Marbella Old Town Travel Guide

Marbella
Marbella Old Town
Wander through a postcard-pretty labyrinth of cobbled streets to discover beautiful plazas and well-preserved churches and buildings that are hundreds of years old.

From centuries-old churches and stylish boutiques to gorgeous fountains and the flower-filled balconies of traditional homes, Marbella Old Town is a picturesque enclave in the heart of the city. Wander the ancient cobbled streets to discover historical treasures, beautiful architecture and insights into the area’s past.

The old town’s nerve center is the Plaza de Los Naranjos, or Orange Square, which is surrounded by cafés, tapas bars and whitewashed and historical buildings. Study the original stone façade of the Old Governor's House, built in 1552. It is adorned with shields and commemorative stone inscriptions, one of which dates back to 1485. This was the year the Moorish town fell back into the hands of the Catholic monarchs.

Head into the 16th-century Town Hall for its Mudejar-style carved ceiling on the upper floor and murals from 1572. Among the depictions is a scene from Christ's crucifixion. Venture into the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, also known as the Church of St. Mary, a Baroque-style 17th-century building that houses a huge organ that took several years to install.

After enjoying some refreshments under the shade of the square’s orange trees continue your journey back into the old town's past. View the ruins of Marbella’s castle, which was built in the 11th century with stones from old Roman buildings. Tour the 15th-century Hermitage of the Holy Christ of the True Cross. Step inside Bazan Hospital, a Renaissance building from the 16th century. Today it is the home of the Museo del Grabado and its large collection of engravings and graphic art from the 15th century to the present day.

During your time in Marbella Old Town, browse the stores and boutiques for clothes, gourmet foods and souvenirs.

Marbella Old Town is easy to get to by public transportation. Many of the city's buses pass by there. If you have a rental car, it might be best to leave it at your accommodation and either walk here or come by bus or taxi. Street parking is scarce, and the fees to park in the garages can be high.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Marbella Old Town

Óbal Urban Hotel Marbella
Óbal Urban Hotel Marbella
4 out of 5
Avenida de Ramon y Cajal, 3, Marbella, Malaga
The price is ฿3,606 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿3,606
฿3,967 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 10 beach bars. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (119 reviews)
Perfect in every way
"This hotel was outstanding in every way. Starting with the location, it is across the street from a beautiful small park with fountains and gorgeous ceramic benches. Beyond that is the Mediterranean. Just behind the hotel starts the Old Town. It has to be the best location in Marbella. Further the ..."

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2024

Óbal Urban Hotel Marbella
La Villa Marbella
La Villa Marbella
1 out of 5
Calle Príncipe, 10, Marbella, Andalusia
The price is ฿2,838 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
฿2,838
฿3,122 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Marbella. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (475 reviews)
"Great hotel in brilliant location. Only downside is in the ground floor room Nusa Dua, you can hear people coming in and out and the door mechanism during the night wakes you up like an alarm clock.. I would definitely stay hear again but make sure which room I was staying in."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

La Villa Marbella
The Town House - Adults Only
The Town House - Adults Only
2 out of 5
Calle Alderete 7, Marbella, Andalucia
The price is ฿5,079 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿5,079
฿5,587 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this boutique hostal in Marbella. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
"The second time we have stayed here and we will be happy to stay here again."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

The Town House - Adults Only
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
4 out of 5
Urb. Nueva Andalucía, s/n, Marbella, Málaga
The price is ฿3,606 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
฿3,606
฿3,967 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Marbella. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (481 reviews)
"We loved the Hard Rock in every way including the vip services available to any guest, including having a guitar delivered to our room just for fun at no charge. Our only negative was our room service experience. The food was delicious, but If I’m paying $28 for a burger, I would expect a plate. ..."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Hard Rock Hotel Marbella – Puerto Banús
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
3.5 out of 5
Carretera de Cadiz, km 206, Mijas, Malaga
The price is ฿1,953 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
฿1,953
฿2,149 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Mijas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8/10 Very Good! (923 reviews)
Great Place to Stay
"This is our second year back at the resort. Its really great location between Fuengirola and La Cala de Mijas gives us plenty opportunities to go onl ong walks. We had a sea view and its a joy to wake up each morning to a glorious view. No doubt we will be back"

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2024

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol
Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol
5 out of 5
Carretera de Cadiz, km 206, Mijas, Malaga
The price is ฿2,104 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿2,104
฿2,314 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Mijas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (310 reviews)
"The stay in itself was good. However, the staff were not friendly in terms of directing us to our room and the room was available after 4pm."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Marbella Old Town

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Marbella City Centre

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

Marbella City Centre is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Orange Square and Venus Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Marbella.

Marbella City Centre
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Marbella Seafront Promenade

Marbella Seafront Promenade is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Marbella Marina or Venus Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Marbella Seafront Promenade
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Golden Mile

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Golden Mile, Nagüeles Beach and Puente Romano Tennis are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Mile
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Urbanización el Rosario

5/5(1 area review)

Though Urbanización el Rosario may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marbella Golf and Country Club and Santa Clara Golf Course.

Urbanización el Rosario
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Urbanización Costabella

When in Urbanización Costabella, you can plan a visit to Marbella Golf and Country Club and Playa Los Monteros, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Urbanización Costabella
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Puerto Banús

4.5/5(116 area reviews)

Puerto Banús is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and waterfront views. You might want to check out attractions like Puerto Banús Marina or El Corte Ingles Shopping Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Puerto Banús

Marbella Old Town Travel Guide