Ahh. Back in Málaga.
Last year we came to Málaga for the first time and fell in love with this charming city (last year’s trip report can be found here). This year we took the opportunity to return and spend a more relaxed time – in fact we made Málaga our hub for this trip and would be passing through several times.
Our previous visit had given us a taste of what Málaga had to offer. The joy of this trip lay in the luxury of time. We weren't rushed to tick off tourist attractions or cram our days with activities. Instead, we took the opportunity to revisit beloved spots, like the Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the Mercado Central de Atarazanas and to discover new treasures, hidden corners, and local haunts that had eluded us on our first trip.
As we settled into the unhurried pace of Málaga life, we found ourselves falling even more for the charms of this enchanting, and often overlooked, city. It’s true, the best way to see a city is to slow down and let it reveal itself to you.
In the sections below,
I have only listed places personally visited.
STAYING (prices are from January/February 2025)
AC Hotel Málaga Palacio (Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1)
We chose to stay at the AC Hotel again. As previously reported, this is a modern, welcoming hotel on the southern edge of the Centro Histórico, just next to the magnificent Cathedral. Staying here, you are a short walk to monuments, restaurants, and shops. You are also just a few steps from Parque de Málaga, the waterfront, and lovely walks around the harbour district.
The rooms are spacious and beds comfortable. Try to get a south facing room, on the 5th floor or higher, for a view over Parque de Málaga and the harbour beyond.
The downstairs lobby is a welcoming and comfortable spot for a coffee and a place to do some work if needed.
The rooftop bar / restaurant is a very popular spot for residents and visitors alike. It’s the perfect place for a cocktail as you watch to sun set over the coast of Andalucia. As a resident you do get priority access.
We found the staff to be very friendly and helpful.
Stayed on a points Bonvoy redemption. Highly recommended.
Palacio Solecio (C. Granada, 61)
This is a relatively new hotel in the eastern edge of the Centro Histórico, very close to the Roman Theatre, and just steps from restaurants, bars and shops. We were here for just one night as we had a very early morning flight.
The hotel is in a beautiful, restored palacio, spread over two buildings. The lobby is welcoming and opens onto a delightful looking courtyard restaurant. The hotel also features a rooftop terrace, which looks like it would be a very nice place to hang out in the sun.
Our room was lovely with a very comfortable bed. The bathroom is large and features a fantastic shower, with high quality toiletries by Per Purr.
We found the staff to be very welcoming and helpful.
One thing to note is that taxis cannot get to the front door of the hotel. The closest pick up / drop off point is Plaza de la Merced which is a short walk away.
We paid €180.00 for our one-night stay. Highly recommended.