7 Cool Bars to Try in Malaga
This sunny beach town is the largest on the Costa del Sol region of Spain. It’s the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and is known for its Mediterranean climate and resort offerings. The centre of Malaga is about a 25 minute taxi ride from Malaga airport, and you can ask your driver to take the scenic beachfront route and then you can get a feel for the area.
Once you’ve settled in, you’ll soon find that Malaga has everything, with an offering of hikes, art museums, shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. In fact, the bar scene in Malaga is one of the best in the region. If you’re visiting, here are seven bars that you need to try.
Sala Opium
This bar is full of oriental decorations, playing to the Arabic history of the region. The plush couches are lined with comfortable pillows, and the lighting is dim enough to set the mood. Guests can puff on shisha while they drink and watch the belly dancers perform.
Bodega Bar El Pimpi
A hotspot for famous visitors like Tony Blair and Antonio Banderas, this bar is an absolute staple in Malaga. It offers tapas, meals, and of course, refreshing drinks. The decor is telling of how old the bar is as the walls are lined with antiquated posters. Visitors will find wooden barrels around the restaurant that show off signatures from past guests. Try to visit on a Thursday because these nights are typically dedicated to Flamenco dancing.
Vineria de Cervantes
Photo by Jia Jia Shum on Unsplash
With a great selection of Spanish wines, this is one of the best wine bars in the city. They offer delicious tapas to go with the tastings and most of the wines can be ordered by the glass. Their selection includes Ribera del Duero, Riojas, DO Sierras de Malaga, and options from other regions. Altogether, there are about 25 wines served by the glass.
Bar Amargo
Considered a hidden gem, this bar offers an authentic, Spanish experience. It’s been bringing in a local crowd for years, making it the perfect place to really experience the local culture of Malaga. It specializes in salsa and Flamenco, so definitely visit if you want to check out the dancing.
AC Hotel Malaga Palacio
On the 15th floor, you’ll find one of the most luxurious rooftop bars in all of Malaga. Aside from fantastic drinks, the bar also has a DJ and a swimming pool. The light from the cathedral illuminates the crowd and the view of the city is flawless. You’ll be able to see the castle and the port while sipping on a sangria. This is a great place to visit if you’re ready to party and you want to truly experience the city.
La Alcazaba Terrace
Another rooftop bar, this is one of the hotspots for nightlife in Malaga. It can be found in the Alcazaba Premium Hostel and is especially buzzing during summer evenings. It’s right next to the Muslim fortification and overlooks much of the city. This is the perfect bar for watching the sunset while drinking a fruity cocktail.
El Cantor de Jazz
Known for its laid-back atmosphere, this bar is a great hangout for anyone who loves live music. It’s one of the city’s most unique bars as its design is Chicago-themed. The crowd here is quite diverse with a mix of young travelers and older music-lovers. The warm and inviting atmosphere is accompanied by a fantastic cocktail list. If you love jazz, you’ll probably love this bar.
There’s a ton to do in Malaga but bar hopping should definitely be on the list. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back evening or a rowdy party night, you’ll be able to find the perfect bar while in Malaga. Don’t forget to book your airport taxi in advance to avoid spending time queuing.