10 things NOT to do in Malaga

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Last updated May 2026

Everyone tells you what to do in Malaga. We thought we’d go the other way.

This is our list of 10 things NOT to do in Malaga. And before you panic, most of them are good news. Don’t worry about the weather. Don’t stress about the fish. Don’t assume you need a big budget. Malaga has a habit of making things easier than you expected, and this list is here to make sure you arrive knowing that.

We’ve been writing about Malaga for years and this list contains the things we find ourselves saying to friends before they visit. Those gentle nudges that make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Think of this as the conversation you’d have with a local before you book that flight.

1. Don’t worry about visiting Malaga at the wrong time of year

We’re asked time and time again when is the best time of year to visit Malaga. And the easy answer is any time! The city is a year-round destination with almost guaranteed sunshine and lots to do.

Even mid-January is a thing in Malaga. Think hardly any crowds, warm enough to sit in a t-shirt in the sun and the Alcazaba almost to yourself.

For a month-by-month guide to the weather in Malaga and events, read our tips on when to visit Malaga.

2. Don’t skip the street art thinking it’s just graffiti

Malaga has one of the best urban art scenes in Spain and most visitors walk straight past it on their way to the Picasso Museum. Which, when you think about it, Picasso himself might have found faintly ironic.

The Soho district, just south of the old town, is the place to start: the streets are an open-air gallery of large-scale murals by internationally recognised artists, and it costs nothing to wander through. Give it an hour and then make your way to Lagunillas for another feast of murals. Two neighbourhoods. Two hours. Zero euros.

(And yes, Malaga does have some pretty ugly graffiti too, but we like to focus on the good stuff!)

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3. Don’t worry about overspending

As anyone who has been to Malaga before will tell you, this is a great value for money destination. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how little it costs to eat out (and well), to get into the museums in Malaga and if you book well ahead, stay at a hotel without breaking the bank.

A three-course menú del día with a glass of wine at a good local restaurant will typically set you back €12–15. In the city centre, at lunchtime – try Vino Mio, for example.

If you’re on a tight budget, find out how to save money on your holiday.

4. Don’t stay on the beaten tourist track

Many of the museums and monuments in Malaga are well-known and part and parcel of the well-trodden tourist circuit. But to get to know this happening city properly, you need to stray off the beaten track and explore some of the lesser-known areas.

Take the area north of the old quarter, for example. Still a bit on the gritty side, but full of interesting things to see that most visitors would never think of checking out. Or if you like a list of unusual bits and bobs, read our top hidden gems in Malaga.

For more beaten track, follow one of our self-guided walking tours.

Walking tour in Pedregalejo and El Palo

Walking tour around the Picasso Museum

Walking tour in El Limonar Malaga

Walking tour on the western seafront

5. Don’t come just for the day

Although Malaga is a small and compact city, there’s lots and lots to see and do so don’t limit your visit to just a day. Come for at least a weekend and stay in the city centre so you can get a real feel for all Malaga has to offer.

After all, by the time you’ve explored the Alcazaba, seen the Picasso Museum and tasted the goodies at the Atarazanas market, you’ve already used up the day. And we haven’t mentioned the rooftop bars yet.

Read our area-by-area guide to where to stay in Malaga

6. Don’t underestimate how many people there’ll be

If your holiday in Malaga coincides with one of the bigger events in the city, expect there to be lots of people. Christmas in Malaga, Holy Week and Malaga Fair act as real crowd-pullers, drawing thousands of people.

The August Fair draws over a million visitors across the week. If that’s your kind of thing, brilliant – just book your hotel six months in advance and accept that you won’t be going to bed early.

And if you do find yourself in town when it’s super busy, pace yourself and remember to take time out. Find out what’s on in Malaga every month

7. Don’t stress over that whole fish on your plate

One of the most typical things to eat in Malaga is fried fish – small and whole. But don’t worry, they’re easier to eat than you think. Just watch the locals at the table next to you and follow suit. If you’re going for sardines, watch our video on how to eat them.

The trick with boquerones is to hold the tail, loosen the top with your thumb or teeth and run along the spine, Et voilà, the flesh comes away cleanly. Takes about three attempts to get right. Worth it.

Discover the best places to eat in Malaga

8. Don’t miss the latest art exhibitions

Malaga art museums have earned themselves a reputation as the best in southern Spain. As well as excellent permanent collections, they all have great temporary exhibitions too showcasing big-name artists.

All the best museums run good temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent collections. Our monthly what’s on posts have all the details.

And if art isn’t your thing, Malaga has lots of other great museums, catering for all ages and tastes. Read our Malaga Museum Guide for all the info and inspo.

9. Don’t forget to visit Santiago Church on Calle Granada

It’s one of the loveliest churches in Malaga and famed as the place where Picasso was christened. The church has been restored to perfection so don’t miss a visit.

It’s free to enter, takes about 15 minutes, and the Gothic-Mudejar tower is a delight – see it in its full glory from Plaza de la Merced. You might find the church doors open in the morning, but it’s best to visit between 7 and 9pm in the evening.

And while we’re on the subject of churches, don’t miss the other lovely ones. Read our list of the best churches in Malaga.

10. Don’t assume tapas are free

In several parts of Andalusia – Almeria, Granada and Jaen, for example – tapas come automatically with every drink. It’s one of the great joys of visiting these cities (and a cheap lunch or dinner).

Malaga doesn’t work that way. Tapas here are ordered and paid for separately, and if you sit down expecting a free plate of something with your beer you’ll be waiting a while. The good news: the food is excellent and the portions are generous. Just don’t arrive with Granada expectations.

(And if you haven’t discovered the city with the free tapas, consider a day trip to Granada.)