Malaga has become one of the cities in southern Europe that attracts more tourism.its offer of sun and beach is joined by a cultural offer of first level.in this post we recommend the best areas where to stay in Malaga for you to succeed in your visit.
Malaka, as the ancient Greeks called it, was founded in the eighth century BC by the Phoenicians who came from the Palestinian city of Tyre.From very early on it became a strategic and commercial port very important in the western Mediterranean, a characteristic that still remains.
With more than half a million inhabitants and an urban area of more than 15 kilometres, Malaga is considered one of the most touristic cities in Europe .It has all the means of transport to get to the city, to move around it – the metro was opened in 2014 – and to connect with other nearby towns on the Costa del Sol.
Moreover, to the offer of sun and beach tourism , we add a mountain area to the northeast (the Mountains of Malaga) where you can also do all kinds of activities related to nature and rural tourism .
Since 2013, the city of Malaga is the most economically active population of Andalusia, surpassing Seville.This activity is mainly based on tourism and a growing development of the technology industry , especially of information technologies In fact, in the Malaga Valley are located delegations of some of the most important technology and scientific companies in the world.
All its attractive and economic dynamism have exerted a great influence on the accommodation sector in Malaga, which is nowadays one of the best in Spain as far as the quality-price ratio is concerned .
The best areas to stay in Málaga
Its more than 2000 regulated accommodations allow you to have a wide offer to sleep in Málaga during any part of the year.As for hotels and hostels, there are more than 100 establishments with a majority of them offering two, three and four stars.
In relation to the price, except for the high summer season, the average per room is between 50 and 100 euros And with regard to the highest density of accommodation to stay in Malaga, this is located in the old town , east of the river Guadalmedina.
1.Centre of Málaga, the best area to stay in Málaga
Although as a district it includes most of the central area of Málaga, at tourist level we can delimit this area in the Casco Histórico and surroundings , including the west bank of the Guadalmedina river.
It is the most dynamic area of the city as far as tourism is concerned , but it is also historically residential.In fact, in the historic centre, 21% of the population is over 65 years old.
It is well connected with the rest of the city by the Avenida de Andalucía to the south, and two more to the banks of the Guadalmedina to the north and south.near the port is the train stop Alameda and there are also several bus lines that run through the centre.the density of accommodation for to stay in Malaga in the old town area is high and with varied prices.
Without a doubt, this is the area with the highest number of cultural and tourist attractions .
The old town is also an ideal place for all kinds of shopping On the one hand, we recommend Calle Granada, with numerous shops and which connects to the Calle Larios In street markets, highlight the Plaza de la Merced .And in the southwest area of the historical centre, a visit to the large Central Market of Atarazanas , where you can buy fresh products.
For those interested in trying the local gastronomy there are places of great interest such as La Terracita de Gibralfaro, in the vicinity of the castle itself.In the central area, there are other places of interest for tapas such as La Tranca, famous for its vermouth on tap; the Mesón Mariano Restaurant, or the Puro Pescaito for tasting fresh seafood.
And to enjoy the night in Malaga , the offer is wide: the Irish Pub Morrissey, live performances in ZZ Pub, the cinema pub Sala Premier or discos like Tennessee Live or Sala Gold.
– Accommodation in the center of Malaga
2.Calle Larios, sleeping in Malaga in the commercial area
Its real name is Marqués de Larios, it starts at the end of Calle Granada, in the Plaza de la Constitución, and ends at the south in the Plaza de la Estatua Marqués de Larios.totally pedestrian and in the center , the access by car is somewhat limited.
Its main attraction is the commercial one, being the street with more shops of the whole city The variety of products that are sold is also important, from electronic products to perfumes, passing by clothes and complements.
So many shops have left little space for restaurants and the cafés predominate more like the Central de Málaga, the ice-cream parlour La Nouvelle Cocotte or the Cafetería Lepanto.
Something similar happens with the pubs and nightclubs, which are located in the surrounding streets, although not much further than turning the corner as in the case of Moonlight or Gin Tonic.
– Accommodation in Calle Larios
3.Estación de trenes de Málaga – María Zambrano, to be well communicated
is the best communicated neighbourhood in Málaga .Besides the train station, a few meters away is the subway exit El Perchel and, a few more meters to the northwest, the central bus station.Av.de Andalucía and the N-340 also communicate the area with the rest of the city by bus or car.
The number of accommodations in Malaga in this area is not very dense, and most of them are four star hotels in Av.
The old Convento Carmelita de San Andrés , recently renovated and which also houses a museum, is located not far from the station.
For shopping, the area is well provided for thanks to the Mercado del Carmen , behind the Convento de San Andrés; the Vialia Shopping Centre, inside the train station, and the Centro Comercial Larios Centro , south of the Jardines Picasso.
The complex is quite big and has many shops, especially clothes shops. In this shopping centre you can find the Block House, an establishment specialized in Argentine and Uruguayan meat.
Outside the centre there are other restaurants such as Mister Noodles, with takeaway food; Mesón Astorga, in Gerona Street and specialized in Malaga food, or Asador Iñaki, behind the train station.
For enjoy the evening , in the surroundings of Parque Huelin you can find the cocktail bar and pub Sala Premier or, for a quieter leisure time, we recommend the Tetería Kinyeti, cozy and informal.
– Accommodation in the train station of Málaga – María Zambrano
4.Soho, excellent cultural offer
Málaga also has its own “Barrio de las Artes”. Soho is located in front of the port of the city, with the Guadalmedina river to the west, the Alameda Principal to the north and the N-340 to the east.
As expected, its main attractions are of an artistic nature, such as the Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga ; the Alameda Theatre , of great size, as well as other halls and spaces that have been established since 2000.
The area also has other places of interest like the great Noria Mirador Princess , already in the port, or the organization of music festivals like the Soho Malaga Sound Festival .
In terms of shopping, the urban markets organised in the neighbourhood are worth mentioning, some of which are based on the exchange of products. There are also specific shops such as Comic Stores or bookshops such as Luces.
The gastronomic offer is guaranteed.Highlights include the luxurious La Deriva, which specialises in market cuisine; Al Yamal, which fuses local and Arabic cuisine; the Andalusian tavern Mesón Ibérico, with a good selection of tapas, or the cafeteria Santa Canela Café.
Soho is also an ideal place to enjoy the Malaga evening on terraces such as De Valeria, pubs such as Level Up Soho, or the Beer Factory, on Calle Trinidad Grund.
– Accommodation in Soho
In addition to this article on the best areas where to stay in Malaga we recommend the following: where to stay in Seville, where to stay in Granada
5.La Malagueta, ideal to stay in Malaga on the beach near everything
The most visited and famous beach in Malaga is La Malagueta, which also gives its name to a neighborhood, this is limited by the Paseo Reding and the Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta, north, and the port\’s Pier One to the west.The N-340 crosses the neighbourhood and makes it accessible by car and bus.
Originally an industrial area, today it is a tourist neighbourhood although it has a high density of local population as in the 1960’s numerous blocks of flats were built.accommodation in Malaga in this area is not very dense, except in the northern area with several hotels.
The Malagueta beach , with more than one kilometre long, is the great attraction of the area.
Near the Bullring, we also recommend a visit to , the Chapel of the Sacred Descent or the headquarters of the religious Brotherhood of the same name.This place has a terrace from where you have very good views of the Alcazaba
La Malagueta is also a place to do shopping In the port is the modern shopping center Muelle Uno, while east of the Plaza de Toros there is an area more oriented to the small shop.
Returning to Muelle Uno, in terms of gastronomy, we must highlight the Paseo de la Farola , with a variety of restaurants specializing in meat For more Mediterranean dishes, we recommend the Marisquería Los Delfines; the Café París, gourmet restaurant specializing in traditional Andalusian cuisine, or the Refectorium, with an extensive menu of Spanish cuisine in general.
In addition to these restaurants, the Malagueta beach itself has several chiringuitos and picnic areas such as Tropicana, Antonio Martín or Miami Beach, to the south.these places are also ideal for the night break , along with others further away from the coast such as Camden Town Pub or the Sala Cleopatra discotheque.
– Accommodation in La Malagueta
6.Ciudad Jardín, residential area
To the north of the city, part of this district was created as an area of affordable housing for the underprivileged classes between 1920 and 1930.today it is a residential area of some 40,000 people.it connects very well with the rest of the city by the A-7 (which borders its urban area) as well as the Avenida de Jacinto Benavente, which runs from north to south.
Part of the Mountains of Malaga are part of the district, so choosing this area to stay in Malaga can be interesting for a break in the mountains Almost in the urban area, we must highlight the Historic Botanical Garden La Concepcion It was built in 1855 with a good collection of tropical plants from around the world.
In the southern area, for football fans and on the other side of the Guadalmedina River, there is the Rosaleda football stadium
Not far from the stadium, but on the eastern side, there is the Mercado de Ciudad Jardín .The building is protected by the City Council due to its historical value, with a large facade of three arches and more than 180 shops inside where you can buy all kinds of fresh products.
Given the size of the district, the gastronomic offer is wide, from tapas bars like Picoteo, in the north, to Mexican cuisine like Veracruz.
It is not one of the most popular options to stay in Malaga, basically because the accommodation offer is reduced to a few hostels.
– Accommodation in the Garden City
7.Pedregalejo, to sleep in Malaga on the beach and with tranquility
Old fishing quarter , Pedregalejo is located east of the city.Also included in the neighborhood is the part of the beach , with residential character and with houses of type villa or villa is also a calm zone to sleep in Malaga thanks to its hotels, hostels and apartments to both sides of the highway N-340.
The neighborhood has few historical buildings, and only the Parish of the Corpus Christi must be emphasized.However, in relation to the tourist offer of sun and beach , Pedregalejo is a place of interest, in fact, it has several beaches protected by piers that make them ideal to go with children.
In front of the beaches and south of Bolivia Street, Pedregalejo has an important variety of restaurants, bars and beach bars .Mafalda, the tapas and fishing restaurant Miguelito El Cariñoso, or La Galerna, experts in hamburgers, also have terraces to extend the night, to which we must add the cocktail bar La Tortuga.
– El Pedregalejo Lodging
Further south, from the N-340 road, is the Mercado Municipal del Barrio .Here you can buy all kinds of fresh products, but the fish and seafood is also served in the restaurant inside.
8.El Palo, a quiet residential beach area
The last neighbourhood to talk about is just east of Pedregalejo.It is rather residential but having beach area has also added to it the tourist offer. In this case, the options to stay in Malaga by the area are more oriented to the rental apartments , especially near the coast.
For the people of Malaga, El Palo, as a neighborhood, reaches the Monte San Anton, north, which may be a place where you can make some hiking .
As it happens in Pedregalejo, the proximity to the coast animates the neighbourhood with numerous gastronomic establishments on both sides of Salvador Allende Avenue.
In recent years, the vibrant city of Malaga has established itself as the most cultural and exciting city in Andalusia, not only because of its dazzling variety of museums, historical monuments and art galleries, as you will see when you explore its coolest neighborhoods, some of them little known to tourists.Read on to find out the best areas where to stay in Malaga :
See also:
Best hotels in Malaga
Cheap hotels and apartments in Malaga city centre
Best places to sleep in Malaga
1.Casco Antiguo
Marqués de Larios street is the gateway to the modern and yet typical Andalusian old town, one of the most interesting districts of Málaga. The street itself is wide and magnificent, and feels more like a Parisian boulevard than anything else you can find in Andalusia, where even the main streets can feel narrow and shady.With designer shops and stylish cafés and tapas restaurants, it leads up from the port area to the largest square in the old town of Malaga, Plaza de la Constitución. From this bright and spacious square, which is often used for concerts and shows, Calle Granada intersects with the lively squares of the old town, all great places to stop for a drink and a bite to eat.This area of Malaga is also home to the city’s main monuments, including the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, Gibralfaro castle, the impressive Roman amphitheatre and the cathedral.
2.La Merced
To the north-east of the old town is Malaga’s most fashionable neighbourhood, La Merced.The neighbourhood takes its name from the lively Plaza de la Merced, where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881; this square is a great place to hang out, full of bars and restaurants with sunny terraces.the fact that it is favoured by street artists of all kinds means that there is likely to be live entertainment while you enjoy your tapas, too.Just off the square is the city’s coolest indoor market, Mercado de la Merced, where you can enjoy cuisine from all over the world as well as buy some of the freshest meat, fruit and vegetables available in the city.Venturing out of the Plaza de la Merced itself, the streets surrounding the square are the playground of a hedonist: Calle Alamo is full of trendy bars and clubs and gives way to the equally popular Calle Carreteria, which is home to La Tranca, the favorite tapas bar for the people of La Merced.
3.Soho de Málaga
Right next to the port, bordered by the Alameda Principal to the north and the Guadalmedina river to the west, is a now neglected area of Málaga that some 50 years ago was a desirable residential area.As part of the initiative known as Málaga Arte Urbano Soho (MAUS), some of the world’s leading graffiti artists have enlivened the crumbling facades of this neighbourhood with stunning spray-painted images.Although there’s a map of the location of the works on the MAUS website, it’s more fun to just walk around, discovering the wonderful murals as you go, and because of Soho’s relative darkness for most tourists (who flock to the city’s more obvious attractions and neighborhoods), you won’t find many other visitors walking around, which only makes it feel more like an adventure.
4.El Perchel
As in Soho, the charm of walking around Perchel is that it is only visited by the most curious tourists.It is hard to believe that Perchel is in the same city as the elegant and sophisticated old town, but for that reason it gives you a real taste of what life was like before Malaga became a major tourist destination.It was – and still is – a working class neighbourhood, many locals made a living with the ocean on their doorstep; in fact, the neighbourhood takes its name from the perches – the hooks on which the fishermen hung their catches to dry – and today, it is still the place where you can find the city’s freshest fish, which is sold at the stalls of the wonderful Mercado del Carmen.
5.La Malagueta
The tall apartment blocks surrounding Malaga’s historic bullring are the most modern additions to La Malagueta, a luxury neighbourhood whose residents literally have the Mediterranean on their doorstep.La Malagueta beach, which stretches along the southern length of the neighbourhood to the large port of Malaga, is the city’s most popular strip of sand and is the main attraction of this neighbourhood. On its western side, leading into the historic city centre, is the relatively new Paseo del Muelle Uno, a charming promenade lined with bars and restaurants from which you can see the huge cruise ships coming and going.La Malagueta also boasts the city’s bullring (named after the neighbourhood), an important arena that hosts several bullfights every August during the annual city fair.
