The Perfect Long Weekend in Málaga: A 3-Day Travel Guide

The Perfect Long Weekend in Málaga: A 3-Day Travel Guide

Monday, February 24, 2025

 

Málaga is the perfect city break; if you're looking for a sunny long weekend abroad. We visited in February for my 28th birthday and had a fun few days sampling some tasty mediterranean cuisine and practicing our Spanish with the locals (thank you 150-day streak on Duolingo!).

Keep reading to discover how to spend the perfect long weekend in Malaga with my 3-day travel guide.

Must-see Attractions in Málaga

Castillo de Gibralfaro

One of the most iconic landmarks in Málaga, the Castillo de Gibralfaro offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Mediterranean Sea, and even the distant mountains. You can reach the castle by hiking up from the city center, which takes around 30–40 minutes, or, if you're short on time or prefer a more relaxed approach, you can take an Uber, like we did.

The entrance fee is €3.50 per person, and in my opinion, it's well worth it. 

Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds or head there at sunset for stunning photos with softer lighting. We went at 1pm, and while it was quite bright, I still managed to capture some great shots!

Sunset River Cruise

This was a nice idea in theory, I mean who wouldn't want to be on the water on their birthday? I envisioned enjoying the serene sounds of mother nature and embracing the fresh sea air. However, these boat trips tend to be super busy and not that relaxing! Cheesy chart music was playing throughout our boat ride and we had people next to us, talking loudly the whole time. 

We booked our boat trip, very last minute, an hour before which cost us £10 but usually prices are around £12 each. If you're looking for a more intimate or romantic river cruise, I would suggest hiring out a private boat, this will cost you around £45 per person for 1 hour. If I did this trip again, I would opt for this option!

Optional extras

If you’re a fan of art and culture, consider visiting the Museo Picasso! It’s open daily from 10am to 6pm, and tickets cost €13 - just be sure to book in advance. This is a great indoor activity, especially if the weather isn’t on your side. Málaga’s winter can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s always good to have a backup plan!

Day trips

If you're blessed with more time on your hands, you could consider doing a day trip from Malaga. Depending on your budget and your interests, you can choose from hiking the famous Caminito del Rey, exploring the monkey kingdom of Gibraltar, or hitting the beaches in Marbella. 

Best food spots in Málaga!

Mercado Central de Ataranzas 

A lively hub where Spanish culture meets culinary delight. This eclectic market showcases the rich flavours and traditions of Málaga, offering a unique experience for both locals and tourists. We enjoyed our late lunch at Medina Bar, where we enjoyed fritura variada (this dish consists of smaller seafood varieties such as shellfish, small fish, and crustaceans that are rolled in flour and fried in oil until crispy and golden). I highly recommend pairing it with a refreshing Sangria and sitting outside in the sun as you enjoy your meal.

In Málaga, you’ll discover an abundance of choice and variety, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters won’t go hungry!

Next Level Specialty Coffee

Breakfast of dreams! My acai bowl was a perfect blend of flavors and textures, topped with fresh bananas, juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy granola chunks. There's a reason why this cafe has 4.8 stars on Google - the service was quick and the food was delicious. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, it definitely lives up to the hype!

Smash by Black Label

We stumbled upon Smash by Black Label while strolling through the heart of Málaga, and it turned out to be a hidden gem for burger lovers. If you're looking for a quick bite that doesn’t compromise on quality, Smash is the place to go! Their menu is packed with delicious smash burgers made with high-quality ingredients, juicy patties, and perfectly toasted buns. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot to refuel during a day of exploring the city. 

I know what you’re thinking… this looks like a pretty rogue lunch, and honestly, I’d probably judge it too. But let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! The prawns were incredibly fresh, bursting with flavour, and paired perfectly with a refreshing white sangria. It made for the perfect birthday lunch.

I wish I could remember the name of this spot, but all I know is that it was right in the heart of Málaga’s main restaurant area. We wandered in for a quick bite, and it turned out to be a fantastic little find. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you just stumble upon!

Rooftop drinks at Lolita Bar

On our last night, we visited Lolita bar for roof-top drinks, which certainly did not disappoint. With stunning views over the city, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent service, it was the perfect spot to unwind. It wasn’t too crowded, making it even more enjoyable.

We aimed to catch the sunset at 7pm, but with the sun setting behind us, the view was mostly hidden, however; the scenery was still extraordinary. Cocktail and alcohol prices are similar to those in the UK, so if you're on a budget, a soft drink or cider (€4.40) is a more affordable option.

Old Town Málaga

Spend time strolling around Málaga's old town and marvel at the city's historic quarter. 

Here you will find:

Málaga Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Incarnation, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Built in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque, the cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings, ornate stained glass windows, and soaring arches.

Calle Larios, is home to the shopping district in Málaga. This area is home to fancy boutique shops along with high-street stores such as Mango, Stradivarius and H&M. 

Málaga Roman Theatre, if you're into history then you will love it here. Located at the foot of the Alcazaba, this ancient site dates back to the 1st century BC, making it one of the oldest monuments in the city.

Top Tips for a Perfect Long Weekend in Málaga

Malaga is an ideal destination for a quick weekend break in February, with guaranteed blue skies and sunshine during the day! We were blessed with temperatures of 16-20 degrees across the 3 days we spent in Malaga. However, I would still advise bringing a light jacket and jumper, as it can get quite cold during the evenings (around 9-11 degrees). 

I made the mistake of over-packing and taking way too many dresses and skirts that I barely wore. I ended up living in trousers and jeans instead, so keep this in mind!

Transportation

Uber and Bolt are the most commonly used ride-hailing services here. Of course, you can always grab a taxi, but like in most cities, they tend to charge higher fares!

We walked almost everywhere, so I can’t personally comment on the metro or buses in Málaga. However, we did take a bus in Granada, which conveniently accepted card payments. For the metro, most people purchase their tickets at the train stations, while bus tickets are bought directly from the driver. It’s always a good idea to carry some spare euros just in case.

Currency 

I didn’t exchange any euros before or during my trip, as card payments are widely accepted - even in small convenience stores. However, if you prefer to have some cash on hand, €50 should be more than enough for a long weekend. I personally use Monzo when traveling, as it lets me track my spending and avoid foreign transactions or cash withdrawal fees. 

We also explored the stunning city of Granada on this trip! We caught a 90-minute bus from Malaga coach station and enjoyed taking in the serene views. Be sure to check out my top tips and tricks for navigating this vibrant city here. 

Thank you for reading my blog! If you're planning a trip soon, I hope you've found these tips helpful. Be sure to check back for more posts about my travel adventures.

 

Why Budapest Is Perfect for a Budget-Friendly Winter Escape

Why Budapest Is Perfect for a Budget-Friendly Winter Escape

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

 

Stepping into a new city makes me feel truly alive. For a few days, normal life fades into the background, replaced by the thrill of the unknown. At first, it’s disorienting, but then, piece by piece, I start to find my rhythm. Budapest, with its beautiful architecture, rich history, and affordable luxuries, is the perfect place to visit without breaking the bank.

We were lucky to meet so many friendly locals, this is one of my favourite things about exploring a new city. Being able to strike up a conversation with like-minded individuals on a tour or with strangers in a cafe. Every conversation always leads to a new discovery. So don't be shy and get chatting away on your travels!

From the fresh produce at the farmer's markets to sipping coffee while people-watching at cosy local cafés, savouring these simple moments in a new city and feeling endlessly grateful. Basking in the sunshine and once again whispering to ourselves, “Why don’t we just move here?”.

Off-Season Perks of Visiting Budapest

Now, I’ve always been an avid December holiday kinda gal, but I think I might be converted to January trips. Everything is so much cheaper, and it’s the perfect antidote to those winter blues. What I didn’t account for though, was how cold Budapest was going to be in January, I know, I know - Hungary is in Eastern Europe, so of course we weren’t expecting tropical sunshine, but wow.

The evenings in Budapest were freezing! It was genuinely hard to stay outside for too long, but ducking into coffee shops for lemon and honey tea saved us every time.

Remember to dress appropriately, think: a warm winter coat, gloves, a hat and a scarf. Dressing for the cold is key to enjoying your budget-friendly winter escape!

               

Practical Tips for Visiting Budapest in January

One of the biggest perks of visiting Budapest in winter is how affordable accommodation is. We stayed in a stylish Airbnb apartment for just £60 for 4 nights. That’s less than £15 per night! Staying in the off-season not only made it easy to find cheap accomodation but also meant fewer crowds at major attractions. 

We were fortunate to stay right in the heart of the city, making Budapest incredibly walkable and easy to explore on foot. Plus, there was a convenient bus stop right in front of our accommodation that provided direct access to and from the airport!

Hungary's currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), not the Euro! Card payments are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants, so we only withdrew around £50 from an ATM for tips and small purchases at tourist shops.

Must-See Attractions

Fishermans Bastion

Since we stayed on the Pest side of the river, we opted to take Ubers to and from the Fisherman’s Bastion when we visited (mainly because we were in a rush to get ready). The rides only cost around £5 each way, making it a very budget-friendly option, especially if you’re traveling with a friend or partner to split the cost! 

I would recommend paying to go inside the Fisherman's Bastion, the views were breathtaking and for 3 euros you really cannot go wrong. Travelling during the Winter means less tourists and being able to capture photos like these!

River Cruise on Danube River

Budapest offers plenty of river cruises, but since I’m not a huge fan of prosecco, we chose the historic river cruise, which included a refreshing raspberry lemonade as a welcome drink. It cost us less than £15 for an hour's journey which was well worth it!

If you're visiting in the winter months, I highly recommend taking a sunset cruise at 3:30pm. Watching the sun dip below the skyline while the sky transforms into stunning shades of purple is truly magical. We started off sitting on the open deck to take some beautiful photos, it was incredibly peaceful on the water. However, the strong winds eventually forced us to head back inside. 

Hungarian Parliament Building 

Another must-see in Budapest for a budget-friendly winter escape is the parliament building, which you cannot miss!
We joined a free walking tour on our first day which stopped off at the parliament building - if you're interested it's a 2-hour tour through Free walking tours, you just tip whatever you think it was worth at the end. It's a great way to get a feel for the city and explore it on foot.

We also passed by the parliament building on our way back from the river cruise, where we saw the shoes on the Danube bank, this memorial represents the Hungarian Jews in 1944-1945 who were shot on the banks of the Daube River by members of the Arrow Cross Party. It's a harrowing but essential visit, out of respect for those who lost their lives, I chose not to take any photos.

Hungarian Food

Foodies listen up!

If you love good food, Budapest won’t disappoint. Hungarian cuisine is rich, hearty, and perfect for warming up after a chilly day of exploring. Be sure to try some of the country’s must-try dishes:

• Goulash – A flavoruful, paprika-spiced beef stew that’s practically a national treasure.

• Chicken Paprikash – Tender chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, usually served with dumplings.

• Lángos – A deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese, the ultimate street food indulgence.

Szazeves Etterem

Százéves Étterem, the oldest restaurant in Pest, has been serving guests for over 100 years. This budget-friendly yet authentic eatery offers a unique dining experience with its charming historic architecture and lively gypsy music. Whether you're savouring traditional Hungarian dishes or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Százéves Étterem is a true hidden gem that should be added to your Budapest itinerary.

If you’re vegetarian, you might find it a bit trickier to track down budget-friendly options, as Hungarian cuisine leans heavily on meat. However, with a little research, you can find great veggie-friendly spots serving delicious alternatives like mushroom paprikash, stuffed cabbage with rice, or cheesy potato dishes.

Karavan 

Karavan is a must-visit spot for street food lovers! Home to a variety of delicious options, from gourmet burger vans to authentic Hungarian cuisine, it offers something for everyone. Visiting Karavan was a highlight of our trip and I would 100% go back if I could!

One thing I didn’t realise until arriving in Budapest is that many restaurants take reservations in advance. For popular spots, bookings might be required a week or more ahead of time. We learned this the hard way after showing up at fully booked restaurants a few times. So, if there’s a place you’re dying to try, make sure to factor this into your plans!

As someone who doesn’t eat pork but loves to travel, I’ve often found it challenging to navigate menus in Portugal and Eastern Europe. However, checking restaurant menus in advance made all the difference in Budapest.  

So, if you’re looking to beat the winter blues, consider Budapest as your next city break. Between the affordable prices, cosy cafes, and breathtaking sights, this Eastern European treasure is proof that travel in the off-season is the ultimate form of self-care.

Thank you for reading my blog post! If you’re planning a trip soon, I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. Be sure to check back for more posts about budget-friendly travel adventures.