Packed with cobbled streets, historic buildings and charming squares, Marbella's more than just expensive yachts and A-list celebrities. Old Town Marbella sits in the shadow of the beautiful Sierra Blanca mountains, and is full of Spanish charm. You may be thinking how expensive is Marbella if it's full of superyachts and millionaires? Well, once you move away from the ”Golden Mile', Marbella Old Town restaurants offer affordable and authentic dining for every taste, and budget.
Before the arrival of millionaires and golfers, Marbella was home to indigenous people and a succession of foreign influences. You can still see the signs of these civilizations in the plazas, ruins, and museums in the town. Marbella offers quirky shops, mini markets, old-world charm, and some excellent cold beers in the many Marbella Old Town bars.
Orange Square
In the centre of Marbella Town, you'll find the historic Orange Square. The grove of orange trees, which give the square its name, fill the centre and the plaza. While you're in this part of the town, make time to visit the Town Hall. Built in 1568, the ceilings are ornately decorated, and the walls full of religious artwork. Orange Square restaurants are some of the town's most popular dining spots, with plenty of restaurants and bars to take a break in.
Marbella Marina
The marina, probably Marbella's most well-known attraction, offers lots of different dining options, bars and some great opportunities to just sit back and do a spot of people watching. With two beaches and a variety of water sports on offer, the marina is fantastic for the whole family.
Centro Plaza
Built in 1990, the Centro Plaza mall has a selection of shops, restaurants, bars and tourist information points. It's just a 20-minute walk from the beach at Puerto Banus, Centro Plaza, and is a great place to take a break from the sun and have something to eat.
Museo del Bonsai
The Museo del Bonsai is home to over 300 beautiful bonsai trees. With both indoor and outdoor displays, this quirky and unusual attraction is a great place to take a break from the beach, or the historic sites of Marbella Old Town.
Historical landmarks
Whether it's looking at the old Governor's House, Chapel of Santiago or the 400-year-old Church of St Mary, there's no shortage of historic sites to see and photograph in Marbella. The most important building in Old Town Marbella is the 400-year-old church of St Mary. It's open to visitors, and is home to an impressive organ which has over 500 wooden, copper and pewter pipes and four keyboards. During the summer, the church is the town's centre for religious celebrations, services and singing.
Romain ruins
Within the cobbled streets of Marbella Old Town, you'll find the ruins of Marbella's castle. Built using stone from Roman buildings, the walls are a very pretty sight.
Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings
If you're interested in art the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings won't disappoint. Tucked away down the cobbled streets, the museum offers a range of works from famous artists such as Miro and Picasso.
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