Last updated on March 5, 2020
See and do the best of Málaga in just two days.
If you love cities steeped in history and culture, you’ll find plenty of wonderful things to do in Málaga – and you can do it all in just 48 hours!
Featuring a wealth of museums, monuments and churches, this Andalusian metropolis has over 3,000 years of history and is famed for its welcoming atmosphere and year-round sunshine.
Often referred to as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, Málaga receives huge numbers of tourists throughout the year, but is still regarded as the most underrated city in Andalucía. Whether you visit for two months, two weeks, or only two days, there is an abundance of places to go and see.
Day One
Orientate Yourself with a Walking Tour of Málaga
Immerse yourself in the city of Málaga with a walking tour and learn about Málaga’s history and heritage. Beat the heat with an evening walking tour, or treat yourself with a walking wine and tapas tour and learn about the local culture through its gastronomy.
Visit the Alcazaba de Málaga Fortress
Once you know where some of the best sites to visit in Málaga are, it’s time to go and see them for yourself. One of the best places to start is the Alcazaba – a large Eleventh Century fortress palace which overlooks the city and its port.
The fortress is rather large and spread out, so you will likely need at least an hour there. It’s well worth seeing though, predominantly for its Roman architecture and spectacular city views.
Travel Back in Time at the Roman Theatre
The ideal place to put your feet up after all your exploring, the Roman Theatre is great for relaxing and enjoying some lunch. The site is free to enter and doesn’t take too long to visit, with only a handful of plaques strategically placed around the theatre to describe its historical significance.
Stroll Málaga’s Famous Calle Marqués de Larios
One of the most famous streets in Málaga, Calle Marqués de Larios features a wide selection of bespoke shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Located in the city centre, the street is the perfect place to watch the world go by, while soaking in the Spanish culture.
Get Your Culture Fix at the Picasso Museum
In case you didn’t know, one of Málaga’s most famous residents was the well-known Spanish artist Pablo Ruiz Picasso.
In 2003, the city opened a small museum in his honour, showcasing a number of his lesser-known works. Get your tickets here.
While you won’t find his most famous paintings like Guernica there, you will still be able to see a fantastic selection of his earlier paintings and sculptures, portraying how his influences changed throughout his career.
Day Two
Nibble Your Way Around Mercado de Atarazanas
The perfect way to start the morning, the Mercado de Atarazanas is one of Málaga’s most well-known markets.
Formerly a shipyard, the market is now packed with stalls which sell fish, cured meats, fruits, olives, cheese, and more.
It’s also the ideal place to pick up any last-minute souvenirs, with a selection of Spanish gifts and artefacts for sale.
Visit Málaga’s Awe-Inspiring Cathedral
No trip to Málaga would be complete without a visit to its iconic cathedral. Nicknamed the ‘one-armed lady’, it’s famed for only having one completed tower and no roof, after its architects prematurely ran out of funds.
Built in 1782, the Roman Catholic church is one of the most beautiful and impressive cathedrals to visit in southern Spain, so it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Sip Your Way Through Málaga’s Museo del Vino
Most people think that Spanish wine only comes from the La Rioja or Ribera del Duero regions of Spain, but that’s not true – Málaga province also produces a large selection.
The Museo del Vino, or the Museum of Wine, is a small museum dedicated Málaga’s history of wine production. Here you will find out all about how the wine is made, and then be able to taste some of the region’s best offerings.
Kick Back on Playa de Malagueta
After all that sightseeing, you’re probably going to feel pretty exhausted. Where better to sit back and relax than on one of the most beautiful beaches in Málaga?
Soak up the rays with an ice cream in hand at the Playa de Malagueta – Málaga’s best city beach and a particular favourite of tourists and locals alike.
A great place to sunbathe, go for a swim or have a drink at one of its surrounding bars.
Final Thoughts…
So, there you have it, the best things to do in Málaga in just two-days. Also be sure to factor in time to enjoy some of the best delicacies that the province has to offer – whether it be paella, pulpo a la gallega (octopus).
No trip to Málaga would be complete without a cocktail on the beach either, and maybe a cheeky ice cream or two as well.
Make it Happen
When to Go: Malaga is a fantastic destination at any time of year, although if you go in August you can also enjoy the Malaga Feria festival. Spend ten days in succession of one another, enjoying a party of a lifetime.
Make Your Holiday Extra Special: Take your romantic getaway to an extra level and book yourselves a great hotel room or even apartment to enjoy total privacy with your significant other. Treat yourselves to something special like a couple’s massage or a food tour while you are there.
Get Around: Malaga is a fantastic city for exploring on foot, and it’s a great place to rent a bike or scooter. If you want to explore the local beauty spots then may also want to check out the Malaga airport car hire website to find some wheels of your own.
More Málaga Travel Inspiration
10 ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO IN MALAGA
WHERE TO EAT BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER IN MÁLAGA, SPAIN ~ AN INSIDER’S GUIDE
