The best things to do on a trip to Malaga
From world-class art to delicious local cuisine, here's how to spend your city break in Malaga
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Don’t let pre-trip prep become a hassle: instead do any suitcase-related shopping at Westfield Stratford City en route to the airport. Westfield is just a 20-minute DLR trip from London City Airport, and somehow there’s nothing more satisfying than doing your holiday shopping the same day as you will be wearing your new gear in the sunshine.
Make for Malaga’s mile of art
Malaga has spent more than €100m on art in recent years, and two big-hitter museums include a branch of the St Petersburg State Russian Museum and the Centre Pompidou Malaga, an outpost of the Parisian museum. The colourful glass cube that houses the Pompidou Centre is the best place to start, and is home some of the most iconic artworks of the 20th century.
Treat yourself to tapas at a Malaga institution
Bodega El Pimpi is a true Malaga institution, with a terrace opposite the Alcazaba, making it one of the prettiest places to dine on tapas in the city.
The interior is no less inviting, though, clad in classic tiles, with wine barrels signed by famous diners that include Paloma Picasso.
Travel back in time at The Castillo de Gibralfaro
Malaga is an architectural feast, with Phoenician and Roman ruins, nods to the city’s Moorish heritage, opulent Baroque churches and striking contemporary structures.
Rising above the Alcazaba, an 11th century fortress, is the Gibralfaro castle, built in the 14th century to protect the fortress. The outdoor café offers some of the best panoramic views of the city.
Get a piece of Picasso
You really can’t leave Malaga without paying tribute to the town’s most famous son, and the excellent Picasso Museum showcases Pablo Picasso’s entire heritage. The museum houses more than 200 sculptures, sketches and ceramics and is located in the heart of the old town, minutes from the house where Picasso was born, which is also open to the public as a museum.
Sip cocktails in the shadow of the cathedral
After binging on culture, stroll the labyrinthine lanes surrounding Malaga’s spectacular cathedral, which was begun in the 16th century. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles reflect the long period of construction, and one of the towers was never completed, resulting in a distinctive lop-sided effect. The lanes surrounding the cathedral are lined with tiny tapas bars and inviting cocktail bars, and this is a city that takes cocktails seriously. Some of the best beer cocktails in town are found in the Mañana Bar.
Dine on a tasting menu at Oleo
It’s hard to tempt yourself away from tapas in Malaga, but it’s worth doing so for the tasting menu at super-stylish Óleo, located at the city’s contemporary art museum and with a fitting white minimalist aesthetic. The menu is an innovative mix of pan-Asian dishes including sushi and seared duck breast, alongside perfectly executed Mediterranean fare.
With a central location and check-in just 20 minutes before departure, you’ll have time for a little last-minute shopping when you fly from London City Airport.
British Airways flies from London City Airport to Malaga up to 11 times per week during the summer months. Find out more at ba.com/londoncity