Malaga, the sun-drenched jewel of Spain’s Costa del Sol, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with modern vibrancy. From its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife to its world-class museums and architectural marvels, this coastal city offers an array of experiences to delight every traveler.One of the most crucial decisions when planning a trip to Malaga is choosing the perfect area to stay.
With its diverse neighborhoods, each boasting its own unique character and charm, finding the right base can elevate your vacation experience to new heights.Whether you seek the buzz of the historic city center, the tranquility of a beachfront retreat, or the trendiness of an up-and-coming artistic district, Malaga has a neighborhood that will perfectly align with your travel style and preferences.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Malaga 💎
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Gran Hotel Miramar
- ✨ 5-Star: Only YOU
- 🏨 4-Star: Ilunion Malaga
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Soho Boutique Urban
- 💸 Cheap: El Nogal
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Letmalaga Gold
- 🏩 For Couples: Pozos Dulces
Quick Guide to the Best Places to Stay in the Malaga 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: Old Town
- 👪 For Families: Malagueta, Soho
- 🏖️ For Beaches: Malagueta, El Palo
- 💸 For Budget Travellers: Soho and Pedregalejo
- 🌃 For Nightlife: Soho, Old Town
1. Historic Center (Old Town) – Great Area to Stay in Malaga for the First Time 👀
🗺️ Central Location: The Historic Center is located in the heart of Malaga, making it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot or via public transport. Many of Malaga’s iconic sights, such as the Malaga Cathedral, Alcazaba Fortress, and the Picasso Museum, are within walking distance, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture.
🏘️ Historic Charm: As the oldest neighborhood in Malaga, the Historic Center is a treasure trove of historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming plazas that transport you back in time. Wander through the winding alleys and discover hidden gems like ancient churches, baroque palaces, and traditional markets that showcase the city’s vibrant culture. Here is a list of interesting historic places:
- Alcazaba Fortress: Dating back to the 11th century, the Alcazaba is an impressive Moorish fortress that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Its imposing walls, towers, and courtyards offer a glimpse into Malaga’s Moorish heritage and provide stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline.
- Roman Theater: Situated at the foot of the Alcazaba, the Roman Theater is one of the oldest monuments in Malaga, dating back to the 1st century BC.
- Malaga Cathedral: Also known as “La Manquita” (The One-Armed Lady), the Malaga Cathedral is a stunning Renaissance cathedral that took over 200 years to build.
- Calle Larios: This pedestrian-friendly street is the heart of the historic center, lined with elegant buildings, boutiques, cafes, and tapas bars.
🍷 Dining and Nightlife: The Historic Center is a foodie’s paradise, with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars offering authentic Andalusian cuisine. From traditional taverns to trendy eateries, you’ll find a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. The area also boasts a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to a younger crowd.
🚶♂️ Pedestrian-Friendly: The Historic Center is largely pedestrian-friendly, with many streets closed to vehicular traffic, making it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot. This also contributes to a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere, allowing you to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of historic Malaga without the distraction of heavy traffic.
🚉 Convenient Transportation: While the Historic Center is best explored on foot, it is also well-connected to the rest of Malaga via public transport. The Malaga Train Station and bus stops are located nearby, making it easy to take day trips to other parts of the Costa del Sol or travel to and from the Malaga Airport.
Where to stay in the Historic Center?
⭐ Best Luxury Hotels
- Vincci Selección Posada del Patio – Vincci Selección Posada del Patio is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Malaga’s historic center. It offers elegant rooms with a mix of traditional and modern decor, featuring air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
- Only YOU Hotel Málaga – Only YOU Hotel Málaga is a luxurious 5-star hotel situated in the city center, overlooking the Alameda Principal. It boasts stylish and modern rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. The hotel features a rooftop terrace with a pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
- Vincci Larios Diez – Vincci Larios Diez is a 4-star hotel located on the famous Calle Larios, in the heart of Malaga’s shopping district. The hotel has a restaurant and is within walking distance of many attractions.
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotels
- Malagacentro – Malagacentro is a budget-friendly hotel located in the historic center of Malaga. It offers simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The hotel is surrounded by local restaurants and is within walking distance of many attractions.
- Coeo Suites Malaga12 – Coeo Suites Malaga12 is a moderately priced aparthotel situated in the city center of Malaga. It offers self-catering apartments with fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and free WiFi. The property features a shared lounge area and is close to many local attractions.
- Pozos Dulces – Pozos Dulces is a budget-friendly apartments located in the historic center of Malaga. It offers simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The property is within walking distance of many attractions, including the Malaga Cathedral and the Picasso Museum.
🛏️ Best Budget Hotels
- Letmalaga Sweet Wells – Letmalaga Sweet Wells is a budget hostel located in the historic center of Malaga, offering dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms. The hostel features a shared kitchen and a terrace, and is surrounded by local restaurants and attractions.
- Hostal Vidamia – Hostal Vidamia is a budget-friendly hostel situated in Malaga, providing simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning and shared bathrooms. The hostel is located near local restaurants and is a short drive from the city’s attractions.
- Marqués de Guadiaro – Marqués de Guadiaro is a budget hostel located in Malaga, offering dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms. The hostel features a shared kitchen and a terrace, and is within walking distance of several local attractions.
2. Malagueta– Best Neighborhood for Family Around the Beaches 🏖️
🌊 Beachfront Location: The Malagueta neighborhood is situated right on the beach, with the iconic Malagueta Beach stretching along its coastline. This long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters is a true paradise for beach lovers, offering ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Top beaches in Malagueta:
- La Malagueta Beach: As one of the most popular beaches in Malaga, La Malagueta is a long stretch of golden sand located right in the heart of the city. This urban beach offers a wide range of amenities, including beach bars, restaurants, playgrounds, and rental facilities for sun loungers and umbrellas.
- La Caleta Beach: Adjacent to La Malagueta, La Caleta is a quieter and more family-friendly option. This wide beach offers stunning views of the mountains and is known for its cleanliness and excellent facilities, including showers, toilets, and a first aid center.
- El Palo Beach: Situated in the charming fishing neighborhood of El Palo, this series of crescent-shaped beaches is a favorite among locals. El Palo boasts a palm tree-lined promenade, numerous seafood restaurants, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the city center beaches.
- Huelin Beach: This long beach stretches west from the port and is backed by a promenade and seafront highway. It’s a popular spot for sports like volleyball and offers plenty of beach bars and restaurants.
🍽️ Dining and Nightlife: Malagueta is a foodie’s dream, boasting a diverse culinary scene with numerous restaurants, beach bars, and cafes serving up delicious local and international cuisine. From traditional tapas bars to trendy eateries, you’ll find a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. The neighborhood also comes alive at night with a lively nightlife scene, featuring bars, clubs, and live music venues.
🗺️ Convenient Location: Malagueta is conveniently located near the city center of Malaga, making it easy to explore the city’s top attractions, such as the Picasso Museum, Malaga Cathedral, and the historic old town. Additionally, the neighborhood is well-connected to public transportation, allowing you to easily access other parts of the city and the surrounding areas.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With its wide beaches, playgrounds, and pedestrian-friendly streets, Malagueta is an ideal neighborhood for families traveling with children. The area offers a safe and welcoming environment, with plenty of activities and amenities catering to families, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable vacation for all ages.
🚴♀️ Outdoor Activities: In addition to its beautiful beaches, Malagueta offers a variety of outdoor activities for those seeking an active vacation. Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, go for a bike ride, or explore the nearby parks and green spaces, all while soaking in the beautiful city views and coastal atmosphere.
Where to stay in la Malagueta?
⭐ Best Luxury Hotels
- Gran Hotel Miramar GL – Gran Hotel Miramar GL is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Malaga’s city center. It offers elegant rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, and multiple dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro – Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro is a 4-star hotel situated within the historic Gibralfaro Castle, offering stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It features rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and satellite TV. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar, providing a unique and luxurious experience.
- Hotel MS Maestranza Málaga – Hotel MS Maestranza Málaga is a 4-star hotel located in central Malaga, just steps away from the Malagueta Beach and the Pompidou Center. It offers rooms with free WiFi, a rooftop terrace with a hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. The hotel is within walking distance of the historic city center and the Picasso Museum.
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotels
- Letmalaga Gold – Letmalaga Gold is a budget-friendly hotel located in the historic center of Malaga. It offers simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The hotel is surrounded by local restaurants and is within walking distance of many attractions.
- Apartamentos Malagueta – Apartamentos Malagueta is a moderately priced aparthotel situated near the Malagueta Beach in Malaga. It offers self-catering apartments with fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and free WiFi. The property features a shared outdoor pool and is close to many local attractions.
- Eliseos – Eliseos is a budget-friendly hotel located in the city center of Malaga. It offers simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The hotel is surrounded by local restaurants and is within walking distance of many attractions.
🛏️ Best Budget Hotels
- California Malaga – California Malaga is a budget hostel located in the historic center of Malaga, offering dormitory-style accommodations with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms. The hostel features a shared kitchen and a terrace, and is surrounded by local restaurants and attractions.
- Lu&Cia City Beach Malagueta 2 – Lu&Cia City Beach Malagueta 2 is a budget-friendly hostel situated near the Malagueta Beach in Malaga, providing simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning and shared bathrooms. The hostel is located near local restaurants and is a short drive from the city’s attractions.
3. Soho – Best Place to Stay in Malaga for Nightlife 🌃
🎭 Lively Atmosphere: Soho is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, especially after the sun goes down. The streets come alive with people spilling out of bars and clubs, creating a buzzing and festive vibe that is hard to resist.
🕺Diverse Nightlife Options: Whether you’re looking for a cozy wine bar, a lively pub, or a high-energy nightclub, Soho has it all. The neighborhood is home to a diverse range of nightlife establishments, from trendy cocktail lounges to thumping dance clubs, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Here is a list of top places for nightlife:
- Gin Corner Soho: This cozy bar is a haven for gin enthusiasts, offering an impressive selection of over 100 different gins from around the world.
- Barsovia Club: Barsovia Club is a lively nightclub that attracts a young and energetic crowd.
- Premier Room Center: Is a versatile venue that hosts a range of events, from live music performances to DJ nights and themed parties.
🚶♂️ Pedestrian-Friendly Streets: One of the best things about Soho is its pedestrian-friendly streets, which are closed to traffic in the evenings. This allows you to explore the area on foot, hopping from one bar to another without worrying about cars or taxis.
🎤 Dining and Entertainment: In addition to its vibrant nightlife, Soho is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. From tapas bars to live music venues, there’s always something happening in this lively neighborhood.
🗺️ Central Location: Soho is conveniently located in the heart of Malaga, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s other attractions during the day. The neighborhood is within walking distance of the historic center, the Malaga Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, among other popular sights.
Where to stay in Soho?
⭐ Best Luxury Hotels
- H10 Croma Malaga – H10 Croma Malaga is one of the best hotels in Malaga’s city center, making it an ideal place to stay for those visiting the city. This 4-star hotel offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and convenience, with air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a terrace. It’s just a 19-minute walk from San Andres Beach, providing easy access to the beach and city center.
- ICON Malabar – ICON Malabar is an attractively designed 4-star hotel situated in the heart of Malaga centro, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the city’s top attractions like the Picasso Malaga Museum and Malaga Cathedral. The hotel offers free bikes, free WiFi, and a terrace, ensuring a comfortable stay in the city.
- Soho Boutique Equitativa – Soho Boutique Equitativa is a 4-star hotel located in Malaga’s city center, just an 18-minute walk from the popular La Malagueta Beach. It’s one of the best places to stay for those seeking a beach holiday while still being near the city’s top sights. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar, providing a perfect blend of luxury and convenience.
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotels
- Barceló Malaga – Barceló Malaga is a 4-star hotel that offers a comfortable stay just a 5-minute walk from the beach and the historic city center. With air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it’s an ideal place to stay for those looking to balance beach days with sightseeing in Malaga.
- Ilunion Malaga – Ilunion Malaga is a 4-star hotel located near the Malaga Cathedral and the Picasso Museum, making it a great choice for those visiting Malaga to explore its cultural attractions. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a fitness center, ensuring a comfortable stay in the city.
- Soho Boutique Urban – Soho Boutique Urban is a 3-star hotel situated in Malaga’s city center, just a 10-minute walk from La Malagueta Beach. It’s an ideal place to stay for those seeking a budget-friendly option while still being near the beach and the city’s top sights.
🛏️ Best Budget Hotels
- Bubu Charming Apartment – Bubu Charming Apartment is a budget-friendly apartment located in Malaga’s city center, just a 15-minute walk from La Malagueta Beach. It’s a perfect place to stay for those looking for affordable accommodation while still being near the beach and the city’s attractions.
- Las Americas – Las Americas is a budget hostel located in Malaga’s city center, just a 10-minute walk from La Malagueta Beach. It’s an ideal place to stay for those visiting Malaga on a budget while still being near the beach and the city’s top sights.
- Pension Terminal – Pension Terminal is a budget hostel situated in Malaga’s city center, just a 15-minute walk from La Malagueta Beach. It’s a great choice for those looking for affordable accommodation while still being near the beach and the city’s attractions.
4. El Palo and Pedregalejo – Best Areas in Malaga to Stay for Budget Travellers 💲
🌆 Authentic Local Vibe: These neighborhoods are known for their authentic local atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the real Malaga. Wander through the narrow streets, explore local markets, and immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of these traditional fishing villages, where you can experience the true essence of Malaga’s culture.
🏖️ Proximity to Beaches: One of the biggest draws of El Palo and Pedregalejo is their proximity to some of Malaga’s best beaches. These areas boast beautiful stretches of sandy shores, perfect for soaking up the sun, swimming, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the beachfront promenade. Top beaches in El Palo and Pedregalejo:
- El Palo Beach: This long stretch of sandy beach is located right in the heart of the El Palo neighborhood. .
- Pedregalejo Beach: Just east of El Palo, Pedregalejo Beach is a series of small coves and beaches that were once part of an old fishing village.
- Las Acacias Beach: Part of the Pedregalejo area, Las Acacias is known for its calm waters, making it another great family beach.
- Playa de la Caleta: Located just west of El Palo, this beach is less crowded than some of the city’s main beaches, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
🍤 Delicious Seafood Cuisine: Being former fishing villages, El Palo and Pedregalejo are renowned for their delicious seafood cuisine. Indulge in fresh catches of the day, savor traditional dishes like espetos (skewered sardines), and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the local chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants.
🚌 Easy Access to City Center: While offering a more laid-back vibe, El Palo and Pedregalejo are conveniently located near Malaga’s city center. You can easily explore the city’s top attractions, such as the Picasso Museum, Malaga Cathedral, and the historic old town, by taking a short bus ride or even walking along the scenic coastal path.
🎉 Vibrant Local Festivals: Throughout the year, these neighborhoods come alive with vibrant local festivals and celebrations, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. From religious processions to food festivals and music events, there’s always something exciting happening in El Palo and Pedregalejo.
Where to stay in El Palo and Pedregalejo?
⭐ Best Luxury Hotels
- Apartamentos La Perla Azul – Apartamentos La Perla Azul is one of the best hotels in Malaga’s El Palo neighborhood, making it an ideal place to stay for those seeking a beach resort experience. These apartments offer a great location near the beach and provide a perfect blend of modern luxury with amenities like an outdoor pool, a garden, and a terrace.
- Mediterráneo Outdoor Pool – Mediterráneo Outdoor Pool is a charming property located in the El Palo area of Malaga, just a 16-minute walk from El Palo Beach. It’s one of the best places to stay for families or those looking for a comfortable base near the beach while still being close to the city’s attractions like the Picasso Museum and Malaga Cathedral.
- Apartamento El Palo Beach – Apartamento El Palo Beach is a great accommodation option located near the beach in the El Palo neighborhood of Malaga. It offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, with amenities like a terrace and easy access to the beach, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a beach holiday in Malaga.
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotels
- La Chancla – La Chancla is a budget-friendly accommodation option located in the El Palo area of Malaga, near the beach and local restaurants. It’s a great choice for those looking for affordable accommodation while still being able to enjoy the beach and the city’s attractions during their stay in Malaga.
- Biznaga Siutes – Biznaga Siutes is a moderately priced accommodation option located near the beach in Malaga. It offers a comfortable stay with amenities like a terrace and a garden, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option while still being close to the beach and the city’s attractions.
- Malaga Stylish Beach – Malaga Stylish Beach is a great accommodation option located near the beach in Malaga. It offers stylish and comfortable apartments with sea views, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option while still enjoying the beach and the city’s attractions during their stay.
🛏️ Best Budget Hotels
- Malaga Alcolea Malaga – Malaga Alcolea Malaga is a budget-friendly hostel located in Malaga, offering a comfortable stay for those visiting the city on a budget. It’s a great choice for those looking for affordable accommodation while still being able to explore the city’s attractions like the Picasso Museum and Malaga Cathedral.
- El Nogal – El Nogal is a budget hostel located in Malaga, offering a comfortable stay for those visiting the city on a budget. It’s a great choice for those looking for affordable accommodation while still being able to explore the city’s attractions like the beach and the historic city center.
- Elcano – Elcano is a budget hostel located in Malaga, offering a comfortable stay for those visiting the city on a budget. It’s a great choice for those looking for affordable accommodation while still being able to explore the city’s attractions like the beach and the local restaurants during their stay.
FAQs about Trip to Malaga ❔
What is the best area of Málaga to stay in?
The best area to stay in Málaga for first-time visitors is the historic city center or Old Town (Centro Histórico). It is centrally located, walkable, and home to many of the city’s top attractions like the Alcazaba, Málaga Cathedral, Picasso Museum, and lively plazas and restaurants.
How far is Málaga Old town from the beach?
The Old Town is about a 15-20 minute walk from the beach areas like La Malagueta beach. So while not directly on the beach, it is still within walking distance.
Can you walk everywhere in Málaga?
Yes, Málaga is considered a very walkable city. Most of the major sights and neighborhoods of interest are fairly compact and easily explored on foot in the city center area.
What is the coolest neighborhood in de Malaga?
The coolest neighborhood in Málaga is considered to be Soho. It has an exciting street art scene, trendy bars, restaurants and a youthful, bohemian vibe compared to the historic Old Town.
What is the best time to visit Malaga?
The best time to visit Malaga is in the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). During these shoulder seasons, the weather is pleasantly warm with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
