What to See and Do in Marbella in 3 Days
Born as a small fishing village and later transformed into one of Spain’s most important centers of leisure, luxury, and art de vivre, Marbella has made a name for itself among the holiday destinations of many Spaniards, Europeans, and tourists from around the world.
With its charming flower-filled streets, dreamy beaches, and incredible gastronomy, you’ll find endless options for a great time. If you’re wondering what to see and do in Marbella over a long weekend, I’ve selected some of the things and places you shouldn’t miss, organized into a daily itinerary so you can make the most of these three days in the capital of the Costa del Sol. Ready? Let’s go!
Day 1: Visit the Old Town, Alameda Park, Plaza de los Naranjos, and the Alcazaba
The best thing to do when visiting an unfamiliar city is to start with its most iconic sites. Although Marbella is a beach, pleasure, and luxury destination par excellence, it also has a quieter side, with a superb cultural richness worth discovering.
It is a city that, over the years, has received the heritage of multiple cultures that have left their indelible mark on its architecture, customs, and people.
Discover the Old Town of Marbella
Stroll through the Old Town, one of Marbella’s most charming corners. You’ll see all the beauty of its small streets, white houses, and thousands of flower pots filled with geraniums. In its layout, you can recognize traces of an Arab past that, together with its Andalusian architecture, gives the whole a unique personality.
It’s a walk that will undoubtedly make you fall in love with Marbella. You can stop to take hundreds of photos and perhaps buy handmade crafts to bring home.
Although any time of year is suitable for a walk through the Old Town, you’ll enjoy it much more when temperatures are milder; in fact, a stroll through the Old Town is undoubtedly one of the top ten things to do in Marbella in summer. If you prefer, you can take this beautiful tour of Marbella’s Old Town by bike. There are many guided tours that take you to the city’s most remarkable spots while pedaling with your guide in small groups. It’s an excellent way to discover the city while getting some exercise.
Biking gives you access to places other vehicles can’t reach, allowing you to discover the city in depth.
Book your bike tour in Marbella
Have a drink on the Plaza de los Naranjos
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this square is one of the most important in the city. It has a small Renaissance-style fountain and many terraces where you can enjoy tapas or have a drink in the shade of its leafy trees.
You’ll find that the Plaza de los Naranjos is the epicenter of social life in Marbella, a pleasant place where people love to gather. Around it, you can also admire three buildings of great historical value: the Casa del Corregidor, the Casa Consistorial, and the Ermita de Santiago.
These three buildings are in perfect condition and are part of the city’s most majestic past.
Visit Alameda Park
About a ten-minute walk from the Plaza de los Naranjos, at one end of the Old Town, is Alameda Park, one of the city’s most characteristic and beautiful places.
Built in 1792, it serves as a true green lung for Marbella. It features a beautiful fountain surrounded by benches decorated with tiles, a botanical garden, and numerous paths that invite you to stroll.
Located in the city center, it has become a popular leisure and relaxation spot for locals.
Walk around the Alcazaba and Marbella’s ancient walls
After visiting the Old Town, you can walk around the Alcazaba. These are the remains of an old castle and walls that protected the city during the Moorish occupation. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, they are currently in very good condition and can be visited in their entirety.
An ideal place to visit with family, as it is among the top 10 activities to do with children in Marbella. The little ones can let their imaginations run wild and think about the battles that took place right here centuries ago.
Day 2: Playa de la Venus, Avenida del Mar, Paseo Marítimo, and a taste of local gastronomy
Start your second day in the capital of the Costa del Sol with a seaside breakfast at café bar blù.
I then invite you to enjoy one of Marbella’s main attractions: the sea.
A leisurely day at Venus Beach
Located very close to Alameda Park, Venus Beach is one of the most popular in Marbella. You can have fun there alone, with friends, or with family, as it offers activities for adults and children, water sports, restaurants, and bars. During the summer season, it tends to be very crowded, and you can enjoy the Mediterranean Sea in all its splendor. With an average of more than 300 sunny days a year, Marbella is the ideal place to enjoy beach life.
Golden sand, warm, clear water, and a lively atmosphere—you’ll understand why so many celebrities have chosen to spend their holidays in this beautiful coastal city.
Meeting Dalí on Avenida del Mar
With only 3 days, I recommend spending a morning at the beach and then continuing to explore the city; otherwise, you’ll have a lot left to see. Take a stroll along Avenida del Mar. Located a 5-minute walk from Playa de la Venus, this is a relatively short pedestrian avenue where, besides being a very pleasant walk, you can admire 9 amazing sculptures by the great Salvador Dalí.
As in the Parque de la Constitución, the works of the Spanish artist—a central figure of the Surrealist movement—are located along this beautiful urban promenade.
It’s worth walking among the fountains and palm trees that decorate the area to come face to face with, for example, the bronze image of Perseus holding Medusa’s head.
Go on a tapas tour in Marbella
If you’re a lover of good food, one of the favorite options for travelers visiting Marbella is a tapas tour of the best bars in this coastal city. An incredible experience that will let you spend time tasting some of the most typical flavors of local cuisine while learning part of its history from your specialized guide.
Gastronomy is always a way to connect with what is most typical of each city or region. By savoring local flavors, you’ll get closer to the people and their customs. In Marbella, fish and seafood are always present, so you can’t miss the rice and paella specialties. That’s why a tapas tour in the Old Town is an excellent idea.
Book your tapas tour in Marbella
Enjoy the local atmosphere of the Paseo Marítimo
Continue enjoying a place with style—the Paseo Marítimo in Marbella. Along its 7 kilometers, you’ll find tapas bars and restaurants, shops, atmosphere, and the best views of the coast. A place not to be missed if you’re passing through Marbella.
And if it’s dinnertime and you’re one of those who appreciate a good glass of wine and a delicious seafood dish, book your spot for a boat trip along the Marbella coast with wine and seafood tasting. You’ll also be able to admire the sunset over the sea.
A boat trip in Marbella will leave you fascinated by the beauty of its coastline, which begins to light up at sunset.
An unforgettable postcard, to be savored alone, as a couple, with friends, or with family.
Day 3: Puerto Banús and a flamenco evening
All good things come to an end, so make the most of your third and final day in Marbella. For today, I suggest visiting Puerto Banús.
Also located in the Nueva Andalucía district, this place has become, since its inauguration in the 1970s, an unrivaled tourist destination that you can’t miss on this 3-day trip.
Visit Puerto Banús
From the center of Marbella, take bus line 1, which runs along the coast, and in less than 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at Puerto Banús. The bus ticket costs about 4 or 5 euros per passenger.
It’s one of the best day trips you can take from Marbella, as you’ll find a large number of activities for a magical day.
Puerto Banús offers the opportunity to practice various water sports and see yachts and luxury boats. For more than 50 years, this place has been one of the most chosen destinations by figures from the film and music world, European and Persian Gulf royal families, among others.
Puerto Banús is the ideal place to browse luxury boutiques, dine in one of its exclusive restaurants, or enjoy its tireless nightlife.
Savor the best international cuisine by the sea
You can’t miss the delicious seafood casseroles, paellas, and fish dishes, which are absolutely delicious. However, I must tell you that in the port area, there are options for all tastes. Puerto Banús welcomes visitors from around the world, so you’ll find Asian, Greek, or Italian restaurants, pizzas, or even gourmet burgers and fries.
Find a restaurant with a sea view for a unique experience.
End the night with a flamenco show in the Old Town
After a day of sun, beach, and luxury, I suggest taking bus number 1 back to the center of Marbella to prepare for a night of gypsy dance and song. To wrap up this last day in Marbella, what could be better than attending an authentic Andalusian flamenco show? Many venues offer excellent-quality performances.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage, flamenco is much more than a musical style—it’s a way of feeling. You’ll experience the emotion of one of Spain’s most intimate artistic expressions.
Recommended for the whole family. The show doesn’t include dinner, so I recommend heading to the Paseo Marítimo and bidding farewell to Marbella by enjoying Mediterranean dishes at Alabardero Beach Club. A place where everything is delicious and every dish is prepared with the utmost delicacy.
Take my advice—you won’t regret it. That’s all for this time; I hope this article has been useful and that you enjoy this wonderful coastal city.
Three days in Marbella may seem short, but if you adapt your itinerary a little, you’ll see that you can make the most of the city. Until next time! Inside Marbella Instagram
