25 September 2019
This beautiful square is a must-see for so many different reasons. Firstly, Plaza de la Merced is the birthplace of none other than Pablo Picasso. Málaga’s most famous son was born in the house on the most north-westerly corner, which has now been converted into Casa Natal (birth house) where you can visit more of the city’s Picasso offering. Secondly, no night out can begin without a visit to one of the several bars. By day, Plaza de la […]
29 September 2020
La Terraza de San Juan is a rooftop bar with a lot to offer – above all excellent views of the mountains. This hotel bar, which opened in 2017, is on the fifth floor of the swanky Hotel Malaga Premium and is (quite literally) within touching distance of San Juan church’s tower. The public can access this terrace via the elevator in the hotel reception but be aware that during busy times, the wait for the lift can be quite […]
10 May 2021
On the up-and-coming Calle Carretería this tapas bar and restaurant can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether for brunch, a ‘menú del día’ or even an evening drink. It may be small, but the owners of Gloria Hoyos have found creative solutions to get maximum seating space, whether through the long, beer-hall style tables, the sofas or seating at the bar. The menu consists primarily of Spanish dishes given a new and refreshing twist. For breakfast there are […]
8 August 2021
No trip to Malaga is complete without a visit to El Pimpi. The restaurant-bodega features in all of the guide books and ‘top 10s’ you can imagine, mostly because it’s a Malaga institution with an unparalleled location (and superb outside terrace with views of the Alcazaba), but also because standards remain high despite it becoming something of a tourist hotspot these days. Its grandiose appearance, with decades-old bullfighting posters, internal patios, exposed wooden beams and stone archways, might make it […]
15 August 2021
El Balneario has to be Malaga’s most iconic bar and restaurant. Poking out from the seafront, at Baños del Carmen, just as Pedregalejo begins, punters get unparalleled views of the Bay of Malaga (and the occasional dolphin!). Enjoy the holiday, seaside vibes with a beer, copa or cocktail, day or night, or tuck into a nice lunch. The menu has a wide variety of grilled fish, rice dishes (including paella) and, of course, the famous sardine skewers, grilled on an […]
15 August 2021
Where to start with Muelle Uno? This part of Malaga port has undergone a thorough regeneration in the past decade, opening up to the public and becoming an all-round leisure space. Take a stroll through the marina and you will come across various shops (and occasionally markets), bars, restaurants, ice cream parlours and even the world-class Centre Pompidou gallery. Once you get to the eastern end of the promenade by the lighthouse, you’re just a few steps from La Malagueta […]
30 November 2021
If you’re a fan of beer, and especially craft beer, La Fábrica is a must for any trip to Malaga. With capacity for up to 450 people, this craft microbrewery, in the heart of the fashionable Soho district (just off the main Alameda), is vast (1,200 m2 divided into different areas and spaces). Run by the international manufacturer Cruzcampo, it has two master brewers in situ, producing seven varieties of craft beers. La Fábrica’s tap room (plus outdoor terrace) is […]
31 March 2022
La Polivalente is a popular venue in the arty-yet-edgy Lagunillas area of the city. The bar is a diamond in this somewhat rough neighbourhood located just behind Plaza de la Merced. It’s a real melting pot for artistic types, with the venue offering a full schedule of shows and live music with an embracing bohemian vibe. This is a great place if you want to immerse yourself in Malaga life and improve your Spanish. Daryl FinchDaryl moved to Malaga […]
31 March 2022
La Madriguera Bar is a beer lover’s heaven. This colourful brewpub on the busy Calle Carretería has a broad selection of artisanal beers from breweries from across Europe and around the world. Having trouble deciding? The barmen are thoroughly knowledgable – it’s their passion, after all. Ask them for their advice. With dozens and dozens of draught and bottled beers, you’re bound to find one for you. If you fancy a bite, La Madriguera offers a broad menu of tapas […]
31 March 2022
Cines Albéniz is the only multi-screen cinema in Malaga’s historic centre. Located on Calle Alcazabilla, between the Teatro Romano (Roman theatre) and Plaza de la Merced, this Historicist-style building is quite spectacular, both inside and out, especially the main screen which is often reserved for film premieres or events at the various film festivals (Malaga Film Festival, French Film Festival) that the city hosts throughout the year. You won’t find too many mainstream films on show here, though. The majority […]
31 March 2022
El Carmen, located on the iconic Plaza de la Merced, is an LGBT+ friendly bar that is open throughout the day. Enjoy a tapa and a beer on the outdoor terrace in the sunshine, or equally a lively and colourful show over food in the evening. One of the most popular events organised at El Carmen is the Drag Bingo which draws big crowds every week. There are also various shows held on weekends, details of which can be found […]
8 May 2022
English-style pub in the heart of Malaga, The Shakespeare is a hub for expat activity. Run by Peter Edgerton, musician and writer, there is a strong sense of community here. Right in the centre of Malaga, just off Plaza de la Constitución, there is always something going on with a full itinerary of events each week (follow The Shakespeare on Facebook for events). They include live music (with weekly ‘open mic’ nights), bilingual pub quizzes and language exchanges. Major live […]
27 May 2022
What was once a legendary concert hall in Malaga has in recent times moved from Calle Comedias and converted itself into an alternative bar on the parallel Calle Convalecientes. With rock, indie and funk vibes, that concert hall past is still maintained with regular live music shows and DJ sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (check website for details). At Velvet Club, the variety of concerts and the quality of the live music make this the perfect breeding ground […]
3 September 2022
This place is a feast both for the stomach and the eyes. Fiel de Fechos, tucked away in a small side street between the Cathedral and the bustling Calle Granada, can only be described in one way: spectacular. Roses on the ceiling invite you in, then bright lights and zany 70s patterns lead you to one of the ornate bar stools or tables. Should you need the toilet, first you must pass through the devil’s mouth. Wherever you look, there’s […]