Terraza Catedral Málaga Rooftop Bar

Upscale
Rooftop Bar
ByHeidi·Published June 24, 2025·Updated October 9, 2025
Terraza Catedral Málaga Rooftop Bar

Cathedral and city views, Spanish drinks and bites, and a relaxed rooftop vibe.

Terraza Catedral sits atop Hotel Molina Lario, offering some of the best cathedral views in Málaga.

Located right in the heart of the old town, this rooftop delivers unbeatable sightlines of the iconic La Manquita and the historic rooftops spreading out below.

The terrace is open to the public, so you do not need to be a hotel guest to visit.

What makes Terraza Catedral special is that perfect combination of prime location, relaxed atmosphere, and surprisingly affordable prices for the quality on offer.

As a bonus, it sits above the OXO video game museum, which I highly recommend if you have never been.

Best For

  • Couples looking for a relaxed, romantic spot with cathedral views and sunset light
  • City explorers wanting a scenic pause above the old town with drinks in hand
  • Parents looking for a distraction for the kids while they recharge their batteries
  • Retro video game fans

Not Ideal For

  • Party-goers in search of DJs, dancing, or late-night energy
  • Budget travellers - prices reflect the five-star setting

The Vibe

Terraza Catedral has a laid-back, sophisticated atmosphere that feels distinctly Spanish. There is no pretension here, just good drinks, great food, and one of the best views in the city. The crowd is a mix of hotel guests, locals catching up with friends, and visitors who have discovered this gem.

The energy stays relaxed throughout the day and into the evening. Crisp cocktails, cold beers, and classic Spanish dishes are served against a backdrop of cathedral spires and terracotta rooftops. By sunset, the terrace takes on a golden glow that makes it hard to leave.

Unlike some of the flashier rooftops in Málaga, Terraza Catedral does not try too hard. The service is excellent without being intrusive, and the whole experience feels effortlessly enjoyable.

Nearby Hotels & Accommodation

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Opening Hours

  • Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 00:00

The terrace is busiest around sunset and early evening, so arriving in the late afternoon guarantees a good seat for the show.

Menu & Prices

Drinks: The drinks menu is impressive, featuring no less than three separate menus for cocktails, wines, and other beverages. Check the full menu on their website. Cocktails typically range from 10-14 euros, with beer and wine starting around 4-6 euros. The selection gives you plenty of choices, whether you want something classic or more adventurous.

Food: The food menu focuses on Spanish favourites done well. Highlights include Gambas pil-pil, Ensalada Rusa, and a variety of tapas perfect for sharing. Prices are surprisingly affordable for a five-star hotel terrace, with most dishes ranging from 8-16 euros. The quality is excellent, and portions are generous.

Compare prices for Terraza Catedral Málaga Rooftop Bar

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The View & Seating

The view is what you come for, and it does not disappoint. Málaga Cathedral dominates the skyline, its Renaissance facade lit beautifully in the evening. Beyond the cathedral, old town rooftops stretch toward the port, and on clear days you can see the mountains in the distance.

Seating options include:

  • High-top tables and stools with direct cathedral views
  • Traditional padded chairs and tables for longer stays
  • A wrap-around terrace design that offers multiple perspectives
  • An indoor climate-controlled area for when the weather is too hot or unpredictable

The variety of seating means there is something for everyone, whether you want a quick drink or a leisurely meal.

How to Make a Reservation

Bar and terrace: Reservations are not required, but they are highly recommended for evenings and weekends when the terrace fills up quickly. Walk-ins are welcome, but arriving early guarantees the best spots.

How to book: You can make reservations through the hotel website or by calling ahead. For special occasions, it is worth mentioning when you book.

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.

Where to Stay

Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro - The only hotel with direct castle access. Wake up and walk straight onto the terrace for sunrise.

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Dress Code

Terraza Catedral keeps things relaxed during the day but appreciates a bit more effort in the evening.

What works:

  • Smart casual attire
  • Relaxed city wear during daytime hours
  • Slightly more polished looks after 6 PM
  • Comfortable shoes for the old town walk

What does not work:

  • Beachwear or flip-flops
  • Overly scruffy or sporty attire
  • Very casual wear in the evening

The dress code matches the setting: refined but never stuffy.

Access & Getting There

Finding the entrance: Enter through the main entrance of Hotel Molina Lario on Calle Molina Lario, right in the heart of the old town near the cathedral. From the lobby, take the elevator up to the rooftop level.

Public transport: The old town is best explored on foot. The nearest bus stops are along Alameda Principal and Paseo del Parque, about a 5-minute walk away. From Málaga Centro-Alameda train stop, it is roughly 10 minutes on foot through the pedestrian streets.

Parking: Driving into the old town is restricted, and parking is limited. Consider using one of the car parks on the edge of the centre or arriving by taxi or public transport.

Accessibility: The terrace is fully accessible via elevator from the lobby and is equipped for guests with mobility needs. Staff are available to assist.

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Location & Map

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Pl. del Siglo, 2, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga

Our Verdict

Would we go back? We have been back many times, both for the rooftop and for the video game museum downstairs. The food is excellent and more affordable than you might expect from a five-star hotel. The atmosphere feels much more relaxed than many other rooftops in the city, and the service has always been spot-on.

Best for: Anyone wanting the quintessential Málaga cathedral view, couples looking for a romantic sunset spot, and food lovers who appreciate quality Spanish cuisine at reasonable prices.

Skip if: You are looking for DJ nights, late-night dancing, or a party atmosphere. This rooftop is about relaxation, not revelry.

The views of the cathedral and old town below are some of the best you will find in Málaga, and the whole experience feels genuinely enjoyable rather than tourist-trap polished.


Contact Information

Information last verified: 24/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are not required, but they're recommended for evenings and weekends.

Yes, the terrace is accessible via elevator and equipped for guests with mobility needs.

Have another question about Terraza Catedral Málaga Rooftop Bar? Feel free to contact us.

Heidi Hein

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.

Heidi Hein

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.