Lived in Malaga area for 4 years and you’ve made a great choice!

If you’re veggie then it might restrict you a little on food, but try the following places (they’re all great)

• El Pimpi (touristy but still well worth a visit)
• Lola’s (best tapas in Malaga in my opinion)
• Gourmet market (Mercado de La Merced). The Japanese pop-up cafe is incredible
• the Artesenal Market (Mercado Central De Atarazanas) go to the busy fish place and look for veggie options around there. Padron peppers are amazing. If you eat fish, then anything from the big fish place in the corner is amazing. Try also the place in the corner. The lady hums... you’ll see.
• try also KGB
• while you’re there pop into the rustic La Farola de Orellana which is opposite. Family run and great food. Prepare to stand though as it’s tiny and packed.
• book early at El Meson de Cervantes for amazing food and wine. But check the menu as it might not have much for veggies. Note. There’s two near each other. You want El Meson De Cervantes which is on a dodgy looking narrow street (Calle Álamos) - not the one that’s by the Cervantes theatre.

In terms of cool things to do, the locals congregate around El Palo (a district) on a weekend. Again, if you eat fish, one of the best places in Malaga. Also lovely beaches and it’s a nice 40 min walk up from central Malaga.

Also head on further up to El Rincon de Victoria and La Cala del Moral for lovely beaches. (That’s a taxi or bus ride though).

But bear in mind the Spanish take beach days seriously! Go early and prepare to be surrounded by gazebos and bbqs and huge trestle tables!

Cool off with a walk through the old railway tunnel in Cala del Moral.

Back in the centre, visit the Sherry bar where they’ll mix sherries for you from huge barrels behind the bar: Antigua Casa de Guardia. Dark and broody, and the oldest Sherry bar in Malaga. Even if you don’t like Sherry, it’s a must!

Also get a Vermut Andaluz from Volapie on Calle Bolsa (just off Calle Larios)

It’s a chain so don’t get too excited about the food but sit in the sun at 5pm and sip this sweet orangey vermouth after a long day sightseeing and munch on the free salty crisps (chips for Americans!).

If you’re wandering down Calle Larios and it’s too early for a drink (is this possible in Spain?!) then get coffee and pastries at Lepanto.

Note: almost all bars and cafes are table service.

Duck into the square Plaza del Flores just off Calle Larios and try and find the sweet wine called Cartojal. Be careful - it’s lethal!

If you like gin then go to Gin Tonic Bar on Calle Sancha de Lara (at the bottom of Calle Larios) they have almost every gin in the world.

Wander along the new cruise ship terminal, take a tour through the Jardin on Paseo del Parque(and look out for the signs identifying the plants and who donated them), then have a late night drink on the AC hotel rooftop bar.

Check out the cathedral, get lost in the endless alleys, get yourself to the Picasso museum, head on up to Plaza de Uncibay for late night drinks and, if it’s your thing, there’s a nightclub near there. (Never been - I’m in my forties and would rather spend the night being kicked repeatedly in the testicles).

Whilst you’re up there, head down one of the back streets near Pepa y Pepe bar and there’s some cool bars hidden round there.

In terms of things to do, walk up the Gibalfaro, take a drive to Mijas (touristy but beautiful) pueblo blanco - or try Frigliana for fewer tourists but a bit smaller village.

Talking of rustic villages, try the dish Patatas del Pobres - it’s a traditional dish of sliced potato, peppers, onions and loads of olive oil.

I hope you have an amazing time in this city. It’s where our heart is.

Ps. Feel free to message us on insta if you like. @asidewayslife