Things to do in Marbella

Must-see Marbella sights

On Spain’s southern tip, west of Malaga, the real Costa del Sol gets going. Marbella is filled with hotel and apartment blocks, villa homes and leisure complexes: it’s the playground of celebrities, sheiks, millionaires and bullfighters.

Sunbathe on the best beaches
Take your time in the Old Town
Go window-shopping at Puerto Banus
Dine like Spanish royalty at Gaspar
Party the night away

Sheltered by the hills of Sierra Blanca, Marbella has polished its reputation as Costa del Sol’s most stylish resort, and it would probably print its Golden Mile nickname on a huge gold-plate banner if it could. Expect expensive restaurants, a casino and a flashy marina - dress accordingly.

In collaboration with
Rough Guides

1. Sunbathe on the best beaches

Marbella's coastline offers a delightful blend of sun, sea, and sand, making it an ideal destination for beach enthusiasts. The town boasts several beaches, each with its unique charm and amenities, catering to both relaxation seekers and adventure enthusiasts.

One of the best things to do in Marbella is simple: enjoying the three excellent beaches just south of Marbella’s centre. They stretch east from Playa de la Bajadilla and Playa de Venus to Playa de la Fontanilla to the west, which gets much less crowded the farther west you go. Playa de la Bajadilla is overlooked by a hulk of the white apartment tower blocks, but instead, focus on the view ahead with beachfront and waterside restaurants, boat rentals and access to the swanky marina. Further along, Playa de Venus is best for watersports, from paddleboarding to jet skis - and loads of options for sailing trips, too (served with a glass of cava, of course), while Playa de la Fontanilla is perhaps the quietest of the three and backs onto a relaxing oasis of a park.

Whether you're looking to bask in the sun, indulge in water activities, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, Marbella's beaches provide the perfect setting. The combination of natural beauty and available amenities ensures a memorable seaside experience for all visitors.

Best for:Soaking up the rays.

While you’re there: Stroll along the short pier between Playa de la Bajadilla and Playa de Venus.

2. Take your time in the Old Town

Marbella might be best known for its beaches and glittering marina, but beyond the polished surface lies a more traditional side. Tucked just slightly inland, away from the buzz of the coast, is a pocket of the town that feels like stepping back in time. For couples seeking slower, more intimate moments, this is where you’ll find some of the most romantic things to do in Marbella.

Despite Marbella’s fleet of hotels and luxury pads, this swanky hotspot still holds onto the greater part of its old town. Set back a little from the sea and the new developments, head here if you're looking for things to do in Marbella that involve a little more peace and quiet. In fact, it’s so quietly hidden that you might miss it altogether - aim for the centre of the attractive Plaza de los Naranjos to find the partially walled old town. While more boutiques and restaurants are starting to open up, you can still savour the atmosphere from an ordinary-looking bar in the small old square.

It's a place to slow your pace, soak in the charm, and enjoy a side of Marbella that hasn’t been polished to perfection. Lose yourself among narrow alleys, sit beneath an orange tree, or simply listen to the quiet hum of local life—it’s the kind of spot that invites lingering and connection.

Best for: Escaping the main road.

While you’re there: Look up beyond the whitewashed alleyways to the Ronda mountains.

3. Go window-shopping at Puerto Banus

Not everything in Marbella is on display. Some of its most extravagant experiences happen behind the scenes, far from the beach crowds and hotel terraces, where privacy is part of the appeal.

The seriously rich don’t stay in Marbella itself, you know. They hide themselves away in villas in the surrounding hills or laze around on phenomenally large and luxurious yachts and the marina and casino complex of Puerto Banus, 6km west of town. As you’d expect, Puerto Banus is home to a wad as big as their notes of big-name designer boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Gucci), cocktail bars, beach clubs and restaurants. And some of the most expensive cars in the world, of course.

Even if you’re not arriving by private jet, it’s worth wandering through Puerto Banus just to soak up the scene. It’s flashy, fun, and completely over the top—in the best way. Think of it as Marbella’s shiny alter ego, perfect for a decadent evening stroll or a bit of star-spotting with your partner.

Best for: Budget? What budget?

While you’re there: Sunglasses on, hair preened and chin up - pretend to be a millionaire.

4. Dine like Spanish royalty at Gaspar

Although it now has a Michelin double-starred chef (Dani Garcia at Hotel Puente Romano’s restaurant), Marbella’s best eating and drinking places aren’t always the most obvious. The square of Plaza de los Naranjos turns into a dining terrace after dark, but the options tend to be overpriced; you’re better off seeking out some of Marbella’s excellent tapas bars and less brassy restaurants. Despite its high-roller reputation, you can still dine at normal prices. If your stomach is rumbling, the restaurants have opened for the evening and you’re wondering what to do in Marbella, dine at Gaspar . It’s run by a friendly family from Rioja - which explains the long wine list. Besides their standard dishes (tortilla, charcoal grilled lamb, aubergine terrine), you can also order a few plates of raciones (smaller rations) to share. Been asked to wait for a table? No problem! Flick through the book in Gaspar’s library and hope you’ve chosen a night when cantantes (singers) drop in for a meal and launch into an impromptu flamenco.

Best for: Tapas dishes and lots of tasty Rioja wine.

While you’re there: For dessert, stop off at the ice-cream parlour on the opposite corner of Calle Francisco Nte.

5. Party the night away

Whatever Marbella holidays it is you’re looking for, its nightlife scene simply has to make an addition. Marbella has one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in all of Costa del Sol; the action is centered around Plaza Puente de Ronda, Plaza de Africa in the old town and Plaza de Olivos to the west of here. Puerto Deportivo, once a riotous spot on the seafront yacht harbour, is nwo home to laidback copas bars with terraces filled with sofas and easy chairs. Choose from the likes of retro club Budda, Franks Corner for live music, or the poplar lounge and cocktail bar, Gauguin.

Best for: Drinks with a view - and new friends.

While you’re there: Order a G&T and chill out on the outdoor terrace, then head inside to dance the night away

Marbella Holidays