Don't Break the Bank! Seven Cheap Things To Do In Malaga (2024)

This blog post was originally posted on August 28, 2015 and was updated on March 6, 2017

Travel is often associated with spending a lot of money, but in fact, Spain is a relatively cheap place to take a vacation! You often get a free snack or tapa with your drink, you can take advantage of the filling three-course menu del día, and even just walking around the old section of the cities or having a coffee in the plaza can make for a lovely afternoon.

That doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind, however—it's worth knowing how to spot a good deal when you see one. There are lots of cheap things to do in Malaga that will keep both your wallet and your inner explorer happy.

7 Cheap Things to Do in Malaga

1. Visit a Moorish Fortress

For less that you would pay for a cup of coffee back home, you can visit a Moorish fortress that dates back to the 11th century. The Alcazaba is one of Spain’s best preserved Moorish citadels and a gorgeous place to get a glimpse of the past.

Walk along the paths and step into the buildings. It’s like walking back in time, with gorgeous views of Malaga to boot. This is a must on any list of cheap things to do in Malaga.

Price: €2.20

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2. Stroll Through the Market

Another one of the best cheap things to do in Malaga is also a foodie’s dream. Take a stroll through Atarazanas Market and enjoy the smells, sounds and colors of this centuries-old market.

Make sure to take a taste of the dried fruit and nuts, as well as the fried and salted almonds which are nothing short of addictive. Next, head to the far corner where you can find delicious shrimp skewers and ice cold beer, which is the perfect snack as you continue your sightseeing!

Price: Under €5

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See also: Guide to Malaga's best markets

3. Learn About the Wines of Malaga

Malaga is a city known for its museums, and one of the more unique ones is the Wine Museum. You can learn about the different wines of Malaga, as well as taste two of the wines from the area during your visit.

The museum also partners with different wineries and can assist you in booking a tour! This is a great way to get an introduction to different local wines at the beginning of your trip so that you'll know what you like and what to order.

Price: €5 gets you entrance to the museum and a taste of 2 wines (with an additional wine tasting for €1 more).

See also: More unique museums in Malaga

4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Churros and Chocolate

If there's one thing everyone can agree on, it would have to be that churros and chocolate are the quintessential Spanish treat! Another one of the best cheap things to do in Malaga is to head over to Casa Aranda for some churros dipped in thick chocolate. Pick a table outside so that you can people watch and if you find that you need a few more churros to share, that’s okay. You can splurge!

Price Tag? Less than €5 for chocolate and churros to share

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Still hungry? More great spots for churros in Malaga

5. Enjoy the Sunset with a Drink and a View

Drive up to the Parador Hotel at Gibralfaro just before sunset. From there you will have a spectacular view of Malaga from up above, and there's a little bar where you can order something to drink as you watch the sun slip away. This is a gorgeous spot to begin the evening and one of the best views of the city!

Price Tag? The view and parking are free (drink prices vary.)

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More inspiration: Where to find some of the best views in Malaga

6. Have an Artistic Afternoon

Museums fees can get expensive, especially when you're in a touristic capital city. But just because you're watching your budget doesn’t mean that you have to forego the artistic experience!

For some budget friendly experiences,visit Malaga'slesser known museums including the Museum of Art and Popular Customs or the Interactive Music Museum. Some galleries are even free, such as the Jorge Rando Museum and the Center for Contemporary Art!

Price: General admission to the Interactive Music Museum is €4, or €3 for students and free for children under 6. General Admission to the Art and Popular Customs museum is €4 or €2 reduced price.

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7. Have Dinner by the Sea

One of the most typical sandwiches in Malaga is the campero, a special round bread that's toasted panini-style and stuffed with ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo and sometimes chicken. You can find variations of the campero all around the city.

Head out to the Pedregalejo neighborhood and try your campero sandwich at a place calledMafalda (Paseo Marítimo el Pedregal, 71), whichisa family run place with 15 different types of camperos. It's located just just steps from the beach making it the perfect place to take a stroll afteryour meal!

Price: €5 for a campero sandwich

Save more cash: Here's what to do for free in Malaga.

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Photo Credit: Marlies Strobl

See Also

  • 5 Typical Souvenirs from Malaga to Create Unforgettable Memories

  • Photos: The Power of Urban Street Art in Malaga's SoHo Neighborhood

Don't Break the Bank! Seven Cheap Things To Do In Malaga (2024)

FAQs

Don't Break the Bank! Seven Cheap Things To Do In Malaga? ›

Eating out in Malaga on a budget

There are lots of venues (again, off the tourist track) where you can enjoy first course, mains, dessert or coffee plus drink and bread from €8. But don't think 'cheap and cheerful' only. Malaga has some great restaurants where you can enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch for less than €20.

Is Malaga cheap for food and drink? ›

Eating out in Malaga on a budget

There are lots of venues (again, off the tourist track) where you can enjoy first course, mains, dessert or coffee plus drink and bread from €8. But don't think 'cheap and cheerful' only. Malaga has some great restaurants where you can enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch for less than €20.

What not to miss in Malaga Spain? ›

The Arab Fortress, the Roman Theatre, the Gibralfaro Castle and the Cathedral of Malaga are monuments you should not miss. A nice way to start your day visit in Malaga is to walk up to the Gibralfaro Castle, which dates to the Phoenician period and whose outer walls are linked to the Arab fortress.

Is there a lot to do in Malaga? ›

Explore museums like the. Even then, many of the best things to do in Malaga still await: Cue sunset- and dolphin-watching cruises, hiking the Caminito del Rey gorge, and visiting Ronda, Granada, and Gibraltar.

How long can you spend in Malaga? ›

Three days is just about the perfect amount of time to really get to know the beautiful city of Malaga, capital city of both the Andalucian province of Málaga and the Costa del Sol.

What food is Malaga famous for? ›

8 typical star dishes of Malaga
  • 'Pescaíto' frito. Anchovies, red mullet, baby squid, dogfish… ...
  • Espetos de sardinas. What would a summer in Malaga be without a good espeto de sardinas? ...
  • Pipirrana malagueña. ...
  • Ensaladilla Malagueña. ...
  • Gazpacho malagueño. ...
  • Plato de los Montes Málaga. ...
  • Ajoblanco of Málaga. ...
  • Porra antequerana.

What drink is Malaga famous for? ›

Málaga, sweet, usually red, fortified wine that originated in the southern Spanish Mediterranean coastal province from which it takes its name. The term may also be applied generically to any of a variety of heavy, sweet red wines, including certain kosher wines served at Jewish celebrations.

Is there a dress code in Malaga? ›

Is there a dress code in Malaga? Yes and no. In general, it can be said that in the Andalusian capitals people dress up to go out and are usually quite fashionable. However, being a city caressed by the Mediterranean Sea, gives it a much more relaxed and carefree character, therefore, there is no dress code as such.

Is it safe to walk around Malaga at night? ›

Your chance of experiencing or witnessing a violent crime in Malaga is low, and there are no known natural disasters to worry about on your trip. Even newcomers feel safe when walking at night, allowing them to take advantage of the city's colorful nightlife.

How walkable is Malaga Spain? ›

Malanga is sooooo walkable that this wasn't a true value, other than the ride to the ENTRANCE of Gibralfara. The climb from the regular bus would have been very steep. I often take, and appreciate City Sightseeing, and we did use it in Barcelona, and it was a value there.

Where not to stay in Malaga? ›

Despite its high safety record, there's really only one area to avoid in Málaga, and that's Palma-Palmilla. Like any other major city, it's wise to keep your wits about you.

What is free on Sundays in Malaga? ›

Museums in Malaga · Sundays Free Entry
  • Museo Picasso Málaga. © Área de Turismo. ...
  • Thyssen Museum. Thyssen Museum. ...
  • Collection of the Russian Museum of Saint Petersburg, Malaga. © Área de Turismo. ...
  • Picasso Birthplace Museum. ...
  • Alcazaba of Málaga. ...
  • Castle of Gibralfaro. ...
  • Museum of Malaga. ...
  • CAC Malaga (Contemporary Art Center)

What is the best month to visit Malaga Spain? ›

If you love the heat and sun, the best time to visit Malaga is between June and September. The hottest time of the year is July and August, which has an average temperature of 31°C and 11 hours of warm sunshine per day. It's also the best time to go to Malaga for swimming, with an average sea temperature of 24°C.

Is Malaga or Seville better? ›

🍾 Both cities have a thriving restaurant scene and nightlife. If you're more into partying, Malaga is probably more for you and if you prefer your nightlife to involve sitting in bars and restaurants all night, Seville is more your scene.

Do you need cash in Malaga? ›

In Spain you can pay in cash in almost all cases, and usually only Euros are accepted. In some cases, if the payment is made through a machine, it may be necessary to pay by card. The option to pay with credit and debit cards, mainly Visa and Mastercard, is very widespread.

Is Malaga Old Town worth a visit? ›

Málaga's historic center is a treasure trove of history, culture, and delightful surprises waiting to be explored. From the majestic Alcazaba and the ancient Roman Theater to the vibrant Plaza de la Constitución and world-class art museums like the Picasso Museum, there's so much to do in Málaga old town.

How much is an average dinner in Malaga? ›

While meal prices in Malaga can vary, the average cost of food in Malaga is $38 (€35) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Malaga should cost around $15 (€14) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

Is alcohol expensive in Malaga? ›

3 course meal with wine in restaurant from 20 euros p.p. Small local Beer in bar from 1 - 2.5 euro, similar for glass of wine. Spirit + Mixer from 3.5 euro upwards.

How much is food in Malaga, Spain? ›

Recommended Minimum Amount of Money for food (2400 calories, Asian food types)
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (50.00 g)0.10 €
Chicken Fillets (0.20 kg)1.26 €
Beef Round (0.10 kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)1.40 €
Apples (0.25 kg)0.48 €
Banana (0.25 kg)0.41 €
9 more rows

Is Spain expensive for food and drink? ›

Food costs can range from $10 to $50 per person, depending on whether you choose budget restaurants or mid-range restaurants. For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day in Spain, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per day.

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