How to Spend a Day in Málaga

September 12, 2016

selfiecamera_2016-09-12-19-40-29-175_20160912194310102Málaga is a city I knew very little about, yet a delightful surprise.  There’s tons of great food, lots of city life and full of incredibly kind people. No matter what time of day, there seems to be tons of locals flooding Old Málaga. Every time I think of Spain, I immediately crave for cafe con leche (cafe latte made with local milk) and tinto de verano (a simplified summer wine that tastes like Sangria, but often consists of just red wine and usually Sprite or Fanta). Other than my addiction to gelato and ice cream, these two things bring me to cloud 9!

dsc07318-01dsc07397-01_20160912203143555Red off the shoulder dressOff the shoulder dressOff the shoulder dressMálaga PortRed off the shoulder dressLast year, I visited just to get a taste of where my husband lived in Spain, and this time, I returned with him to photograph his adventures at a Brazilian jiu-jitsu training camp. To be completely frank, I actually love to watch Tom roll because I never see him any happier than when he trains with others, and hey, indulging in tons of good food every day is nothing to complain about. I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Since Tom’s visit is much shorter than mine, It’s nice to be able to squeeze in some quality time and share new experiences between training sessions.

If you plan to make a stop and have limited time in the city, here are my top recommendations for your visit.

Much like various parts of Italy, you’ll find restaurants, cafes and shops tucked away in the quaint alleyways within the old historic centre. Happily get lost on your visit and you’ll eventually find yourself on track again! The city centre feels incredibly safe and the people are kind and full of hospitality. It’s very clean and the ground is a glossy and smooth cobblestone, which is washed nightly.

I’ll be very excited for you if you get a chance to visit. So, let’s get started!

How You Can Spend a Day in Malaga

Morning

For breakfast, stop into Casa Aranda for churros and hot chocolate. Churros are popular in Spain, but they’re not like what you get in North America. They’re plain, freshly deep fried dough fritters. In Madrid, locals consume them after enjoying a really night out. Others have it for breakfast. Here, you can order the number of churros you want and the way you would typicall eat them is to dip it in your hot chocolate. For 8-10 pieces, a double (or large) hot chocolate should be enough. You’ll find tons of locals here. They close for siesta, so make sure you get there at least 20 minutes before closing time. There’s also a morning market in the area to visit after you’re done, if you enjoy shopping for fruits and fresh produce.

Afterwards, take a stroll down the main arcade just one street over into Old Málaga, a pedestrians-only area. Take photos of the beautiful fountain in the piazza at the end of it. This arcade is has cute shops, including Mango and Desigual. For some inexpensive footwear, you need to move one lane over. There are so many lanes you can walk through here, so just enjoy! Don’t forget to visit the Castillo de Gibralfaro, Catedral de Málaga, see the Roman Theatre and the Museo Picasso Málaga.

When you need a break, grab a coffee at El Ultimo. Their staff is really friendly, the coffee is really good and there’s free wifi here.

Afternoon

In between any of those options, enjoy lunch nearby. There are a few options and recommendations I’d make If you only have 1-2 days in Malaga.

Best Tapas: On this trip, it was at Taberna de Pitita. The quality is just great and the flavours are always well balanced. Tapas start at €2. Have their food with their tinto de verano, made with their lemon Fanta if you like sweet summer wines like sangria.

Best Views: Dine in a piazza by L’Experience facing a beautiful fountain and cathedral. El Pimpi has an incredibly large outdoor dining space right by their historic Roman Theatre. It’s like a must for locals here. Or, take a taxi about 10-15 Euros out and hit Restaurant Armador where you get a view of the city.

Evening

As the day starts to move into the night, walk through the beautiful architectural arcade along the Málaga Port. This is where these photographs are shot. It’s just off the water and between Old Málaga and the Málaga Port. Continue walking and grab a drink and take a seat, or get a frozen yogurt or gelato walk while you stroll through the cute little shops.  You’ll find the Centre Pompidou Málaga here, and it’s a great place to cool off at the building inspired by the Pompidou in Paris.

The Málaga Port is a great spot to watch the sun go down. You can also go to one of the beautiful waterfront hotels like AC Hotel. Food is hit and miss along the port. I’d go for the seafood at the Michelin mentioned restaurant, Marisquería Godoy. In general, expect dining to cost more than the city centre here, but it’s the nice view you’re really paying for.

Put on a nice dress and grab drinks at Vincii Hotel where you get a nice crowd and view. Then walk the Old Málaga one last time to get a feel of the night life before departing. It’s like being at a street festival.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you’ve been to Málaga and have a favorite spot, let me know. I’m sure I’ll be back again. If you want to visit our plan to go to Málaga, or have another destination planned, comment below. I’m always interested in hiring up new places!

For more travel posts, click here.

You can also follow me on Bloglovin♥, find me on Twitter or Instagram.

Xo,

Miki

Saffiano Bag by Prada available in black here. Dress available on sale for under $10 now here.

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  • Camila September 12, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    I hope you had lots of fun, you are looking absolutely gorgeous in this dress. Just like always!

    My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:20 am

      Aw, thanks so much Camila!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Katrina Fernandez September 12, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    You are killing it in florals! This the perfect balance of feminine and sexy with a touch of edge.

    Check out my blog post about Dull Olive Green Outfit
    xoxo, Katrina | Instagram: @katrinaisha

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:24 am

      I definitely have an odd obsession over Florals. Haha. You’re so sweet. Thanks so much, Katrina!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Stella Asteria September 13, 2016 at 4:04 am

    You look amazing on this red, cold shoulder dress Miki! You are my favourite gal when it comes to the cold shoulder trend :))
    I wish to visit Spain one day soon cause I never have and your post is so comprehensive and detailed that I want to visit like tomorrow hehe!
    You look gorgeous as always! Thank you for sharing this useful info and amazing photography! Wish you a great week!
    xx
    Stella
    http://www.stellaasteria.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:25 am

      Thanks Stella! That’s a huge compliment! I hope you find such an amazing travel deal that you can’t turn down a trip to Spain. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Emily September 13, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    Okay, clearly we need to get together because my boyfriend is a jiu-jitsu practitioner too! I swore I’d never get in to all the fighting and stuff, and here I am watching UFC every weekend, ugh haha. It really is amazing to watch! I love watching the black belts because they are so strategic and you can just see the concentration on their faces. Anyway, sounds like you two had a great time in Malaga! I’ve never been but have heard wonderful things. A churro (or three) sounds so fab right now! But my diet would kill me. ;p

    -Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:30 am

      That’s really funny about the BJJ! What weight division and belt is your boyfriend? Definitely let me know if you ever come to LA. I’d love to meet up!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • NEHA September 13, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    U look so gorgeous luv in this outfit….xoxo, NEHA

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:30 am

      Thanks so much Neha!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Che September 14, 2016 at 1:16 am

    Your dress is so very pretty! I love the colors, and great tips for a trip to Malaga =) Maybe someday!

    – Che

    http://www.style-che.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:34 am

      Thanks Che!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Noma September 14, 2016 at 4:43 am

    Awesome post! Your lovely dress is so striking and feminine.

    XoXo Noma

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:38 am

      Thanks Noma!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Kelsey Bang September 14, 2016 at 9:44 am

    you look stunning in red! super cute look!

    kelseybang.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:40 am

      Aw, thanks so much!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Luci's Morsels September 14, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Malaga sounds like an enchanting place! All the food choices have my mouth watering, Miki! Thanks for sharing!

    Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:44 am

      OMG, I love the food there. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sister Tales September 14, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    We are seriously so in love with your blog… insert googly eye emoji here
    xoxo, simona and indre

    https://www.sistertalessite.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:45 am

      Aw, that means the world to me. Thanks so much Simona & Indre!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sharon Wu September 14, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    That dress looks super comfortable pretty! Thanks for sharing tips on how to spend a day in Malaga! I will have to visit soon to put these practices to use 😉 hehe xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/20-bombers-on-my-radar-this-season/

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:47 am

      Sooo comfy girl. I eat so much so I need something flowy lol. Thanks Sharon.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Christine Kong September 15, 2016 at 11:56 am

    Love all your travel photos and tips. This place looks amazing and so pretty. The off the shoulder dress is perfect for a day of exploring. The red really pops and is perfect for these photos. xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:47 am

      Thanks Christine!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • jasna September 15, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    So love your dress and these are such good tips, would love to visit one day 🙂 xx

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:48 am

      Thanks Jasna!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Tessy September 15, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    Great tips, I wiill love to visit this place too. I so love your dress.

    http://www.tessyonyia.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:49 am

      A total steal, too. 🙂 Thanks Tessy!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Marie September 15, 2016 at 10:44 pm

    Such an beautiful dress ! And really amazing photos. You looks great.
    Kisses
    Marie

    http://www.whatiwearinlondon.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:51 am

      Thanks so much Marie!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • portiastylebook September 16, 2016 at 12:00 am

    beautiful dress! perfect color!

    http://www.portiastylebook.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:52 am

      Thanks Portia!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Cara September 16, 2016 at 3:01 am

    amazing dress <3
    http://www.britishmermaid.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:54 am

      Thanks Cara!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • BeautiliciousD September 16, 2016 at 4:48 am

    Love the dress x

    http://www.beautiliciousd.blogspot.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:56 am

      Thanks!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Susanne - Bag at you September 16, 2016 at 7:14 am

    Love your dress!! You look stunning and so Spanish <3! And thank you so much for the wonderful recommendations for this beautiful city in Andalusia!! Hope to go back soon…!!! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Thanks Susanne!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • The Fashion Folks September 16, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Never been to Malaga but have always wanted to go, feels like a typical city in Spain! And love the tips you featured. Also, gorgeous dress! The color and the pattern is so pretty! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 7:59 am

      Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • molly September 16, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    You look stunning! Love the color of this dress 🙂

    Xx
    Molly
    http://www.trendychickadee.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 8:10 am

      Thanks Molly!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Amy Arnold September 16, 2016 at 3:26 pm

    Sounds amazing! I am loving the red dress on you. So pretty against your lighter background.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 8:12 am

      Thanks Ann!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jessi Malay September 16, 2016 at 7:22 pm

    Love the agenda you created for an amazing trip here!! Makes me want to go there ASAP <3

    XO, Jessi
    http://www.mywhitet.com/2016/09/16/where-to-eat-in-nyc-perrine/

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 8:13 am

      Thanks Jessi! Glad you enjoyed it. Loved your NYC post.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Dolce Nina September 16, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    Beautiful dress and great tips! xoxo

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 11:31 am

      Thanks Nina!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Violette September 17, 2016 at 2:43 am

    Gorgeous dress! Malaga looks so nice, hope you enjoyed!

    http://violettedaily.com/

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 11:32 am

      Such a great city. Thanks Violette!
      Xo,
      Miki

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 11:36 am

      Thanks so much!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • DEMELER September 17, 2016 at 6:17 am

    giving me serious wanderlust!
    xx
    http://thedemeler.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 11:37 am

      Hope you go on a great adventure soon! 🙂 Thanks Demeler!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Atsuna Matsui September 17, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    This is a gorgeous floral print for the summer.

    xoxo
    atsunamatsui.com

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 11:38 am

      I love the print and colour too. 🙂 Thanks Atsuna!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Bernice September 18, 2016 at 12:10 am

    Your outfit is so beautiful, and the architecture there is magnificent!

    http://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2016/09/18/Untitled

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 11:38 am

      Definitely a pretty place with some gorgeous spots! Thanks a bunch Bernice!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • stylefrontier September 18, 2016 at 2:39 am

    the dress is super gorgeous@

    • Miki September 22, 2016 at 11:41 am

      Thanks! And a total steal! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Alanda September 18, 2016 at 5:44 am

    Loving this look! Great post as well

    http://www.whiteandcapsule.com/

    xxxx

    • miki September 22, 2016 at 12:13 pm

      Thanks Alanda! ?
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Emilia September 18, 2016 at 5:53 am

    Amazing outfit and great dress, you look awesome in this outfit 🙂

    • miki September 22, 2016 at 12:16 pm

      Thanks Emilia!!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • cvetybaby September 19, 2016 at 2:27 am

    You look absolutely amazing! Thanks for the tips! I’ve visited it once, but now I’m ready to do it again!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com

    • miki September 22, 2016 at 12:17 pm

      Awesome! Hope you visit again soon. I’d love to hear of your own favorite spots!

      Xo,
      Miki

  • Jenn September 19, 2016 at 3:36 am

    Wow! This is a really well-thought article! This travel guide on where to eat made me crave for some churros and thick hot chocolate. Yummmm! Looking forward to your next travel post! 🙂

    Jenn
    The Pink Lemonade Girl
    YouTube
    Bloglovin

  • Hanh September 30, 2016 at 1:41 am

    Hey Miki, is the dress from H&M? I remember seeing that print this Summer 🙂 Thar’s so cute you go out to support your husband and see where he’s from.