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If you have done the things to do in Spain, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Marbella.
Welcome to the playground of the rich and famous, where the sun always shines and the Mediterranean Sea beckons.
Marbella, with its glamorous harbors, luxurious boutiques, and pristine beaches, is an indulgent paradise that promises to leave you with envy-inducing memories.
Get ready to bask in the lap of luxury with our guide on the most exciting things to do in Marbella.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Marbella:
1. – Puerto Banús
A luxurious marina located in the outskirts of Marbella, known for its high-end shopping, nightlife, and yacht scene.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive yachts and luxurious boats docked in the marina. Enjoy high-end shopping from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci.
Savor delicious Mediterranean and international cuisine in elegant waterfront restaurants. Dance the night away in one of the many exclusive nightclubs.
Don’t miss: The weekly market held on Saturdays, offering a wide range of goods including handicrafts, clothing, and fresh local produce. The seafront promenade lined with palm trees and dotted with sculptures by Spanish contemporary artists.
Insider travel tips: Puerto Banús can get very crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit during the quieter months of May and September.
Don’t be afraid to haggle with market vendors to get the best prices on goods. For a stunning panoramic view of the marina, head to the top floor of the El Corte Ingles department store.
2. – Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
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Old Town (Casco Antiguo) in Marbella is a charming and historic neighborhood that dates back to the 16th century.
What to see or do: Stroll through narrow, winding streets that are lined with white-washed houses, cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Visit the 16th century Church of Saint Mary and the Ermita de Santiago, a small chapel that offers spectacular views of the city.
Don’t miss: The Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square) is the heart of Old Town and features a beautiful fountain surrounded by orange trees.
It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine.
Insider travel tips: Explore the streets in the early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are thinner and the light is softer. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as many of the streets are uneven and cobblestoned.
And don’t forget to try some of the local delicacies, such as churros with hot chocolate or tapas at one of the traditional bars.
3. – Marbella Promenade (Paseo Maritimo)
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Marbella Promenade, also known as Paseo Maritimo, is a picturesque seafront promenade that spans 6 kilometers along Marbella’s coastline.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
You can also rent a bike or roller-skates to explore the area or stop by one of the many bars or restaurants for a refreshing drink or bite to eat.
Don’t miss: The Paseo Maritimo is home to some of Marbella’s most iconic landmarks, including the Venus and Bajadilla ports, the Marbella Marina, and sculptures by renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dali.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the Marbella Promenade is either early in the morning or late in the evening, as it can get quite crowded during the day.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade along the route. Finally, keep an eye out for street performers and local artists selling handmade crafts.
4. – Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Luxury five-star hotel in the heart of the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
What to see or do: Relax in the hotel’s lush gardens, play a round of golf on the private course, or indulge in a spa treatment.
The hotel also has a beach club and a kids’ club.
Don’t miss: The hotel’s legendary Beach Club, which has been a hotspot since the 1950s, is a must-visit. Enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal with stunning sea views.
Insider travel tips: Take a stroll on the hotel’s famous bougainvillea-lined avenue, which leads to the beach.
The hotel is also within easy reach of Marbella’s Old Town, where you can explore its charming cobblestone streets and historic attractions.
5. – Plaza de los Naranjos
Plaza de los Naranjos is a charming and historic square located in the heart of the old town in Marbella, Spain.
What to see or do: This beautiful square is a wonderful spot for sightseeing and relaxation. Admire the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings, many of which date back to the 16th century.
Take a seat at one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy a cup of coffee while people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere.
There are also plenty of restaurants nearby where you can taste authentic Spanish cuisine.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the abundance of orange trees that give the square its name.
The oranges are harvested in December and used to make a delicious local orange liqueur, so don’t miss the chance to taste it.
Insider travel tips: – Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
6. – Avenida del Mar
Avenida del Mar is a popular pedestrian street situated in the heart of Marbella, Spain.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll down the street admiring the unique collection of bronze sculptures by Salvador Dali while enjoying the charming ambiance of Marbella.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take plenty of photos with the sculptures and try the delicious Spanish cuisine in one of the many restaurants and cafes located along the street.
Insider travel tips: The street can get quite crowded during peak seasons and weekends, so it’s best to visit during weekdays if possible. Also, wear comfortable shoes as the street can be quite long to walk, but it’s definitely worth it!
7. – Alameda Park
Alameda Park is a peaceful green space in the heart of Marbella, Spain.
What to see or do: Take a walk through the many paths, gardens, and fountains, relax on a bench, or have a picnic with friends.
Don’t miss: The large central fountain and the beautiful floral displays throughout the park.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the midday heat. There are often free concerts and events held in the park, so check the schedule before your visit.
8. – Ralli Museum
Ralli Museum is a contemporary art museum located in the city of Marbella, Spain.
What to see or do: The museum houses an impressive collection of Latin American, European, and American contemporary art. Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, and tapestries by artists such as Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miro.
The museum also features temporary exhibitions, a gorgeous courtyard, and a sculpture garden that are definitely worth exploring.
Don’t miss: The impressive collection of Latin American art is a highlight of the museum. Be sure to check out the surrealist paintings by Rufino Tamayo and the colorful abstractions by Fernando Botero.
Insider travel tips: – Admission to the museum is free, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
9. – La Encarnación Church
La Encarnación Church is a beautiful religious building located in the heart of Marbella’s historic district.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the church’s impressive Baroque architecture, as well as its ornate altar and intricate artwork.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive church tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: – The church is often closed during midday hours, so plan your visit accordingly.
10. – Bonsai Museum
The Bonsai Museum in Marbella is a unique museum dedicated to the art of bonsai, featuring a collection of over 300 bonsai trees.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum and marvel at the meticulously crafted bonsai trees on display. The museum also offers workshops and classes for those interested in learning the art of bonsai.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s collection of ancient bonsai trees, some of which are over 500 years old. The museum also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase their very own bonsai tree to take home.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting the museum during the week as it tends to be less crowded. The museum is located in a quiet residential area, so it’s recommended to take a taxi or drive there yourself.
Plan to spend at least an hour or two exploring the museum and gardens.
11. – Marbella Archaeological Museum
The Marbella Archaeological Museum is a museum located in the historic district of Marbella that preserves and exhibits various artifacts recovered from the region’s rich history.
What to see or do: The museum houses a permanent exhibition showcasing the cultural heritage of the area, including Roman and Moorish remains, as well as prehistoric findings of great archaeological value.
Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the exhibits at their own pace.
Don’t miss: One of the most fascinating exhibits at the museum is a Phoenician sarcophagus that originally dates back to the 6th century BC.
Also, make sure to check out the intriguing 16th century tiled floor that depicts a map of Marbella before urbanization.
Insider travel tips: The museum is a perfect spot to soak up some culture and escape the busy streets of Marbella. It’s a good idea to visit the museum earlier in the day as it can become crowded during peak hours.
Don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff questions as they are passionate and knowledgeable about the exhibits.
12. – Marbella Football Center
A world-class football training facility located in Marbella, Spain.
What to see or do: Watch professional football teams train, participate in football matches or training sessions, attend football tournaments.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to see some of the top European football teams such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United train at the center.
Insider travel tips: Book your football session or tournament in advance to ensure availability. Also, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water as the weather can get hot during the day.
13. – Selwo Aventura
An animal park and adventure park in Marbella, Spain.
What to see or do: Selwo Aventura offers an exciting mix of wildlife and adventure activities. Visitors can take a safari through the park and see animals like lions, tigers, elephants, zebras, and giraffes up close.
The park also has a zip line course, a hanging bridge, and a tree-top adventure park with zip lines, rope bridges, and tunnels.
Don’t miss: The park’s bird of prey show is a highlight, as is the chance to feed some of the animals like the giraffes and lemurs.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the park is quite large and there is a lot of walking involved.
Bring sunscreen and a hat, as well as plenty of water.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and to have enough time to see and do everything.
14. – Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation
The Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation is a historic church located in the heart of Marbella, Spain.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture of the church, with its ornate Baroque altar and beautifully preserved artwork from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the church’s bell tower, which offers fantastic views over Marbella’s Old Town and the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: If possible, try to visit the church during one of its religious festivals, when the building comes alive with music, dance, and celebration.
Also, keep in mind that the church may be closed during certain times of the day for religious services, so plan your visit accordingly.
15. – Blue Flag beaches
Blue Flag beaches are a group of beaches in Marbella that have been certified by the Blue Flag program for their cleanliness, safety, and environmental standards.
What to see or do: The beaches offer a wide range of activities, including sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and various water sports such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Don’t miss: Take a walk along the Paseo Maritimo that connects several beaches and enjoy the picturesque views of the Mediterranean sea. Also, visit the Puerto Banus Marina to witness the luxurious yachts and designer boutiques.
Insider travel tips: – The beaches can be crowded during peak season, so it’s advisable to arrive early in the day.