The Perfect Long Weekend in Málaga: A 3-Day Travel Guide

 

Málaga is the perfect city break; if you're looking for a sunny long weekend abroad. We visited in February for my 28th birthday and had a fun few days sampling some tasty mediterranean cuisine and practicing our Spanish with the locals (thank you 150-day streak on Duolingo!).

Keep reading to discover how to spend the perfect long weekend in Malaga with my 3-day travel guide.

Must-see Attractions in Málaga

Castillo de Gibralfaro

One of the most iconic landmarks in Málaga, the Castillo de Gibralfaro offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Mediterranean Sea, and even the distant mountains. You can reach the castle by hiking up from the city center, which takes around 30–40 minutes, or, if you're short on time or prefer a more relaxed approach, you can take an Uber, like we did.

The entrance fee is €3.50 per person, and in my opinion, it's well worth it. 

Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds or head there at sunset for stunning photos with softer lighting. We went at 1pm, and while it was quite bright, I still managed to capture some great shots!

Sunset River Cruise

This was a nice idea in theory, I mean who wouldn't want to be on the water on their birthday? I envisioned enjoying the serene sounds of mother nature and embracing the fresh sea air. However, these boat trips tend to be super busy and not that relaxing! Cheesy chart music was playing throughout our boat ride and we had people next to us, talking loudly the whole time. 

We booked our boat trip, very last minute, an hour before which cost us £10 but usually prices are around £12 each. If you're looking for a more intimate or romantic river cruise, I would suggest hiring out a private boat, this will cost you around £45 per person for 1 hour. If I did this trip again, I would opt for this option!

Optional extras

If you’re a fan of art and culture, consider visiting the Museo Picasso! It’s open daily from 10am to 6pm, and tickets cost €13 - just be sure to book in advance. This is a great indoor activity, especially if the weather isn’t on your side. Málaga’s winter can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s always good to have a backup plan!

Day trips

If you're blessed with more time on your hands, you could consider doing a day trip from Malaga. Depending on your budget and your interests, you can choose from hiking the famous Caminito del Rey, exploring the monkey kingdom of Gibraltar, or hitting the beaches in Marbella. 

Best food spots in Málaga!

Mercado Central de Ataranzas 

A lively hub where Spanish culture meets culinary delight. This eclectic market showcases the rich flavours and traditions of Málaga, offering a unique experience for both locals and tourists. We enjoyed our late lunch at Medina Bar, where we enjoyed fritura variada (this dish consists of smaller seafood varieties such as shellfish, small fish, and crustaceans that are rolled in flour and fried in oil until crispy and golden). I highly recommend pairing it with a refreshing Sangria and sitting outside in the sun as you enjoy your meal.

In Málaga, you’ll discover an abundance of choice and variety, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters won’t go hungry!

Next Level Specialty Coffee

Breakfast of dreams! My acai bowl was a perfect blend of flavors and textures, topped with fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy granola chunks. There's a reason why this cafe has 4.8 stars on Google - the service was quick and the food was delicious. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, it definitely lives up to the hype!

Smash by Black Label

We stumbled upon Smash by Black Label while strolling through the heart of Málaga, and it turned out to be a hidden gem for burger lovers. If you're looking for a quick bite that doesn’t compromise on quality, Smash is the place to go! Their menu is packed with delicious smash burgers made with high-quality ingredients, juicy patties, and perfectly toasted buns. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot to refuel during a day of exploring the city. 

I know what you’re thinking… this looks like a pretty rogue lunch, and honestly, I’d probably judge it too. But let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! The prawns were incredibly fresh, bursting with flavour, and paired perfectly with a refreshing white sangria. It made for the perfect birthday lunch.

I wish I could remember the name of this spot, but all I know is that it was right in the heart of Málaga’s main restaurant area. We wandered in for a quick bite, and it turned out to be a fantastic little find. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you just stumble upon!

Rooftop drinks at Lolita Bar

On our last night, we visited Lolita bar for roof-top drinks, which certainly did not disappoint. With stunning views over the city, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent service, it was the perfect spot to unwind. It wasn’t too crowded, making it even more enjoyable.

We aimed to catch the sunset at 7pm, but with the sun setting behind us, the view was mostly hidden, however; the scenery was still extraordinary. Cocktail and alcohol prices are similar to those in the UK, so if you're on a budget, a soft drink or cider (€4.40) is a more affordable option.

Old Town Málaga

Spend time strolling around Málaga's old town and marvel at the city's historic quarter. 

Here you will find:

Málaga Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Incarnation, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Built in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque, the cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings, ornate stained glass windows, and soaring arches.

Calle Larios, is home to the shopping district in Málaga. This area is home to fancy boutique shops along with high-street stores such as Mango, Stradivarius and H&M. 

Málaga Roman Theatre, if you're into history then you will love it here. Located at the foot of the Alcazaba, this ancient site dates back to the 1st century BC, making it one of the oldest monuments in the city.

Top Tips for a Perfect Long Weekend in Málaga

Malaga is an ideal destination for a quick weekend break in February, with guaranteed blue skies and sunshine during the day! We were blessed with temperatures of 16-20 degrees across the 3 days we spent in Malaga. However, I would still advise bringing a light jacket and jumper, as it can get quite cold during the evenings (around 9-11 degrees). 

I made the mistake of over-packing and taking way too many dresses and skirts that I barely wore. I ended up living in trousers and jeans instead, so keep this in mind!

Transportation

Uber and Bolt are the most commonly used ride-hailing services here. Of course, you can always grab a taxi, but like in most cities, they tend to charge higher fares!

We walked almost everywhere, so I can’t personally comment on the metro or buses in Málaga. However, we did take a bus in Granada, which conveniently accepted card payments. For the metro, most people purchase their tickets at the train stations, while bus tickets are bought directly from the driver. It’s always a good idea to carry some spare euros just in case.

Currency 

I didn’t exchange any euros before or during my trip, as card payments are widely accepted - even in small convenience stores. However, if you prefer to have some cash on hand, €50 should be more than enough for a long weekend. I personally use Monzo when traveling, as it lets me track my spending and avoid foreign transactions or cash withdrawal fees. 

We also explored the stunning city of Granada on this trip! We caught a 90-minute bus from Malaga coach station and enjoyed taking in the serene views. Be sure to check out my top tips and tricks for navigating this vibrant city here. 

Thank you for reading my blog! If you're planning a trip soon, I hope you've found these tips helpful. Be sure to check back for more posts about my travel adventures.