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Things to see in Málaga

Attractions

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Inside the 16th-century Palacio de Villalon is Malaga's most comprehensive art collection, accumulated over time by Baroness Thyssen. Old Masters, landscapes by the Romantic painters, naturalists and fin-de-siecle works all receive plenty of attention in this four-floor museum. From Andalucian paintings depicting flamenco, gypsies, bullfighting and religion to works by Dario de Regoyos, it's a must-visit for art fans. Audio guides are available and there are regular guided tours of the permanent and temporary exhibitions. There's a cafe and courtyard here too.

Address: Centre, Plaza Carmen Thyssen, Calle Compania 10, Malaga, 29008
Telephone: +34 902 303 131.
Opening times:

Tues-Sun 1000-2000.

Website: http://www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Castillo de Gibralfaro

Malaga's highest ground is occupied by the walls and towers of this impressive 14th-century castle, built to defend the Alcazaba fortress below. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful gardens and along the castle ramparts for wonderful views over Malaga and its landmarks such as the bullring, cathedral and harbour. There's a good cafe and a small museum which explores the history of the fortress as a military garrison and lookout post. Leave time to enjoy a drink on the terrace of the nearby luxury hotel, Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, especially around sunset.

Address: Centre, Camino Gibralfaro s/n, Malaga, 29016
Telephone: +34 952 122 020.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-2000 (Jun-Sep); Daily 0900-1800 (Oct-May).

Website:
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Picasso Museum

It was Picasso himself who wanted his works exhibited in the town where he was born and a combined effort saw it realised in 2003. Housed in a 16th-century Andalucian palace, the collection of around 233 works of art includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and graphics, from his earliest works up to the 1970s. Notable for the portrayal of the women and children in the artist's life, the collection shows his changing styles and bold creations alongside temporary exhibitions. There are guided tours, audio guides, a library/archive and pleasant garden cafe.

Address: Centre, Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Augustin 8, Malaga, 29015
Telephone: +34 952 127 600.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1900 (Mar-Jun, Sep-Oct) daily 1000-2000 (Jul, Aug), 1000-1800 (Nov, Feb).

Website: http://www.museopicassomalaga.org
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC)

On the edge of Malaga's Soho neighbourhood, by the river Guadalmedina, is this spacious, gleaming white space, set in what used to be the old wholesalers' market of Malaga. It has a small permanent collection of contemporary 20th- and 21st-century visual art, but it's the quality of the temporary exhibitions and international collections which draws the crowds. It's especially popular on Sundays when the café terrace soon fills up. As well as the outside bar and patio area, the centre's Oleo sushi restaurant is also excellent.

Address: Centre, Calle Alemania s/n, Malaga, 29001
Telephone: +34 952 120 055.
Opening times:

Tues-Sun 1000-2000 (8 Sep-20 Jun).; Tues-Sun 1000-1400 and 1700-2100 (21 Jun-7 Sep).

Website: http://www.cacmalaga.eu
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museo Casa Natal

The Fundación Picasso has transformed the Pablo Picasso's birthplace into an absorbing museum. With a recreation of a 19th-century hall, and family rooms with original objects and photographs, it's an insight into family life of the artist and his parents, José Ruiz Blasco and María Picasso López. Photographs, posters and postcards bring Picasso's Malaga to life, while a few doors down is the Foundation's temporary exhibition venue. Both are on Plaza de la Merced, one of Malaga's most impressive squares, lined with popular bars, cafés and restaurants - and a lifesize Picasso sculpture on a bench.

Address: Centre, Plaza de la Merced 15, Malaga, 29012
Telephone: +34 951 926 060.
Opening times:

Daily 0930-2000.

Website: http://www.fundacionpicasso.es
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Alcazaba and Teatro Romano

Dubbed the 'mini-Alhambra', after the impressive palace-fortress in the Andalucian city of Granada, Malaga's Moorish rulers once resided and ruled from here. Set in the foothills of Gibralfaro, Alcazaba was mostly built in the 11th century and its horseshoe arches and geometric Islamic decoration remain fine examples of Moorish architecture and its terraced gardens are beautiful. Below the Alcazaba is the Roman amphitheatre which dates back to the 1st century BC, as well as the Renaissance-era Aduana (Customs Building). The Alcazaba also has an archaeological museum and the city views from the upper levels are wonderful.

Address: Centre, Calle Alcazabilla 2, Malaga, 29012
Telephone: +34 952 217 646.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-2000 (summer); Daily 0900-1800 (winter).

Website:
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Concepción Botanical Gardens

These impressive botanic gardens just north of town are well worth the visit for its peaceful lake, tropical and sub-tropical plants and trees, and great views over Malaga. Created in 1855 by the Marquis and Marchioness of Loring, several routes explore the gardens, such as 'Jewels of La Concepcion' which offers an overview, 'Themed Gardens', the 'Around the World in 80 Trees' route, Viewpoint Route and the Forest Route, which takes in views of the Montes de Malaga Natural Park.

Address: Centre - north, Camino del Jardín Botánico 3, Malaga, 29014
Telephone: +34 951 926 180.
Opening times:

Daily 0930-1930 (1 Apr-30 Sep); Daily 0930-1630 (1 Oct-31 Mar).

Website: http://www.laconcepcion.malaga.eu
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

MIMMA - Interactive Museum of Music

Containing one of Europe's largest private collections of musical instruments, MIMMA utilises the latest technology to let visitors interact with pretty much everything on offer and uses smart technology to adapt the visit to each tourist by asking questions and using a 'smart bracelet' to personalise the interactive kiosk experiences. With over 100 instruments and musical objects from a range of periods, countries and cultures, it encourages visitors to use the 'Please Play' panels and test out instruments. They also run children's activities on weekends and holidays, making it a good choice for family visit.

Address: Centre, Palacio Conde de las Navas, Calle Beatas 15, Malaga, 29008
Telephone: +34 95 221 0440.
Opening times:

Mon 1000-1600, Tues-Sun 1000-1900 (7 Sep-24 Jun); Mon 1030-1600, Tue-Sun 1030-1730 (25 Jun-6 Sep).

Website: http://www.mimma.es
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museo Revello de Toro

This museum houses the permanent collection of work by portrait artist and figurative painter Félix Revello de Toro, which he left to the city of his birth. There are 142 pieces in the collection, including 104 oil paintings, drawings and sketches that belong to the museum itself. The building was one of only a handful of domestic buildings in Malaga in its time and was once the former home of Pedro de Mena, who was the main maker of religious images in the 17th century. There's also a gallery for temporary exhibitions.

Address: Centre, Calle Afligidos 5, Malaga, 29015
Telephone: +34 952 062 069
Opening times:

Tues-Sat 1000-2000, Sun 1000-1400.

Website: http://www.museorevellodetoro.net
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museum Jorge Rando

Dubbed the 'living room of art in Malaga', this museum houses a permanent collection of works by local expressionist Jorge Rando as well as temporary exhibitions by other artists who continue to contribute to the expressionist movement. The museum is also a cultural hub for talk, concerts and film shows, organised by the Jorge Rando Foundation. The building, a former monastery, is worth seeing too, for its mesh of new oxidised steel and concrete with the old brickwork of the cloister. There's also an interior courtyard with a 100 year old orange tree, which makes a wonderful retreat from the streets outside.

Address: Centre, Calle Cruz del Molinillo 12, Malaga, 29013
Telephone: +34 952 210 991.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 1000-2000.

Website: http://www.museojorgerando.org
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Municipal Tourist Office

Address: Port, Plaza de la Marina, 11, Malaga,
Telephone: +34 951 926 020
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat & Sun 1000-1900 (Apr-Oct); Mon-Fri 0900-1800, 1000-1800 Sat & Sun (Nov-Mar).

Website: http://www.malagaturismo.com

There is another office Pasaje de Chinitas 4, just off Plaza de la Constitución (tel: +34 951 308 911), which is open Mon-Fri 0900-1930 and Sat-Sun 0930-1500. Several more information kiosks are dotted around the city, including at the airport and bus station as well as by the Teatro Romana, the Cathedral and at Plaza de la Merced. The tourist office offers free self-guided free iPod city tours with various themes such as Picasso’s Malaga and the Monuments Route.

Tourist passes

The MalagaCard (www.malagacard.com) includes entry to most museums and attractions, including the Picasso Museum, Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro. It also includes various city-wide discounts. You can buy it online or any shops/agencies where you see the MalagaCard sign. For even better value, take the City Sightseeing Malaga bus tour, which is included with the MalagaCard but can also be done separately.

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