Panoramic sea and city views, classic cocktails and Mediterranean bites, with an elegant, upscale rooftop vibe.
The Ático rooftop bar at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio by Marriott sits 15 floors above the city, making it the highest rooftop bar in Malaga.
Open to non-hotel guests, this is where locals and visitors come for sunset cocktails with unmatched 360° views of the cathedral, port, and Mediterranean.
Best For
- Couples seeking a romantic sunset experience
- Special occasions and celebrations
- Business drinks with impressive views
- First-time visitors wanting Malaga's best panorama
Not Ideal For
- Groups looking for a loud or high-energy party environment
- Budget travellers seeking casual, low-cost rooftop options
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The Vibe
The atmosphere at AC Marriott Malaga's rooftop is upscale without being pretentious. Step out of the elevator onto the terrace and you're met with open sky, fresh air, and views that make you reach for your camera. During the day it's relaxed and family-friendly. As sunset approaches, the energy shifts - cocktails appear, conversations buzz, and the city lights begin to twinkle below.
It's popular for good reason. Arrive early if you want a prime terrace spot for sunset.
Nearby Hotels & Accommodation
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Opening Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 12:30 - 00:00
- Friday - Saturday: 12:30 - 01:00
- Sunday: 12:30 - 00:00
The kitchen serves lunch (1pm-4pm) and dinner (7pm-11pm). The bar stays open between meals for drinks and light bites.
Menu & Prices
The Ático restaurant menu offers Mediterranean cuisine with Spanish influences. Here's what to expect:
Drinks:
- Signature cocktails: €10-14
- Wine by the glass: €6-12
- Premium spirits: €8-15
- Beer: €4-6
- Soft drinks & coffee: €3-5
Food:
- Tapas & starters: €8-15
- Salads: €12-16
- Main courses: €18-28
- Desserts: €7-10
Pro tip: The Iberian ham croquettes are worth every euro. Pair them with a local Malaga sweet wine for the full experience.
The menu changes seasonally. For the current full menu, check Marriott's website.
Compare prices for AC Hotel Málaga Palacio
Check multiple sites - prices often vary by €20-50/night
The View & Seating
You get two sides of Malaga in one sweeping glance. Face one direction and the cathedral's bell tower rises above the rooftops, close enough to catch the stone details in golden hour light. Turn around and the marina stretches out below, with cruise ships and the Mediterranean beyond.
Seating options:
- High tables along the terrace edge (best views, first to fill up)
- Lounge sofas in covered areas
- Bar seating for solo visitors or couples
- Indoor restaurant tables (air-conditioned, still great views)
The terrace wraps around the building, so there's no bad seat - just varying degrees of spectacular.
How to Make a Reservation
For the terrace bar: No reservation needed. Walk-ins welcome. Just head up to the 15th floor.
For Ático restaurant: Reservations recommended, especially for:
- Friday & Saturday dinner
- Sunset time slots (7-9pm)
- Groups of 4+
Book directly:
- Phone: +34 952 21 51 85
- Marriott website
My advice: For weekend sunset dining, book 2-3 days ahead. Weekday lunches are usually available same-day.
Sunrise at Gibralfaro Castle
Watch the sun rise over Malaga from the highest point in the city. The views stretch from the bullring to the port and beyond.
“The castle opens at 9am, but staying at the Parador gives you access to the terrace at dawn - before anyone else arrives.”
Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro - The only hotel with direct castle access. Wake up and walk straight onto the terrace for sunrise.
Check AvailabilityDress Code
Smart casual is the standard, especially in the evening.
What works:
- Summer dresses, linen shirts, chinos
- Clean trainers or sandals
- Casual but put-together
What doesn't:
- Swimwear (pool area only, hotel guests)
- Flip-flops in the evening
- Very casual beachwear after dark
During the day, the dress code is more relaxed. Nobody will turn you away in shorts and a t-shirt for a lunchtime drink.
Access & Getting There
How to get in: Enter through the main lobby of AC Hotel Málaga Palacio (the Marriott hotel on Calle Cortina del Muelle). Take the elevator to floor 15 and follow signs to "Ático."
The rooftop is open to everyone - you don't need to be staying at the hotel. Just walk in confidently and head for the lifts.
Nearby parking:
- Muelle Uno underground car park (5 min walk)
- Street parking along the port (limited)
Public transport:
- Alameda Principal bus stop (5 min walk)
- Malaga Centro train station (10 min walk)
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Photos of AC Hotel Malaga Palacio Rooftop Bar
Location & Map
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Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga
Our Verdict
Would we go back? We've already been back a few times and will return again. The AC Marriott rooftop is our go-to for family gatherings and impressing visiting friends. Yes, it's pricier than street-level tapas bars - but you're paying for the best views in the city.
Best for: Special occasions, sunset drinks, impressing first-time visitors to Malaga.
Skip if: You're on a tight budget or want a rowdy night out.
The views alone are worth the premium. On a clear evening, watching the sun drop behind the mountains while the city lights flicker on below - that's a Malaga moment you won't forget.
Looking to stay at the hotel? Check out our review of the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio rooftop pool - exclusive to hotel guests and equally stunning.
Contact Information
- Website
- Visit website
Information last verified: 23/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Ático rooftop bar and restaurant is open to the public. You don't need to be a hotel guest to visit. Only the rooftop pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests.
For the outdoor terrace bar area, no reservation is needed - walk-ins are welcome. However, for the indoor Ático restaurant, reservations are recommended especially for dinner and weekends. Arrive early (around 6-7pm) to secure a good sunset spot on the terrace.
The rooftop bar is open daily from 12:30pm until midnight (Sunday-Thursday) or 1am (Friday-Saturday). The restaurant serves lunch and dinner during standard meal times.
Smart casual is expected in the evening. During the day, casual wear is fine, but swimwear is only acceptable in the pool area (hotel guests only). Flip-flops and beachwear may be turned away in the evening.
The Ático menu features Mediterranean cuisine with Spanish influences. Expect cocktails from €10-14, wines by the glass from €6, tapas and small plates from €8-15, and main courses from €18-28. The menu changes seasonally.
Yes, children are welcome during the day and early evening. The atmosphere becomes more adult-focused after 9pm. High chairs are available on request.
Have another question about AC Hotel Malaga Palacio Rooftop Bar? Feel free to contact us.
About the Author
Heidi Hein
South African travel writer living in Málaga, Spain. I personally visit and review every rooftop bar and pool featured on this site.
- Based in Málaga since 2020
- Visited 100+ rooftop venues across Andalusia
- All content personally verified and updated seasonally
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we genuinely love and believe are worth your time.
Note: I personally visit every rooftop featured on this site, and all opinions are based on my own firsthand experience. If, in the case of private hostels where I can't get access, I will make a note of it. Any external images or details sourced from others are always clearly credited.
