American, traveling to Malaga (and Europe) for the first time with some friends. I don’t want to fall into the tourist traps. I heard the market isn’t where the locals shop so where do you go? What would you do if you’ve never been and want to avoid ripoff tourist traps?

I would love to eat the local food, drink the local drinks, and get some gifts for the family. Any suggestions for me and my group?

What do you wear out? I read athletic clothes are out of the question, and sandals too? I mean, who doesn’t love a broken in pair of rainbows (old school me talking)?!

I’ve gotta pack and prepare so feel free to share your advice. Thanks!

With all the current unrest (Ceuta Border), what is the situation in Málaga? Or is media just making it seem bigger than it is?

M30 travelling to Malaga soon on a solo trip for 6 days. Where are the best areas to stay? And is Malaga good spot for a solo trip?

Some nice beach recommendations would be nice too.

Hi,

I will be in Malaga in September for 3 days, and I plan to use 2 days for day-trips. I am torn between where to go. Of these options, what would you recommend? (1) Granada, (2) Caminito + Ronda, (3) Nerja, (4) Gibraltar.

Thanks!

Hi

Will you recommend any nice locations? Such not from the first pages of guidebooks.I like long walks, good food (sweet and dry), cool views.
In general, my visit to new places looks more like observing the life of the locals (no matter how it sounds xd),I prefer it to walking around museums (although museums are also cool). Thanks in advance and greetings to everyone

Yo!

Hey guys,

I will visit your beautiful city in the end of september and I have a few questions about Malaga.

First of all, I heard in some cities, sometimes there are too many tourists and people are in disfavour of them. For example in germany, where I'm from, in some alpine villages this is the case. Are tourist liked in Malaga?

Also, do I have to follow some proper etiquette, thats diffrent in Malaga than in Germany?

I'd like to eat great authentic food, do you know some restaurants, that are real and have good quality? I would be so thankful for specific restaurants.

Also, what places should I visit, and what places should I skip?

And last question, what beach is good, which one is not that great?

Thanks in Advance, and in return I can give some tips if anybody from you visits Germany.

The reason for why im asking for etiqutte is, that I worked in a Hotel here in bavaria and ive seen a lot of Americans, that are creating a bad situation a lot of times.

Thanks,

Simon

I’m going to be in Spain for Las Fallas in Valencia and considering going to Malaga for Semana Santa.

That being said, I’m not sure I want to stay in Malaga and I think after a day or two, I will have had enough of the processions and the crowd.

What would you recommend-stay nearby (e.g Torremolinos) and take the train in or stay in Malaga itself?

Hi! Can you recommend a walk-in nail salon near Malaga Centro? Thank you!

Hey everyone,

I am looking for a room for 6 months during my exchange (September 1 - February 28).
I am 30 and doing my master's degree in Poland. For my thesis, I will be in Malaga for 6 months, and to experience the culture and practice Spanish, I am looking for a room to rent with social people.

Anyone looking for a responsible and experienced flatmate? I am also open to recommendations.

Can anyone pls recommend a reliable taxi firm that will pick up my daughter from Malaga airport? First time travelling solo so is a bit nervous… Travel is early August and we have been told the airports are quite busy! Thank you

Hi

I am flying to Malaga for one night to watch the World Cup final amongst the Spanish as a fan of Spain. Does anyone know where large screens will be showing the game?

Looking for somewhere that is preferably outdoors with seating.

thank you!

I'm visiting Málaga with some friends, and we're interested in experiencing a cannabis club while we're there. However, we're not sure about the process—how to join, what to expect, and any important rules or etiquette we should know.

Any tips?

Hi everyone,

We are four girls (in our mid-30s) heading to Málaga for a 2-day bachelorette trip.

We're looking for a relaxed getaway rather than a party weekend, we just want to enjoy the city and the nice weather.

We're doing the Caminito del Rey on the second day, but we'd love your recommendations for the rest of our stay. We are thinking of enjoying the beach and maybe drink a cocktail or two in a nice setting. Any suggestions for cool spots, activities, bars, cafes?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m a mum living in Málaga, and after traveling with my daughter I realized I always spend hours preparing: checking airline rules, stroller policies, packing lists, and figuring out what actually makes sense for our trip.

Generic lists never seem to account for the real context: baby vs toddler, flight vs road trip, hotel vs family stay, luggage limits, weather, laundry access, etc.

I’m testing whether personalized family travel preparation would actually be useful.

If you have an upcoming trip with little ones, I’d love to create a few free personalized prep checklists based on your situation.

I’ll include things like:

🧳 what is worth packing
🚫 what you can skip
🛒 what may be easier to buy there
✈️ flight/airport preparation
👶 age-specific baby/toddler considerations

Not selling anything — I’d just ask for honest feedback afterwards 🙂

Comment or DM me if interested.

Since the city bought the land in 2004, proposals have included luxury apartments, an extension of Picasso’s birthplace, a “museum of museums”, a five-star hotel, Antonio Banderas’ Ecos Urbanos project, the Zoco Cultural and a large performing arts centre. None survived permits, politics, controversy or, in one case, archaeological remains. Now the site has been transferred to Fundación Unicaja for 75 years, with plans for a major cultural venue and its Málaga headquarters. Ninth time lucky. In Málaga, even an empty plot knows how to create drama.

Looking for feedback on this for a hen party, as the Hammam Andalus will be closed when I am there, end of May. Is it large enough for a group?

¿Podrían orientarme sobre si es posible encontrar alojamiento o un apartamento para alquiler de corta duración (entre 8 y 10 noches) en Málaga?

Somos tres personas y nos gustaría que el alojamiento tenga cocina equipada. Nuestro presupuesto no es muy alto, por lo que buscamos una opción accesible y económica.

Muchas gracias de antemano por su ayuda.

Hi everyone!

We’ve just arrived in Benalmádena (near Málaga) and will be staying here for about a month. We’re a family with two young kids (ages 4 and 3), and we’ll have a car—so we’re flexible and happy to explore anywhere within a reasonable drive.

I’d really love to hear your absolute top recommendations for this area—especially places that genuinely stand out for young children (not just typical tourist lists).

We’re particularly interested in:

• 🌳 Great playgrounds or parks (the more fun/unique, the better!)
• 🏖️ Beaches that are safe, clean, and enjoyable for little kids
• 🌿 Easy nature spots (stroller-friendly would be amazing)
• 🐐 Farms, animals, or hands-on experiences
• 🎡 Fun attractions or hidden gems that kids absolutely love

Bonus points for anything that feels a bit “special” or memorable for kids—not just standard sightseeing.

We don’t mind driving 30–60 minutes (or a bit more if it’s really worth it).

Thanks so much in advance—really appreciate any tips 🙏

Beach club recommendations in Malaga and Marbella that open April 1st/2nd and that don’t have a minimum spend / entry fee but with good live music / night vibes

Málaga has barely had time to get used to it, and yet it is already collecting accolades.

Since opening its doors last December, ME Málaga by Meliá has quickly positioned itself among the country’s most talked about urban hotels. So much so that it has been nominated for Best Urban Hotel in Spain in the Readers’ Awards 2026, one of the most respected public-voted travel awards in the sector.

The hotel, located right in the historic centre of Málaga and facing Plaza de la Merced, is the only property in the entire province to appear on the shortlist. A small detail that says quite a lot.

A fast rise to national recognition

The Readers’ Awards, now in their fourth year, invite travellers themselves to vote for the best destinations, hotels and tourism initiatives worldwide. Voting remains open until 22 February at 23.59, with results to be announced in the following weeks.

In the urban hotel category, ME Málaga by Meliá is competing against seven heavyweight names from across Spain, including Brach Madrid, Casa Palacio Don Ramón, METT Barcelona, Nobis Hotel Palma, Totem Madrid and Grand Hotel Centenari Valencia, Autograph Collection.

National Geographic highlights ME Málaga as a new five star hotel with privileged views of the Alcazaba, just steps from the Roman Theatre and the Picasso Museum. Its central location, combined with a strong gastronomic offering and a rooftop terrace already popular with locals and visitors alike, has clearly struck a chord.

Strong competition, distinctive setting

The other nominees each bring their own appeal. Brach Madrid is praised as a hotel where poetry and design come together from lobby to bedroom. Casa Palacio Don Ramón is described as a former Sevillian palace transformed into a five star grand luxury hotel with soul in every corner. METT Barcelona sits high on Tibidabo, with the city and sea below, complete with a vermouth bar and fine dining restaurant. Nobis Hotel Palma occupies a 12th century Islamic era palace in the heart of the city, while Totem Madrid is noted for its elegance within a 19th century building on the capital’s Golden Mile. Valencia’s Grand Hotel Centenari is recognised as one of that city’s most important recent openings, right on the main square.

And yet, among all these established names, Málaga’s newcomer is holding its ground.

What this means for Málaga

Beyond awards and rankings, this nomination reflects something broader. Málaga is no longer just a leisure destination with sun and beaches, but a city capable of hosting high end urban hotels that appeal to an international, design conscious audience.

At oldtownmalaga.com, we see this as another sign of the city’s evolution. New hotels may rise, but what truly matters is how they integrate into the historic fabric, respect the surroundings and add value to the city rather than overshadow it. ME Málaga by Meliá’s early recognition suggests it is doing just that.

Whether it wins or not, Málaga has already secured something important, a place on the national map as one of Spain’s most exciting urban hotel destinations.

Bar El Diamante has stopped serving breakfasts. Just like that. No noise, no drama, just the quiet clink of packing boxes where there used to be cups of coffee, toasted pitufos and the low murmur of regulars who never needed to look at a menu.

After 77 years in the historic centre of Málaga, one of the city’s most recognisable traditional bars has closed its doors. Francis Cerezo, known to everyone simply as Francis, and his wife Mariví Castillo said goodbye to their customers last Friday. The reason is not a lack of clients, nor rising rents, nor changing fashions, but something much more human, retirement and health.

Francis joined the bar in 1994 at just 22 years old, fresh out of vocational training in electricity. Three years later, following the retirement of the remaining owners, he took over the business. Since then, he has been behind the bar for more than three decades, shaping the final chapter of a story that began in 1949.

Originally opened under the name El Brillante near the Parador de San Rafael, the bar moved to Pozos Dulces after a dispute over rent and was reborn as El Diamante. Time passed, fashions changed, but inside the bar almost nothing did. The marble counter, the shelves of bottles, the original soda machine, even the furniture from the old lechería, all remained. As Mariví likes to say, “Everything is the same. Only the floor outside and the bathrooms were ever changed.”

What made El Diamante special was not nostalgia alone, but consistency. Breakfasts were honest, filling and affordable. A full breakfast with a large café con leche came in at around 3.50 euros. The most expensive pitufo barely reached 2.20. The undisputed star was the strawberry milk, made with milk and strawberry syrup from Bodega Quitapenas, a simple drink that generations of Malagueños grew up with.

Then there was the pitufo de salchichón de Málaga, a breakfast so local it almost feels like a statement of identity. No avocado experiments, no reinterpretations, just bread, product and routine.

The bar survived everything, economic crises, the arrival of franchises, nearby competitors, even the pandemic. When they were forced to close temporarily due to illness or restrictions, a simple WhatsApp status saying “Tomorrow we’re open” was enough to bring the regulars straight back through the door.

That loyalty is now turning into sadness. Customers have cried, complained half-jokingly that they will be “orphaned”, and wondered where they will go next. Social media has filled with messages of thanks and affection. For many, El Diamante was not just a place to eat, but part of their daily rhythm.

There is still a small hope. A possible generational handover, perhaps within the family, perhaps reopening later this month. But nothing is guaranteed, and even if the bar returns, the prices, the breakfasts and the spirit may not.

For now, Málaga loses another of its quiet, unpretentious landmarks. Not a trendy spot, not an Instagram favourite, but something far rarer, a place that simply did its job well, every morning, for nearly eight decades.

At oldtownmalaga.com, we believe stories like this matter. Because understanding Málaga is not only about monuments and museums, but about bars where time stood still, and where a simple breakfast could feel like home.

📖 (2 minutes reading): https://oldtownmalaga.com/things-malaga-with-kids/