Lying in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. Today, Arabic architecture, Christian influences and Moroccan culture fuse to create Spain’s most important historical city. Here are the best things to do in Granada.

By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions

For the Moors (Arab and Berber Muslims in Spain), life was something glorious. In their practice of Islam, learning was cherished, magnificent architecture was celebrated, and science and philosophy were valued pursuits.

Most importantly, life was to be enriched with pleasure.

The Moors ruled parts of southern Spain and possibly Madrid for almost 800 years. The Catholic Monarchs steadily captured their lands until Granada became their final stronghold. In 1492, Granada also fell, but not before a remarkable legacy had been left behind.

Today, a mix of romantic Islamic architecture with a Christian coating sits alongside bohemian cafes and flamenco cave clubs.

Here is our guide to the best things to do in Granada.

things to do in granada spain

1. THE ALHAMBRA

After the fall of Córdoba (see our guide – things to do in Córdoba) in 1236 CE, the centre of Moorish power was transferred to Granada and the Alhambra palace was built.

Today, the complex is one of the best-preserved monuments of Islamic architecture in the world and an unmissable attraction in Granada.

The Alhambra occupies a strategic position overlooking the city, containing exquisite formal gardens, intricate Nasrid designs, palaces, towers, and fortified walls.

The complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

patio of the irrigation ditch generalife alhambra
PATIO OF THE IRRIGATION DITCH, GENERALIFE

HIGHLIGHTS AT THE ALHAMBRA

THE ALCAZABA

The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra, dating back to the 9th century. The current complex was constructed as a defensive fortress with ramparts, a keep, and a watch tower. Its strategic position provides stunning views over the city.

GENERALIFE

Generalife is a garden complex built in the 13th century for the kings of Granada to relax. The highlight is the Patio of the Irrigation Ditch – a 50-metre-long water feature surrounded by flowers and fountains.

PALACE OF CHARLES V

Once the Catholic Monarchs took over, Charles V commissioned his new palace to be built beside the Alhambra. The resulting square palace with the central circular patio is Spain’s most important Renaissance building.

NASRID PALACES

The most breathtaking architecture in the Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces, comprises three separate areas, each intricately decorated with different Islamic designs.

Don’t miss the Palace of Comares, Lion’s Palace or the Mirador de Daraxa. A timed entry ticket is required – see below

HOW TO GET TO THE ALHAMBRA

BY BUS

Bus C30 or C32 depart from the Plaza de Isabel la Católica (100 metres from Plaza Nueva) every 8-12 minutes.

The stop you want to get off at is called Alhambra – Generalife 2 stop.  

BY FOOT

From Plaza Nueva, walk up Cuesta de Gómerez through the Puerta de las Granadas.

Either follow the main road to the Main Gate for access to Generalife or the path on the left for access to the Gate of Justice (closer to the Nasrid Palaces).

Allow about 20 minutes.

BY TAXI

Official taxis are permitted to drive through the Alhambra complex, so you can also collect a taxi from the centre of Granada.

ALHAMBRA TICKETS & TOURS

Tickets to the Alhambra can be booked well in advance, especially for the Nasrid Palace, which is a timed entry.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR VISITING ALHAMBRA

  • Tickets can be booked out months in advance. Make sure you check availability before booking flights and hotels.
  • Access to the Nasrid Palaces is timed, and you must be standing at the entrance at your specified time. We suggest you enter the Alhambra complex at least 30 minutes beforehand.
  • You must provide your passport to gain entry, even with valid tickets.
  • QR codes on mobile devices are accepted.

2. ALBAICÍN NEIGHBOURHOOD

Albaicín is the Moorish quarter of Granada, located on the hill facing the Alhambra.

The area has been occupied for millennia but came to prominence when a Moorish citadel was built on top of the hill. It was connected to two smaller fortresses, one of which is where the Alhambra now stands.

Today it retains several historic monuments and most of the medieval street plans dating back to this period. The medieval lanes that wind up the Albaicín zigzag past historical monuments as they climb towards Granada’s best view of the Alhambra.

On the way, you’ll find Islamic houses and gardens, fortified walls, tiny churches, and a lot of energy, but keep an eye out for the following –

The Church of San Salvador was built on the site of the main Albaicín mosque, and it was once considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

The Palacio de los Córdova is a Renaissance Palace with a magnificent doorway. It is free to enter and has lovely views of the Alhambra from the Meduja interior.

Carmen de la Victoria is one of the best-known Carmen’s (a rustic home with an orchard and fountain) in Granada.

3. MIRADOR DE SAN NICOLÁS

Located near the summit of the Albaicín, the Church of San Nicolás was built on the site of a former mosque. It was badly damaged in the Civil War and, due to ongoing structural issues, remains closed for renovations.

But the simple gothic church is best known for the commanding views from its mirador.

Mirador de San Nicolás offers majestic views of the Alhambra with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. Watching the sunset from this point is one of Granada’s best things to do.

HOW TO GET THERE?

The C31, C32, and C34 minibuses run from the centre of Granada to Plaza Isabel Católica, a short walk to Mirador de San Nicolás.

Alternatively, the walk along Carrera del Darro (see below) via Paseo de los Tristes, Cuesta del Chapiz, and the Church of El Salvador is a lovely way to get there. It takes about 15 minutes and climbs steadily uphill.

Mirador San Nicolas Granada
MIRADOR DE SAN NICOLÁS

4. CARRERA DEL DARRO

Running along the left bank of the River Darro, Carrera Del Darro is the oldest street in Albaicín.

The cobbled-stone street hanging over the river is one of the most picturesque strolls in Granada. Historic Arab houses and convents line the street, which also contains the last of Granada’s 13 arched bridges.

Performers, street vendors and cafes bring the street to life in the late afternoon.

At dusk, with churches illuminating the cobbled lane and the Alhambra shining on the opposite hill, it’s one of the most charming things to do in Granada.

5. EL BAÑUELO

El Bañuelo sometimes referred to as Baño del Nogal, is a well-preserved hammam in the Albaicín quarter of Granada. Set in a private house on Carrera del Darro, the baths were saved from destruction by the Catholic Monarchs who mistook them for brothels.

Declared a National Monument in 1918, El Bañuelo are Spain’s oldest and best-preserved Muslim baths.

Little remains from the glories of their past, but the Moorish architecture, including ornate porticos and skylights in the shape of stars, is enough to invoke your imagination.

DETAILS | EL BAÑUELO

hours – 10 am to 5 pm (15 September to 30 April); 9:30 am to 14:30 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm (1 May – 14 September) | cost – €7.42 | tickets – purchase tickets on the official Alhambra site.

6. CALLE CALDERÍA NUEVA

Linking the upper and lower sections of Albaicín, Calle Caldería Nueva is a narrow laneway bursting with historic Moorish vibes. Known as the little Marrakech of Granada, shisha smoke and the scent of tagine waft past shops selling silks, jewellery, and pottery.

It’s one of the most atmospheric locations in Granada and the place to come for traditional Moroccan tea. Popularly referred to as Calle de las Teterías, the street is lined with Moorish tea houses.

There are plenty of cafes offering tea and Andalusian pastries and desserts. Our favourite for its Moroccan atmosphere and street-side location was Tetería Al Waha.

7. GRANADA CATHEDRAL

Like the imposing Cathedral of Málaga (see our guide – things to do in Málaga), the Cathedral of Granada was built on the site of a mosque.

Construction started in 1523 and took 181 years to complete.

The cavernous interior rises from a black-and-white tiled floor to an intricately carved Gothic ceiling. Appearing taller than it is long, the building’s proportions and geometry align with the feeling of spaciousness in Renaissance design.

The cupola is the cathedral’s standout feature. It has both traditional and flying buttresses to allow more light into the space.

DETAILS | GRANADA CATHEDRAL

hours – 10 am to 6:30 pm (Monday to Saturday); 3 pm to 6 pm (Sunday and bank holidays) | cost – free

8. ROYAL CHAPEL OF GRANADA

The Royal Chapel of Granada (Capilla Real) is one of the unmissable things to do in Granada.

Containing the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, including Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, the chapel is magnificently decorated and contains several important art pieces.

The main altarpiece is an elaborate gold artwork that represents the 3 core values of the Catholic Monarchs: religious unity, political unity, and territorial unity.

At the end of the nave, the main grille depicts the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.

Ferdinand and Elizabeth’s tombs are the centrepieces of the chapel, which has complex iconography in Italian marble. Other royal family members are buried in the crypt beneath the chapel.

DETAILS | ROYAL CHAPEL OF GRANADA

hours – 10 am to 6:30 pm (Monday – Saturday); 11 am to 6:30 pm (Sunday) | cost – €5

9. LA ALCAICERÍA

La Alcaicería is the home of the Grand Bazaar of Granada and what remains of the original Moorish silk market.

The name means Caesars Place in Arabic, a nod to Emperor Justinian, who granted the Arabs exclusive rights to produce and sell silk.  

After a devastating fire in 1843, the market was destroyed, and a replica – less than half the original size – was rebuilt.

Today, La Alcaicería is aimed at tourists with souvenir stalls selling Arabic crafts, including painted ceramics, wooden inlay items, and stained-glass lamps.

10. CORRAL DEL CARBÓN

Corral del Carbón is a corn exchange from the 14th century, where merchants and their products would be hosted in preparation for auction.

It’s the oldest Arab monument in Granada, dating back to 1336. Its current name comes from the Christian period when it was used to house coal merchants.

The most interesting aspect of the building is its impressive façade, which has a large horseshoe arch decorated with plant motifs. Through the entrance pavilion, the inner courtyard is surrounded by a three-level gallery.

Today, it’s a ruin with a bookstore and a ceramics workshop inside. The venue is regularly used for open-air performances.

It’s an interesting (and quick) thing to do in Granada.

DETAILS | CORRAL DEL CARBÓN

hours – 10:30 am – 1:30 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm (Monday to Friday); 10:30 am – 2 pm (Saturday); Closed Sunday | cost – free.

11. CHURROS IN BIB RAMBLA SQUARE

Bib Rambla is the main square in Granada, occupying a prime spot near the Cathedral. Its Moorish history has seen medieval jousts, bullfighting, public executions, and political rallies.  

Following the Christian conquest, the square was renovated and destroyed by fires over the years. The result is a large square lined with an interesting collection of remnants from various points in its history.

The square is filled with cafes and regularly hosts seasonal markets, making it the social hub of Granada.

You’ll quickly notice strolling the cafes and the porticos that Bib Rambla has positioned itself as the go-to destination for churros in Granada.

There are plenty to choose from, but the most famous is Gran Cafe.

12. BASILICA SAN JUAN DE DIOS

The Basilica San Juan de Dios is a baroque masterpiece and an unmissable thing to do in Granada.

The exterior is largely unremarkable except for a green and white domed roof. Still, the interior is an ostentatious display of gold, bursting with ornate statues, paintings, historical treasures, and a magnificent altar.

It’s one of the most interesting churches we have visited.

The main altarpiece dominates the interior—a mass of gaudy gold and beautiful artwork. From behind it, a small flight of stairs leads to the church’s most interesting feature.

The Dressing Room, completely adorned in gold, contains the remains of St John of God, including his teeth, skull, and bones. The room is decorated with mirrors, statues, paintings, and personal relics of St John, including the crucifix he was holding when he died.  

You can look out over the nave from high up behind the altarpiece from the Dressing Room.

DETAILS | BASILICA SAN JUAN DE DIOS

hours – 10 am – 7 pm (Monday to Saturday); 1:30 pm – 7 pm (Sunday) | cost – €7 adults including an audio guide

13. SAN JERÓNIMO MONASTERY

San Jerónimo Monastery was originally established in the nearby town of Santa Fé but was relocated to Granada following the Christian conquest.

The design features two cloisters, each built around a central garden with orange trees. The main courtyard contains 36 semi-circular arches decorated with the emblems of the founding kings.

The interior is richly decorated, featuring iconographic highlights of the military’s success.

DETAILS | SAN JERÓNIMO MONASTERY

hours – 10 am – 1 pm; 3 pm – 6 pm (Monday to Sunday) | cost – €5 adults, including an audio guide through an app

San Jerónimo Monastery granada
SAN JERÓNIMO MONASTERY

14 – TAPAS CRAWL IN GRANADA

While Seville (see our guide to things to do in Seville) is famous for top-quality tapas, in Granada, tapas means one thing: a free plate of food.

As one of the last remaining bastions of the noble tradition of supplying customers with free food in exchange for buying an alcoholic drink, a tapas crawl in Granada is a great way to experience the culture.

TAPAS IN GRANADA | HOW DOES IT WORK?

When you order a drink, your waiter will pick a tapas dish for you. Each time you order a drink, you’ll get a new tapa dish delivered. In some places, you may be given a selection to choose from.

Raciones are larger sharing plates that you need to pay for.

Bodegas Castañeda -This traditional and crowded bohemian eatery is a great place to experience the true Granada. It’s known for its wines, particularly the vermouth.  

Bar Los Diamantes – While it’s not the most traditional ambience, the seafood quality here is second to none. It’s fast-paced, so the wait is generally not too long if there’s no table.  

Los Manueles – Los Manueles straddles the divide between traditional bodega and modern eatery, and the food is excellent. Make sure you specify that you’re looking for a drink and some tapas, as they also have a restaurant next door.

Most restaurants in Granada will have staff who speak very good English. But if you want to learn Spanish in Granada, Dreaming Spanish has some excellent resources.

15. FLAMENCO AT SACROMONTE ABBEY

When the Moors were expelled from Granada, many settled in Sacromonte – the hillsides just outside the city. As gypsies were also forbidden from living inside the city walls, the two lived together, carving out caves in the hillside as their homes.

Zambra – the most traditional form of flamenco – was created in Sacromonte, taking influences from both the Moorish and gypsy communities.

Attending a Zambra performance in a cave where it was forged is an unforgettable thing to do in Granada.

One of the most famous venues is Cuevas Los Tarantos, an authentic gypsy home. The ticket includes entry and 1 drink, but dinner is extra.

If you don’t want to go to Sacromonte you can also enjoy a Flamenco show in the centre of Granada.

hillside granada
GRANADA FROM THE ALHAMBRA

WHERE TO STAY IN GRANADA?

All the main attractions in Granada are close together and can easily be explored on foot – although you may want to take a taxi up to the Alhambra – so it’s a good idea to stay centrally. Here are our recommendations for where to stay in Granada.

CONTEMPORARY

Shine Albayzín

This good-value hotel, with contemporary yet sympathetic rooms in a beautifully restored 16th-century mansion, is in the perfect location on Carrera del Darro.


OUR PICK

BOUTIQUE

Gar Anat Boutique Hotel

A chic boutique hotel in a 17th-century palace in the heart of Granada. Each bedroom is traditionally styled yet still modern and comfortable.


MODERN

Sercotel Granada Suites

A modern building just off Bib Rambla, these suites have a fully equipped kitchen and dining area and can accommodate up to four people.


CONVERTED CONVENT

Parador de Granada

This is the only hotel on the grounds of the Alhambra Palace, set in a 15th-century convent. This premium address has stunning views of the palace and gardens, although it won’t come cheap, and you need to book well in advance.


guide to granada where to stay

HOW MANY DAYS IN GRANADA?

Granada is the perfect weekend break destination. In two days, you’ll be able to visit all the main highlights and explore the Moorish backstreets and hidden attractions.

If you have three days, you’ll also have time to take a day trip to other parts of Andalucía – recommendations below.

BEST TIME TO VISIT GRANADA

The best time to visit Granada is April and May, when the temperatures average from 19°C to 24°C, and the city is not yet busy with mid-summer travellers.

The busiest period is June and August when the city buzzes with tourists. The warm evening temperatures are ideal for exploring the old town. However, during this time, daytime temperatures can rise to the mid-30s.

September and October are also excellent times to visit. Between mid- and low-season, the temperatures are back to being more pleasant, and the crowds are starting to thin out.

granada guide

MAP | THINGS TO DO IN GRANADA

Granada is located in the southern region of Spain, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s approximately 135 kilometres northeast of Malaga Airport and 128 kilometres southwest of Almeria Airport.

USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.  

DAY TRIPS & THINGS TO DO NEAR GRANADA

Granada is perfectly located to enjoy some of the great attractions in Andalucía. Here are some of our favourite things to do near Granada.

SIERRA NEVADA

Granada is set under the hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a popular winter skiing destination. In summer, it’s a great place for hiking, with lovely mountain scenery and tiny villages to explore.

One of the best ways to see the Sierra Nevada is on an e-bike tour that descends from the mountains’ peaks to the Granada Valley.

WHITE VILLAGES

The White Villages of Andalucía are a great way to experience rural Spanish culture not far from Granada. Zuheros and Castril are two beautiful white villages just a 90-minute drive away.

If you don’t have a car, join a day trip into the Alpajurra region, stopping at scenic viewpoints on the way to the villages of Lanjarón and Pampaneira.

Slightly further afield, Ronda is a beautiful town surrounded by several other white villages. Our Pueblos Blancos guide provides more information, including a driving route.

CÓRDOBA

Córdoba was the capital of the only caliphate in Western Europe, and today, it’s a fascinating city to visit. The Mezquita-Catedral, with a mix of Muslim and Christian influences, is one of the most important buildings in the world.

It’s only 1 hour and 40 minutes away by train, making it the perfect day trip from Granada. Read more about this fascinating destination in our guide to visiting Córdoba.

MÁLAGA

Recently reinvented with fresh urban spaces, Málaga has emerged from its reputation as a mere jumping-off point for some of Spain’s best beaches to become a cultural destination in its own right.

Málaga is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Granada by bus. Read more in our guide to visiting Málaga.

CAMINITO DEL REY 

The Caminito del Rey is a 7-kilometre hike through a stunning gorge suspended on an aerial path 100 metres above the ground. One of the most stunning walks in the world, the mostly flat trail, can be completed by anyone with a reasonable fitness level.

It’s a two-hour drive from Granada, and all the details are in our guide to the Caminito del Rey walk.

Caminito del Rey walk Spain
CAMINITO DEL REY

MORE ANDALUCÍA GUIDES

paul mark 1
ANYWHERE WE ROAM IS
READER-SUPPORTED

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for your support.

You can also buy us a coffee, and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

- Paul & Mark.