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The Andalusian city of Malaga is one of the oldest port cities in the world, having been founded in the 8th century. It’s loaded with fascinating historic and cultural attractions, and it boasts beautiful architecture and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean coastline.
If you’re planning a visit to this Spanish gem, you might be wondering which part of the city to stay in. Let’s take a look at Malaga’s most popular districts for tourists and highlight some of its best hotels and resorts to help you plan a fantastic trip.
Old Town (El Centro) for History Buffs
Photo Credit: Dziewul
Highlights: Museo de Malaga, Gibralfaro Castle, La Alcazaba, Malaga Cathedral, Teatro Romano de Malaga
Old Town, also known as Malaga Centro or the Historic Center, is the oldest part of the city and it’s where many of the most popular tourist attractions can be found. There are some spectacular historic buildings here, such as Gibralfaro Castle, La Alcazaba, Malaga Cathedral, and Teatro Romano de Malaga (the Roman Theater).
In addition to the tourist attractions, Old Town also has a fantastic bar and restaurant scene. There are lots of tapas bars tucked away down narrow streets, and you’ll also find plenty of wineries, microbreweries, and seafood restaurants.
As for accommodation, there’s a mix of mid-range and luxury hotels in Old Town but the central location means that rooms are on the more expensive side compared to other parts of the city. You’re paying for both atmosphere and convenience when you stay here — public transport links are good, many sights are within walking distance, and you can reach the beach in ten minutes on foot.
Where to Stay in Old Town
Check in to one of these popular hotels in Old Town:
- Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio is a luxury hotel offering spacious rooms with a private balcony. It offers complimentary high-speed WiFi, a fitness center, a rooftop pool and bar, and air conditioning throughout.
- Ilunion Malaga is a great-value 4-star hotel that lies just a block away from the beach. It has indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with steam rooms, and an excellent breakfast buffet.
- Molina Lario is a modern 4-star hotel that lies at the heart of the city center’s bars and clubs. It has a rooftop pool, a sun deck, and a coffee bar, and it offers 24-hour room service.
- Palacio Solecio is a distinguished 1776 palace that has been elegantly restored. Its refined rooms and suites include WiFi, flatscreen TVs, minifridges, safes, and marble bathrooms.
- Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro offers some of the best views of the city and bay from its perch on Mount Gibralfaro. It has a rooftop swimming pool and gorgeous common areas to relax in.
- Only You Hotel Malaga is a chic upscale hotel with a rooftop bar that has an infinity pool and hammock area to lounge in. Its rooms are equipped with WiFi, smart TVs, and Nespresso machines, and its upgraded rooms and suites offer additional perks like sea views, balconies, sitting areas, and freestanding bathtubs.
- Petit Palace Plaza Malaga is a modern hotel set in an attractive traditional building that is a four-minute walk from Malaga Cathedral. It provides free WiFi, welcomes pets, and has a complimentary bike rental service.
La Merced for Night Owls
Photo Credit: Mikael Damkier
Highlights: Bars, nightclubs, jazz bars, theaters, Plaza de la Merced, Picasso Museum
Malaga is one of Spain’s renowned nightlife hotspots, and much of the after-dark action takes place in La Merced, particularly along Calle Carreteria and Calle Alamos. There are copious bars, clubs, and discos to choose from, with parties going on until the early hours of the morning. You’ll also find theaters, concert halls, and exhibition spaces where all sorts of artistic events take place, including live music and dance performances, fashion shows, and film festivals.
Plaza de la Merced, one of Malaga’s best-known squares, is a vibrant hub of activity both day and night. It’s here where the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso was born. You can learn about his life and works at The Picasso Museum which lies nearby.
If you want to be at the center of Malaga’s nightlife, stay in La Merced. There’s a range of accommodation options available, including boutique hotels and budget spots. Just keep in mind that it’s noisy at night, so you won’t get much rest if you’re one for an early night.
Calle Larios for Shopping Addicts
Photo Credit: katatonia82
Highlights: Plaza de Larios, Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga
Calle Larios was named after the Larios family, who played a major role in the expansion of Malaga’s economy in the 19th century. It is one of the city’s best-known shopping streets because it’s lined with a variety of stores, including independent boutiques, Spanish brands, and international fashion houses. There are also several cafes, bars, and restaurants along Calle Larios where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and bite to eat as you watch the world go by. The street is particularly beautiful during the holiday season when it is illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.
There are plenty of hotels surrounding Calle Larios, some of which are fairly luxurious while others are suitable for tight budgets. You’re within convenient walking distance of many central attractions when you stay here, such as Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga.
Soho for Hipsters
Photo Credit: Pabkov
Highlights: Street art, Museum of Imagination.
Soho is a trendy neighborhood with a bohemian atmosphere, and it’s the perfect base for fans of all things creative. The Malaga Arte Urbana Soho (MAUS) project has transformed the area into a cool street art gallery, and you can easily spend hours wandering the streets to take in the big and small murals that decorate Soho’s buildings. There are also two cool markets to check out. Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a great spot for fresh produce and tapas. Made in Soho Market on the first Saturday of each month is where local artists, craftspeople, and antique dealers sell their wares.
Although there aren’t too many attractions in Soho beyond the street art and the Museum of Imagination, the area isn’t too far from Old Town. Plus, public transport links are great. You can take the intercity bus to other neighborhoods within Malaga or head to the nearby Mario Zambrano train station to venture further afield. The train is the easiest way to reach other parts of Andalusia, such as Granada and Seville, or the Costa del Sol’s beach resorts, including Cadiz, Marbella, and Torremolinos. It’s also a handy and affordable way to reach Malaga Airport.
Where to Stay in Soho
Room Mate Valeria is a great place to stay in Soho. It’s a 4-star hotel with an outdoor pool and hospitality staff available 24/7 to help with arranging tours and tickets to local attractions.
El Perchel for Budget Travelers
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
Highlights: Convento de San Andres
El Perchel lies southwest of Old Town and across the Guadalmedina River. It’s far less developed than the center of the city. You might spot fishermen bringing in their catch if you wander down to the port, and you’re more likely to interact with locals when you check out the bars and seafood restaurants in this neighborhood. Attractions are few and far between, but there is Convento de San Andres to check out, which is a former convent, hospital, barracks, and prison.
If you’re backpacking or working with a tight budget, El Perchel is a great location to stay in. It’s close enough to Malaga city center that it’s easy to explore the sights, but far enough away that hotel rates are more affordable. It’s not as chic or sophisticated as the center, but it might give you a taste of authentic life in Andalucia.
La Malagueta for Beach Bums
Photo Credit: Roberto Sorin
Highlights: Playa de La Malagueta, Plaza de Toros La Malagueta
La Malagueta lies along the eastern edge of the Old Town and it’s renowned for its beach. Locals and tourists alike flock to the sun-soaked sands of La Malagueta Beach to swim, sunbathe, jet ski, paddleboard, and kayak. There are ample opportunities to rent equipment, and the warm waters are comfortable and calm enough for people of all ages, including kids. The beachside area is lined with bars and restaurants and this creates a fantastic laid-back atmosphere throughout the day and night.
Aside from the beach, La Malagueta has few attractions of its own, although it lies fairly close to the city center’s main sights and offers fantastic views of La Alcazaba. It also has its own bullfighting ring which offers guided tours for you to learn about the long history of bullfighting in Spain. There are lots of hotels to choose from, but they’re in very high demand given their convenient proximity to the beach, so book well in advance if you want to stay here.
Where to Stay in La Malagueta
Gran Hotel Miramar GL is an elegant property that dates back to 1926 and boasts two outdoor pools, a gym, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. Its refined rooms include free WiFi and you can upgrade for a sea view or balcony.
El Palo for Families
Photo Credit: nito
Highlights: Playas del Palo
El Palo, which lies some six miles east of the city center, was once a traditional fishing village, but over recent years, it has developed into a popular destination for those looking for a slightly quieter pace of life than in the heart of the city. It has a long, smooth stretch of beach that‘s significantly less crowded than the likes of La Malagueta Beach. Its seafront promenade is lined with beach bars, eateries, and play areas for the kids, and its atmosphere on an evening is far more mellow than in the city.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach break with historic attractions nearby, El Palo is a great base. You can reach Old Town in 20 to 30 minutes by road, and public transport links are good if you don’t want to hire a car.
Pedregalejo for Foodies
Photo Credit: Eduardo Lopez
Highlights: Playa Pedregalejo
Pedregalejo is just five miles away from Malaga city center but it offers a totally different experience than that of Old Town. It’s a laid-back neighborhood with an authentic local vibe — think charming narrow streets and traditional fishermen’s cottages. Its promenade is lined with bars that are popular with locals and tourists alike for a relaxing drink and bite to eat. There are also fantastic seafood restaurants here which is why foodies ought to pay Pedregalejo a visit even if they don’t stay here.
There aren’t too many hotels to choose from in Pedregalejo, but this means smaller crowds on the beach and a more authentic experience. You might have luck finding an apartment or villa rental for a self-catered vacation.
Choose Your Home Away From Home in Malaga
Malaga has a huge variety of accommodation options on offer and neighborhoods to suit all tastes. Which of these areas is the best fit for your next Andalusian adventure?
