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Located roughly in the middle of the coastline of Andalusia, Málaga is a pleasant, mid-sized city with lively city beaches and easy access to some of southern Spain’s best. Much more modern and less outwardly charming than historic cities like Sevilla and Granada, it’s often unfairly written off as somewhere not worth visiting.

But the fact that it’s not as pretty as two of Spain’s most lovely cities isn’t a fair standard to be judged against. If that was the measure of every place, there’d be no reason to ever go anywhere other than Rome or Paris!

Judged on its own terms, Málaga is a very enjoyable town with a perfect Mediterranean vibe. With its pleasant temperatures and sunny weather almost all year round, it’s a great place to walk or ride a bike. It has a pretty, compact old town full of busy restaurants and tapas bars. Right there or in its closest proximity, you’ll find great museums to visit, wide beaches to relax on, and a beautiful Moorish castle with gardens to wander around.

The city used to be mainly an industrial port and was not a popular tourist destination as recently as 30 years ago. This history is still visible if you look close enough, but the city has undergone a big transformation in the last few decades. The center has been renovated, making it very tourist-friendly. The port was remade and now features a wide esplanade, which makes for great walks by the sea, and a luscious stripe of greenery is neatly nestled between these two areas.

Spreading out narrowly along the coast (at least on the eastern side), Málaga also has a less-than-obvious geographical layout, which is important to understand as you try to decide where in the city you want to stay.

With that in mind, I’ve provided a quick overview of the city’s layout below, followed by an in-depth description of each of my 5 recommended neighborhoods to stay in.

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Overview of the city's layout

Málaga covers an astounding area of 395 square kilometers (152 square miles) - over three times the size of San Francisco and almost four times Barcelona. This is because its municipal limits include the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, a huge protected, mountainous area that has nothing to do with the city’s urban landscape.

Ignoring the park, if you look on a map, you’ll see that the city spreads out along the Mediterranean coast, with the Guadalmedina river separating the smaller eastern side of the city from the larger western portion.

Basically, almost everything of typical tourist interest, including the historic center and city beaches, is located on the east side of the river. The Old Town lies just east of the river’s banks, and as you continue moving eastward you’ll encounter a series of beachside neighborhoods that are popular with well-to-do locals.

To the west of the river, you have mostly nondescript middle and working-class residential neighborhoods that don’t have much in the way of touristic appeal. I will note, however, that as gentrification and tourism progress month by month, even these neighborhoods have begun to offer accommodation options for tourists. Among them, areas like El Perchel, Mármoles, or La Trinidad offer good prices and easy access to the city center – usually just a quick walk over a bridge.

In general, large parts of western Málaga are what I think of as “just” nice neighborhoods for locals. What I mean is that they’re perfectly pleasant, but there’s not much reason why a tourist would want to visit or stay in them. Some are packed with older and newer high-rises of disputable beauty, while others feature more suburban architecture.

As the Spanish lifestyle requires, even these neighborhoods have basic sidewalk cafes and lively shopping streets, but even so, they’re not where I’d suggest staying, and most of them are far from the center.

Quick summary of my 5 recommended neighborhoods

Below, I’ve listed the five areas that I think make the most sense as a base for visitors, especially first-timers or anyone here on a short visit. All five of them are pleasant neighborhoods that are reasonably close to Málaga’s tourist attractions, but they each have their own distinct character and different appeal, so some will be better than others for you depending on your tastes.

Most of them – Centro Histórico, Soho, La Merced/La Victoria/Lagunillas – are located in the city center, whereas the other two – La Malagueta/La Caleta and Pedregalejo – are further out along the beach.

In general, the centrally located neighborhoods are historic and have lively atmospheres year-round, but some of them can feel overly touristy at times.

Malagueta/La Caleta, on the other hand, are not particularly atmospheric, but they offer good hotels combined with proximity to both the center and the beaches. Finally, Pedregalejo is the quietest and has the clearest “beach town” vibe.

1. Centro Histórico (red on the map above) – Málaga’s historic core and the geographic center of the city

2. Soho (green above) - An art and culture district between the Centro Histórico and the port

3. La Merced/La Victoria/Lagunillas (black above) – Three small neighborhoods next to each other and just a few steps away from Centro Histórico, offering a more local vibe

4. La Malagueta/La Caleta (purple above) – Coastal neighborhoods equally popular with Spaniards and foreigners, featuring the city’s hippest beach, just outside of the center

5. Pedregalejo (yellow above) – A pleasant and relaxed coastal area on the eastern edge of the city that’s more village-like than the other neighborhoods

1. Centro Histórico

Pros: historic and beautiful area, close to all the main attractions, tons of hotels and dining options

Cons: very touristy and could give you the impression that Málaga is primarily a tourist town (which it isn’t)

*Calle Alcazabilla, beside the Roman Theater and Alcazaba. Photo:* *Triptosia*, *CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Plaza de la Constitución, one of Málaga’s main squares. Photo:* *Américo Toledano*, *CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

The Centro Histórico of Málaga, also referred to as the Old Town, is the city’s historic center and by far its prettiest neighborhood. On the map at the top of this article it’s the area shaded in red that begins just to the east of the Guadalmedina River and lies between Alameda Principal and Calle Carretería. Basically, if you point at the absolute center of the city, this is where we’re talking about.

All throughout the year, but especially during the summer months and holidays, this part of town is absolutely packed with tourists and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why: it’s heavily pedestrianized and car-free, it’s filled with a maze of winding and narrow, marble-paved streets that are flanked by elegant classical buildings, and everywhere you look you’ll find inviting cafes, restaurants, and shops. This is also where the vast majority of the city’s main sights are.

Once a residential area, not so many people actually live here anymore though, as many locals have moved out in favor of newer apartments in more modern parts of the city, while others have been displaced due to the proliferation of short-term vacation rentals.

Even so, it is an absolutely charming area, and if you’re looking to stay somewhere historic that gives you the feeling of medieval Spain, this is a great choice.

Now, when it comes to what to see and do here, the answer is “basically everything!”. The city’s historic sites, monuments, museums, and cultural centers are all located here, so even if you don’t stay in the center, you’ll likely end up spending most of your time here.

The grand and pedestrianized boulevard of Calle Marques de Larios - the city’s main shopping avenue - runs straight through the center of the neighborhood, and lovely little meandering side streets constantly branch off from it, leading you to churches, squares (ever-lively Plaza de las Flores and Plaza Uncibary are two of my favorites), and monuments.

At the northern end of Calle Larios lies Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s main square, from where you can wander off to discover inviting terraces and restaurants along with Málaga’s main tourist attractions: the Cathedral, Roman Theater, Alcazaba Castle, Picasso Museum, and many others. They’re all within a few minutes’ walk.

Where to stay

As I mentioned above, you’ll find lots of short-term rentals here as well as a nice selection of boutique hotels and even some pensiones (traditional boarding houses). There aren’t many large hotels, as the intimate scale and dense construction of historic buildings doesn’t allow for it, which I think is really nice.

Also, here’s a tip I learned the hard way: if you’re staying in this area, check whether your accommodation is close to a club, as it could mean a noisy night if so.

Here are some of my favorite hotels in the center:

Marriot AC Hotel Málaga Palacio – The only large hotel in the Centro Histórico, the Marriot is perfectly located right next to the cathedral. Its rooftop bar and small pool offer stunning city and sea views - especially at sunset. About $300 USD per night.

Palacio Solecio – A boutique hotel in a beautifully renovated 18th-century palace, its Andalusian charm and lovely street location make it feel like a step back in time. Rates from $250–$300 depending on the season.

Hotel Vincci Selección Posada del Patio – Situated beside the Guadalmedina river at the edge of the Old Town, this spacious 5-star hotel has a very nice pool and pleasantly modern amenities considering its historic location. Nightly rates from $200-$350 depending on the season.

Madeinterranea Suites - tucked away on a quiet and tiny side street just a couple of blocks north of Plaza de la Constitución, this is a pleasant little boutique hotel in a historic building. Rooms are updated and mordern but still inviting, and the common areas retain their historic accents and charm. $150 USD per night.

Málaga Premium Hotel – A small, no-frills but perfectly adequate 3-star hotel on a quiet street next to Plaza de Las Flores and Plaza de la Constitución. Great location and great value. Rooms from $100-$200.

2. Soho

Pros: close to the historic center, lots of art, not overly touristy, many good accommodation options

Cons: the atmosphere is not especially unique or distinctly Spanish/Andalusian

*Grand buildings alongside Plaza de La Marina*

Soho, also known as Málaga’s arts district, lies just south of the Centro Histórico, on the other side of Alameda Principal. The neighborhood is super close to the port, and train and bus stations, making it a very convenient base from which to get around.

A very compact area that’s neatly divided up in a grid system, this is a primarily residential, middle-class neighborhood with a lot of smaller offices and everyday businesses. In recent years it has started to become quite hip though, and development/revitalization has been booming, so much so that it now offers quite a lot of art, dining, and accommodation options, all in a short walking distance of each other and the historic center.

There are a few nicely pedestrianized streets, some small artisanal markets on the weekends, lots of galleries and art spaces (the Contemporary Art Museum among them, which is sadly closed until 2026), and a pleasant mix of modern and more classical architecture, all on a very human scale.

The streets, cafes, and restaurants are quite lively here (although not as much as in Centro Histórico), and they cater more to locals than tourists, which is very pleasant to experience as a visitor.

When it comes to accommodation options, this is the part of central Málaga that has most of the city’s larger and fancier hotels. These are mostly located on the east side of the neighborhood, close to Calle Larios, Plaza Marina - a large, happening square by the sea -, and the esplanade that runs along the port. The lovely Parque de Málaga is also over there, and it’s really nice to walk out from your hotel and head straight into the park for an early morning or evening stroll.

Meanwhile, the west side of the neighborhood is less grand but more “local”, with lots of down-to-earth, everyday restaurants and businesses. The Guadalmedina river runs along the edge of the area, next to which you’ll find two large shopping malls, the Atarazanas food market, and El Corte Ingles, Spain’s iconic department store. As you cross over the river into the adjacent El Perchel neighborhood, it becomes even more local and residential.

Where to stay

Only YOU Hotel Málaga: A 5-star hotel in a striking modernistic building, just beside Plaza de la Marina and the Parque de Málaga. The rooftop has a bar, an infinity pool, and stunning views of the port and sea, while the onsite restaurant is excellent. Rooms from $250 to 300.

Room Mate Valeria Hotel: Next door to the others but straddling the Plaza de la Marina and Jardines de Alfonso Canales (great location), this is a modern, beach/ocean-themed 4-star design hotel with some delightful accents/touches. The rooftop bar has great views of the port and historic center. Rooms from $175 to $225.

Hotel Soho Boutique Equitativa: In the same building as Only YOU, this 14-floor hotel has a lovely ambiance and the rooms feel stately and like what you’d expect to find in a yacht’s bedrooms.It also has a very nice terrace and outdoor pool. $150-$180 per night.

NONO Charming Stay: A budget-friendly apart-hotel with kitchenettes in every room. $130 USD per night.

3. La Merced/La Victoria/Lagunillas

Pros: Historic but not touristy, extremely close to the city center, more affordable

Cons: Not so many hotel options, parts can be quite loud at night (lots of clubs)

*Plaza de La Merced. Photo:* *Banja-Frans Mulder*, *CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Calle Agua in La Victoria. Photo:* *miez! from DE*, *CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Monumento a Miguel de Los Reyes, with Calle Lagunillas behind. Photo:* *Daniel Capilla*, *CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Immediately to the north of the historic center, La Merced, La Victoria, and Lagunillas are technically three separate neighborhoods, but I’ve combined them together for this guide because they’re each pretty small, are located right next to one another, and have similar atmospheres and appeal.

From a visitor’s perspective, which of the three you stay in won’t change your experience very much, so you can look at them as one area. They’re all within easy walking distance of Málaga’s historic center and main attractions, and are well connected by bus with any parts of the city that are farther away.

While not as charming or pretty as the Old Town (and not nearly as well maintained), these are still historic neighborhoods with lots of older classical architecture, small streets pleasant to walk along, and nice squares and small parks. Predominantly middle-class and residential (although Lagunillas is more working class), these are very local areas that have entirely retained their sense of community and neighborhood atmosphere.

You won’t find lots of tourist amenities or restaurants and shops that cater to visitors, but there are plenty of supermarkets and local-oriented cafes and restaurants, along with bookstores, vintage shops, and other businesses geared toward families and residents.

If you’re a pretty independent traveler that likes exploring and getting a taste for local life, I think this is a great area to stay when in Málaga.

Accommodations here are also a fair deal more affordable than in the city center, but there aren’t that many of them, since the neighborhoods are mostly local.

La Merced: centered around its namesake square, La Merced feels the most like the Old Town. The square (Plaza de La Merced), surrounded by lovely old buildings, is a lively hub filled with terraces that are bustling day and night. It’s also Picasso central - his birthplace (now a museum) is located here.

La Victoria: Named for the Catholic Kings’ victory over the Moors, this neighborhood centers around Calle Victoria, a busy street that offers a mix of spots for locals and tourists alike. There are lots of great restaurants here (I especially like Esquinita de Chupa y Tira for their great cheese plates, Fermento for natural bread, and Pistacho & Azafrán for a coffee), as well as a couple of significant sights: the baroque La Victoria sanctuary and Parque Gibralfaro with its hilltop castle.

Lagunillas: Historically a working-class Roma district that lay just outside the city walls, Lagunillas retains a strong sense of character despite a bit of ongoing gentrification. It feels very “traditional”, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch someone singing flamenco in the street. This is also sometimes referred to as Málaga’s “alternative arts neighborhood”, and you’ll find tons of street art and graffiti here.

Where to stay

Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro: Perched atop Mount Gibralfaro right next to Gibralfaro Castle, this luxurious but rustic 4-star hotel offers incredible views of the city and sea, lush and gorgeous grounds, and spacious, cozy rooms. It’s a unique property and is one of my favorite hotels in the city. Surprisingly good value at around $200 per night.

Well&Come Boutique Hotel: Located near Plaza Merced, this is a stylish boutique hotel in a pretty historic building, with genuinely wonderful common areas - the dining room and lounge areas are places you actually want to hang out! They also have a spa and very pleasant rooftop patio and pool. Nightly rates from $100-$250 depending on the season.

Anahita Boutique Hotel: Situated right on the border between the Centro Histórico and La Merced, this thoughtfully appointed hotel is housed in a 19th century palace that has been lovingly restored. They also have a very good Persian restaurant onsite. $160 USD per night.

Hotel BRO: Right on Calle Victoria and just a couple of blocks from Plaza de la Merced, this is an understated, adults-only 3-star hotel. The rooms have a clean, modern aesthetic, and the outdoor pool and patio area are really nice. Rooms from $140-$175.

4. La Malagueta/La Caleta

Pros: Right next to the beach, excellent restaurants, tons of hotels

Cons: Can get very crowded and very expensive in high season, slightly removed from the center

*Muelle Uno in the port and beside La Malagueta. Photo:* *paolotrabattoni.it*, *CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

La Caleta beach with the neighborhood behind. Photo: Daniel Capilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The beachside neighborhoods of La Malagueta and La Caleta are upscale, compact areas filled mostly with modern, high-rise buildings. They’re the city’s first coastal neighborhoods, and lie right along the beach just to the east of the port and the city center. La Malagueta is the first of the two, just next to the Old Town, while La Caleta is a bit farther out to the east.

I’ve chosen to include them together because they’re right next to one another and have similar appeals/characteristics. La Malagueta and La Caleta are both residential, upper-class neighborhoods quite popular with older individuals and families. Additionally, many wealthy Spaniards maintain vacation homes here (Málaga is a beach destination after all).

Both neighborhoods are within comfortable walking distance of the city center (about 15-25 minutes) and there are also a number of buses that run along their main avenue and take you straight into the center (the street is Paseo Reding/Paseo de Sancha - the road is the same but it changes names). Very popular with both Spanish and foreign tourists, there are tons of hotels here, most of them just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach.

Of course, being beach areas, the main draw to staying in either neighborhood is their proximity to the sea and excellent city beaches. The two neighborhoods’ beaches are connected by an extensive promenade, which, when the weather is good, is where literally everyone from Malaga and beyond comes to stroll, jog, or go for a bike ride. The neighborhoods are super busy during the afternoons and early evenings, but are pleasantly quiet in the morning and at night, which are either before the beach goers have arrived or after they’ve left.

Both neighborhoods explode with activity during the summer, but you’ll find people here all throughout the year enjoying a walk by the sea.

La Malagueta: The more popular of the two neighborhoods, La Malagueta is best known, of course, for its wide, sandy beach, the most popular one in the city. It’s always busy, but is legitimately packed during the summer. Next to the beach, the boardwalk is filled with chiringuitos – beach restaurants specializing in fish and seafood (do your research though to avoid the ones that are overpriced tourist-traps).

Not far from the beach, there are a couple of other significant attractions here, like the Centre Pompidou Málaga, a local branch of the famous Parisian museum, the La Farola lighthouse (reached by strolling alongside the port, past lots of (mostly chain) restaurants and stores), and the city’s impressive bullring - the Plaza de Toros La Malagueta.

La Caleta: Quieter than La Malagueta, La Caleta is filled with gorgeous 19th-century villas surrounded by manicured gardens. It’s just a lovely neighborhood and it;s really pleasant to stroll around and stumble upon these grand houses with their extensive grounds.

There are also lots of nice cafes, some good restaurants, a supermarket, and plenty of other everyday businesses here. Overall, it’s a very relaxed neighborhood that in my opinion strikes a nice balance between convenience and charm without feeling overly touristy. Its namesake beach is also just as nice as La Malagueta’s, but a bit less crowded.

Where to stay

Gran Hotel Miramar – Certainly one of the nicest hotels in the city, this is a truly luxurious property in a massive and meticulously renovated building surrounded by beautiful gardens and with incredible sea views. Right on La Malagueta beach, this is where both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona players used to stay when playing against CF Málaga. $250 to $300 USD per night.

Hotel MS Maestranza – A couple of blocks removed from the beach and right next to the bullring and Parque de Málaga, this is a nice 4-star hotel that’s exceedingly well located for combining sightseeing with time at the beach. $150 to $180 per night.

Pries Homs La Casa Azul – A cute B&B in an adorable little townhouse along La Caleta’s main avenue. Nightly rates of about $165 USD.

Hotel California – A rather grand, 4-story villa overlooking Malagueta Beach, this is a warm and inviting independent hotel that has cozy rooms with a nicely “old world” ambiance (they haven’t tried to make everything modern and sleek). The breakfast is exceptional.

5. Pedregalejo

Pros: Beach town atmosphere, lively promenade, more affordable accommodation

Cons: Pretty far from the center, very quiet outside of summer

*Pedregalejo seen from above. Photo:* *Tyk*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

*Houses along the beach. Photo:* *Tyk*, *CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons*

Pedregalejo is a charming and entirely residential beachside neighborhood on the far eastern edge of Málaga, about a 25-minute bus ride from the city center. More like a seaside “village” than a city neighborhood, this is a quiet part of Málaga that is far greener and leafier, more tranquil, and suburban than any other area of the city. It really does feel like a little beach town.

Right behind its excellent namesake beach, you’ll find a bunch of criss crossing streets lined by tiny townhouses, while the rest of the neighborhood is mostly made up of densely concentrated single family homes. You can easily get around the beach and surrounding streets on foot and the area is still very much walkable, but it’s a bit more spread out than the others that I’ve described so far. Traffic is typically light, except in the summer, when locals from other parts of the city flock to Pedregalejo beach.

I know this might seem like an odd recommendation considering how far the neighborhood is from the city center, but I think there are some strong reasons to stay here, depending on what you’re looking for:

First, accommodation in Pedregalejo is much more affordable than in the center – you can get a nice room close to the beach for the same price that you’d pay for a cramped hostel in the Old Town.

Second, the water here is always calm and shallow, thanks to the stone piers built into the sea that create small bays. This makes the beaches here perfect for little kids.

And third, Pedregalejo’s promenade is unmatched in Málaga for its vibe and dining options. This is the best place in the city to enjoy a drink and the famous espetos – grilled sardines – while sitting on one of the terraces overlooking the beach and enjoying the aroma of grilled seafood that wafts from the boat-shaped grills along the shore.

Nearby, you can also visit the famous old bathhouse, now converted into the restaurant Baños del Carmen, and the shaded beach next to it. And when you’ve had enough of the beach for the day, head over to El Morlaco Park, a wooded and hilly area above the neighborhood that offers great sea views.

Where to stay

Hotel La Chancla – A small, quiet 3-star hotel overlooking the sea with a laid-back restaurant downstairs. Rates from about $100 per night.

Hostal Las Acacias – Just two blocks back from the beach, this 6-room 2-star hotel has a charming garden in the back patio and comfortable - if pretty basic - rooms. It’s a great option for budget travelers. $80 to $100 USD per night.

La Moraga de Poniente Málaga Hostel - A really well-maintained hostel with options for comfortable and surprisingly pleasant private rooms. They have some nice common areas as well, including a sizable terrace. Prices for a double room are $50-$80 depending on the season.

Where to Stay in Málaga - A Local’s Neighborhood Guide

Overview of the city's layout

Quick summary of my 5 recommended neighborhoods

1. Centro Histórico

Where to stay

2. Soho

Where to stay

3. La Merced/La Victoria/Lagunillas

Where to stay

4. La Malagueta/La Caleta

Where to stay

5. Pedregalejo

Where to stay

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