How to spend a weekend in Malaga, the cultural gateway to Andalucía

Malaga has well and truly shaken off its reputation as being merely the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Revamped and revitalised, the city now boasts a sleek port, an exciting culinary scene and a rapidly growing clutch of artistic attractions. In fact, it’s quickly becoming recognised as one of Spain’s cultural hubs, packed with places to explore from the Pompidou Centre housed in a multicoloured glass cube and renowned Museu de Picasso to the cool Soho district, a grid of streets adorned with street art.

But it’s not all new. This is one of the oldest cities in Spain and hallmarks of its rich past are scattered across Malaga: the cobbled streets of the old town, its mountainside Roman amphitheatre, the Moorish citadels of the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. And even once the sightseeing is done, there’s still a city full of rooftop bars, gleaming boutique stores and nearby beaches to explore.

For more Malaga inspiration, see our guides to the best restaurants, things to do and nightlife.