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Things to do in Málaga

Find a feast for the eyes at Malaga Central Market

Malaga Central Market's stained glass window floods the space with light, whilst the ironwork of the Moorish archways delight as much as the fresh produce. Bustling with life, the market is great for voyeurs; enjoy a seat, salted Malaga almonds and crisp Alhambra lager.

Get lifted above the city with help from the one armed lady

Malaga Cathedral (tel: +34 952 215 917) was designed to have two towers but funds went awry and only one was ever completed. Impressive none the less, the 'one armed lady' is a fine feat of renaissance architecture. Visitors are welcome to view the panoramas from the cathedral roof with day and night tours offered.

Marvel at the might of a Moorish fortress

Excellently preserved, Alcazaba fortress was originally built in the 11th century and offers a reminder of Moorish dominance in Spain as well as superb city views. Set above Malaga, the building is a network of corridors opening to sun-flooded patios and gardens, and is situated next to the Roman amphitheatre.

See world famous artwork in a pop-up museum

In effect, a pop-up museum (albeit for five years), the newly opened Pompidou Centre (tel: +34 951 926 200; www.centrepompidou-malaga.eu) is a brightly coloured, portside cube that houses contemporary art. Careful curation shows the depth of renown, including work by Picasso, Kahlo and Bacon, all loaned from its Parisian namesake.

Visit Paseo del Parque and walk the harbourfront

No visit to the city is complete without a harbourfront walk. Paseo del Parque is a wonderfully shaded garden, filled with palm trees, fountains and shrubs, which runs alongside the harbour as well as the surreal, but wonderfully designed, El Palmera de las Sorpresas promenade. As it ends, it becomes Muelle Uno, a rather swanky-looking strip of restaurants, bars and shops primarily designed to attract cruise ship day trippers. It also doubles as a hub for locals and visitors with cafés, ice cream parlours and bike hire stands. Turn a corner and the Lighthouse marks the end of this section before the city beaches begin at Malagueta, stretching eastwards to the beach districts of Pedregalejo and El Palo.

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Hotel Alameda

Clean, cheap and central, this hotel occupies the 8th floor of an apartment building and has obliging owners and free Wi-Fi. What it lacks in modernity, it makes up in personality, and all rooms come with private bathrooms. The views over the bullring are nigh on unbeatable too.

Hotel Molina Lario

Opposite the Cathedral, this 4-star hotel has elegant, contemporary rooms - the best have balconies and views of the Cathedral. Amenities include an outdoor garden-terrace serving tapas, a stunning rooftop pool with late night bar and a terrace grill restaurant.

Room Mate Larios

Right on pedestrianised Calle Larios, in the heart of Málaga, this rebranded hotel, part of a chain of hotels around the world, has a light, stylish contemporary feel with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi and an impressive roof terrace with a late night bar. Breakfast is served until a civilized midday.

Gran Hotel Miramar

Originally opened in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII, and at one time Malaga's law courts, this beautifully-restored hotel is set by the sea in the upmarket area of Caleta. The polished rooms have all the mod-cons; some have a Moorish theme or Mediterranean touches but only 25% have sea views. Amenities include a spa, a gym, a swimming pool and several restaurantsa.

Hotel Eurostars Astoria

A short walk west of the centre, near the Alameda train station, this compact hotel only has 57 rooms but is modern and offers excellent value for money. Its sparkling cleanliness helps, but do try and get a room overlooking the River Guadalmedina.

Hotel La Chancla

Hidden in Pedregalejo, a small fishing community in Malaga, this tiny hotel only has nine rooms but it packs a punch with its outdoor hot tub and mini sauna. Rooms are a little on the pokey side, but the views over the Alboran Sea can't be beaten. Taxis take around 10 minutes into the city centre but a stroll along the beach is the most romantic route.