25 Free Things to Do in Málaga: Museums, Beaches & Attractions (2026)

I know what it's like to be a tourist in another country. Sure, you spent your hard-earned money to get here, but that doesn't mean it was easy or affordable.

I've broken this article into two sections: free things to do, and things that are free only during certain times and days.

With over 30 museums packed into the historic centre, there's art, architecture, and history around every corner, and plenty of ways to enjoy it without breaking the bank.

We've hunted down the free entry time slots that most tourists miss. If you're here on a Sunday or lucky enough to catch a special date, consider this your cheat sheet to see the best of Málaga for free.

The 12 Best Free Things to Do in Malaga

1. Get Lost in Atarazanas Market

This covered market, once a 14th-century Moorish shipyard, is one of my favourite and most regular things to do in Malaga. The building was restored in the 19th century, and its stunning stained-glass windows now watch over local vendors hawking fresh seafood, local cheeses, and exotic spices.

Entrance is free, but bring a few euros for snacks like:

• A skewer of olives marinated in orange zest

• A wedge of queso curado

• Or a paper cone of fried boquerones (anchovies)

You can also do more serious shopping here for things like meat, fish, vegetables and more in case you want to cook your own meals.

For the full local experience, head to the back and join the crowd at the standing tapas bars, order what the person next to you is having.

2. Snap a Picture With Pablo Picasso's Statue

You can't come to Málaga without tipping your hat to its most famous son.

Right in the heart of Plaza de la Merced, a bronze Picasso sits casually on a stone bench, sketchbook in hand, looking as if he's waiting for someone to join him. Spoiler: that someone is you.

We love this spot because it's a great photo opportunity, and it's conveniently five minutes from our little house.

A quick tip: go in the early morning if you want the statue to yourself, or swing by at golden hour when the light makes the bronze glow. Either way, it's an easy, free way to connect with Málaga's creative heartbeat before heading to the Picasso Museum just a few steps away.

3. Museo de Málaga: Where Art Meets Antiquity

Housed in the 18th-century Palacio de la Aduana, this museum is a cultural double-header. The Fine Arts collection features works by Spanish masters like Sorolla and Murillo, while the archaeological section showcases artefacts spanning from the Phoenician to the Islamic periods.

I recommend starting on the upper floors to see the art, then descending through Málaga’s layered past, like time-travel in reverse.

The museum is free for EU citizens.

4. Hike to Gibralfaro Castle for the View

No visit to Málaga is complete without tackling the scenic climb to Castillo de Gibralfaro, a 14th-century Moorish fortress that once guarded the Alcazaba below. The paved trail starts near the Alcazaba entrance and winds uphill through eucalyptus and pine groves, with plaques highlighting the site's military past.

As someone who’s made this trek more than once, I recommend starting in the late afternoon for great sunsets. Start your hike at the Fuente Algeria Del Mar fountain for a more scenic route!

From the top, you have a panoramic view of the entire city as well as the ocean.

Local tip: Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and some cash (there is usually someone selling cold water from a cooler box, but don't chance it), and budget around 30 minutes for the climb.

A short walk from the viewpoint is the beautiful Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro. Aside from more amazing views, it's a great place to reward yourself with some drinks or even a meal!

5. Roam Málaga's Historic Centre

Málaga's old town, or Centro Histórico, is packed with marble-paved alleys, medieval chapels, and wrought-iron balconies. Walking here is a great way to take in the history of the city, as well as discover new foods and do some shopping, too!

Must-sees include:

• Málaga Cathedral (La Manquita): Nicknamed "the one-armed lady" for its unfinished south tower.

• Plaza de la Constitución: Right along Calle Larios, this is the heart of the city centre.

• Calle San Agustín: This street runs past the Picasso Museum and has a real "hidden Malaga" vibe.

Locals will tell you: the best way to explore is slowly, with frequent stops for coffee and maybe an ice cream.

6. Chill at La Malagueta Beach: Urban Beach Bliss

Just a 10-minute walk from the old town, Playa de la Malagueta is the city's most accessible beach. Its dark gold sand and palm tree promenade offer a perfect break from sightseeing.

Facilities include:

• Lifeguards

• Outdoor showers

• Lounger and umbrella rentals

• Plenty of restaurants, Chiringuitos and bars

Bring a book, grab a few drinks from Carrefour across the road, and join locals for a swim in the Mediterranean. I usually pack a picnic and make it a lazy half-day.

Cost: Free to access; extras (like chairs or food) are pay-as-you-go.

Tip: Go early in the morning, up to 1 pm, to avoid the crowds.

If you're feeling thirsty after your beach trip, head to my absolute favourite pit-stop along the beach, Cerveceria Unterturkheim. Yes, I know it's a German pub, but the food is fantastic, and they have an extensive menu to choose from. The big draw is the "boots", which can hold up to 3 litres of your favourite brew!

If you're looking for a more private beach, Playa Penon del Cuervo is my absolute favourite. It's just outside the main urban area, but totally worth it!

7. Visit the Roman Theatre: Málaga's Ancient Stage

Discovered in 1951 and nestled beneath the Alcazaba, the Teatro Romano dates back to the 1st century BC. Today, it's free to enter, with a ton of informational areas explaining its role in Roman civic life.

Occasionally, the theatre comes alive with open-air performances and classical concerts, reviving its original purpose under the stars.

Most people walk past the theatre along the street and assume you have to pay to get in. But guess what, you can go inside free of charge! You heard it here.

8. Stroll Muelle Uno: Culture with a Sea Breeze

Muelle Uno (Pier One) is Málaga's reinvention of its old waterfront, an open promenade mixing marina views, public art, local boutiques, and a range of tapas bars. The Pompidou Cube anchors one end, and sunsets here are spectacular.

Street musicians, temporary markets, and rotating art displays mean no two visits feel the same.

Insider tip: Keep walking down the pier to the Trocadro Casa de Botes for the best view of the harbour.

Cost: Free to wander. Bring some euros if you're tempted by souvenirs or a riverside tinto de verano.

9. Discover Soho's Street Art

Known as the MAUS District (Málaga Arte Urbano Soho), this once-neglected neighbourhood is now the trendiest area in Malaga. Murals by global heavyweights like Shepard Fairey (Obey) and D*Face adorn industrial walls, with local artists contributing regularly.

You can book free tours through SOHO, sometimes from the artists themselves, on many of the free guide websites.

My favourite mural is of a great bird, its body woven from twisting twigs like a living nest, with smaller birds bursting free.

Cost: Free, unless you buy art or stop for tapas along the way.

Head over to Le Rooftop Mariposa if you're feeling thirsty or hungry. From this rooftop, you get to view the art from a completely different angle! It also just happens to be one of my favourite rooftops.

10. Join a Free Walking Tour: Stories Beneath the Surface

Every day, local guides gather in Plaza de la Constitución, usually holding colourful umbrellas, to lead free walking tours of Málaga's historic heart. These tours are great ways to learn about the city and feature local legends, hidden alleyways, and juicy anecdotes.

You'll learn things like:

• Why Picasso refused to wear socks

• Which balcony might Juliet have leaned from (according to local lore)

• Where to find the city's best €2 vermouth

As someone who’s joined these tours in multiple cities, Málaga’s stands out for its interesting history!

Cost: Free to join. These are tip-based, and €5 to €10 is customary if you enjoy them.

11. Watch the Sunset from the Port: Magic at Golden Hour

When the day winds down, Malaga's port is one of the best places to sip a cocktail and enjoy the day's last light.

My go-to move: sit somewhere cheap like 100 Montaditos, sip on a Tintode Verano, and enjoy the sunset.

Street musicians usually add music to the air as you gaze into the horizon.

Cost: None, unless you treat yourself to dessert (which you should)

12. Visit La Térmica Cultural Centre

Once an orphanage and later a hospital, La Térmica has reinvented itself as Málaga's creative playground. This open cultural centre sits away from the tourist bustle. It always seems to have something going on, from photography exhibitions, live music, indie markets, film screenings, and even quirky pop-up food events.

Most events are free or very affordable, so you can soak up a lot of Málaga's cultural side without spending much. Check their website before you go; the programme changes constantly, and you might luck into something unexpected.

Bonus: the beach is just a short walk away, so you can pair an art fix with a sunset stroll.

What You Should Know About Málaga's Free Entry Perks

• Sunday afternoons are the sweet spot: that's when most museums drop their ticket prices to zero.

• Some spots (like CAC Málaga or the Aeronautical Museum) are always free.

• Bring ID if you're an EU citizen. Some discounts apply just for you.

• Aim to arrive early during free windows. It's Málaga, not a secret.

• Holidays are often free, all day. We list the dates below.

If you love museums as I do, you'll want to read my post on the best museums in Malaga, where I cover my favourites, the unique ones, and the kid-friendly options as well.

When Are Museums Free in Málaga?

Most of Málaga's top museums offer free entry on Sunday afternoons, typically during the last 2 hours before closing. Here's the complete breakdown:

Free Every Sunday:

• Picasso Museum Málaga: Free last 2 hours on Sunday (typically 4pm-6pm)
• Carmen Thyssen Museum: Free Sunday afternoons from 4pm
• Centre Pompidou Málaga: Free Sundays from 4pm until closing
• Russian Museum Collection: Free Sundays from 4pm-8pm
• Félix Revello de Toro Museum: Free Sunday afternoons
• Alcazaba & Gibralfaro Castle: Free Sundays from 2pm
• La Concepción Botanical Garden: Free last hour (seasonal times: Oct-Mar 9:30am-4:30pm, Apr-Sep 3:30pm-7:30pm)

Always Free:

• CAC Málaga (Contemporary Art Centre): Always free (reopening early 2026)
• Museum of Málaga: Free for EU citizens always, €1.50 for non-EU visitors
• Roman Theatre: Always free entry
• Aeronautical Museum: Always free year-round

Pro tip: Arrive 15-20 minutes before the free entry window starts. Sunday afternoons are popular with locals, and some museums have limited capacity.

Free Museums in Málaga (Just Don't Sleep on Sundays)

1. Picasso Museum Málaga

Regular price: €13 | Free entry: Last 2 hours on Sunday (4pm-6pm)

The city's most popular museum houses over 200 works spanning Picasso's entire career. Expect early Cubism, abstract ceramics, and intimate sketches that reveal his creative process.

What to see: Don't miss the ceramics collection on the upper floor—Picasso's playful bulls and faces on plates show his humour.

Pro tip: Free Sundays get crowded by 4:30pm. Arrive right at 4pm or consider paying €13 on a weekday for a calmer experience.

2. Picasso Birthplace Museum (Casa Natal)

Regular price: €4 | Free entry: Sunday afternoons

Right on Plaza de la Merced, this lesser-known museum explores Picasso's roots—family photos, letters, early childhood sketches, and the actual apartment where he was born in 1881.

Best for: Picasso fans who want the full story beyond the paintings. It's quieter and more intimate than the main Picasso Museum.

Tip: Snap a photo with the bronze Picasso statue on the bench outside before heading in.

3. Carmen Thyssen Museum

Regular price: €10 | Free entry: Sundays from 4pm

Inside a restored 16th-century Renaissance palace, you'll find 19th-century Spanish paintings that capture Andalusian life: bustling markets, religious festivals, flamenco dancers, and dramatic landscapes. A visual love letter to the region.

What to see: The Romantic landscapes on the second floor—especially the dramatic coastal scenes and bullfighting paintings.

Best for: Understanding the Spain that inspired artists before Picasso's radical modernism.

4. Centre Pompidou Málaga

Regular price: €9 | Free entry: Sundays from 4pm until closing

This iconic rainbow glass cube at the port is the only satellite branch of Paris's Centre Pompidou outside France. World-class modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries, with rotating exhibitions.

What to see: The cube itself is the star. The colourful glass exterior creates stunning light patterns inside, and the port views from the terrace are spectacular.

Best for: Modern art lovers and photography—the cube exterior makes for incredible shots, especially at sunset.

5. Russian Museum Collection

Regular price: €8 | Free entry: Sundays from 4pm-8pm

Located in the stunning former Tabacalera tobacco factory, this outpost of St. Petersburg's Russian Museum rotates exhibitions yearly. Expect bold colours, religious icons, Soviet-era social realism, and works from the Russian avant-garde.

What to see: The building itself—the renovated industrial architecture is gorgeous. Look for the propaganda posters and avant-garde pieces if they're in the current rotation.

Best for: Those curious about Russian art history beyond the usual Western European museum circuit.

6. Félix Revello de Toro Museum

Regular price: €3 | Free entry: Sunday afternoons

This smaller, calmer museum showcases the work of Málaga-born portraitist Félix Revello de Toro. His realistic oil paintings capture elegant women, matadors, and Spanish society figures with incredible detail and sensitivity.

What to see: The portraits of famous Spanish actresses and the matador series. Revello's technical skill rivals the old masters.

Best for: A peaceful art break. This is Málaga's most underrated museum—almost never crowded, even on free Sundays.

7. CAC Málaga (Contemporary Art Centre)

Regular price: Always FREE | Status: Reopening early 2026

The CAC is Málaga's coolest museum, and it's always been free.

Currently closed for renovations, it's scheduled to reopen in early 2026. When open, it showcases cutting-edge contemporary art from Spanish and international artists in a converted wholesale market building in the Soho district.

What to see: Installations, video art, and experimental works you won't find in traditional museums. The exhibitions rotate regularly.

Best for: Contemporary art enthusiasts who want to see emerging artists and avant-garde work without the Paris or New York price tag.

8. Museum of Málaga

Regular price: FREE for EU citizens | €1.50 for non-EU visitors

The largest museum in Andalusia, housed in the elegant 18th-century Palacio de la Aduana. The museum combines archaeology (Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish artefacts) and fine art (Spanish masters from the 15th-20th centuries) under one impressive roof.

What to see: The archaeological section is outstanding—Roman mosaics, Phoenician glass, and Islamic ceramics that tell Málaga's layered history. On the art floors, look for works by Murillo and Ribera.

Tip: Bring photo ID. EU citizens get free entry always; non-EU visitors pay just €1.50—still incredible value.

9. Aeronautical Museum

Regular price: Always FREE year-round

This quirky aviation museum sits right next to Málaga airport.

Inside you'll find vintage aircraft, flight simulators, old airport terminals, engine displays, and even a DC-3 you can walk through. It's unexpectedly fascinating.

What to see: The interactive flight simulators and the cockpit sections where kids (and adults) can sit in the pilot's seat.

Best for: Aviation enthusiasts, families with kids, and anyone with a couple hours to kill near the airport.

Historic Monuments with Free Entry on Sundays

1. Alcazaba of Málaga

Regular price: €3.50 (€5.50 combined with Gibralfaro) | Free entry: Sundays from 2pm

Built in the 11th century, this beautifully preserved Moorish fortress-palace sits on a hillside overlooking the city. The zigzagging defensive walls, horseshoe arches, courtyards with fountains, and panoramic views make it one of Spain's best-preserved Islamic monuments.

What to see: The Nasrid Palace section at the top—stunning horseshoe arches and decorative tile work that rival the Alhambra in Granada (but with far fewer crowds).

Best for: History lovers and photographers. The sea and city views from the upper terraces are spectacular.

2. Castillo de Gibralfaro

Regular price: €3.50 (€5.50 combined with Alcazaba) | Free entry: Sundays from 2pm

Perched high above the Alcazaba, this 14th-century Moorish castle was built to defend the palace below. Walk the ramparts, explore the interpretation centre, and soak in 360-degree views of Málaga—from the bullring and port to the mountains.

What to see: The views are the main attraction. On clear days, you can see all the way to the coast of Africa. The small museum explains the castle's military history.

Best for: Pairing with the Alcazaba for a full Sunday afternoon of Moorish history. The two sites are connected by a walking path.

3. Roman Theatre

Regular price: Always FREE

Dating back to the 1st century BC, this ancient theatre sat hidden under buildings for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1951. Now fully excavated and restored, it sits dramatically at the foot of the Alcazaba with informational displays explaining its role in Roman civic life.

What to see: The tiered stone seating and stage area are remarkably intact. Occasional concerts and performances bring the theatre back to life.

Pro tip: Most tourists walk past and assume it's closed or requires entry through the Alcazaba. Walk right in—it's completely free to explore anytime.

Parks and Gardens with Timed Free Entry

La Concepción Botanical Garden

Regular price: €5.50 | Free entry: Last hour before closing (seasonal times)

• October-March: 9:30am-4:30pm (free from 3:30pm)
• April-September: 9:30am-7:30pm (free from 6:30pm)

This stunning 19th-century botanical garden features tropical palm forests, cascading waterfalls, bamboo groves, and over 2,000 plant species from around the world. The historic manor house and romantic pathways make it feel like a secret garden.

What to see: The palm collection is world-class, and the elevated views over Málaga are unexpected and beautiful. Don't miss the historic greenhouse.

Tip: It's outside the city centre, but bus lines 2 or 91 will get you close. The free hour is short but enough to see the highlights.

Special Free Entry Dates To Museums and More(Save These!)

These city-wide cultural days mean free access to almost all museums:

• 28 February – Andalusia Day

• 18 May – International Museum Day

• Late May – White Night Málaga

• 27 September – World Tourism Day

• 27 October – Picasso Museum Anniversary

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things in Málaga

Map of Malaga's Free Attractions

Conclusion of Free Things to Do in Malaga

We will keep this list as up-to-date as we can; we love free things, too!

If you're still on the hunt for ideas that don't cost any money, take a look at our What's On In Malaga page. We do our best to list everything from farmers' markets to parades and more!

For more inspiration, check out unusual things to do in Malaga and the full list of things to do in Malaga.

Sources

• Museo de Málaga Official Website
• La Térmica Cultural Centre
• Málaga Cathedral
• Free Walking Tours Málaga
• Plaza de la Constitución
• Paradores de Málaga Gibralfaro