Where to Stay In Malaga: Best Hotels Near Beach & Nightlife

Loaded with history while also home to some of Spain's best nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful beaches, Malaga is not one to be missed on your next visit to the Costa del Sol.

Brimming with a vibrant, youthful energy and compact enough to be explored throughout a long weekend, this stylish city is multi-faceted, as shown by its diverse neighborhoods.

The nightlife will impress even the most seasoned party-goer while food and drink range from haute cuisine to down-to-earth tapas bars run by friendly locals. Plus, it's relatively safe, with very few areas to avoid in Malaga.

Wondering where to stay in Malaga? With so many interesting barrios, it can be hard to choose! The good news is I've been to Malaga many times and put together an easy guide to the best neighborhoods in Malaga and where to stay in each one, with the best hotels in Malaga included.

The best neighborhoods to stay in Malaga

Malaga Old Town – If you're looking for the quintessential Malaga experience, head to the city's beating heart, the Old Town. Home to most of Malaga's best-known sights, the Old Town is excellent for tourists, first-timers, families, and couples. If you're only in Malaga for one weekend, the Old Town should be your destination of choice.

La Merced – Foodies rejoice! This vibrant part of the city is home to some of Malaga's best food and drink, as well as a gorgeous central plaza around which the barrio is centered.

El Palo – Located near the beach and boasting a gorgeous seafront promenade, El Palo is the go-to destination for seafood lovers. With kid-friendly activities and water sports, El Palo is a place the whole family can enjoy.

Soho – This trendy district is home to tons of street art and a cool, urban vibe – perfect for those non-conformist travelers.

El Perchel – El Perchel is where the most curious of tourists go. This neighborhood boasts a local vibe with down-to-earth tapas joints and arguably the freshest fish in the city.

La Malagueta or Pedregalejo – If you're seeking sun, sand, and sea, head to either of these beach districts in Malaga. While each one has its own personality, they both give you unfettered access to the Med.

Torremolinos – Located near Malaga, Torremolinos is a resort town that provides the perfect alternative for those looking to stay near Malaga but not necessarily in it.

1. Where to stay in Malaga for first-time visitors: Malaga Old Town

Centered around Malaga's main square, Plaza de la Constitución, Malaga's Old Town is arguably the city's most charming area. It perfectly blends the old with the new, with traditional Andalucian architecture meeting trendy tapas joints and bars.

It's the natural city center of Malaga and staying here will put you within walking distance of all the main sites as well as a plethora of Malaga hotels to choose from.

Malaga Old Town is the best place to stay if you're visiting either for the first time or a short time and you want to see as much as possible within a limited time frame. The nearby Malaga train station allows you to flock in from the surrounding cities like Marbella and it's a relatively short taxi ride from Malaga airport.

Accommodation-wise, there's a real mix in Malaga Old Town, from boutique hotels to family-run Bnbs, so there's something available to suit almost every budget – although you may pay more for the central location. Bear in mind that many other tourists have the same idea when it comes to staying central, so the charming Old Town won't exactly be the quietest or more authentic part of Malaga.

If you're looking for more of a local vibe, head to one of the neighborhoods further out of the city center.

Things to do & see in Malaga Old Town

• Grab a coffee in the Plaza de la Constitución

• Visit Malaga Cathedral

• Go shopping on the famous street Marques de Larios

• Look out over Plaza de la Marina

Best for:

• First-time visitors

• Tourists

• Families

• Visiting on New Year's Eve

The best hotels to stay in Malaga Old Town

Luxury ($$$): Hotel Larios Malaga

Mid-Range ($$): Petit Palace Plaza Malaga

Budget ($): Hostal Vidamia

2. Where to stay in Malaga for food and nightlife: La Merced

La Merced is another area centered around a square with the same name – Plaza de La Merced. If you're a foodie or looking for a bar to enjoy a few glasses of sangria with friends, head straight to this neck of the woods.

La Merced is undoubtedly one of Malaga's trendiest areas, but it's not without its edgy spots, either. It attracts a diverse crowd, from young hipster types to working professionals seeking an upmarket spot to station themselves for some of Andalucia's best tapas.

If you want to know exactly the type of people who visit this spot, just know it's Pablo Picasso's place of birth!

Foodies will simply adore this area, where you can find the Mercado Merced, a food market that serves up tasty treats and the tapas dishes that Andalucia is so well-known for. La Merced also has a distinctly international vibe, not just because of the abundance of visitors but because of the diversity among its residents and businesses. It's considered to be a safe area, too (apart from the occasional pickpocket!), so it's a suitable place to stay with your family.

In the market for a cocktail during your stay in La Merced? Grab a drink at the friendly neighborhood bar, Mañana. Do be warned if you're searching for accommodation in Malaga here, it's more likely to be home to 5-star Malaga hotels than budget hostels.

Things to do & see in La Merced

• Grab a drink in Plaza de la Merced

• Pick up tasty treats in Mercado Merced

• Go shopping in Mercado de Atarazanas

• See Picasso's statue

• Visit the Picasso Museum

Best for:

• Foodies

• Nightlife lovers

• Groups of friends

The best hotels to stay in La Merced

Luxury ($$$): Casa Museo La Merced

Mid-Range ($$): TOC Hostel Malaga

Budget ($): Alcazaba Premium Hotel

3. Where to stay in Malaga for families: El Palo

Located on the east side of the city and outside of Malaga city center lies El Palo, a family-friendly neighborhood with a seaside promenade. Seafood restaurants line the streets of this vibrant neighborhood, so if you're in the market for a seafood paella or a portion of garlic prawns during your trip to Malaga, head to El Palo.

The beach bars in this area are known as chiringuitos and are famed for their spit-roasted sardines. El Palo Beach itself is a safe and attractive beach where you can keep the whole family entertained, with opportunities for water sports as well as plenty of places to relax in the sun with a good book.

Plenty of festivals (mostly sea-related!) take place in this area, including El Palo Flamenco Festival, El Palo Cultural Week, and the Jábega Boat Regatta, so if you're keen to attend one of these events, be sure to time your visit accordingly.

You can even use El Palo as a jumping-off point to climb Mount San Antón if you're the adventurous type! All in all, the area is ideal for the pursuit of outdoor activities.

Things to do & see in El Palo

• Climb Mount San Antón

• Eat seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants

• Take a stroll down the seafront promenade

Best for:

• Families

• Seafood lovers

The best hotels to stay in El Palo

Luxury ($$$): Apartamento El Palo Beach

Mid-Range ($$): Luxury Beach Resort in El Palo La Biznaga

Budget ($): Apartamento Alhóndiga El Palo

4. Where to stay in Malaga for hipster vibes and art: Soho

Street art? Tick. Vintage clothing stores? Tick. An alternative, authentically Andalucian feel? Tick.

Soho is the go-to destination for those wanting to explore the more alternative side of Malaga. Located just off the port, Soho was once one of the swankiest residential areas in the city, and though it's slightly more on the urban side now, its crumbling buildings have been brought back to life by the area's vibrant street art. If you're interested in exploring the area's art, take one of the street art tours.

Soho is uber trendy, but it's not as well-known by tourists, so if you want to go somewhere to escape the crowds, consider flocking to Soho. In this neighborhood that's famed for its underground culture, you'll also find plenty of independent shops and cafes away from the big-name stores of Calle Marques de Larios.

Some streets in Soho can be a little more sketchy, so it might not be as suitable for families with young children.

Things to do & see in Soho

• Do a street art tour

• Visit the Contemporary Art Center

• Grab a drink at one of the local breweries

Best for:

• Hipsters

• Art lovers

The best hotels to stay in Soho

Luxury ($$$): Soho Boutique Malaga

Mid-Range ($$): Hotel Alameda Malaga

Budget ($): Soho Boutique Urban

5. Where to stay in Malaga to live like a local: El Perchel

If you want to see how the real Malaga locals live, head straight to El Perchel. This laid-back neighborhood is perfect for a stroll to soak up the authentic Malaga atmosphere away from packs of tourists.

The name comes from perchas, the hooks that fishermen would use to hang up their latest catch. El Perchel remains one of the city's best places to purchase fresh fish for your dinner.

El Perchel might be scruffier than Malaga's magnificent Old Town, but it shouldn't be overlooked just for its old-school vibe. You'll probably have an easier time finding budget accommodation here, although, admittedly, there will be fewer luxury hotels.

Things to do & see in El Perchel

• Visit the Mercado del Carmen

• Go shopping at Vialia Centro Comercial

• Catch a movie at Cine Yelmo Vialia Málaga

Best for:

• Travelers who like to get off the beaten track

• Hipsters

• Fish and seafood lovers

The best hotels to stay in El Perchel

Luxury ($$$): Barceló Malaga

Mid-Range ($$): Hotel Don Paco

Budget ($): Apartamentos Prestige Malaga Suites

6. Where to stay in Malaga by the beach: Pedregalejo or La Malagueta

La Malagueta is one of Malaga's more upmarket neighborhoods, with glamorous high-rise apartments and the Meditteranean sea literally on its doorstep.

Located just outside of the city centre, La Malagueta is also home to a famous bullring. If you're looking to stay in a boutique hotel while enjoying proximity to one of Malaga's best beaches, head for La Malagueta.

Pedregalejo is another beach area that's home to not only beautiful seaside but restaurants serving up tasty fish, too. When you're done soaking up the sun, walk back to your apartment through the colorful back streets of this friendly district. Either of these neighborhoods provides the best area to stay in Malaga near the beach.

Things to do & see in Pedregalejo or La Malagueta

• Head to the beach

• Visit the La Malagueta Bullring

• Walk down the Paseo del Muelle Uno

Best for:

• Beach lovers

• Those looking for a central location

The best hotels to stay in Pedregalejo or La Malagueta

Luxury ($$$): Maestranza Beach

Mid-Range ($$): Hotel MS Maestranza Málaga

Budget ($): Elcano

7. Where to stay near Malaga: Torremolinos

You might want to stay near Malaga instead of in Malaga for various reasons. Malaga can be expensive, and staying near the city rather than in it can give you better access to other places along the Costa del Sol, such as Benalmadena.

Torremolinos is a resort town not far from Malaga but with a personality of its own. It's more than just a place to stay at an all-inclusive hotel, though. Torremolinos boasts multiple things to keep you occupied, including beach bars, a breathtaking viewpoint, and even an aqua park. From here, you can easily drive to not only other small resorts near Malaga along the Costa del Sol but in Andalucia, too.

Torremolinos even has nightlife to contend with Malaga's (well almost!). Stroll down the beachfront during the evening and you'll encounter plenty of lively bars where you can enjoy a jug of sangria with friends and share a few plates of tapas.

Things to do & see in Torremolinos

• Enjoy a day out at Aquapark Torremolinos

• Hire a pedal boat

• Look out over sea views at Punta de Torremolinos

Best for:

• Beach lovers

• Those wanting to stay slightly outside of Malaga

The best hotels to stay in Torremolinos

Luxury ($$$): Hotel Tarik

Mid-Range ($$): Bajondillo Beach Cozy Inns

Budget ($): Joy Beach B&B

Where to stay in Malaga – Frequently Asked Questions

☀️ What is the best time to visit Malaga?

While a beach trip to Malaga is wonderful in the summer, temperatures can reach hot and sticky highs and the city is at its busiest and most expensive. To avoid the crowds, head to the popular Andalucian city between March and June or from September to November. The weather will still be warm, but you'll avoid the swathes of tourists.

📅 Is Malaga worth going to?

With something to offer for every tourist, Malaga is definitely worth visiting. It's home to incredible galleries and museums, excellent food and drink, and even a beach area where you can enjoy a dip in the sea. Malaga is also incredibly well-placed, with proximity to other places in the Costa del Sol and Spain's Andalucia region.

❓ Which is better Malaga or Seville?

If you're on the hunt for an unparalleled combination of beach and city, head for Malaga. If you're not too fussed about the beach and world-beating tapas bars and beautiful Moorish architecture are your thing, head to Seville. If you can visit both cities – even better! They're within driving distance of one another or just a train ride away, so see both in one trip if possible.

✔️ Where is the nicest part of Malaga?

Most neighborhoods in Malaga are attractive, safe, and interesting. If you're looking for tons of stuff to do, downtown Malaga with the Old Town is probably the best part of Malaga to head for. The beach is ideal for those in search of natural beauty, while La Merced's plazas and winding streets are very pretty.

⭐ What is Malaga famous for?

Malaga is famous for its picturesque beaches, thriving nightlife scene, and for being the birthplace of the world-class Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. It's a go-to destination for lovers of art, nightlife, beaches, and food and drink.

📍 Where is the main area in Malaga?

The main area in Malaga is the Old Town. Here, you can find plazas where you can enjoy a drink of sangria, as well as plenty of well-known sights, including Malaga Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Stroll down Calle Marques de Larios for some shopping or grab a coffee in the beautiful Plaza de la Constitución.

Where to Stay in Malaga – Final Words

From the picturesque narrow streets of Malaga's Old Town to the sandy shores of Pedregalejo, Malaga truly offers something for every type of tourist. Whether you want to stay in a district that's home to glitzy hotels or something more authentic with abuelo-run (grandma's) tapas bars, there's a neighborhood for you in Malaga.

Hopefully, with the help of my guide, you'll find not only the right neighborhood to stay in but the best accommodation in that neighborhood, too. To make sure you stay in the most suitable place for your vacation, list your priorities and choose the right destination accordingly.