5 of the best nightlife hotspots in Malaga
Malaga has always been recognised for its rich cultural history and stunning beaches. However, more recently the city has been building up a reputation as a popular destination for partygoers.
A compact, walkable city, it’s easy to hop from bar to bar on a party pilgrimage around Malaga’s historical centre. From scenic rooftops and stylish cocktails to low-cost shots and crowded dancefloors, Malaga has something to offer all those whose day begins when the sun goes down.
Here, we introduce 5 of the most popular locations for a night out in and around Malaga. Have a good one!
1. Plaza de la Merced
Situated in the shadow of Malaga’s Alcazaba, close to the Roman Theatre, Plaza de la Merced is a popular spot for tourists due to its proximity to all of the major sightseeing, as well as La Malagueta beach.
This ornate square – by day at least – is most well-known because Pablo Picasso, Malaga’s most famous son, was born there. In fact, you can visit his birth house on the square and even pose for pictures with his statue, sitting on a bench in the far north-western corner.
As a result of this fame, prices can be steeper here, but Plaza de la Merced gives you your money’s worth by guaranteeing a buzzing atmosphere.
With outside terraces open until 1am every night, this is a popular spot for both day drinking and whetting the appetite before heading to a nightclub.
Many of the bars on the northern strip of the square, including Bar Picasso (two of them) and Las Tortugas, cater especially for foreign students, with many advertising deals and Happy Hours to tempt in the punters.
On the western edge of the square, Siglo 21, and its neighbour ADN, are two student hotspots famously generous with their measures.
Just off Plaza de Merced is Calle San Juan de Letrán, another popular pre-drinking location for the younger crowd. One busy spot is Mañana Bar, run by two friendly Latvian brothers who’ll make you feel instantly welcome, and may even join in the party themselves. The vast selection of cocktails here are not to be missed and there is something for all tastes.
Another, further up the street, is Lola’s Copas, an LGBTQ+ friendly cocktail bar that allows you to enjoy your drink outside, giving the whole street a party atmosphere.
After you’ve enjoyed all Plaza de la Merced has to offer, it’s only a short walk to nearby nightclub Pastrami, a local favourite disguised as a kebab shop where you’ll be sure to keep the party going.
2. Plaza Mitjana (and surroundings)
Located at the heart of the historic centre, Plaza Mitjana is the epicentre of Malaga nightlife. Surrounded by the majority of the city’s most popular nightclubs, the square starts to come to life at around 11pm thanks to its late-night bars.
Some of these bars are really small, which means the party quickly spills out into the street once they reach maximum capacity. During the weekends in particular, this sees the whole area become completely full, making it a place to easily make friends with fellow revellers.
Backing onto the square, Sala Gold is generally considered to be the city’s most popular nightclub, certainly within the expat community, mixing reggaeton with modern classics from around the world.
However, if it’s a typical Spanish experience you’re after then Bambú and Gallery are the places to go. Bubbles, meanwhile, caters more for tourists in the mood for American or British music.
Nearby Velvet and Theatro are among the more popular destinations for a (slightly) older crowd and both provide something a little bit different, with Velvet hosting techno, rock and indie nights, while Theatro throws drag parties, making it a popular venue for the LGBTQ+ community.
La Comedia, Malaga’s most popular gay club, is situated just around the corner and guarantees a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Calle Beatas
Just a few minutes’ walk from Plaza Mitjana, Calle Beatas is another hotspot for Malaga nightlife.
Just off Plaza Uncibay, where you’ll find a great variety of reasonably priced, excellent-quality tapas restaurants, this long, thin, pedestrian-only street has a unique character and is jam-packed every weekend.
That said, its popularity can work against it, as you are likely to be turned away from most bars past midnight, so the earlier the better if you want to ensure you’ll get in somewhere.
La Guarida encapsulates the vibe of this unique street, a cave-like bar comparable to Siglo 21 in Plaza de la Merced, specialising in ‘porrones’, a cocktail mixed in a teapot-like pitcher with a thin spout that allows sharing without letting it touch your lips.
Meanwhile, if it’s shots you’re after, look no further than the minuscule Urbano bar, where owner Michel will concoct you one of a vast selection for just €1.
If you’re craving this bustling atmosphere but a standard pint of beer is all you require, then Drunkorama may be just what you’re looking for.
A number of popular nightclubs are situated just around the corner from Calle Beatas. In Plaza Uncibay, the multiroom (a rarity in Malaga!) Andén claims to have the largest capacity of any club in Malaga.
If you get turned away (which is quite likely without guestlist entrance on busy days), Barsovia is somewhat similar in style but attracts a slightly older clientele.
Likewise, Stereo (which plays 70s, 80s and 90s pop) and the nearby ZZ Pub (if indie-rock or live music takes your fancy) also attract older crowds.
Perpendicular to Calle Beatas, Calle Juan de Padilla is quiet cut-through by day. However, by night it is completely transformed with multiple bars and clubs side-by-side.
Yosu23 and Boat will pull you in with their drinks offers and then it’s off to La Biblioteca, Safari or La Flaca for a boogie.
4. Swanky rooftop bars
For a more laid-back, upmarket experience, you can explore one of Malaga’s many chic rooftop bars. Remember, though, you’re paying for the city views too, so expect higher prices than you’d find at street level.
Possibly the best of these views can be found on the 15th-floor terrace of the AC Marriott Hotel, open all year round. Here, the stylish bar and seating area surround a swimming pool, with vistas on one side of the Cathedral and the glamorous Muelle Uno marina on the other.
On the same street, the Hotel Molina Lario also has a rooftop (though not as high), while if you head down towards the port, the newly built Only YOU Hotel’s new rooftop is already proving a popular addition to the Malaga skyline. Along with the Room Mate Valeria hotel’s bar, these are the best spots for views of the Mediterranean.
If you’re on the iconic Calle Larios, the rooftop at the Room Mate Larios hotel gives excellent views of the Cathedral and Plaza de la Constitución.
Closeby, the lesser-known Terraza San Juan overlooks the church of the same name and has a modern, chillout vibe – fantastic too during the daytime.
Elsewhere, the rooftop of the Alcazaba Premium Hostel is so named because of the impressive views over the city’s famous palace-fortress. This rooftop offers a more chilled experience, with comfortable white sofas on which to relax and enjoy the picturesque cityscape.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try Terraza Nómadas, which hosts language exchanges – a good opportunity to meet new people and practice your Spanish.
5. Torremolinos
Yes, this isn’t in Malaga. But it’s also not too far away (just 14 kilometres) and offers a fantastic night out!
One of the hottest holiday destinations in the world in the mid-to-late 20th century, Torremolinos still possesses a charm today that can’t be replicated anywhere in Malaga city.
The town has always attracted an alternative crowd and nowadays the nightlife scene is dominated by LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. That said, whatever your sexual orientation, a night out in Torremolinos never fails to keep the multinational crowds amused.
The bar-filled streets and alleys surrounding Plaza La Nogalera are the focal point of the Torremolinos nightlife. A typical Friday or Saturday night in this colourful part of town will include cabaret, drag and karaoke bars, or, for the more adventurous, fetish clubs and saunas!
Among the more noteworthy nightclubs in this area are Aqua, a male-only complex, and the nearby Parthenon.
Getting to and from this party town won’t cause you any trouble either. The Cercanías train is the easiest way, with the journey from Malaga city centre taking just over 20 minutes. Alternatively, there are several coastal buses that take only slightly longer.
If you want to return in the middle of the night, a shared taxi back to the city won’t cost the earth and will avoid the wait until around 6am when public transport options restart.
Something for all tastes
As you can see, Malaga has something to offer for everyone.
That said, be sure not to get too bogged down in planning a night out.
True to its Mediterranean roots, Malaga’s nightlife is found outdoors, in the streets. So your best option for a fun-filled but laidback evening is to go outside, take a stroll and follow the crowds. An interesting night is sure to follow!