Discover The Hidden Heart Of Málaga’s Alternative Nightlife

Málaga is without doubt one of the finest party hubs on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain. Swanky venues line the seafront inviting yacht faring travellers to disembark for the night. But there’s more to this city’s nightlife than neon signs and expensive cocktails. Hidden in the heart of the old town is a series of alternative offerings for the hipster at heart. By sidestepping the tourist trail, astute visitors can embark on an adventure of cutesy local bars, remarkable restaurants, and funky clubs. So if you’re a traveller who enjoys going off the beaten track to find hidden gems, you’re in the right place.

La Casa Invisible

This bar, which literally means “The Invisible House”, is a hidden gem of Málaga’s back streets. You won’t find any corporate signage here, this is a community venue where the local people are put first. That said, as a visitor you’ll be welcomed as if you live next door. A melting pot of culture then awaits you inside the walls of this peaceful patio retreat. This is represented in a splendid list of activities and events that run weekly. This includes languages, yoga, African Drums, tango and flamenco to name just a few! Above all, this bar is renowned for its focus on political debates. So whilst settling down with a cerveza after a long day exploring the streets, get ready to be thrown a question from the person on the bar stool next to you.

Drunk-o-Rama Cafe

OK, so the name might sound a bit naff, but this café/bar is a genuine hidden treat in the winding streets of the old town. In the daytime, the café serves as a chilled den for lazy drinks and food. Small stools and wooden tables are scattered on the cool tiles for a relaxed and easy going feel. If you’re lucky you may even happen to visit on a day when a clothing exchange is taking place, giving you the perfect opportunity to snap up a jazzy Málaga jumpsuit or a snazzy shirt. As the day passes over to the night the café transforms itself into a buzzing bar packed with regulars enjoying the lively atmosphere. Perched on a high table outside with a glass of Sangria in hand is the perfect way to drink the night away and honour the name of the bar itself!

ZZ Bar

Despite the bar’s name, this venue will definitely not send you to sleep! Malagueños (meaning of people of Málaga) descend on this spectacular music spot every weekend for a fiesta of live acts and performers. Like the Cave in Liverpool in the sixties, this venue is famous for its help in discovering new acts and supporting unknown performers. In fact, it’s become so famous that the place now offers its own souvenir t-shirts for you to parade around at home.

How to Get There

Barcelona has long monopolised the hipster crown of Spain, but Málaga has stepped up as a serious challenger in recent years. Luckily Málaga is just as easy to get to from the UK giving you, the visitor, the deciding vote in the race to the perfect soya bean macchiato. Flight times come in at just under three hours and flight routes are served by all major UK airports. Taxis from Málaga airport are then the easiest way to get you to your accommodation and off on your hipster holiday.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable taxis from Malaga Airport Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.