Wondering where to stay in Malaga? This city may be small, but there are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from! Here's a guide to the best neighborhoods in Malaga to help you plan your trip.
Malaga is a city that's longer than it is wide, stretched out along the Mediterranean coast. Some people say that this city lives “facing the sea.” Considering the way it's laid out, it's important to plan your trip to Malaga based on transportation options and what you want to do during your stay.
Luckily there are lots of options, so you’re guaranteed to find something that works for you (and your price range). Check out our favorite neighborhoods below to help you choose the perfect area!
Looking for specific hotel recommendations? Take a look at our list of the best hotels in Malaga.
Where to Stay in Malaga's Historic Center
When considering where to stay in Malaga, the first place that comes to mind is the historic center. This is perfect if you want to be close to all the major monuments and tourist attractions. Almost everything is within walking distance, including restaurants, museums, and even the beach!
The downside? Hotels in this area can be a bit pricey and they tend to fill up quickly. Depending on the time of year, you might want to consider another area of town.
See Also: How to Spend 3 Days in Malaga
Where to Stay in SoHo, Malaga
One of the best neighborhoods in Malaga is the centrally located SoHo. It's just across the Alameda Principal (the main road through the center of town) from the historic center. This artsy neighborhood features plenty of murals, craft beer, and some great local spots for tapas.
SoHo is within walking distance of the historic center, making it one of the best places to stay near central Malaga. If you want to get to the beach, you can easily hop on one of the bus lines that run along the Alameda.
See Also: Street Art in Malaga
Where to Stay in Malaga's City Center
While you might assume that this is the same as the historic center, Malaga’s city center is actually a bit farther west. If you cross the river you'll find several hotels near the El Corte Inglés department store.
Conveniently, the city center of Malaga is just a 10-minute walk from the historic center. If you're looking for a slightly less expensive hotel, this is a great area to stay in.
Read More: See Devour's recommendations for the best places to eat in Malaga.
Where to Stay in El Perchel
El Perchel is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Malaga. Located close to the port, it's a residential neighborhood that's growing in popularity. It's also the closest area to the train and bus stations, so if you're planning on doing some day trips, this may be the perfect choice for you.
Read More: Check out our guide to El Perchel!
Where to Stay on Malaga's Eastern Coast
Along the city's eastern coastline, you'll find the famous Malagueta beach. This beautiful seaside area is perfect if you want to spend your trip soaking up the sun.
You can find several great bed and breakfasts on Paseo de Sancha, which runs parallel to the sea. Although this area is a bit farther from the historic center, it's ideal place to stay if you're looking for natural beauty.
Where to Stay on Malaga's Western Coast
Malaga's western coastline is where you'll find most of its beach resorts and hotels. The main beach here is called Playa de Huelin, and there are plenty of nice places to have tapas or fried fish with a view of the water!
It's also close to the train and bus stations, making it a great choice for combining a beach holiday with day trips to the surrounding area.
See Also: Where to Eat in Malaga
Where to Stay on Mount Gibralfaro
If you're looking for a luxurious place to stay in Malaga, you should definitely check out the beautiful Parador de Gibralfaro. It has a privileged location atop the steep hill beside Gibralfaro Castle, making it perfect for a weekend getaway!
Mount Gibralfaro promises some of the best views in Malaga, but it's pretty far from the center of town. If you choose to stay here, it's best to rent a car so that you can get around easily.
See Also: Our Favorite Boutique Hotels in Malaga
FAQs on Where to Stay in Malaga
The historic center is the most popular neighborhood to stay in, since it's where most of Malaga's main sights are located. That said, SoHo, the city center, and El Perchel are also good choices. If you want more natural beauty, you can stay near the beach or on Mount Gibralfaro.
If you're mainly interested in exploring the city, 2 days is probably enough time to spend in Malaga. If you also want to enjoy the beaches or do day trips to the surrounding area, consider spending 3–5 days here instead.
Malaga's historic center and the areas around it are definitely walkable! Most of the main attractions are well within walking distance of one another. If you want to go back and forth to the beach, however, you'll need to take a taxi or public transportation.
The best time to visit Malaga is from May to September, when the weather is nicest. It can get pretty hot—and crowded—at the height of summer, so you might want to schedule your trip for May–June or October–September to avoid the peak tourist season.
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