Malaga - where to stay for tourists

Málaga – the main city on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia. Located on the southwestern coast of Spain, near Gibraltar, Málaga is the perfect place to combine cultural and beach vacations on the Costa del Sol.

There are many interesting things to do in Málaga. The city is most famous as the birthplace of Picasso. Although Málaga is quite large, its center is very convenient for easy navigation, allowing you to quickly reach all major attractions, including the beach.

When it comes to neighborhoods, you have plenty of choices, but I recommend these five:

Centro Histórico, Soho, La Merced – located in the city center.
La Malagueta/La Caleta and Pedregalejo – situated along the beach.

Below is a description of five neighborhoods that are the best and most interesting places to stay while exploring Málaga or relaxing by the sea. All of them are pleasant and safe for tourists, and they are located close to Málaga’s main attractions. Of course, they each have their own pros and cons. So, read on and choose the one that best suits your travel style.

Recommended read: Malaga – a guide of the capital the Costa del Sol

1. Centro Histórico – Where to Stay in Málaga for the First Time

This is also where we decided to stay on our first visit to Málaga – in its Centro Histórico. It offers easy access to numerous attractions within walking distance. Plus, it’s close to the bus and train stations, making it easy to reach Málaga Airport.

Málaga’s historic center begins east of the Guadalmedina River and lies between Alameda Principal and Calle Carretería. This triangular area contains numerous museums, palaces, and squares—there’s no shortage of things to see!

All year round, but especially in summer and during holidays, this part of the city is bustling with both tourists and locals. The large pedestrian area prohibits car traffic (keep this in mind if you plan to take a taxi to the airport). The center is filled with a maze of winding, narrow marble-paved streets, lined with elegant classical buildings. Everywhere you look, you’ll find cozy cafes, restaurants, and shops. Many of Málaga’s major attractions are located here.

Once a residential area, there are now fewer permanent residents here as many locals have moved to more modern parts of the city. Others have been displaced due to the rise in short-term vacation rentals. Because of this, Málaga has seen frequent protests calling for an Airbnb ban in recent years. Nevertheless, this district remains absolutely charming.

Tip: When booking accommodation in the center, check reviews about the soundproofing of windows and the functionality of air conditioning. Sleeping with open windows can be difficult due to street noise, which lasts until the early morning hours.

Things to Do in Centro Histórico, Málaga

When it comes to sightseeing and activities, the answer is “mostly everything!” The city’s historical landmarks, monuments, museums, and cultural centers are all located here. Even if you don’t stay in the center, you will likely spend most of your time exploring it.

Explore side streets leading to churches, monuments, and plazas such as Plaza de las Flores and Plaza Uncibay.
Visit Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s main square, surrounded by charming terraces and restaurants.
Discover the Picasso Museum, dedicated to his life and art, located in the old town.
See major attractions like the cathedral, Roman theatre, Alcazaba, and more—all within walking distance.
The ornate balconies of the upper windows of the streets in this area are worth your attention. Most of the streets are much narrower than the Calle mentioned above, so this can be a particularly charming route.

Hotels in Centro Histórico, Malaga

Apartamentos Debambú≫ – Great place to stay, the apartment is very bright, clean and spacious. Perfect location in the center of the old town.
H-A Hotel Trebol≫ – Great location, walking distance to tourist attractions and plenty of bars and restaurants. Short walk to metro station for easy airport transfers. Friendly, attentive staff and simple self-service breakfast. Lift and roof terrace.
Hostal Larios≫ – This hostel is centrally located. The rooms are clean, with no unpleasant odors. Single rooms are cozy and quiet. The staff is friendly. If you’re planning to travel further, there’s a bus stop just a few minutes’ walk from the hostel.

2. Soho – for Art Lovers and Great Coffee

Soho is located between the Historic Center and the Port of Málaga and is known as the city’s arts district. It is conveniently close to the port, train, and bus stations, making it an excellent base for exploring the area.

This compact district is neatly organized with a grid-like street layout. It’s mostly a middle-class residential area with many small offices and cafés. Over the past few years, Soho has become quite trendy, now featuring numerous art venues, cafés, and restaurants, as well as hotels and apartments, all within walking distance of each other and the historic center.

The streets, cafés, and restaurants in this area are lively, though not as bustling as those in the Centro Histórico. The neighborhood caters more to locals than tourists, which is great if you enjoy an authentic atmosphere rather than a purely touristic one.

Things to See and Do in Soho:

The district features a charming mix of modern and classic architecture, all within a compact area. There are several lovely pedestrian streets, numerous galleries, and art spaces, including the Contemporary Art Museum, which is unfortunately closed until 2026.
Soho is home to the waterfront promenade and Plaza Marina, a large open space by the sea, as well as an esplanade running along the port.
The beautiful Málaga Park is nearby, offering a great spot for morning or evening walks. The western side of Soho is less polished but more “local,” with plenty of simple, everyday restaurants and cafés.
The Guadalmedina River runs along the edge of the district, where you’ll find two large shopping centers, the Atarazanas Market, and the well-known Spanish department store El Corte Inglés.
Crossing the river into the El Perchel neighborhood takes you into an even more local area, where many Málaga residents live.
Stop by Antigua Casa de Guardia for delicious wines and tapas. If you’re looking for specialty coffee, you can find it in Soho.
A great spot is Santa Coffee Soho, which offers excellent coffee, breakfast, and desserts.

Hotels in Soho, Malaga:

As for accommodation options, this is the part of central Malaga where most of the city’s large and luxurious hotels are located.

Tandem Soho Suites≫ –Neat apartments, compact accommodation in the room, great location, everything is available. Nearby is the beach and historical architecture, shops, park.
Apartamento Soho centro malaga≫ – The location of the apartment is close to the center, the old town is easy to reach on foot. The decoration of the apartment is good, there is a lot of light everywhere, the air conditioners work.
Soho Apartment Principal Avenue≫ –Good location (7 minutes walk to the metro station, which goes to the airport) and almost in the center. The apartments are clean, the bed is comfortable. Possibility to leave luggage before check-in. Beautiful view from the windows. Convenient registration (online) and access to the apartments (without keys, by code).

3. La Malagueta and La Caleta – for a beach holiday

The beachside neighborhoods of La Malagueta and La Caleta are upscale, compact districts located along the coastline, just east of Málaga’s port and city center. These areas feature modern high-rise apartments and hotels. La Malagueta is the first of the two, closest to the Old Town, while La Caleta lies slightly further east.

I’ve grouped them together since they are adjacent and share similar characteristics. La Malagueta and La Caleta are high-end residential areas, popular among retirees and families. Both neighborhoods are within walking distance of the city center (about 15–25 minutes).

Several bus routes run along their main avenue, taking you directly to the center (the street changes names from Paseo Reding to Paseo de Sancha). There are many hotels in the area, most just a couple of minutes from the beach. While these districts are extremely popular in summer, they also offer a peaceful seaside atmosphere year-round.

La Caleta is quieter than La Malagueta and is filled with elegant 19th-century villas surrounded by manicured gardens. It’s a stunning neighborhood, perfect for strolls past grand homes with spacious estates.

Things to Do in La Malagueta & La Caleta

As beachside districts, their biggest advantage is proximity to the sea and the city’s best beaches. In summer, these beaches are packed with sunbathers.
A scenic promenade connects the beaches, drawing locals and visitors alike for walks, jogging, and cycling.
La Malagueta Beach is the most famous, featuring a wide sandy shore that’s always lively, especially in summer.
The promenade is lined with chiringuitos—beachfront restaurants specializing in seafood (though be sure to research to avoid tourist traps with inflated prices).
La Caleta is a peaceful area that offers a great balance of convenience and charm without feeling overly touristy. Its beach is just as beautiful as La Malagueta’s but slightly less crowded.
Nearby, you’ll find the Centre Pompidou Málaga, a branch of the famous Parisian museum.
Walk along the port to La Farola Lighthouse, passing numerous restaurants and shops.
Visit the Plaza de Toros La Malagueta, the city’s historic bullring.
La Caleta also has several great cafés, quality restaurants, a supermarket, and various everyday services.

Hotels in La Malagueta:

Malagueta Beach Studio≫ – comfortable and tidy apartment, located close to the beach and restaurants, and it’s not noisy at night, which is a big plus.
Living4Malaga Centro Histórico y Playa≫ – Central location, just a short walk to the city center. Hard Rock Cafe and other restaurants are very accessible within a short walk from the pier.
Pries Homes – Center Beach≫ –The apartment has a great location, a few minutes from the beach, a Mercadona supermarket on the corner and an amazing cozy and artistic interior.

4. La Merced – atmosphere and silence cultural center

La Merced is a neighborhood located northeast of Málaga’s Historic Center, making it a great choice for independent travelers. While it may not be as charming as the Old Town, it remains a historic district filled with classic architecture, narrow streets perfect for strolling, as well as beautiful squares and small parks.

You won’t find many tourist attractions or shops catering specifically to visitors. Instead, the area offers plenty of supermarkets, local cafés and restaurants, as well as bookstores, vintage shops, and other stores geared toward families and residents.

Accommodation here is slightly cheaper than in the city center, though options are more limited since most residents are locals. However, La Merced is home to a great selection of bars and restaurants. It is also Málaga’s entertainment hub, featuring El Microteatro—a unique mini-theater where you can enjoy a drink while watching short theatrical performances.

What to See in La Merced

For culture and history lovers, this is the birthplace of Picasso. Plaza de la Merced is not only where he was born but also where he spent his childhood.
The Mercado de la Merced, the neighborhood’s indoor market, is a fantastic spot to try a variety of dishes, from local delicacies to favorite tapas.
Bars and clubs along Calle Álamo and Calle Carretería are the best places to go after dinner for a night out.

Where to stay in la Merced:

Edificio Conde 7- Plaza de la Merced≫ – apartment with a perfect location near La Merced Square and a good range of amenities. There is a well-equipped kitchen, a washing machine. The whole apartment is spacious and decorated in a charming rustic style. The beds and windows are very comfortable. The electric shower works very well. The city center is a five-minute walk away.
Casa de la Merced Suites≫ – Very clean accommodation, friendly staff, perfect location, right in the centre but not as noisy as Malaga’s Old Town. Good price for such a location. Extra touches like a TV, coffee machine and even some sweets at the reception made it very welcoming.
Rooms and Suites Don Pepín La Merced≫ -A hotel in the La Merced area with small but clean rooms at a very good price.

5. Pedregalejo – eastern fisherman district

Pedregalejo is a charming, entirely residential beachside district located on the far eastern edge of Málaga, about a 25-minute bus ride from the city center. It differs significantly from the other neighborhoods mentioned earlier—it feels more like a seaside village than an urban area. This quiet, non-touristy part of Málaga is greener, calmer, and more suburban than any other part of the city.

Right behind its beautiful namesake beach, you’ll find a network of picturesque streets lined with townhouses. The rest of the district consists mainly of closely packed single-family homes. Traffic is usually light, except in the summer when locals from other parts of the city flock to Pedregalejo Beach.

This neighborhood is particularly well-suited for independent travelers with children who visit Málaga for its beaches. Family tourists tend to spend less time sightseeing and bar-hopping; instead, they look for a good beach, comfortable apartments, and easy transport to the city center for occasional outings.

Accommodation in Pedregalejo is also much more affordable than in the center—you can find a lovely apartment near the beach for the same price as a tiny hotel room in the Old Town.

Things to Do in Pedregalejo

Relax on Pedregalejo’s beaches. The coastline here is calmer thanks to man-made piers that create small bays, making it ideal for families with young children.
Stroll along the Pedregalejo promenade. This area is home to some of Málaga’s most scenic restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink with a sea view or try the famous espetos—fresh sardines grilled on skewers over an open fire.
Visit Baños del Carmen, a historic bathhouse that has been transformed into a seafront restaurant. Explore El Morlaco Park, a wooded, hilly area overlooking the neighborhood, offering spectacular panoramic views of the sea.

Where to stay in Pedregalejo:

Malaga Beach House≫ – Family apartments located less than a ten minute walk to Pedregalejo beach. Only a ten minute taxi ride for 8 euros to Malaga or 15 minutes by bus. Bus stop 3 minutes walk from the apartment. The little Casa itself is very nice. Looks brand new, everything is clean and fully functional. Tastefully furnished and a pleasure to stay in. The kitchen works well, you can cook full meals with complete ease. The shower is great, as is the bathroom in general.
Malaga stylish beach apartments≫ – nice apartment for a reasonable price close to Pedregalejo beach. Shower is great with good pressure, very quiet around. Location is great, a bit quiet, lots of restaurants. Very easy to get to Malaga city centre with several bus routes in 15 minutes. Beds are comfortable, good amount of amenities like ice, oil, salt, pepper, coffee etc.
El Nogal Home≫ – Very nice 2-star hotel near the beach. Comfortable rooms have Netflix, air conditioning/heating, and a mini fridge.

Useful articles and links:

Travel medical insurance with discounts can be purchased from HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com

Where to stay in Malaga – 5 best areas for tourists