A complete guide to Granada, Spain, from the legendary Alhambra palace and the historic Albaicin quarter to free tapas bars and flamenco in the Sacromonte caves. Covers cultural landmarks, scenic viewpoints, local food, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The highlight of the Alhambra, these 14th-century palatial rooms are masterpieces of Islamic art with intricate stucco carvings, tile mosaics, and reflective pools. Entry is timed and limited to 300 people per half-hour slot. Book tickets at least 2-3 months in advance as they sell out quickly. General admission is EUR 14. Photography is allowed but no tripods or flash.
Book tickets well in advance (2-3 months)
See the Court of the Lions
Visit the Hall of the Ambassadors
Explore the Generalife gardens
The summer palace and gardens of the Nasrid rulers, with terraced water gardens, fountains, and stunning views of the Albaicin. Less crowded than the Nasrid Palaces and included in the general ticket. The long walkway of water jets (Patio de la Acequia) is the most photographed feature. Spring (April-May) is when the gardens are most colorful.
Walk through the Alcazaba fortress
The oldest part of the Alhambra complex, this military fortress dates to the 9th century. Climb the Torre de la Vela (watchtower) for panoramic views of Granada, the Sierra Nevada, and the Albaicin below. Included in the general ticket. Allow 30-45 minutes for the fortress area.
Visit the Palace of Charles V
A Renaissance palace built within the Alhambra walls, distinctive for its circular courtyard inside a square building. Houses the Museum of the Alhambra (Islamic art) and the Fine Arts Museum, both free entry. The stark Renaissance style contrasts dramatically with the surrounding Islamic architecture.
Albaicin and Historic Quarters
Wander the Albaicin (Albayzin) quarter
A UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood of narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and hidden carmenes (walled garden houses). Originally the Moorish quarter, it retains an Arabic feel with tea shops, hammams, and spice stalls. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets are steep. Getting lost is part of the experience.
Walk through the Caldereria Nueva tea street
Explore the narrow alleyways and carmenes
Watch sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolas
The most famous viewpoint in Granada, offering a direct view of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada mountains as backdrop. At sunset, the palace glows orange and red. Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to secure a spot along the wall. Street musicians often play here. Free access but watch for pickpockets in the crowd.
Visit the Sacromonte cave quarter
The traditional Roma (Gitano) neighborhood built into the hillside caves above the Albaicin. Many caves have been turned into flamenco venues (zambras) offering nightly shows. The Sacromonte Abbey at the top of the hill has views and a museum. The cave museum (Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte) shows how people lived in the caves. Admission EUR 5.
Visit the Cave Museum
Attend a flamenco show in a cave zambra
Visit the Arab Baths (Hammam Al Andalus)
A modern recreation of Moorish bathhouses with hot, warm, and cold pools in a beautifully decorated underground space. Sessions last 90 minutes and include optional massage. Prices start at EUR 40 for baths only. Book at least a day in advance, especially on weekends. A relaxing experience after a day of walking steep hills.
City Center and Monuments
Visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel
The cathedral is one of the finest Renaissance churches in Spain, with a massive white interior. Next door, the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) houses the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic monarchs who completed the Reconquista. Cathedral admission EUR 5, Royal Chapel EUR 5. The chapel is more historically significant; prioritize it if short on time.
See the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella in the Royal Chapel
Visit the cathedral's Renaissance interior
Explore the Alcaiceria (old silk market)
A narrow street of shops occupying the site of the original Moorish silk market. Today it sells souvenirs, ceramics, lanterns, and leather goods. Prices are touristy but bargaining is expected. The Moroccan-style lamps and ceramic tiles make good gifts. Located right next to the cathedral.
Walk through the Realejo (former Jewish quarter)
The neighborhood below the Alhambra has become Granada's street art hub, with works by local and international artists on almost every block. The Campo del Principe square is a popular evening hangout with outdoor bars. Less touristy than the Albaicin with a more local atmosphere.
Food and Tapas Culture
Experience Granada's free tapas tradition
Granada is one of the last Spanish cities where you still get a free tapa with every drink order. Order a beer (EUR 2-3) and receive a plate of food at no extra charge. The tapas get bigger with each round at many bars. Calle Navas, Plaza Nueva, and the Realejo neighborhood have the best concentration of tapas bars.
Bar-hop along Calle Navas
Try tapas bars in the Realejo neighborhood
Drink Moroccan mint tea in the Albaicin
Caldereria Nueva street in the Albaicin is lined with Moroccan-style teterias (tea houses) serving sweet mint tea, pastries, and hookah. The interiors are decorated with cushions, lanterns, and tiles. A pot of tea costs EUR 3-4 and the atmosphere transports you to Marrakech. Most are open afternoon through late evening.
Try local specialties: habas con jamon and piononos
Habas con jamon (broad beans with ham) is a springtime staple in Granada. Piononos are tiny cylindrical pastries soaked in syrup and topped with cream, from the nearby town of Santa Fe. Try them at Pasteleria Lopez-Mezquita or any bakery displaying them. About EUR 1 each and intensely sweet.
Visit the Mercado San Agustin
A modern food market near the cathedral with stalls selling local produce, cheeses, and prepared foods. Less famous than markets in Barcelona or Madrid but more authentic and less crowded. The upstairs has small restaurants with views. Open Monday through Saturday, busiest at lunch time.
Day Trips and Nature
Day trip to the Sierra Nevada mountains
Europe's southernmost ski resort is just 30 minutes from Granada, with skiing from December through April. In summer, hiking trails offer mountain views and wildflowers. The Mulhacen (3,479m) is mainland Spain's highest peak. Regular buses run from Granada bus station. Even a short drive up offers cooler temperatures and mountain panoramas.
See a flamenco show
Granada is one of the birthplaces of flamenco, and the Sacromonte caves offer the most atmospheric shows. Le Chien Andalou and Venta El Gallo are respected venues. Shows typically last 60-75 minutes and cost EUR 20-35, often including a drink. Evening shows start around 9-10 PM. The raw, intimate cave setting amplifies the intensity of the performance.
Visit the Alpujarras mountain villages
White-washed Berber-style villages clinging to the south side of the Sierra Nevada, about 60-90 minutes from Granada. Pampaneira, Bubion, and Capileira are the most picturesque, connected by hiking trails. Famous for jamon serrano, woven crafts, and a laid-back atmosphere. A car is recommended but buses run from Granada.
Explore the Carrera del Darro riverside walk
One of the most beautiful streets in Spain, following the Darro river along the base of the Alhambra hill. Stone bridges, overhanging trees, and views of the palace walls above make this a magical walk. It connects Plaza Nueva to the Paseo de los Tristes, a square with outdoor restaurant terraces facing the Alhambra.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get Alhambra tickets?
Buy tickets at the official Alhambra website (tickets.alhambra-patronato.es) as far in advance as possible. General admission (EUR 14) includes the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba. Night visits are available separately. Tickets sell out weeks to months ahead in peak season (April-October). If sold out, some tickets are released daily at 8 AM, or book a guided tour through an authorized agency.
How many days do I need in Granada?
Three days is ideal: one for the Alhambra, one for the Albaicin and Sacromonte, and one for the city center, tapas, and a flamenco show. Two days works but feels rushed. Add a fourth day for a Sierra Nevada or Alpujarras day trip. Granada rewards slow exploration, so try not to rush from sight to sight.
When is the best time to visit Granada?
April through June and September through October offer comfortable temperatures (18-28°C) and manageable crowds. July and August are extremely hot (35-40°C), making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. Spring is especially beautiful with flowers in the Generalife gardens. Late September combines warm weather, smaller crowds, and the start of the university year adding energy to the nightlife.
Is Granada safe to walk around at night?
Granada is generally safe, including the Albaicin and Sacromonte at night. Normal urban awareness applies: watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and on the Mirador de San Nicolas at sunset. The tapas bar areas (Calle Navas, Plaza Nueva) are lively and well-lit until late. The Albaicin's narrow streets can feel isolated late at night, so stick to main routes.