Free Things to do in Málaga

Parks, views, and beaches are just some of the free activities this pretty city has to offer

You’ve made the long journey to Spain’s southern coastline and to the city of Málaga. Wouldn’t it be nice to get your euros to last a little longer? From parks to museums and markets, here’s a list of free things to do in Málaga so that you can spend less and see more.

Picasso Museum

Did you know that Picasso was born in Málaga and painted some of his first artwork in his father’s studio there? Indeed he did, and for that reason there’s perhaps no better place to delve into the artist’s world. You can check out some 285 of his works by visiting his namesake museum. It’s situated in Málaga’s historic center in the 16^th-century Buenavista Palace as well as several homes that once formed part of the city’s Jewish Quarter. Though there’s an entry charge required most days, you can peruse these famous galleries for free by visiting on the last Sunday of any given month.

Picasso spent his earliest years in Malaga, which means a visit to his namesake museum is a must-do

Alcazaba and Castle

This is the most unmissable – literally – of Malaga’s wallet-friendly activities, partly because the city sits in its shadow, and also because it’s just that impressive. The complex consists of an 11^th-century Moorish Alcazaba, and the 14^th-century castle that resides just beyond it, all which can be explored for free on Sundays after 2pm. Keen to learn more about the city and hilltop fortress? Consider joining a Malaga City Private Walking Tour including the Alcazaba.

A hike up to the hilltop fortress will be rewarded with free entrance on Sunday afternoons

Revello de Toro Museum

Get acquainted with the artwork of one of the city’s most prized sons, Felix Revello de Toro. At the museum dedicated to his work, you can ponder his pieces as well as check out the museum’s historic building — it’s the former home of sculptor Pedro de Mena, and also a great example of 17^th-century Malagan domestic architecture. Naturally, you can pay to enter, or carve out some time on a Sunday, between 10am and 2pm, to get in for free.

Contemplate the artwork of Malaga-born artist Felix Revello de Toro

The Beach

Clearly if you’re looking for free things to do in Málaga, the most obvious and awesome of those options is to head straight for the beach. Though its shorelines may not be the most well known in the region (you’ll have to leave town to discover some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol), they still serve as a sweet and free city getaway whether you plan to soak up the sun in the sand, or just to go for a walk down the palm-tree-lined Pablo Ruiz Picasso Promenade.

Free activity numero uno could very well be a trip to the beach

Atarazanas Market

One of the best ways to get a free dose of culture in any given Spanish city is to pay a visit to the local market. In Málaga, that market would be the recently refurbished Mercado de Atarazanas. This historic structure sits on the site of the former Nasrid shipyards, once used as a military hospital and barracks, among other purposes. Come 1870, the original structure was taken down, and the market was then built, opening its doors in 1879. Though most of the previous structure is long gone, the Moorish horseshoe-shaped gate remains (it was moved to be situated at the market’s entrance). Go to Atarazanas to revel in the history but also, of course, to check out local fare from produce to meat, fish, and pastries. Meanwhile, get a better taste of Málaga cuisine on a Private Málaga City Sightseeing Tour with Tapas.

Get a close-up look at local fare by visiting the Altarazanas Market

Museo Carmen Thyssen

If you haven’t made it to the world-renowned Thysen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, consider this a reasonable alternative. It was created by Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza in order to display some of her most prized pieces. These include works ranging from the 13th to 20th centuries, and all which comprise one of the world’s finest Andalusian art collections. The venue is noteworthy too: the museum is partially located in a 16th-century Baroque palace and atop Roman ruins, making more than just the artwork worth checking out. And, of course, the best part: you can do it all for free without paying a thing if you go on Sundays after 5pm.

Appreciate Andalusian art at Museo Carmen Thyssen. Photo courtesy of Stephen Clarkson via Flickr.

Málaga Park

There’s nothing quite like a nice park through which you can take a stroll while savoring the scent of the sea breeze — and, in Málaga, there’s no better place for said stroll than that of the Parque de Málaga. This Renaissance- and Baroque-style park was created back in the late 1800s, and features a long paseo that is flanked by lush gardens. And these aren’t just your average gardens: Málaga Park is noted as one of Europe’s most acclaimed public parks given its massive collection of subtropical plant species. So, go there to marvel at the diverse greenery or simply to spy various statues and bliss out to the sound of trickling fountains.

Go for a stroll in Málaga’s favorite seaside park. Photo courtesy of Alf Melin via Flickr.

Contemporary Art Museum

If you’re feeling like your Sunday plans are packed with free-to-enter museums, then the Contemporary Art Museum is the perfect option for another day because it’s free every day (well, except Mondays, when it’s closed). The museum is situated in a historic building constructed in the 1930s and that once served as Málaga’s wholesale market. Within its walls you can wander the airy space and explore the museum’s permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, which highlight artistic movements and trends over the course of the 20^th century.