Málaga Things to Do Tips by iNorv9

Located on the lower, western end of the Gibralfaro Hill, the Alcazaba isn’t stunningly beautiful like its regional cousin the Alhambra, but it’s still a nice palace-fortress built in the Moorish style. Here you’ll find some pleasant terraced gardens, arab bathes and an exhibition of Muslim ceramics and pottery.

Cost: 1.80, 60 cents for students

Bottom-line: My favorite site in Old Town Malaga, a good place for some culture if you’ve had too much of the beach.

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Phone: + 34 952 22 72 30
Address: C/ Alcazabilla

At the peak of the Gibralfaro hill stands the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a large castle dating back to the 8th century. There isn’t much in terms of ornate decoration within the interior, yet the ramparts yields a nice view of the city below, and there’s a small museum with a display of how Malaga’s maritime history has evolved throughout the centuries.

Cost: 1.80, 60cents for students

Bottom-line: Not all that impressive architecturally, but provides a good uphill hike and some nice views.

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Phone: + 34 952 22 72 30
Address: Cerro de Gibralfaro
Directions: Next to the Parador of Gibralfaro

Known as La Manquita (The One Armed Lady) because only one of the towers has been completed, Malaga’s cathedral provides a display melange of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Inside, the impressive vaulted ceilings are complemented by galleries containing statues and carvings, as well as several massive oil portraits.

Cost: 3.50

Bottom-line: Features some beautiful art and architecture, but serves also as a serene place to escape the heat.

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Phone: + 34 952215917
Address: C/ Molina Larios

Just adjacent to the Plaza de la Merced, Picasso’s birth home has been transformed into a two modest galleries contained within two separate buildings. You won’t find any of his famous work here, mostly sketches, lithographs, and illustrations he contributed to several works of French children’s literature.

Cost: 1 euro, free for students and seniors

Bottom-line: Small exhibition, probably will only be best appreciated by Picasso purists.

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Directions: Plaza de la Merced, 10 minutes north of the Cathedral

This museum recently was recently renovated to celebrate Malaga’s most famous native son. With over 155 works, the exhibition features paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and prints from Picasso’s long and prolific career. There is also a temporary exhibition, which I found less impressive as it featured mostly bland bowls and pots.

Cost: Collection 6, Temporary exhibition 4.50, combined ticket 8. Half price for students and seniors.

Bottom-line: Though it doesn’t feature any of his most famous works, as a casual art observer this exhibition made me appreciate Picasso’s versatility and the sheer breadth and volume of his long artistic career. On top of that, the museum itself has been nicely renovated and is architecturally quite appealing.

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Phone: 902 44 33 77
Address: c/ San Agustin, 8
Directions: calle San Agustin, a small street filled with teahouses where we find the Palacio de Buenavista
Website: http://www.museopicassomalaga.org

I wasn't able to attend a bullfight, though I was able to get a great view of the structure from atop the Castillo de Gibralfaro. To get there, take a 10-15 minute hike up the hill, or hop on the public bus.

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Phone: + 34 952 22 62 92
Address: Paseo de Reding, 16

Just a few minutes walk north of the Cathedral, the Plaza de la Merced is a nice place to relax and have a drink in one of the many bars. Also, check out Picasso's birth home which borders the plaza on the northwest corner.

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Address: Plaza de la Merced
Directions: From the Cathedral, go north up c/ Alcazabilla