Where to stay in Malaga: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexMalaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, a beautiful stretch of coast in southern Spain. This Andalusian city is full of attractions and things to do, all concentrated mainly in the Old Town and along the coast, without a doubt the best places to stay! Here are all our tips on where to sleep in Malaga!
Useful tips: the best places to stay in Malaga
The best neighbourhood to stay is definitely Centro Historico. Here you will find yourself within walking distance of the main attractions and La Malagueta beach.
If you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, in addition to Centro Historico, consider Soho and La Malagueta. The latter, especially in summer, is very lively at any time of the day or night! Soho, on the other hand, is a trendy neighbourhood with a bohemian atmosphere, full of clubs.
If you want to save money, opt for El Perchel or Pedregalejo. The first district is located between the historic centre and Málaga-María Zambrano station, ideal if you plan to do some excursions in the surrounding area. Pedregalejo, on the other hand, is a district far from the centre, which overlooks the coast and the beach of the same name, ideal for those looking for sea and tranquillity at affordable prices.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: El Perchel, Pedregalejo
- Recommended areas for families with children: Centro Historico, El Perchel, Pedregalejo
- Recommended areas for young people: Centro Historico, Soho, La Malagueta
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Malaga. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
If you are in Malaga for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Guide to the areas of Malaga
Malaga, also known as the capital of the Costa del Sol, in wonderful Andalusia, extends for 395 square kilometres and has about half a million inhabitants. Getting acquainted with the city is very easy and the main attractions are all located in Centro Historico.
The city is divided into districts called distritos. The central district is Centro, which is also the oldest. To the east is the Este area, where we find some districts directly overlooking the coast, such as the Pedregalejo district.
In addition to these two districts, there are a series of areas that develop all around but which are not recommended to stay, as they are far from the centre or with little or no tourist attractions: to the west are the districts of Carretera de Cádiz (the most populous, to be taken into consideration if you make a two-day stopover and want to stay close to the airport), Cruz de Humilladero, Bailén-Miraflores, Puerto de la Torre, Campanillas and the village of Churriana. Finally, to the north are the districts of Ciudad Jardìn and Palma-Palmilla.
Not recommended areas: the districts that are too peripheral, especially inland, like the whole district of Palma-Palmilla, north of the historic centre. These are areas without any tourist attractions, and they are not always safe, especially in the evening.
Centro Histórico (Central district)
If you are only staying for a few days or it is your first time visiting Malaga, the historic centre is the best area to sleep in. The main attractions are here, such as the Alcazaba, the Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga and the Picasso Museum, while within walking distance you will find Gibralfaro Castle and La Malagueta Beach.
It is a neighbourhood suitable for all types of travellers, but bear in mind that the historic centre is also one of the most expensive areas of the city. If you are looking for nightlife, look for accommodation near Calle Larios, the most important area in the centre, and the main squares. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a quieter place to stay with your family, orient yourself in the easternmost part of the area, between Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, an exclusive and luxury neighbourhood.
Finally, staying here will allow you to move easily on foot, both in the centre and in the surrounding area, Soho and Malagueta beach are only a short walk away.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €65,00 for low-cost accommodation to €280,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano | Hotel in the quiet area of the Roman Theatre, near Alcazaba. Reception 9:00-21:00, WiFi and rooms equipped with all comforts. Ideal for couples and families |
| The Lights Hostel | Hostel 300 m from Calle Larios, the centre of nightlife. 24-hour reception, WiFi, terrace. Private rooms or bed in dorm. Ideal for young people |
| Casa Blanca Malaga | Apartment complex overlooking the centre. Units with one or two bedrooms for up to 6 people, equipped kitchen and bathroom. Ideal for families and groups of friends |
| Molina Lario | 4-star hotel overlooking the Cathedral. Swimming pool, restaurant, bar, airport shuttle, rooms with air conditioning and WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
Soho (Central District)
Between Centro Historico and the port of Malaga is the wonderful neighbourhood of Soho, an alternative area with a bohemian soul, full of bars and cafes, with modern accommodation at competitive prices. Today, after a redevelopment project, this area has become a real cultural and artistic centre, and the CAC Málaga, or contemporary art museum, is located here.
Above all, it is a neighbourhood recommended for young people and those looking for a bit of nightlife. Soho has a bubbly soul; it is very lively during the day and in the evening. This is the trendiest area in all of Malaga and is ideal for spending long summer evenings outdoors!
Finally, staying here will allow you to move easily on foot: to reach the historic centre you only have to cross the Alemada Principal, to reach Malagueta beach you can walk along the Parque de Málaga and in 15 minutes you will be on the beach.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Soho Boutique Urban | 3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom and free WiFi. 24-hour Reception. Ideal for couples |
| Feel Hostels Soho Malaga | Hostel with sun terrace, 24-hour reception and free WiFi in all areas. Private rooms or bed in dormitory. Ideal for young people |
| Letmalaga Art Soho | Entire 80sqm apartment with free WiFi, air conditioning and equipped kitchen. Three bedrooms, for up to 5 people. Ideal for groups and young people |
| Room Mate Valeria | 4-star hotel with swimming pool on the top floor, overlooking the city and the harbour. Gym, bar, WiFi, family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
La Malagueta (Central District)
If you visit Malaga in the summer, you should definitely also consider staying in the La Malagueta neighbourhood. This is the area directly overlooking the sea, with the famous Malagueta beach. In addition to the beach, the Malaga lighthouse and the Centre Pompidou Malaga, an important art Centre are here.
It is a neighbourhood recommended for those who want to have a beach holiday and those looking for fun. Especially in summer, this area is very lively at any time of day or night, thanks to the many clubs that are located on the seafront and the numerous chiringuito on the beach. If you are travelling in high season make sure you book as soon as possible to find offers!
Staying here will allow you to get around on foot: in 15 minutes you can reach the Soho district to spend the evening, and the centre and its attractions, such as the Cathedral and the Alcazaba is also only 15 minutes away.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €260,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| La Marina Suite Malaga | Beachfront apartment with air conditioning, equipped kitchen and sea views. For up to 4 people, ideal for groups of friends or families |
| Malagueta Beach Studio | 35 sqm beachfront apartment. Air-conditioning, one bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen. Ideal for couples |
| Exclusive Malaga Skyline | 38 sqm beachfront apartment with balcony and sea views. Bedroom, equipped kitchen and dining area, bathroom with shower. 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel MS Maestranza Malaga | 4-star hotel 100 metres from the beach. Rooftop terrace with hot tub, sauna, Turkish bath and panoramic city views. Rooms with free WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
El Perchel (Central district)
The El Perchel neighbourhood is also located in the Centro district, on the opposite bank of the Río Guadalmedina from Centro Historico. This neighbourhood has a truly strategic position: it develops between the historic centre and the main railway stations of the city, namely Málaga Centro-Alameda and Málaga María Zambrano.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for those on a budget: accommodation here is cheaper and has more competitive prices than the historic centre, Soho and La Malagueta. Convenience yes, but without giving up amenities and an excellent location, especially if you plan to make several excursions in the surrounding area.
Finally, staying here makes it easy to get around on foot: to get to the historic centre, just cross one of the bridges over the Guadalmedina.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Casual del Mar Malaga | 3-star hotel with rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, desk and flat-screen TV. Pets Allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hostal la Hispanidad | Hostel 100 m from the station. 24-hour reception, luggage storage, WiFi. Single, triple or quadruple rooms. Ideal for young people |
| Hola Malaga Premium Centro | 135 sqm apartment with balcony overlooking the city. Free WiFi, air conditioning and fully equipped kitchen. For up to 8 people. Ideal for families and groups |
| NH Malaga | 4-star hotel with swimming pool, gym and free WiFi. Bar and cafeteria, restaurant with regional cuisine, room service, 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples and families |
Pedregalejo (Este District)
Finally, if you want to enjoy the beach without spending too much, the best solution is Pedregalejo located in the Este district. Here we are further away from the centre, but the beach of the same name is one of the busiest and most popular in the city, offering a beautiful view of Malaga!
This area is recommended for those who want to enjoy the sea and tranquillity without being in the centre of the nightlife (like you would be if you stayed in the La Malagueta neighbourhood). It is therefore also an excellent area for families who, in addition to Pedregalejo, can also look for accommodation in nearby neighbourhoods, such as El Palo.
Staying here means being quite far from the centre: to reach the main attractions you will have to use the bus. The fastest solutions are bus lines 3, 11 and 34, which stop near the Parque de Málaga (20 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €220,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Elcano | Hotel with Andalusian atmosphere and style, 250 metres from the beach. Bar on site, many restaurants nearby. Pets Allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
| El Nogal Home | Townhouse with Andalusian patio with sun terrace and seasonal hot tub. Rooms with private bathroom, shared kitchen. Ideal for couples and young people |
| Letmalaga Cremades Seaside | Beachfront apartment complex. Units with one or two bedrooms, terrace, living room and equipped kitchen. For up to 5 people. Ideal for couples, families and groups |
| Villa Leomar Malaga | Entire villa with garden 800 m from the beach. Two bedrooms, equipped kitchen, for up to 6 people. Ideal for families and groups |
Places to stay near Malaga
Staying in Malaga is certainly the best solution, especially if you have little time to dedicate to the city. As we have seen there are several neighbourhoods that have a lot to offer visitors. Staying in the city also means not wasting time travelling.
But if you are traveling by car, and therefore not reliant on public transport, and you want to enjoy the landscapes of Andalusia and its coast, then you can consider staying in some places not too far from Malaga. We advise you to opt for seaside resorts located along the wonderful Costa del Sol, which are also connected by bus. Here are some options:
- Marbella (60 km / 50 min): wonderful seaside resort along the coast, with 27 km of sandy beaches, villas, hotels and golf courses. Ideal for those who mainly want to enjoy the sea. Connected to Malaga by direct bus (1 h) - compare accommodation on booking
- Torremolinos (18 km / 26 min): coastal location, especially ideal if you are travelling with children. Aqualand Torremolinos, the Tivoli World amusement park, the Selwo Marina zoological park and the Sea Life Benalmádena aquarium are here. Connected to Malaga by direct bus (45 min) - compare accommodation on booking
- Nerja (58 km / 46 min): wonderful seaside resort on the Costa del Sol, with a promenade overlooking a headland from which you can admire an incredible view. Ideal for those who want to relax. Connected to Malaga by direct bus (1 h 15 min) - compare accommodation on booking