Málaga · 14 Citorah Picks
In the order Citorah recommends them: the order the guides rank them, and never by commission. How Citorah is paid
Citorah PickBar
Best for a night of live music in the centre
Citorah says ZZ Pub, at Calle Tejón y Rodríguez 6, a few minutes’ walk from Plaza de la Constitución, has had live music every night since 1991: rock, blues, soul, funk, indie, jazz, swing, rock and roll and rockabilly.
The catch Capacity is limited.
Citorah PickBar
Citorah says La Terraza de Larios is the terrace bar of Hotel Larios Málaga, at Calle Marqués de Larios 2. The hotel pitches it at visitors and locals alike, for cocktails and snacks with the sunset and the skyline.
Citorah PickBar
Citorah says Los Patios de Beatas, at Calle Beatas 43, 50 metres from the Museo Picasso, is a wine bar and restaurant in two restored 18th- and 19th-century houses built around patios. It has more than 600 wines to take home and more than 50 by the glass, and opens every day from 13:00 to 17:00 and from 20:00 to midnight, with shorter hours in July and August.
Citorah PickBar
Citorah says Chester & Punk, at Calle Méndez Núñez 4, is a cocktail bar that calls itself a fusion of chester class and punk spirit. Go after dinner, when the wine bars wind down.
Citorah PickBar · Soho
Citorah says La Fábrica, at Calle Trinidad Grund 29, is Cruzcampo’s craft microbrewery, and its beers are served only there: up to nine on tap, from more than 30 brewed a year.
Citorah PickBar
Citorah says AC Hotel Málaga Palacio, at Cortina del Muelle 1, between the Cathedral and Paseo del Parque, has a rooftop pool and views of the port. Marriott lists its ATICO Bar from 12:30 to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 1:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, with a smart casual dress code.
The catch The ATICO restaurant can close for private events, so call ahead.
Citorah PickBar · Centro Histórico
Citorah says José de la Guardia founded it in 1840, and it calls itself the oldest tavern in Málaga. It moved here in 1899, “temporarily”, it says, because of building works at Atarazanas, and it’s still here. The wines are served straight from the barrel, along a wooden counter where the waiters chalk up your bill.
Citorah PickBar · Centro Histórico
Citorah says A tasca, with traditional Spanish music from every era playing behind the conversation. Order the empanadas, tostas, cured cheese or one of its tortillas, with barrel vermouth or a cold caña. It serves from midday to night, and it takes no bookings.
Citorah PickBar · Centro Histórico
Citorah says Bodegas Quitapenas has made wines under the Málaga and Sierras de Málaga denominations since 1880, and runs two taverns in the centre, for tapas and Málaga food: Quitapenas Marín García, at Calle Marín García 4, and Quitapenas Sánchez Pastor, at Calle Sánchez Pastor 2. Make it a glass of wine and a few tapas.
Citorah PickBar · Centro Histórico
Citorah says Bodegas Quitapenas has made wines under the Málaga and Sierras de Málaga denominations since 1880, and runs two taverns in the centre, for tapas and Málaga food: Quitapenas Marín García, at Calle Marín García 4, and Quitapenas Sánchez Pastor, at Calle Sánchez Pastor 2. Make it a glass of wine and a few tapas.
Citorah PickRooftop bar
Citorah says La Terraza de la Alcazaba, on the top floor of Hotel Alcazaba Premium at Calle Alcazabilla 12, looks straight at the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre and Gibralfaro. It has two levels, and opens from 15:00 to 2:00 from Monday to Thursday, 13:00 to 3:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 13:00 to 2:00 on Sundays. The hotel says it’s open to everyone, takes bookings by phone and has wheelchair access. If you go up only one rooftop, make it this one.
Citorah PickRooftop bar · Soho
Citorah says La Terraza de Valeria is the rooftop terrace of Room Mate Collection Valeria, at Plaza del Poeta Alfonso Canales 5, next to the Palmeral de las Sorpresas and Muelle Uno, looking over the sea and the port.
The catch The pool is for hotel guests only, and after 22:00 access is restricted for under-18s.
Citorah PickClub · Centro Histórico
Citorah says Sala Gold opens 365 days a year, with a themed party every night, from Eras Monday to Pure Gold on Saturdays. It has five VIP areas with table and bottle service, plus LED ceilings, lasers and confetti cannons. Go for the spectacle.
The catch Neither page gives opening hours, so check the night’s line-up before you go.
Citorah PickClub · Centro Histórico
Citorah says Theatro Club is styled like a classic theatre, with a hydraulic stage, four large video walls and seven private boxes over the dance floor. Thursdays start with unplugged sessions, Fridays bring live tribute acts and then a DJ, and on Saturdays it runs until dawn.
The catch Neither page gives opening hours, so check the night’s line-up before you go.
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