Wondering where to stay in Malaga? The city may be small, but there are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from! Here is a guide to the best neighborhoods in Malaga.
Malaga is a city that is longer than it is wide. Stretched out along the Mediterranean coast to make the most of its shoreline, we’ve heard people say that Malaga is a city that lives “facing the sea.” So you will want to choose your lodgings depending on transportation and what you plan to do during your stay.
The great part is that there are lots of options, so you’re guaranteed to find something with a good location and in your price range. Check out our list of the best neighborhoods in Malaga to choose the option that’s right for your trip!
Looking for Malaga hotel recommendations? Check out this Malaga hotel guide.
Where to Stay in Malaga - The Best Neighborhoods in Malaga
The Historic Center
The first place that comes to mind for where to stay in Malaga 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 fill up quickly. Depending on the time of year, you might consider another area of town.
See also: 3 Days in Malaga
SoHo
One of the best neighborhoods in Malaga is centrally located, just across the Alameda Principal (the main road through the center of town) from the Historic Center. The neighborhood is artsy and filled with murals, a bar serving craft beer, and some great local places for tapas. This is a good option as the bus lines run along the Alameda and you can hop on the bus to get to the beach, but it is also easily within walking distance of the historic center. SoHo is one of the best places to stay in Malaga if you are looking for a central location.
See also: Street art in Malaga
City Center
While you might think that the city center is the historic area with Calle Larios and the Plaza de la Constitución, Malaga’s city center is actually a bit to the West. If you cross the river you will find several hotels that are close to the Corte Inglés department store. The center of Malaga is no more than 10 minutes walking distance from the historic center. This is where to stay in Malaga if you are looking for a less expensive hotel.
More: Our complete hotel guide to Malaga
El Perchel
El Perchel is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Malaga. Located close to the port, you will find this to be a residential neighborhood that is growing in popularity. It is the closest area to the train and bus station, so if you are planning on doing some day trips, this may be one of the best places to stay in Malaga for you.
Eastern Coast
Along the Eastern coastline, you will find the famous Malagueta beach. This is a beautiful area with views of the sea. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Malaga if you are looking to spend most of your time soaking up the sun. Another option along the Eastern coast are the Bed and Breakfasts you will find on the Paseo de Sancha. This is one of the better places to stay in Malaga if you don’t mind being a bit farther from the historic center. Both the views and the homes are beautiful!
Western Coast
Along the Western coastline, you will find more beach style hotels. This is one of the best places to stay in Malaga if you want to combine the beach hotel with being close to the train and bus stations. These hotels are close to Huelín Beach and lots of delicious places to have tapas or fried fish along the sea!
See also: Guide to eating and drinking in Malaga
Gibralfaro
If you are looking for a luxurious place to stay in Malaga, you should definitely look at the Parador of Gibralfaro. It is the only hotel up on top of the steep hill, located just below Gibralfaro Castle. Here you will have some of the best views of Malaga, as well as a beautiful hotel to enjoy. This is where to stay in Malaga if you are planning a special getaway weekend and you have access to a car. That last bit is important, as Gibralfaro is far from the center of town and only reachable by bus.
See more: Our favorite boutique hotels in Malaga
Airport
The hotels by the airport are where to stay in Malaga if you have access to a car and you are planning to have an early departure. If you have an early (or very late) flight, this might be one of the smartest places to rest your head. The downfall, of course, is that you are rather far away from both the beach and the city center.
Do you know any other places to stay in Malaga?
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Malaga. If you have any other questions about places to stay in Malaga, don’t hesitate to send us a message. Also, if you know of any tips on where to stay in Malaga, please leave us a comment below so that others can enjoy the same wonderful experience!
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