Things to do in Málaga for self travelers

Vroom vroom into the Automobile Museum of Malaga for a journey through the history of cars. Check out the impressive representations of dream cars, designer cars, popular cars and much more - you'll come away with a whole new idea about what your new car should be! Discover cars designed to run on alternative power sources. See American models, including a collection of Cadillacs. Admire the refined styling of British marques, such as Rolls Royce and Jaguar. Don't miss the engine start-up every Sunday at 12.30. Located in the spectacular building of "La Tabacalera", a former tobacco factory built in 1923 that is now a car museum, the Automobile Museum of Malaga offers a fantastic combination of history, art and culture.

When Gene Wilder sang about "a world of pure imagination", he was referring to Málaga's Museum of Imagination. And while we definitely made that last part up, the reports of awe and wonder coming from the museum are entirely accurate! Immerse yourself in a mind-bending world of illusion and devilish confusion. Take your senses on a wild ride, exploring various exhibits aimed at confounding your eyes and ears. Separate your legs from your body, sample life in miniature, walk on the ceiling, and much more. There are also plenty of opportunities for tricksy photos – don't forget your camera!

Revisit the life and works of Pablo Picasso in the birthplace of the world-famous artist. See his works, family memories, a library, and even a recreation of a 19th-century study. The birthplace of Picasso has been an official heritage site since 1983. It was built in 1861, and Picasso came into the world here in 1881. Picasso lived in Málaga until he was 10 years old, and the city had a profound effect on his memories, his personality, and his work. Tickets for the Museo Casa Natal Picasso offer you a thematic tour highlighting this family, social and cultural link between Pablo Picasso and Málaga. Across nine rooms you can trace Picasso's formative years and get a feel for his family environment, including in a recreation of his father's study where Picasso took his first steps as an artist and rooms focusing on different themes, including bullfighting, the Mediterranean, and doves amongst others.

Unapproachable fortress and stunning, sophisticated palace – the Alcazaba of Málaga is a true jewel of Moorish architecture. It is one of the best-preserved Muslim citadels in Spain and, thus, a must-see attraction for everyone visiting Málaga. Discover the secrets of this legendary Moorish castle at your own pace with the help of this engaging self-guided audio tour. Note! This in-app audio tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket! Buy it on site. The Alcazaba dates back to the 11th century and was built by the Moors as a defensive fortress. Strong walls and high towers should protect the city from invading forces. Listen to the tales of this impressive castle and admire the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the Moorish builders. Take a walk through the magnificent courtyards and gardens of the palace and imagine the life of the Moorish Caliphs. Be impressed by the intricate forms of Islamic architecture and learn more about the medieval history of Málaga and the Muslim kingdoms it was a part of. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Alcazaba of Malaga but is provided by an independent creator.

This self-guided audio walking tour explores the historic heart of Málaga and is ideal for first-time visitors who want art, architecture, and layered city history in one easy route. You will hear the city like a local guide beside you, while moving at your own pace through lively squares and narrow streets. The route begins at Plaza de la Constitución, a long-time civic center where Málaga still gathers for festivals and daily life. From there, you continue along Calle Marqués de Larios, the city’s elegant shopping street, then step into Plaza del Obispo and the grand setting of Málaga Cathedral, famous for its richly decorated design and its unfinished second tower. The walk then leads you into Picasso’s Málaga, from the Museo Picasso Málaga to Santiago Church and the artist’s birthplace at Museo Casa Natal de Picasso. In the final stretch, you climb into the city’s deeper past at the Alcazaba, where stone walls, arches, and gardens rise above the streets, and finish at the Málaga Roman Theatre at its foot. Along the way, the most memorable moments include the cool shade of old plazas, the glow of cathedral stone, traces of Picasso’s early world, and the striking sight of Roman ruins beneath a Moorish fortress.

Surround yourself with more than 1,500 exotic butterflies from around the world. They're fluttering freely between waterfalls and flowers at Mariposario de Benalmádena. Don't worry, they won't get too close! Observe how these beautiful insects are born, learn how they reproduce, and wrap your head around neat butterfly facts. Look out for the friendly resident wallaby and gecko, too!

Enjoy the Málaga coastline from a bird's eye view on the only cable car on the Costa del Sol. You'll ride in comfortable and modern cable cars equipped with an audio guide. At the top of Mount Calamorro, take in stunning views and explore exclusive hiking trails in a natural setting, surrounded by Mediterranean flora and fauna.

Nothing distracts you from life's micro-stresses like a close encounter with crocodiles! Snap up a ticket to Crocodile Park Torremolinos and feast your eyes upon the cold-blooded smiles of over 300 prehistoric beasts! It features eight lakes, an African village, a nursery for baby crocs, a crocodile museum, and Europe's largest crocodile – the indomitable crocosaurus, Gran Paco. See death-defying demonstrations, frenzied feedings, and some adorable baby crocs practicing the art of the chomp.

Experience a sea of adventures at Selwo Marina in Benalmádena. Be amazed by iconic marine animals like dolphins, penguins, and sea lions. Discover tropical forest inhabitants and watch exotic birds flying. Through educational activities and talks, you'll learn about threats these species face and what you can do to help their conservation. Want more? Check out the Unique Experiences with animal interactions. Participate in the Dolphin or Penguin Encounters to get closer than ever.

Ticket to Museo Picasso Málaga is included in this self-guided audio walking tour. Please note that the package does not include an audio tour of the museum itself; you can download the official Museo Picasso app upon arrival for additional information. The walk starts at Museo Picasso Málaga, set in the Buenavista Palace. After you visit the museum, unpause this tour and follow a route through Málaga. The tour leads you to the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba, where stone arches and fortress walls reveal the city’s Roman and Andalusian past. From there, you continue past the Ayuntamiento, through the shaded paths of Málaga Park, into the Málaga Museum, on to the cathedral, and through the stalls and stained glass of Atarazanas Market. The route also includes Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga and Teatro Cervantes before ending at Museo Casa Natal de Picasso in Plaza de la Merced. Along the way, you will enjoy the contrast between cool courtyards and sunlit squares, see the cathedral’s famously unfinished tower, stand beside a Roman stage below a hilltop fortress, and feel the color and noise of the market.