After Dark: These Are The Best Bars In Malaga

We’ve already written extensively about how much there is to see and do if you spend a weekend in Malaga. The city is the gateway to the Costa Del Sol and a real Spanish gem of a city.

But if you’re not too tired from your city explorations once the sun sets, what is there to do in Malaga after dark? The good news for night owls is that this is a city that never sleeps! And once you’ve eaten in Malaga’s best restaurants there are plenty of excellent bars, as well as an all-round high octane nightlife scene for you to explore.

Here are the best bars in Malaga:

Antigua Casa Guardia

This is the first bar most people suggest when talking about the nightlife in Malaga, because as well as being well-loved by locals, it is also the city’s oldest bar. First established in 1840, Pablo Picasso regularly drank here. It’s everything you would imagine an authentic Spanish tavern to be. You can choose your wine straight from the barrel, and the bar man will chalk up your tab on the bar in front of you.

Contact: antiguacasadeguardia.net
Prices: £
Getting in: walk in; no dress code

ZZ Pub

Sadly this bar isn’t owned by ZZ Top, but it is a popular bar for locals who love music. This bar was established more than 2 decades ago and it has the slightly dingy, authentic interior you would expect from a reputable music haunt. Here you’ll find live music every night, and the genre changes regularly so there’s something for everyone. Expect everything from rock, blues and funk, to jazz, swing and r&b.

Contact: zzpub.es
Prices: ££
Getting in: walk in; no dress code

Cafe De Estraperlo

This is a popular bar with expats thanks to its mix of British and Spanish bartenders. This bar is known for the friendliess of its staff. You’ll find this bar near the Plaza Marina and port, and during the day it doubles as a coffee shop. Enjoy cake in the afternoon, and stay for beer and company after dark! The whole vibe here is cool but laidback.

Contact: 00 34 951 40 55 27; instagram.com/cafe_de_estraperlo
Opening times: Mon-Thurs, 9.30am-11.30pm; Fri, 9.30am-2am; Sat, 12.30pm–2am
Prices: £
Getting in: walk in; no dress code

Speakeasy the Pharmacy

If you’re looking for a sophisticated by welcoming cocktail bar where the expert mixologists are well-trained in making high-end and perfectly balanced drinks then this is the perfect place to be. The menu here is incredibly comprehensive, so whether you’re looking for classic cocktails or something a little more unique, there’s no better place to be. Visit for a cocktail night, or just for a drink before dinner.

Contact: instagram.com/speakeasythepharmacy
Prices: ££
Getting in: walk in; no dress code

Sala Gold

This is a large night club that’s popular with locals and tourists alike, and it’s conveniently located in the heart of Malaga’s city centre. It’s fun and glamourous without being too pretentious. So you’ll find shimmering wall panels and baroque chandeliers, but there’s also plenty of bars and regular drink offers. Note that this is firmly a night club and not a bar: This is the place to dance and party, not to enjoy a quiet pint. But if you want to dance the night away then this is the place to be

Contact: salagold.com/en
Prices: ££
Getting in: walk in; no dress code

Clarence Jazz Club

As the name suggests, this is the very best venue in Malaga if you want to see live jazz. You’ll find this club conveniently located just across from Malaga’s cathedral, and it is an American-style jazz club, but with a Spanish twist. There’s live music every night, and a weekly jam session for a more casual, free-style night out. Weekends are popular, so it’s worth reserving a table, but this probably isn’t needed during the week, especially in low season.

Contact: clarencejazzclub.com
 Prices: ££
 Getting in: walk in or reserve a table at weekends; no dress code

Peña Juan Breva

If you want to experience flamenco then there’s nowhere better to be than Malaga. And Pena Juan Breva is the best flamenco club in the city! It was founded in 1958 and you’ll find amazing dancers performing here. The club is actually located in the basement of Malaga’s Museo de Arte Flamenco, which is worth checking out in its own right. Expect a lively atmosphere but above all expect some of the best flamenco you’ll ever see.

Contact: peñajuanbreva.eu
 Prices: ££
 Getting in: walk in; no dress code

Ático at AC Malaga Palacio hotel

This is one of the first rooftop bars that was constructed in Malaga, and it remains one of the best. Nothing since has been able to beat it! You’ll enjoy amazing views over the city, and you can see the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro castle and the Mediterranean from here. The decor is classy, the drinks are great, and the bar is open all day so you can enjoy the views but at day and at night too.

Contact: marriott.co.uk
Prices: ££
Getting in: walk in; smart casual

 Carmen and Lolita Skyview

Finally, this is one of Malaga’s best hotel bars, and you can enjoy both drinks and delicious small tapas plates here. There are actually 2 bars here. The Carmen bar is located on the ground floor and the Lolita Skyview is on the 8th floor with views over the city. It’s a great place to stop for cocktails, but it’s worth noting that the pool on this terrace floor is for hotel guests only. Whether you want cocktails, mocktails, or something to eat, you’ll find it all here.

Contact: onlyyouhotels.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: walk in; smart casual

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