Last updated on January 03rd, 2023
Malaga is historically a commercial centre, owing to its proximity to the Mediterranean waterways. It is also a tourism hub as it lies in the Costa del Sol region; a prime location for site seeing and holidays. The city is one of the oldest in Spain and its significance to the trading routes around the Mediterranean Sea makes it a notable location for art, culture and history.
Malaga consists of numerous places to stay with top-notch accommodation facilities, security amenities and one of the best hotels in Spain. Some of the prime locations include the Malagueta district and the Malaga’s Central Business District.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for nightlife or shopping, or where to stay near the beach or when travelling by train? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Malaga Spain.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Malaga Spain?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre / Centro, La Malagueta
The city centre is a great place to start your tour of Malaga Spain. The buildings are designed using the Roman architecture owing to its significance to the Roman Empire. The streets are nicely maintained with a flurry of business and a hospitable Spanish culture. From the City centre, one can reach any destination in the Andalusia and Spain in general. Standing on top of any building in the City centre gives one a clear view of the Mediterranean coastline
Where to Stay in Malaga City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Malaga
Gran Hotel Miramar (Beachfront) • Vincci Selección Posada del Patio - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Madeinterranea Suites • Room Mate Valeria - Best Cheap Hotels in Malaga
California • Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad - Best Bed & Breakfast
La Casa Azul B&B + Apartments • Villa Malaga - Best Budget Hostels
The Lights Hostel • Malaga Stop Hostel AB
Best Areas to Stay in Malaga
Best places to stay in Malaga for romantic holiday? Bed and Breakfast or Boutique Hotel or Luxury Beach Hotel
Lovers can have the best treat Malaga has to offer. Places to stay are numerous; complete with exclusive hosting, client service, access to the beach and memorable nights in the busy city life. Small boutique and luxury hotels, bed and breakfast services can be found both at the seafront, the city centre and exclusive neighbourhood. The best hotels for a romantic getaway include the Gran Hotel Miramar, Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro, Room Mate Larios, Villa Lorena Malaga and the Casa de Las Mercedes.
Where to stay in Malaga for best nightlife? Historic City Centre (Calle Larios, Calle Grenada, Plaza de la Constitucion, Plaza de la Merced)
The city centre is popular for night loving tourists, thanks to the rooftop bars, good music, assorted drinks and exclusive partying; all while viewing the Malagueta coastline. The Calle Larios Street hosts exclusive cocktail spots and restaurants with a pedestrian avenue for free walking. It’s a spectacular sight at night with well design buildings. Other city centre spots popular for dance and marrying include the Plaza de la Merced, Constitucion and the Calle Granada.
What’s the best neighbourhood in Malaga near the beach? La Malagueta
Considered one of the most exotic beaches in Spain and Europe in general, the Malagueta coastline has a beaming sunny beach which serves both as a leisure and a sight-seeing venue. The beach also has adjacent places to stay, one of the best eatery joints, beer parlours and historic places. This makes the beach an all-round location both for luxury and educative trips. La Malagueta beach is the centre of the Costa del Sol experience.
Best area to stay in Malaga for shopping? Calle Marques de Larios
The Calle Larios is also known for its commercial attributes. The street has the best designer outlets, exotic Spanish restaurants, artefacts and other assorted products. It is a one-stop-shop location in the city with a variety of goods and services. The pedestrianised street makes the whole activity much enjoyable as people concentrate more on the shopping experience while mingling. This 350 metres stretch brings the whole of Europe to Spain for shopping and other commercial experiences.
Where to stay in Malaga when travelling by train? Maria Zambrano Train station area
Malaga is the sixth-largest city in Spain and its connectivity to Spain and the outside world is crucial, both for commercial and cultural reasons. The train station Maria Zambrano is the link. It is a preferred mode of transport for tourist going outside the city as it passes through the beautiful Spanish terrain. It also serves the city centre with stops in all the corners.
The 3 Best Neighbourhoods in Malaga for Tourists
Some of the prime locations include the Malagueta district and the Malaga’s Central Business District.
The Malagueta is not only famous for its sandy beaches but also the La Alcazaba historical site, the Gibralfaro Castle and the Roman Theatre. The neighbourhood is bustling metropolis full of commercial and social activities. There are uncountable restaurants and bars, complete with Spanish and continental cuisines. It also has family spots with museums, marine centres and other tourist attraction. Places to stay are also numerous, ranging from beach hotels, modern apartments and villas. Accommodation facilities are classified based on the reason for visit, resources and the proximity to the sea.
For those who visit for shopping, there are various artefacts, fashion, foodstuffs and other products for sale. The Calle Larios provides a good place for such activities. The Muelle Uno is also notable for shopping. If your reason is exploration and sightseeing, the Castle of Gibralfaro, the Alborania Museum, the Feria de Malaga and Pompidou Centre provides an opportunity to that effect.
If the focus is on the beach, then the Malagueta coastline is your next stop. There are affordable neighbourhood to stay for as low as €50 per night. This does not exclude the fun fare that the city has to offer. Alcohol lovers also have their spot in Calle Tejon and other exotic places. All Malaga has to offer has the tourist interest at heart; security, cultural heritage, beach, fashion and welcoming people.
1. City Centre / El Centro
At the city centre, there is a lot to see and do. From classic accommodation facilities, second to none shopping experience, cultural heritage centres and proximity to the Malagueta beach, the city centre offers a wholesome package to tourists. The area is also sight-seeing friendly as it has streets and avenues dedicated to pedestrians. Museums and other historic centres form part of the larger history associated with the city and its influence to trade along the Mediterranean zone.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Molina Lario • Hotel Palacete de Alamos
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Malaga Premium Hotel • Casual del Mar Málaga
2. La Malagueta (Beachfront)
The beach and adjacent infrastructure is the reason why the Malaga is a significant city in the Costa del Sol area. One can bask on the sandy beach, enjoying some Spanish seafood and music.
The hotels in the background and a transport network allow the visitors to get more on the beach and the outside influence. The neighbourhood has friendly locals who are willing to help the tourists understand the culture.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Gran Hotel Miramar • Hotel MS Maestranza Málaga
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: California • Hotel Eliseos
3. Soho
It is the cultural district in Malaga; evident in the variety of art, graffiti, businesses and classic buildings. There are numerous art shops, exhibitions and galleries in the area, with historic monuments rehabilitated to showcase the city’s age.
It is also a link to other areas with the Intercity Bus and the Cercanias ferrying people. Accommodation and leisure spots are also available in Soho.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Mariposa Hotel Malaga • Soho Bahía Málaga
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Soho Boutique Malaga • Castilla Guerrero
Share this page