The Definitive Travel Guide to Granada Spain

Granada is a timeless city, steeped in history and adorned with architectural wonders. From the bustling Moroccan souk to its grand cathedral, the city resonates with the rhythms of flamenco and the allure of its vibrant neighborhoods. And of course, the delightful bonus - complimentary tapas at local eateries.

While the iconic Alhambra often takes center stage in Granada's reputation, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences beyond this majestic monument. Boasting one of the most captivating histories in Spain, Granada is a treasure trove of attractions waiting to be discovered.

The Washington Irving was re-launched in 2016 after being inactive for three decades. It now boasts modern interiors inspired by Alhambra. Historical quotes from personalities like Lorca, Irving, and Hemingway adorn the moodily lit corridors and rooms.

Its prime location, a mere 10-minute walk to the city center, makes it convenient for tourists. One of the main attractions of the hotel is the rooftop pool that offers a panoramic view of Alhambra’s majestic walls.

Realejo is right in the heart of things and has a fun, young feel with lots of places for tapas, coffee, wine, and cool street art. In this area, there's a special hotel in an old 17th-century house that's all about books and writers. Every one of the 15 rooms is designed with a certain author or story in mind. For instance, there's a room based on the famous local writer Federico García Lorca and another one on Washington Irving. One special room, La Leyenda de la Rosa, has a great view of Alhambra, a cool wood ceiling, and some neat arch designs.

For those who love modern flair, Marquis Urban is a top choice located near Granada's Capilla Real. Nestled in the historic part of the city, this hotel boasts a trendy cocktail bar. Guests can unwind in the stylish indoor courtyard or head to the rooftop for a picturesque view of Granada. Every room here is designed for comfort, equipped with air conditioning, a big screen TV, and a minibar.

Positioned conveniently near Capilla Real, and just a short stroll to Alhambra, Khu Hotel is a traveler's dream. Step outside and you're greeted with an array of restaurants, shops, and bars. Inside, the rooms are generously sized, showcasing modern designs with essentials like a flat-screen TV and a comfy bed. Some even offer balcony views of the vibrant Plaza de Bib Rambla.

Granada stands as a testament to Spain's rich history. The city is anchored by the Alhambra, a majestic palace complex that captivates with its architectural beauty and panoramic vistas. Close by, the serene Generalife Gardens offer a tranquil oasis. The Albaicín district, with its labyrinthine streets, showcases Granada's medieval Moorish roots. Below, we'll delve deeper into these iconic sites, unraveling the layers of history and culture that make Granada a remarkable journey through time.

The Alhambra is the most visited monument in Spain, receiving over two million people from all over the world.

At this amazing historic place, you will find several medieval palaces with marvelous surrounding gardens, ancient walls, and watching towers. It was built in the 13th century by Moorish rulers to serve as their residence.

The whole site covers more than 140,000 square meters, so it’s best to allow at least 3 hours for the visit.

As a lot of people visit Alhambra, there is a daily quota, which means you should book your skip-the-line tickets as soon as possible. There are several options available, such as guided tours, entrances with an audio guide, and even night tours.

TIP: It´s recommended to make sure that your ticket includes a visit to the Nasrid palaces, it’s considered the best part of Alhambra and not all tickets include that visit.

After exploring the Alhambra, make your way down the hill to Plaza Nueva. From there, a short walk will lead you to Granada Cathedral, Spain's second-largest after Seville's and among the grandest in the world.

The cathedral's construction, initiated by Queen Isabella after the conquest of Granada, began in 1518 and spanned over 180 years. Intriguingly, it was erected during a pivotal transitional period in architectural styles. While its foundation is rooted in Gothic design, the main structure and interiors lean more towards the Renaissance. This results in a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, reflecting the evolving architectural preferences of its era.

Adjacent to the cathedral, it's worthwhile to visit the Royal Chapel. Constructed in the 15th century, it served as a burial site for Spanish royalty. Inside, you'll discover a crypt, tombs of renowned Catholic monarchs, and an informative museum.

Built on a steep hill, right across the Alhambra, Albaicín is one of the most authentic and charming districts of the city, declared a UNESCO site in 1984.

Albaycin feels like a distinct world within Granada due to the strong Muslim influence and architecture. This neighborhood offers a unique ambiance with its bars and terraces, and you can watch a mesmerizing sunset over the Alhambra from the famed Mirador de San Nicolás.

The main streets in the Albaicín, Paseo de los Tristes and Carrera del Darro, are perfect for scenic strolls and are truly Instagram-worthy spots.

Located east of Albayzín and facing the Alhambra, Sacromonte is another traditional neighborhood of Granada.

Sacromonte offers unparalleled views of the Alhambra and is less crowded than the famed Plaza San Nicolás viewing point. Historically home to the city’s gypsy community, it still retains this identity, with an increasing diversity brought about by the Romantic Movement artists of the 19th century.

The neighborhood is renowned for its caves and the flamenco shows held within them. Zambras, the specific caves used for these performances, abound, with popular ones including Cueva La Rocio, Cueva Maria la Canastera, and Venta El Gallo.

As you wander through Sacromonte, the area's unique cave houses stand out, each molded by the rugged terrain they're carved into. While many locals continue to call these caves home, the majority of these dwellings have been updated with contemporary comforts, including electricity.

The Arab baths were once a gathering place for Granada's Arab inhabitants since baths were an important ritual in Muslim life and culture. Once the Christians took over the city after the Reconquest of Spain in 1492, many Arab establishments were torn down and rebuilt into different religious and secular establishments.

This included the bath houses, many of which were turned into bakeries since the facilities contained a large broiler used to heat up some of the baths. In fact, the baths that survived were underneath a private home that was built at the time the city was taken.

El Bañuelo, which dates back to the 11th century, is the last Arab bath house that has remained intact in Granada, and is one of the last in the entire country of Spain. El Bañuelo is open to tour but the baths themselves are no longer there - it’s worth the visit if you like architecture and history. 

Now, if you want to have the experience of a great Arab bath, Hammam Al Andalus is the place to go, housing a large bath of its own in addition to standard spa treatments, such as massages. Prices and hours vary by facility.

Alcaiceria Market is one of the top attractions in Granada and just off the square on the corner of the Granada Cathedral.

If you're looking to do some shopping while you are staying in Granada, the Alcaiceria market is the place to go. Upon first glance, the market may seem like a tourist trap, but go farther into the bowels of its passageways and you'll find plenty of good things at good prices.

Today, the market is less than half of its original size, but still flourishes with plenty of Moroccan goods.

You will find vendors selling ceramics, spices, glass ornaments, silks and leather goods. Genuine leather handbags in the U.S. typically come with a hefty price tag, while in Granada, you can find a sizeable leather bag for 40 euros.

All over the market, you are going to find local artisans who make beautiful handmade souvenirs. It's a great idea to take a little piece of this beautiful city back with you!

However, if you or your loved ones want something truly special to help you treasure your days traveling in Granada, a beautiful Art Print is unparalleled.

For those who carry the spirit of a traveler, Oakhouse's 'Vibrant Landscapes Collection' offers a unique way to commemorate your journey. Our collection, featuring an array of destinations including some you may have visited or dream to explore, captures the essence of each locale in stunning art prints. Granada, with its timeless charm, is just one of the many inspirations behind our collection. We invite you to bring a piece of your travels home, or perhaps find inspiration for your next destination, with Oakhouse's exquisite art prints.

Plaza de San Nicolás is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in Granada. It is located in the Albaicín neighborhood and just next to the viewpoint is the Church of San Nicolás, built-in 1525.

This is a great place for a classic sunset shot, so it’s recommended to go at sunset time, which varies depending on what time of the year you go.

Nonetheless, it is definitely worth the visit, in Plaza de San Nicolás you can see the Alhambra sprawled across the hilltop against the backdrop of the dark misty Sierra Nevada mountains.

Keep in mind that reaching the Plaza de San Nicolas may be tough for some travelers. Visitors described the uphill climb to the vantage point as easy to moderate, so those who aren't confident with their physical stamina should consider taking a taxi. Plaza de San Nicolas is free to explore and is open 24 hours a day.

This fabulous place is only a 50min drive from Granada and it has plenty of activities throughout the year. During the wintertime (Nov./April)  this mountain range is ideal for skiing. Two modern & fast gondolas take skiers from the town up to the ski run base called Borreguiles where there are ski school meeting points, lockers, cafes and restaurants.

During the rest of the year, is a great place to go hiking (there are numerous hiking paths). The route is divided into 19 sections which can be covered over several days, although there are other, smaller paths that you can cover in a single day.

You can also do many more activities such as mountain biking, climbing or paragliding.

It’s definitely one of the best things to do around Granada, so check out here everything that you can do there!

There are plenty of exceptional things to do in Granada, Spain. We hope that this article has helped you decide which ones will be best for you and your loved ones!

If you like this content, you can check more articles here. We have plenty of travel tips and itineraries to help you get the most of your next travels.

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