PIGSY's top picks for Malaga
PIGSY’s must do things in Malaga
Edit - explanatory note - This is a blog post that I wrote back in 2021 just before we left Malaga to return to Ireland. I never published it at this time. After spending a year in Malaga as a Resident Artist in La Cas Amarilla, I’m really happy to share it with you now to enjoy!
Malaga is really easy to get around because it's pretty small if you take the right routes. So you can get a lot done with some pre-planning.
Here's a suggested list of things I'd do in Malaga:-
Hands down one of my favorites. You have to pay but it's free from 4pm (I think) on Sundays. I'm not sure what exhibition is on but I always found myself there on Sunday wandering around. There were no queues then because it was during the pandemic.
2. The Center of Contemporary Art Malaga (CAC)
This is in SOHO and free. It's a must see. Again I'd find myself wandering around this place alot. They put on some really great exhibitions.
Side note:-
I also liked to walk the dried river bed to take in some of the local graffiti and get inspired. Also it's a good way to see what topics are on street artists' minds. The council has some cool plans in the pipelines for a city living garden here. It doesn't look inviting but there is some cool graffiti art along it.
3. CAC MÁLAGA LA CORACHA
This one is free (well I never had to pay so I think it's free). It's very close to 1. above so you could group this together and save walking around like a mad man. LOL
4. Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga
Nice museum with an entry fee. Free on Sundays from 5pm. Queues can be huge. The permanent collection is only ok in my view but they have from time to time some nice temporary collections. I won't bother unless I really want to see an exhibition they have on. But that's me. The coffee shop is a nice place to cool down and get away from the street.
5. Picasso Museum Málaga
This, for me, is the same as 4, above. But worth a look if you are that way inclined. But it would be far down on my list because there are less queues in other places and less tourists. But worth a look if you can handle the crowds. They had an amazing 'Barcelo' exhibition there last year that I loved.
This one was free when I went. It seems far out of town but in a straight line it's not far at all if you know your way. Easy to walk. It's a strange one because the artist isn't that well known (well I didn't know him that's to say). There will be no crowds at this place and it's a good collection, in my opinion. The architecture in the courtyard is tops.
7. Centro Cultural La Malagueta
This is a space in the bullring. It is very close to 3. and 1. above. I've been to one or 2 nice photo exhibitions in this space . Again it was free. Not sure what's on at the moment and it's a small venue.
8. Ateneo de Málaga
This is a small space for artists to exhibit. A few of my artist pals have shown here. It's free and you can just stroll in. I'm not sure what's on at the moment. It's right at Pl. de la Constitución so you can get more central. It's very close to 4. above.
9. La Casa Amarilla Málaga
This is the gallery that I was a resident artist in where I had my studio at. It's a small gallery but don't be fooled, everything creative in Malaga happens out of this space. David, the owner and gallery director, is an amazing photographer and filmmaker in his own right. Top guy. Your Spanish will be tested here no doubt haha. This is a must go see in my view. Introduce yourself and tell them PIGSY sent you. Also, if you have time, sit in Arandas cafe and have a churro or two. They are the best in the city.
Other museums further out of town:
- The car museum is next door to the Russian Museum. It's ok but you have to pay in. Not really my thing.
-La Térmica. These put on some great exhibitions but not sure what's also a venue for music. It's a 15 min cycle or bus. It's more of a cultural space so you'd have to make sure that they have something on that you want to see.
- Unicaja Concert Hall María Cristina
This is a music hall. Worth a look, no tourists will know this place. Just wander in for a few minutes and have a gander. If you are lucky you may see the musicians rehearing.
Believe it or not this is only scratching the surface. There is lots more but the above will keep you busy. No need to spend money if you schedule it right as well so it's all affordable.
Top restaurant recommendations in Malaga
Kraken (off Calle Larios)
Kraken is a restaurant that tends to get good reviews on Tripadvisor and is centrally located in Malaga. Enid was interested in going to it and I was happy to go along too! It’s got an interesting mix of tapas - I would probably describe them as modern Spanish with plenty of sea food to choose from too. We really enjoyed the fish wrapped in a lettuce leaf (we ordered a second one after tasting the first!). The setting is great, it’s just off Calle Larios in a square with other restaurants and coffee shops with attractive awnings for shading.
Mura Mura Osteria (near Calle Granada)
This is a fantastic little Italian restaurant (reservations are a must given the size) with excellent staff. The chef visited with us after our meal and I get the impression that he is someone who loves his work and takes great pride in cooking for restaurant guests. We had a starter between us and a main each.
Unfortunately I the food was so good that I forget to take pics!! I also started with a glass of beer but once the starter came out I ordered wine as I knew it would go so well and much better than with the beer.
I would recommend sitting in the restaurant as the street outside can be a little bit busy with taxis from time to time.
Bodeguita La Mar de Bueno (near the Mercado Central de Atarazanas)
This place is rough and ready and I would say we had a “Sea/Sea food, Eat food” type of experience here. Drinks are ordered at the bar and then you go to the fish counter at the end where you can select your prawns (gambas / shrimp), crab or scallops where it gets weighed and plated and then handed to you. We ate on a barrel outside where we peeled and ate the gambas (head is on them!) and then threw the shells in a metal bucket. I loved this place!
I highly recommend this place as it felt very authentic. I also think the fish is really fresh as it is located right beside the Malaga Market.
La Casa del Perro
Located on Calle Hernán Ruiz, gracious hosts Ana & Federico pride themselves on serving natural wines and delicious home made vegetarian and meat dishes. This is a charming little restaurant and we had a lovely evening of tapas, wine and beer here. Traditional dishes can be enjoyed and we were happily assisted by Ana in going through the options to select our food. I highly recommend this place for something a little different and special in a relaxed informal setting.
Cafe Ocho
This is my absolute favorite in Malaga but there are so many that that changes all the time! You will have to book ahead and it can be hard to get a reservation. After dinner here, my wife and I would then go for ice cream in Casa Mira right beside it
EDIT - As of Summer 2024, Ocho is currently closed and relocating from where it was sited in Malaga
Aire
“Aire” is a wow restaurant. Located on Paseo de Redding it is an upmarket eaterie with friendly staff who take you through the menu and make suggestions on what to order - particularly in regard to what to share which is of course the beauty of tapas. It’s a very attractive place both inside and out and while we sat outside just off the street it was a serene night out in their garden. It’s ever so slightly off the beaten track being a short walk outside of the City Centre (about 10/15 mins) but worth going to if you are looking for a place away from the busy hoardes.
El Gallo Ronco
Quite possibly the best fried aubergine/egg plant (berenhenas) can be found here!
My top 3 Coffee Spots in Malaga
1. Parisnack
2. Haagen Daz at the Marina (unfortunately now closed)
3. El Mortel