When Dueñas was just an idea, we dreamed it would be surrounded by art. One of the most memorable experiences we had was visiting Casa Sostoa, an apartment turned gallery we followed on social media.
When we arrived, it exceeded all our expectations. It has since closed its doors, but we remember it with great affection. It was the project of a couple, Pedro and Christian, who transformed their home into an artistic space. There, we saw works by Javier Calleja tucked into a small corner of the wall, and a piece by Julio Acab that captivated us the moment we walked in. We also discovered other artists we still admire to this day.

We were lucky to attend a presentation by the artist from Cádiz, Silvia Lermo, who left us speechless. Her paintings used the wall as a canvas, while she quietly moved among the attendees, letting her work speak for itself.
It was one of those unforgettable experiences. Over time, that love for art became part of our reality. Judit, a photographer we’ve worked with at Dueñas and someone who literally breathes art, opened La Trenza gallery in the heart of Málaga with Marta, a visual artist.

We celebrated our first anniversary there, and we can’t describe what it meant to do so in a place so full of meaning for us.And since we also think with our stomachs, here’s a plan to rediscover downtown Málaga without falling into the usual spots (although the neighborhoods are growing in strength, and we’ll talk about them too):

Have breakfast at La Recova, with its authentic Malagueño breakfast.
Visit La Trenza Gallery, just behind the Thyssen Museum. There are always talks, round tables, markets, and above all, art.
Have lunch at Vertical, a place for wine lovers and those who aren’t. We discovered it by chance amid the hustle and bustle of the center. The owner explained each tapa with care—even the bread and butter were carefully chosen.
Grab a coffee at Puerta Oscura, next to the cathedral. You’ll travel to another era, with classical music, chandeliers, and the scent of incense.
Beers and lupini beans (chochitos) at El Colmado, a classic that never fails.
Have a drink at the San Juan rooftop. You won’t see the cathedral, but the views are beautiful, and the vibe reminds you why we chose to stay here.

It’s a gourmet plan, but we also love lifelong bars and simple street-and-beer kind of places, which we’ll also share.And yes, it’s surprising that there are so few LGBTQ+ spaces in Málaga. Maybe it’s because Torremolinos is so close. But we need them here, too.
Still, El Carmen, in Plaza de la Merced, continues to hold good memories.It’s not about comparing cities or competing.It’s about valuing what each place has, from a different perspective.

We believe in that: in diversity, in art, and in knowing how to live together.
And yes, that’s also Málaga.
And it’s worth seeing it from another point of view.