The 20 Best Things to Do in Granada

Granada is one of Spain’s most idyllic cities. It’s known for its white stucco buildings, its impressive cathedral, and of course the world-famous Alhambra fortress. Located in Southern Spain, Granada has a warm climate and a rich history. The city’s architecture is a blend of Moorish, Roman, and Castilian influences.

I’ve visited Granada several times over the years, and it’s one of my favorite cities in Spain. I remember exploring its cobblestone streets at night, listening to flamenco music caves, and sweltering in the sun at the Alhambra. In this guide, I’m sharing my picks for the best 20 things to do in Granada. I’m also including my best tips for visiting the city, my recommendations for places to stay, and the best places to eat. Enjoy!

Best Things to Do

I put together this map so that you can easily see all of the locations I talk about below!

 

1. Visit the Alhambra

The first thing you absolutely must do while you’re in Granada is visit the Alhambra. The Alhambra is the most-visited attraction in Spain, so you can’t leave Granada without touring its many palaces and gardens. 

The Alhambra was initially constructed as a fortress by the Moors, and it was later further developed into its own mini-city, complete with storehouses, gardens, meeting spaces, and palaces. Construction on the Alhambra began in 1238 AD, and continued through the Spanish Reconquista. 

While you’re at the Alhambra, be sure to visit the Nasrid Palaces (especially the Palace of Comares and the Palace of the Lions), the Alcazaba, and the Charles V Palace.

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In order to make sure you get your reservations in advance, be sure to see our complete visit guide to the Alhambra. You can also purchase skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour through the Alhambra through Viator.

While you’re exploring the Alhambra, don’t forget to look up! The ceilings have intricate details and carvings that are truly awesome.

2. Stroll Through the Generalife Gardens

When you purchase your tickets to the Alhambra, you can choose to add on the Generalife Gardens. I highly recommend that you do so! The Generalife Gardens are one of my favorite things to do in Granada. The Generalife Gardens served as the summer palace for the early Nasrid rulers.

The Generalife Gardens contain numerous ornamental gardens, water features, and historic buildings. You don’t want to be in a rush when you visit the gardens. Give yourself plenty of time to explore its paths and absorb the tranquility.

3. Catch a Flamenco Show

Granada is famous for its Flamenco music and dance. Flamenco was popularized throughout Southern Spain by the Gitanos (Andalusian Roma). A Flamenco performance typically includes singing, dancing, and guitar-playing. The dancers will typically wear colorful costumes, clap their hands, stomp their feet, and snap their fingers to the music.

There are several popular Flamenco venues in Granada. At El Templo del Flamenco, you can reserve tickets for a Flamenco show that takes place in a cave house while enjoying an authentic Andalusian dinner.

You can also catch a Flamenco show at the Cueva de la Rocío and the Casa del Arte Flamenco.

4. Explore the Albaicín 

On the north side of the Darro River, you’ll find the Albaicín district in Granada. The Albaicín is one of the oldest parts of the city, and you can still get get a sense of the medieval architecture as you walk through its streets. The neighborhood is still partially enclosed by walls that were originally built in the 11th century.

While you’re in the Albaicín, be sure to see the Puerta de Elvira (a medieval gate located at the beginning of Calle Elvira). There are also several notable Islamic minarets, such as the Minaret of San José. There are also at least half a dozen Catholic churches, such as the Church of Santa Ana. Also be sure to see the Dar al-Horra, which was a 15th century palace turned into a historic monument.

The Albaicín  is filled with traditional houses called carmens. Each carmen consists of a house (usually with whitewashed walls), and a small garden. 

For a scenic stroll in the Albaicín, walk along the Carrera del Darro. The street was built in the 17th century, and there are numerous historic buildings along the route.

5. Admire the Bañuelo 

Also located in the Albaicín is the Bañuelo, which is the only hammam (Moorish bath house) in Granada outside of the Alhambra. The Bañuelo was built in the 11th century and is one of the best-preserved hammams. It was saved from destruction by the Catholics due to its location under a private home. 

We recommend that you buy the Monumentos Andalusíes ticket. This ticket can be bought on the Alhambra website, and it includes admission to the Bañuelo,  the Dar al-Horra Palace, the Maristán, the Casa Morisca, the Horno de Oro House, and the Corral del Carbón. At the time of this writing, it costs less than 8 euros for admission to all these locations.

Don’t forget to check out all our posts about places to see in Spain! 

6. Visit the Sacromante Neighborhood

The Sacromante Neighborhood is located in Granada’s hills. Many of the homes are actually carved into the caves. 

During my very first visit to Spain, we went to Sacromante to see the cave houses. The houses were constructed into the hill in order to keep their occupants cool during the warmer months. One of the highlights of that visit was watching a Flamenco performance in one of those caves. The memory has stuck with me my entire life! You can reserve tickets for a Flamenco show that takes place in a cave too!

Another thing to see in the Sacromante neighborhood is the Museo Cuevas del Sacromante. The museum has 11 original cave houses and offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about the local history and culture. At the time of this writing, an entrance ticket costs 5 euros.

7. La Alcaicería Market

The Alcaicería  market is known as the Grand Bazaar of Granada. Originally home to the Moorish silk market, today is a large bazaar filled with Arabic spices, textiles, ceramics, jewelry and more. During one visit to Granada, one of my sandals broke and I purchased a beautiful pair of shoes from the Alcaicería market. The market is located right next to the cathedral, so it’s easy to visit both during the same outing. 

8. Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada)

The main cathedral in Granada is the Catedral de Granada. Construction for the cathedral began in 1523 AD by Queen Isabella over the previous mosque. Visitors can enter the cathedral with a small admission fee. The tombs of Los Reyes Catolicos are located in the adjacent Royal Chapel for a separate fee.

It is definitely worth visiting the Catedral de Granada, because it is the 4th largest cathedral in the entire world. 

9. Grab a Drink and Get Free Tapas

The bars in Granada are known for offering free tapas (snacks) when you order a beer. This isn’t guaranteed at all establishments, but it’s definitely part of the food culture in Granada. When you sit down to order a drink, I recommend that you order a caña of cerveza. (This is a small glass of beer.) When your beer arrives, it just might be accompanied by a small plate of tapas to munch on while you enjoy your drink. Order another round? You might get another plate of tapas! (You get the idea.) This is a great way to try local dishes. As a broke college student, Granada was one of my favorite cities because of this tradition! 

10. Book a Food Tour of Granada

Speaking of food, I highly recommend that you book a food tour while you’re in Granada. This highly-rated food tour will take you to some of the best restaurants in Granada. You’ll spend 3.5 hours enjoying local tapas, cured ham, dried fruits, wine, and more.

11. Walk Around Bib Rambla Square (Plaza Bib Rambla)

One of the primary sites in Granada that you have to see is Bib Rambla Square. This plaza is also known as Plaza de las Flores (Square of the Flowers) because there are typically lots of flower stalls. Bib Rambla Square is located in the center of Granada’s shopping district, so it’s surrounded by lots of great shops and restaurants. In the center of the square is the Gigantones Fountain, which was built in the 17th century.

12. Stroll through the Carmen de los Martires Gardens

These gardens are located near the Alhambra. The formal gardens are a blend of English and French styles of gardens. Admission is free, and it’s a beautiful place to walk around. The Carmen de los Martires Gardens contains a mansion, numerous statues, grottos, and a lake.

13. Admire the Art at the Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada

The Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada is an art museum filled with many famous works. The museum is located within the Charles V Palace, which is next to the Alhambra. If you’d like to explore fine arts from Spain, this museum is a must-see.

14. See the Displays at the Parque de las Ciencias de Andalucia

The Parque de las Ciencias de Andalucia is Granada’s science museum. The science museum has many different exhibitions, including permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions. There’s also a planetarium and a cinema.

15. Sip on Moroccan Tea at Calle de las Teterías

One of my favorite memories from my most recent trip to Granada was having Moroccan tea with my brother at tea shop in the Calle de las Teterías (street of the tea shops). Although locals call this street Calle de las Teterías, the shops are actually located on the street Calderería Nueva. The teas are typically blends of green tea and mint tea. Take a moment to rest your feet and enjoy some hot tea!

16. Explore the Palacio de los Córdova 

The Palacio de los Córdova is a palace that was built in the 16th century. The palace was originally owned by Luis Fernandez de Cordova, who was known as the Great Lieutenant of Granada. The palace was demolished in 1919, and then it was rebuilt in the 1960s. Admission is free, and the gardens and palace are beautiful.

17. Take in the Views from Mirador de San Nicolas

Throughout Granada are various miradores (lookouts) that offer scenic views. The most famous mirador in Granada is the Mirador de San Nicolas. From this lookout, you’ll have a beautiful view of the Alhambra. Behind the Alhambra, you’ll see the Sierra Nevada mountains for the perfect photo.

18. Read Poetry at the Casa Museo Federico García Lorca

Federico García Lorca is one of Spain’s most famous poets. His summer home was located in Granada, and it is currently a museum dedicated to his life and works. You’ll be able to see photographs, manuscripts, paintings, and personal items. Federico García Lorca wrote many of his most famous works while staying at this family home. The museum is surrounded by a beautiful park.

19. Go 4 Wheeling in the Sierra Nevada

You can book a half-day 4WD tour in which you explore Sierra Nevada National Park. With your guide, you’ll learn all about this world-famous national park as you explore its many trails. 

20. Take a Walking Tour of Granada

Want to explore Granada with a local guide? A walking tour will take you to its most famous sites, and you won’t have to fumble around with a map. If you want to learn the most about Granada as you wander its streets, having a local guide is the best!

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Recommended Hotels

Here’s a few recommendations for hotels in Granada:

• Parador de Granada: The Parador de Granada is located in the Alhambra itself. The hotel is housed within the first convent that was built within the Alhambra, and it still retains the older Nasrid courtyard outside its walls. There Parador de Granada has both a restaurant and a terrace for dining.

• Palacio de Santa Inés: The Palacio de Santa Inés is about a 20-minute walk from the Alhambra. This 3-star hotel has excellent views of the Alhambra. 

• Hotel Alhambra Palace: This 5-star hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Granada. It’s located just 100 meters from the Alhambra. The architecture and rooms are inspired by the Nasrid Palaces. 

 

 

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Summary

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, Granada is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Spain for a reason. Exploring the Alhambra and its many gardens should be at the top of anyone’s Spain itinerary.

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Granada. Exploring the Alhambra will take an entire day, and that will leave you two additional days to explore the many gems, museums, gardens, and palaces in Granada. Be sure to catch a Flamenco show, have Moroccan tea, and go shopping in the Alcaicería. If you only have one day in Granada, we recommend you focus on the Alhambra.

Granada is one of my favorite cities in Spain. In addition to the outstanding Islamic architecture, the free tapas culture, lush gardens, and ancient streets are reasons enough to visit the city. My favorite things to do in Granada were visiting the Alhambra, strolling through the Generalife Gardens, watching a Flamenco show in the cave houses of Sacromante, sipping on Moroccan tea, and shopping in the Alcaicería. I hope this guide helps you to plan your own trip to Granada!

Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricng, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.