You may already know Málaga. Perhaps you’ve swum at its beaches, enjoyed its food and wandered through the streets of the city centre. But we’re not so sure you’ve explored its cultural side, where history, art and creativity come together to reveal new forms of beauty. Don’t worry, these five tips are more than enough to start getting a feel for it:

Málaga is a city that could easily be told through one curiosity after another, with a few legends thrown in and plenty of fascinating stories. And yes, if you really want to immerse yourself in all of this, understand its past and make sense of its present, one of the best things you can do is join one of the many guided tours through its streets. A knowledgeable guide will help you discover, for example, who El Cenachero was, learn more about the Roman Theatre or find out why Málaga Cathedral is known as La Manquita.

This neighbourhood, close to the port, is also known as the Arts District. The striking murals covering the walls of its buildings will probably give you a clue as to why. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into an open-air museum, where concrete becomes the canvas and the artworks are created by leading Spanish and international names in street art. Wander around without a fixed route and discover the pieces as you go. Beside many of them, you’ll find a QR code with more information.

It has stood here since the mid-11th century, and exploring this Muslim citadel is a delight of contrasts. Elements designed for defence, such as its imposing crenellated walls, sit alongside spaces created for beauty and contemplation, including rectangular courtyards, pools and, of course, plenty of gardens. From here, it’s also easy to make your way up Mount Gibralfaro to the castle that crowns it.

Of the more than 60 museums and art galleries you can visit in Málaga, there are three you really shouldn’t miss. How could you come to the city without stepping inside the Picasso Museum to discover more about the work of Málaga’s most famous painter? More than 200 works created over the course of 80 years bring the artist’s legacy to life.

Then there’s the chance to lose yourself among 19th- and 20th-century Spanish paintings in the galleries of the Carmen Thyssen Museum. Its connection with its surroundings is particularly evident in the prominent place given to Andalusian painting, with scenes of everyday life and landscapes taking centre stage.

Málaga was already spoilt for choice when it came to museums when, in 2015, the Centre Pompidou opened its Spanish outpost in the city, reminding us that there was still plenty more to see. If its colourful cube at Muelle Uno catches your eye from the outside, wait until you explore its collection of international contemporary art.

A little way from Málaga city centre, the cultural space known as La Térmica is well worth the trip. Housed in a century-old building, both its exterior and interior architecture tell the story of a place that has served many purposes over the years: a charitable institution, a sanatorium, a military hospital, a training centre and an administrative headquarters, among others. Today, it has been transformed into what it describes as a “modern laboratory for contemporary culture”. Its programme includes screenings, exhibitions, talks, performances, concerts and much more.

To enjoy the city your way, Sercotel offers two different options. Sercotel Tribuna Málaga, right in the historic centre, is ideal if you want the cathedral, Picasso Museum, Roman Theatre and the buzz of the city centre all within easy walking distance. If you’d rather stay somewhere a little quieter while still being well connected, Sercotel Rosaleda Málaga is around 3 km from the centre and comes with added extras such as parking, a terrace and a swimming pool overlooking Málaga. Two different ways to experience the city, so you can choose the one that best suits your break.