Malaga Bars

The nightlife of Malaga is right up there as one of the best spots in Spain. That's thanks to the hundreds of little bars scattered all over the city and especially in the old quarter around the cathedral.

Malagueños love to go out and every night of the week seems lively as the locals make the most of their excellent year round climate and spend their evening sitting outside bars enjoying cold beers, local Malaga wines and a selection of deep fried fish tapas.

Plaza Uncibaj is a good square to head for where you'll find genuine old taverns buzzing with locals. Plaza del Obispo is also a good choice with open air terrace bars looking straight onto the facade of the cathedral. During the day you'll almost inevitably stumble across Café Central on Plaza de la Constitución which is packed all day long with locals and visitors alike.

Just north of this square as far as Plaza de la Merced you'll find a labyrinth of streets with all kinds of little bars and eateries. The best part of Malaga's nightlife is just wandering around and finding your own favourites but just in case you need a push in the right direction check out some of these.

Bodegas El Pimpi (Granada, 62)
Truly atmospheric bar with a number of different rooms decorated with bullfight posters and paintings of Malaga. Popular with young locals and certainly worth searching for.

Bar Logueno (Marín García, 9)
Old tavern bar packed with locals enjoying ice cold beers and plates of cured ham and cheese.

Antigua Casa de Guardia (Alameda Central, 18)
For sheer novelty value you must go to this old barrel bar which dates back to 1840 (some of the waiters in their white jackets look like they might have been there when it opened!). The place sells a selection of Malaga wines from the barrel and your bill is chalked up for you on the counter where you're standing. Closes early so make it your first port of call or go during the daytime.