Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a city that is well known for its stunning architecture and enchanting neighborhoods. The Alhambra is the #1 attraction, but visiting its important historical and religious sites, watching a flamenco show, and getting a view of the Alhambra all make the list of the best things to do in Granada.
Granada is a beautiful city and one of our personal favorites in southern Spain. Visiting the Alhambra is the best thing to do in Granada, but exploring the neighborhoods and picturesque streets is a close second.
This is a hilly city, but it is so fun to explore! We also had fun scoping out the best views of the Alhambra and have some great spots to share with you just a little bit later in this guide.
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A Few Quick Facts about Granada, Spain
Granada is located in Andalusia, Spain. It sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
This area was first settled by Iberians and then the Romans and the Visigoths. The area came under Moorish rule starting in 711 AD. In the 13th century, it became the capital of the Emirate of Granada under Nasrid rule, the final Muslim-ruled state on the Iberian peninsula. In 1492, Granada was conquered by Catholic monarchs.
Granada is most famous for the Alhambra, one of the best-preserved Islamic palaces in the world. This city is also a wonderful blend of Moorish and Baroque architecture, with historic neighborhoods to explore as well as modern city streets.
Best Things to Do in Granada
1. The Alhambra
The Alhambra is Granada’s most important historical site and for most people, the main reason for visiting Granada.
The Alhambra is one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe.
Court of the Lions
El Partal Gardens
Patio de La Acequia at Generalife
Climbing the tower of the Alcazaba, strolling through the manicured gardens at Generalife, and seeing the elaborate archways and the geometric patterns of tiles in the Nasrid palaces top the list of things to do in the Alhambra.
The Alhambra sits on a hilltop overlooking the city of Granada. A visit here lasts 3 to 4 hours, with the Nasrid palaces being the most famous part of the Alhambra to visit.
We cover exactly how to visit the Alhambra in our Guide to the Alhambra. This guide is filled with lots of information to help you have the best experience, but the #1 thing to know is that you must purchase your tickets in advance. Without a ticket, there is very little you can see and do at the Alhambra.
2. Mirador de San Nicolás
One of the best things to do in Granada is to get a view of the Alhambra. We have several viewpoints (miradors) to recommend, but I am listing the Mirador de San Nicolás first, because it is the most popular.
Mirador de San Nicolás is a small square located on a hilltop in the Albaicín neighborhood. It is one of the best places to take sunset photos of the Alhambra.
Mirador de San Nicolás
3. Los Carvajales Viewpoint
This viewpoint, also called Mirador Placeta de Carvajales, is also located in the Albaicín neighborhood. This one sits a little bit lower on the hillside, so it’s not quite as good as the view from Mirador de San Nicolás.
The advantage of this viewpoint is that you won’t have a massive hill climb to get to it, so for those who want a view of the Alhambra without a longer, hillier walk, this is a good one to mark on your map.
Los Carvajales Viewpoint
4. Albaicín Neighborhood
The Albaicín (Albayzín in Arabic) is a historic, Moorish neighborhood that sits on the hillside across the Darro River from the Alhambra. This district is a tangle of hilly, narrow, medieval streets, with small houses and big views of the Alhambra. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The view of the Albaicín district from the Alhambra
Many of the buildings in this district date back to the Nasrid and Renaissance periods. Important historical sites include the Great Mosque of Granada (Mezquita Mayor de Granada), the House of Zafra, the Church of El Salvador, and Mirador de San Nicolás, mentioned earlier.
5. Carrera del Darro
Carrera del Darro is one of Granada’s most famous streets. It runs along the Darro River at the bottom of the Albaicín district and it is a popular spot for tourists, with its boutique shops and historical buildings.
From Carrera del Darro, you get views of the Alhambra, which sits on the opposite hill. However, since this street is so low, the view isn’t all that great (but it gets better if you continue the walk to Paseo de los Tristes).
The view of the Alhambra from Carrera del Darro
One of our favorite shops on this street is Patio de los Perfumes. Housed in an old palace, this shop sells soaps, perfumes, oil diffusers, candles, and other fragranced products. The cellar, which once was used to store water, is now a perfume museum. The small, outdoor patio is a very nice place to sit and take a break.
Patio de los Perfumes
6. El Bañuelo
El Bañuelo (Baño del Nogal, aka Bath of the Walnut), is a historic hammam. It is located on Carrera del Darro. This bathhouse was used until the 16th century and is now a historical site and tourist attraction.
Get hours and pricing on the official website. A ticket here, called the Andalusian Monuments ticket, is a combo ticket that also includes Palacio de Dar al Horra (a 15th century Nasrid palace), Corral del Carbón (which is free to visit and mentioned later in this guide), and Casa Horno del Oro (a historic building with Moorish architecture).
If seeing the historical site doesn’t interest you but you want to experience a hammam, the best place in Granada to do so is Hammam Al Andalus, a bathhouse that also offers massages, water journeys, and other services.
7. Paseo de los Tristes
If you continue walking east on Carrera del Darro, it turns into a street named Paseo de los Tristes. The views of the Alhambra from this street are better than what you get from Carrera del Darro.
In particular, visit the square with Fuente del Paseo de los Tristes for a beautiful view of the Alhambra, no hill climbs required.
The view from Paseo de los Tristes
8. Sacromonte, the Cave Museum & Flamenco
For this experience, a hill climb is required (or a taxi ride, if you prefer to limit your walking). However, your reward is more spectacular views of the Alhambra and an immersive dive into Granada’s history.
The Sacromonte district is another hillside neighborhood. It sits to the east of the Albaicín district and is home to Granada’s Roma (Gypsy) community. Whitewashed buildings cling to the steep hillsides and narrow streets and lanes zigzag to the hilltops.
Some houses are built into the hillsides, utilizing natural caves. One of the most important places to visit in this district is Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte, aka the Cave Museum of Sacromonte. On a visit here, you will tour eleven original caves, the botanical gardens, and get one of the best views of the Alhambra in all of Granada.
Get hours and pricing on the official website.
The view from the cave museum
There are also cave houses in the Sacromonte district that offer flamenco and zambra (a version of flamenco) shows. Seeing a flamenco or zambra show is one of the best things to do in Granada, since this is where flamenco is thought to have started.
9. Mirador Sacromonte
Located high in the hills of Sacromonte, this viewpoint is located on the walk between Carrera del Darro and the Cave Museum of Sacromonte. Stop here on the walk to or from the Cave Museum for a great view of the Alhambra.
Mirador Sacromonte
10. Mirador Mario Maya
If you are exploring the Sacromonte and Albaicín districts, this viewpoint is worth marking on your map. Here is the view.
11. Calle Calderería Nueva
Calle Calderería Nueva connects the Albaicín neighborhood to the city center of Granada. Often called “Little Morocco,” this narrow street is famous for its teahouses and shops selling souvenirs, lanterns, clothing, and pottery.
We had tea at Tetería AL WAHA, a traditional Moroccan tea house with a great ambience and fast service. On the menu are teas, juices, milkshakes, pastries, and baklava.
Calle Calderería Nueva
12. Watch a Flamenco Show
Flamenco is a deeply emotional performance, a mix of singing, guitar playing, and dancing, usually with a lot of percussive footwork.
It got its start in Andalusia and it was the traditional music of the Gypsies. One of the best places to watch flamenco in Granada is the Sacromonte district, at Cueva La Rocio or Cueva Maria la Canastera.
If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, the flamenco performances at Tablao Flamenco La Alboreá get rave reviews.
You can also take a walking tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts that includes a flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco La Alboreá or take a Flamenco class with the cast of Tablao Flamenco La Alboreá.
13. The Granada Cathedral
The Granada Cathedral, also called the Cathedral of the Incarnation, sits in the city center of Granada. It was built in the center of the Muslim Medina on top of the city’s main mosque.
The cathedral was constructed in the Spanish Renaissance style with a Gothic floor plan. Inside are five naves, a beautiful blue dome covered with gold stars, two impressive organs, and several chapels.
To visit the cathedral, it is best to purchase your ticket online in advance, which you can do on the official website.
14. The Royal Chapel of Granada
This chapel sits next to the Granada Cathedral. It is the burial place of Spanish monarchs, with Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand being the famous.
On a visit here, you will see the tombs of the monarchs as well as the Sacristy Museum, which contains religious artifacts and works of art. Photography is not allowed.
The entrance is located outside of the cathedral. We purchased our ticket online in advance but still had to wait in line to enter (about a 15-minute wait midday in April). Even though you still may have to wait in line, we recommend purchasing a ticket in advance, since there are a limited number of tickets per day, and these could sell out. Learn more (plus get hours and pricing) on the official website.
Royal Chapel of Granada
Entrance into the Royal Chapel of Granada
15. Basilica de San Juan de Dios
This basilica is worth the quick visit to see one of the most elaborately gilded naves in Europe. Almost every surface of this Baroque church is embellished with gold and silver gilding, colorful frescoes, and sculptures.
To the right of the altar, take the steps up to the second level, for a close-up view of the dazzling, golden monstrance and an elevated view of the nave.
The view of the basilica from the second level
The view of the altarpiece from the second level
16. The Royal Monastery of St. Jerome
This monastery (also called Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo) is just a short walk from the Basilica de San Juan de Dios. It was founded by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and construction began in 1504.
On a visit here, you will see the main cloister and a chapel that has intricately painted frescoes, beautiful stained-glass windows, and a large gold leaf altarpiece.
This is not an absolute must-see in Granada, but it is worth it if you have extra time after visiting the Basilica de San Juan de Dios.
17. Plaza de Bib-Rambla
This is Granada’s main square. Again, it is not an absolute must-see, but it is a short walk from the Granada Cathedral. This square is lined with restaurants and cafes, and one of the most popular is Gran Café Bib-Rambla, known as the best place in Granada to get chocolate and churros.
18. La Alcaicería
Located on the same site of the original Moorish silk market that dates back to Granada’s Nasrid rule (the 13th to 15th centuries), this is one of the city’s most famous market streets.
Called the Grand Bazaar of Granada, this street is now extremely touristy, with shops selling souvenirs, fabrics, and clothing. It’s right around the corner from the Granada Cathedral, and if you are curious, it’s a quick visit.
La Alcaicería
19. Corral de Carbón
Also dating back to the Nasrid period, the Corral de Carbón is a 14th century warehouse and inn. It is located next to the Alcaicería, free to visit, and takes just a few minutes of your time.
The grand archway and entrance into the building is beautiful. Take a minute to look at the detailed carvings and the muqarnas (three-dimensional decorations) in the vaulted ceiling of the entranceway.
Corral de Carbón
Entrance into Corral de Carbón
20. Dine with a View of the Alhambra
Having lunch or dinner with a view of the Alhambra is an unforgettable experience in Granada.
There are numerous restaurants in the Albaicín district that have tables with a panoramic view of the Alhambra. We have two to recommend.
Carmen Mirador de Aixa
This restaurant serves both lunch and dinner with a prime view of the Alhambra. We had the pleasure of having dinner here, our timing coinciding with rain showers that later created a rainbow next to the Alhambra, followed up by sunset. Even without the added magic of a rainbow, the views from this restaurant are spectacular.
This restaurant has several areas of seating. If you want a spot right up against the windows or on the terrace for an unobstructed view of the Alhambra, you will have to pay an additional fee.
The food is decent but what you are here for are the views. So, don’t expect a fancy meal or gourmet food. But the service was great and the overall experience was very, very good.
Make a reservation in advance and in my opinion, it is worth paying extra for the prime seating in the “first row” of tables.
Carmen El Agua
We did not dine here but we strongly considered it. This is a nice back up option if you can’t get a table at Carmen Mirador de Aixa. Carmen el Agua gets slightly better reviews but sits a little lower on the hillside, so the view will be slightly different. Visit their website to see the view and make a reservation in advance.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Before or after dinner (depending on the timing of dinner and sunset), visit Mirador de San Nicolás for another memorable view of the Alhambra. It is a very short walk from both of these restaurants.
Best Things to Do in Granada: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
How Much Time Do You Need in Granada?
For those who simply want to visit the Alhambra, a half day is all you need. It is possible to visit Granada on a day trip from nearby cities, such as Málaga and Córdoba.
For the best experience, plan on spending at least two days in Granada. This gives you plenty of time to tour the Alhambra plus explore Granada’s long list of historical sites and neighborhoods, relax in a hammam, watch a flamenco show, visit the miradors, and dine with a view of the Alhambra.
How to Get to Granada
Granada is well connected to other Spanish cities by train and bus. The Granada train station sits just outside of the city center, so it is possible to walk to your hotel, or take a taxi or use a ride share app like Uber or Bolt.
If you have a rental car and are road tripping through Spain, here the driving distances and times from nearby destinations:
- Málaga: 130 km, 1.75 hours
- Córdoba: 170 km, 2.25 hours
- Seville: 250 km, 2.75 hours
- Murcia: 280 km, 3 hours
- Ronda: 175 km, 2.25 hours
How to Get Around Granada
Everything listed in this guide is located in or near the city center. It is possible to walk to everything, although the Sacromonte district is the biggest outlier. To get to Sacromonte, it will be a long, uphill walk, making this a good time to use a taxi or ride share app to save some steps.
Walking to the Alhambra could also be challenging for some people, with its position high on a hilltop overlooking Granada. To get to the Alhambra, you can take the bus or a taxi.
This article does a great job covering public transportation options in Granada.
Where to Eat in Granada
Earlier in this guide, we listed two restaurants in the Albaicín neighborhood where you can dine with a view of the Alhambra, Carmen Mirador de Aixa and Carmen El Agua.
Our favorite dining experience was at Restaurante Palacio Andaluz Almona. This Moroccan restaurant serves lunch and dinner. The service is very fast and the food is amazing. We loved the hummus and the lamb and chicken tagines. They do not provide a way to make a reservation and we showed up at the beginning of the lunch hours and were seated right away.
Tim and I also had a great lunch at Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar and a very nice dinner at El Patio Restaurant, which is located in the Palacio Gran Vía Hotel.
Drinks & Cocktails in Granada
If you enjoy craft cocktails, 3 Onzas Cocktail Bar is the place to go. This is a bar that really knows the intricate details of perfecting a cocktail. Tim ordered a gin and tonic, which was prepared tableside in a beaker with dry ice. I started off with the El Capricho de Baco, which is similar to a Manhattan. We stayed for round 2, which was just as good.
3 Onzas Cocktail Bar
The Bohemia Jazz Café serves fancy milkshakes and coffee drinks, plus cocktails, beer, and wine. This bar is more about the ambience, with their eclectic collection of nostalgic photos and memorabilia, than a quality crafted cocktail, but it is still a very interesting place to visit.
Bohemia Jazz Café
Miralba Rooftop Bar. Located on top of the Palacio Gran Vía Hotel, this rooftop bar has a great view over Granada and up to the Alhambra.
The view from Miralba Rooftop Bar
Where to Stay in Granada
We stayed at the Palacio Gran Vía, a luxury hotel in the city center. The service and staff here are top notch and will assist you with dinner reservations, recommendations on things to do, and arranging tours. Onsite is a spa and wellness center, restaurant, and the Miralba Rooftop Bar. We would stay here again on another visit to Granada.
Rooftop of Palacio Gran Vía
Did you know you can stay in the Alhambra? The Parador de Granada is a 4-star hotel that is located in the Palace of the Convent of San Francisco, a historic building in the Alhambra complex. It gets great reviews.
Parador de Granada
BiBo Suites Real Chancilleria is a highly rated property with one, two, and three bedroom apartments that has a great location in the city center.
If you are looking for mid-range accommodations that get rave reviews, take a look at BiBo Suites San Agustín and Casa de la Romanilla, which are both located in the city center. Casa Bombo is located in the Albaicín neighborhood and some rooms have a view of the Alhambra.
If you are traveling on a budget, take a look at Oripando Hostel (located in the Albaicín neighborhood) or Toc Hostel (located in the city center).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Granada, Spain worth visiting?
Not only is Granada home to the Alhambra, one of the most important historical sites in Europe, it is also a wonderful blend of ancient historical sites, cultural experiences, and fabulous food. Granada is one of the most important cities to visit in southern Spain and well worth a day or two on a trip to Andalusia, Spain.
What is Granada, Spain known for?
Granada is most famous for the Alhambra, one of the best-preserved Islamic palaces in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also well-known for its historic neighborhoods, flamenco shows, and as being the burial place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
How much time do you need in Granada?
If you simply want to visit the Alhambra, a half day is all you need, making it possible to visit Granada on a day trip from nearby cities, such as Málaga and Córdoba. For the best experience, plan on spending at least two days in Granada. This gives you plenty of time to tour the Alhambra plus explore Granada’s long list of historical sites and neighborhoods, relax in a hammam, watch a flamenco show, visit the miradors, and dine with a view of the Alhambra.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Granada or how to plan a visit to Granada, let us know in the comment section below.
More Information for Your Trip to Spain
ANDALUSIA: In our guides to Andalusia, Spain, we cover the best things to do in Seville, the best way to spend one day in Seville, a Guide to the Alhambra, a one day itinerary with a walking tour of Ronda, and a guide to the Caminito del Rey, one of the most famous walks in Spain. We also have an article about the Best Things to Do in Córdoba and How to Visit the Rock of Gibraltar.
TOLEDO: Toledo is the most popular day trip from Madrid. Learn how to plan your visit with our article Best Things to Do in Toledo and How to Plan a Toledo Day Trip from Madrid.
MADRID: Visit the must-see sights plus a few hidden gems in our article Best Things to Do in Madrid.
BARCELONA: Start with our guide to the best things to do in Barcelona. Plan your visit with our 3 Day Barcelona Itinerary, our guide on Where to Stay in Barcelona, and get recommendations on where to eat in Barcelona.
Read all of our articles about Spain in our Spain Travel Guide.
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Comments 9
Excellent essay! Always so informative and comprehensive.
Would love to read about your experiences in Tarifa. Did you take the ferry to Tangier?
Author
Yes, we visited Tarifa and took the ferry to Tangier for a day trip. I plan to publish them in the future. We enjoyed the day trip to Tarifa but liked other places better (in Andalusia, we loved Granada, Ronda and Córdoba). Gibraltar (which we also visited on a day trip from Tarifa) was a lot more fun and interesting than we expected and I also plan to publish a post on this in the future. If you have any specific questions please let me know. Cheers, Julie
Awesome! Can’t wait to read all of these. I was gonna skip Gibraltar, but now you have me half-change my mind. 🙂 Do you mind sharing your route&itinerary of Andalucia?
We’re also a family of four with kids of similar ages of yours (18-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son). When we went to the Dolomites 6 years ago, I found your blog and have been recommending to all of my friends ever since. Please keep up with your great work!!
Author
In Andalusia, we started with a few days in Seville. Then drove to Córdoba and spent 2 full days in Cordoba. Next, we drove to Granada and spent 2.5 days in Granada. Then drove to Ronda and spent 2.5 days in Ronda. Then drove to Tarifa and spent 2.5 days here, using a full day to day trip to Tangier and a full day to visit Gibraltar. Then drove back to Seville for a day. Before Andalusia we spent 8 days in Madrid. After Andalusia we spent a week in Rioja. Then flew home. My favorite places in Andalusia were Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, and Gibraltar. Tim and I both liked Gibraltar, as it is a lot of walking, hiking, great views, caves, and seeing monkeys. It’s totally different from any other place in Andalusia. I just published a post about Cordoba today with plans to publish info on Gibraltar, Tarifa, and Tangier. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers, Julie
Thank you, Julie. I’m so glad that I read your posts before making lodging arrangements. I’m modifying our routes based on your recommendations. Can’t wait to read your posts on Gibraltar and Tarifa.
Author
I plan to publish Gibraltar later this week but it will be a bit for Tarifa (but I’ll bump it up on my list…there are a few others who have written in with similar “requests”). Cheers, Julie
Thank you very much for sharing your long overdued information on Southern Spain.
Could you please share how did you travel between cities, such as Seville – Granada – Madrid? Did you rent a car or take the train? Thank you.
Author
We rented a car for our trip, driving between Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Tarifa and also the Rioja wine region. You can do a very similar trip by train, we chose to have the car to make it easier to get to some smaller towns and the Caminito del Rey. Cheers, Julie
Thank you again. I am waiting for your journal on Cordoba.