, like all of us. Wander inside or just orbit outside and people-watch. If it’s late afternoon, sneak up to a rooftop bar nearby for a quick drink with city views before the golden hour hits.
Then head towards the beach — because no trip to Malaga is complete without a salty breeze! La Malagueta is the easy one. Close, sandy with that big MALAGA sign everyone climbs on. If you’ve got an hour, dip your toes. If you’ve got two, lie down and become a lizard. Bonus move: order espetos (sardines grilled on skewers) at a chiringuito and taste pure summer.
To finish your day, have dinner like you mean it. Spanish people have dinner sometimes even at 11PM. Pedregalejo (a bit east) is lined with old-school seafood joints where the grills smoke and locals argue about football. It’s quite known under football lovers.
If you have extra time or a second day
I would personally recommend you to stay for more than 1 day in Málaga, 2 or 3 days would be so much better! But sometimes you don’t have more than a day, like us.
Still, if you have more than 1 day, here are other things that are worth it:
- Day trip: Caminito del Rey (thrilling walkway — book in advance)
- Museums: Museo de Málaga for a quieter, elegant collection
- Beaches: Walk past La Malagueta toward Pedregalejo or El Palo for a more local vibe
- Shopping: Atarazanas Market for foodie souvenirs like olives, cheeses and fresh fruit
- Day tour ideas: Nerja caves or Ronda for that “wow” mountain-town view.
Seyamie has written many articles about places in Andalucía, including Ronda
Getting around Málaga
I can be super short about how to get around in Málaga: walk. The center is super walkable and everything is not too far away. If you want to go to the beach, you can also take a bus. Málaga is compact, friendly and sunny enough to forgive you for taking one wrong turn.
Where to stay in Málaga
If you’re here for one night, look for a central base around Calle Larios or Soho so you’re close to all the action. Hostels like The Urban Jungle or TOC Hostel Málaga are fun and social.
If you’re on a budget (like me!), check out Good Vibes Only Hostel — Seyamie wrote a full article on it too, with pods that make you feel like you’re in space! You will have enough privacy and it is really close to the center. So it is perfect for backpackers!
Final thoughts about Málaga
In short: Málaga is more than just a sunny stopover. It’s a city that blends culture, beach, art, food and good vibes into one perfect day.
I would recommend you to stay here for much longer, 2 or 3 days will be better. Putting everything in 1 day can feel cramped.
Whether you’re here for 24 hours or a long weekend, the charm of Andalusia will follow you long after your tan fades.
Did you like reading this article? Have you been to Málaga? I would love to know, so make sure to message me on my social media or leave a comment below.
*Some of the links in the article are affiliate links, so I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
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