15 Best Things to Do in Granada

There are few places more charming and beautiful than Granada for enjoying a special getaway. Its fascinating history, magnificent art, delicious tapas, and cheerful people are more than enough reasons to discover the city with the most beautiful sunset on the planet.

In the capital of the ancient Nasrid kingdom, there are many dreamlike spots to see. Here are just a few of them!

The Alhambra is a cultural landmark of Hispano-Muslim art in the West and one of the most beautiful monuments in Spain. There is no doubt that it is the first monument you have to see in Granada when you arrive. It is a jewel of universal art that will leave you speechless, and it is logical that it arouses the interest of millions of travelers who head to Andalusia to admire the charms and beautiful views of this ancient Andalusian palatine city.

Given its immense size and large number of spaces, to visit the Alhambra in Granada, my advice is to book a guided tour of the Alhambra to explore the entire monumental complex without missing a single detail, learning about its history. Many of the secrets of the Alhambra in Granada would go unnoticed without the help of a guide, as there is so much to see in this unique monument.

I recommend buying tickets for the Alhambra in Granada at least a month or two before your trip, as it is a very popular monument with limited places that tend to sell out quickly. In addition, to get the most out of this monument, the most visited in Spain, it is advisable to find out all the information you need before you go. Take a look at these posts, where I give you the best tips for visiting the Alhambra:

• Alhambra ticket prices.
• Night visits to the Alhambra.
• Alhambra opening hours in Granada.
• Duration of the visit to the Alhambra.
• Visiting the Alhambra in Granada with children.
• Where to eat near the Alhambra.
• How to get to the Alhambra.
• How to get free or discounted tickets to the Alhambra.
• Tickets to visit the Generalife in Granada.
• Tickets to visit the Nasrid Palaces in Granada.
• Guided tours of the Alhambra in Granada

Another essential thing to do in Granada during a getaway is to watch the sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint. "The most beautiful in the world," according to Bill Clinton, President of the United States, during a visit to the Andalusian city in 1997. He was not wrong!

From here you will have the best panoramic view of the Alhambra in Granada with the imposing Sierra Nevada in the background. You'll also enjoy unbeatable views of the Nasrid palaces, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife. In fact, the views are wonderful at any time of day, but the feeling of watching the sun slowly set behind the Alhambra as it colors its walls, towers, and palaces in shades of red is simply magical.

If you're wondering how to get to the San Nicolás viewpoint, bear in mind that it's located in the highest part of the Albaicín district and you have several options:

• Walk up Paseo de los Tristes or take bus lines C1 or C2.
• Cross Plaza Larga and take Cuesta de Alhacaba.
• Book a tour of the Albaicín to get there with a guide.

Visiting the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods is a must-do on your trip to Granada. These are two of the most fascinating and ancient places you can explore in the capital of the Nasrid kingdom.

In fact, if you haven't walked through them, many people say that you can't say you've been to Granada because this is where the soul of the city lies.

If you are one of those travelers who loves to get to know a city by getting lost in its streets in order to discover its most authentic and real side, one of the things I most recommend doing in Granada is booking a tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte.

It's true that the Alhambra is the center of attention, but during my trip to Granada, one of the biggest surprises was seeing the majesty of the Cathedral, the second largest in Spain and a must-see in the city.

At the end of the Reconquista, the Catholic Monarchs chose the site of the city's main mosque to build this temple as a symbol of the triumph of Christianity over Islam and over the last Muslim kingdom in Spain. You can simply go in and visit it or book a tour of Granada Cathedral to learn about its history and architecture. Here are several options:

• Guided tour of the Royal Chapel and Granada Cathedral, from $42
• Tour of Albaicín and Sacromonte with a visit to the Royal Chapel and Granada Cathedral, from $60
• Private guided tour of the Royal Chapel and Granada Cathedral, from $180

If you're wondering why you should visit Granada Cathedral, bear in mind that there are many churches in the city, but the Cathedral is an icon, one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance and a temple that impresses with its sheer size. An unforgettable sight for travelers. Dedicated to Santa María de la Encarnación, it is striking for its towers and its large Baroque façade, although, in my opinion, it is the interior decoration that takes your breath away. Everything about it is enchanting.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Royal Chapel, a space for history lovers. Here you will find the Gothic-style tomb where the remains of the Catholic Monarchs, their daughter Juana I of Castile, her husband Felipe el Hermoso, and their grandson Miguel of Portugal rest.

The history of the city has been closely linked to the Catholic Monarchs since they arrived in Granada in 1482 to complete the Reconquista of Spain. After their victory, the couple decided to devote their lives to Granada forever and build their burial chapel here.

You can also take the opportunity to visit the Museum-Sacristy of the Royal Chapel. In addition, in this case, I also recommend booking a visit to the Royal Chapel and the Cathedral, as otherwise the experience will not be the same.

The Alpujarra is one of the best excursions to do in Granada. It is difficult not to fall in love with the beauty of this unique natural landscape, full of springs and dotted with a multitude of picturesque white villages hidden among deep valleys at an altitude of over 1,200 meters. Taking a trip to the Alpujarra is an opportunity to delve into the history of the last Moorish settlements in Spain and to enjoy a different kind of day out in the open air.

Without a doubt, I recommend booking a day trip to the Alpujarras, as everything is organized so that you can relax and enjoy this outing in nature to the fullest. In addition, you can visit several of the most beautiful villages in the Alpujarras, such as Bubión, Capileira and Pampaneira, Pórtugos, Lanjarón, and Trevélez (the best producer of Serrano ham in the Alpujarra), among many others.

If you have several days to travel, this may be the perfect opportunity to visit other Andalusian cities and villages. Below is an article about the best villages in Granada that you have to visit. I'll also leave you with some suggestions and explain how to get to charming places such as Nerja and Córdoba.

Booking an excursion to discover Sierra Nevada, home to the highest mountain range in southern Europe and the imposing Mulhacén peak, the highest in the Iberian Peninsula, is an essential part of your trip to Granada.

If you're wondering how to get to Sierra Nevada from Granada, I recommend booking an excursion to discover its impressive landscapes. It lasts approximately 7 hours and you can choose between a small group or even a private tour. You will be accompanied by a local driver-guide at all times.

If you want to experience the magic of flamenco, I recommend booking your ticket for one of the best flamenco shows in Granada. It takes place in a century-old cave and you can also enjoy a two-course dinner or five tapas, depending on your preference, always with dessert and drinks included. What's more, if you're going with children, you can choose a children's menu.

This is not only a musical experience but also a cultural one, lasting approximately an hour and a half, and is one of the best things to do in Granada at night. Don't hesitate, book a flamenco show in Granada and immerse yourself in the essence of this art form.

If after so much sightseeing you feel tired and need a break to recharge your batteries, I suggest you book a session at the Arab baths in Granada to enjoy the ancient ritual of the Andalusian hammam and all its health benefits. It's amazing! If you've never been before, this trip to the ancient Nasrid kingdom could be a great opportunity to have fun with an original and different thing to do in Granada.

Here's an article about the best Hammam in Granada to give you an idea of what the experience is like. You won't find a typical spa here, but rather Arab baths that bring to life the philosophy of the traditional hammam practiced in Al-Andalus during the Middle Ages. What's more, the Andalusian-style décor creates a very pleasant, intimate atmosphere.

What fascinated me most about the hammam ritual was the relaxed atmosphere. Time seems to stand still and silence reigns, interrupted only by the sound of water in the thermal pools. Your senses will be awakened by the perfumed air and the Andalusian music playing softly in the background. For a moment, you will feel as if you have traveled back to the splendor of ancient Al-Andalus!

There are many ways to get to know Granada, but doing so aboard the tourist train is a comfortable and easy way to see its main points of interest. An essential option if you are going to Granada with children.

In my experience, you will enjoy the visit more and learn many details about history, art, legends, and curiosities, as it has an audio guide. I recommend booking a seat on the Granada tourist train so you don't miss out and so you can start planning your route based on what you want to see. In fact, you can hop on and off as many times as you like.

There's nothing better than going to Calle Calderería Nueva in the Albaicín neighborhood to enjoy authentic Moorish tea and the best Arabic pastries in the city.

Also known as the street of tea shops, this place is full of shops with some of their wares displayed outside , reminiscent of the souks of the Middle East, but without leaving Granada.

In addition to having tea in its Andalusian-style establishments, you can also take the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your stay in the ancient capital of the Nasrid kingdom. There is a little bit of everything! From postcards, hookahs, and lamps to sarongs, handbags, and jewelry. You are sure to find what you are looking for.

Granada is a unique city in itself, but one of the places that contributes to its magical atmosphere is the Paseo de los Tristes, one of the most beautiful and historic corners of the Nasrid city.

This is a beautiful avenue that follows the course of the Darro River between the Chirimías and Aljibillo bridges and offers privileged views of the Alhambra at its feet. Its official name is Paseo del Padre Manjón, but it is nicknamed Paseo de los Tristes because it used to be the road to the city cemetery and the scene of sad funeral processions.

The fame of the Paseo de los Tristes is well deserved, as it is one of the most beautiful and bohemian places to see in Granada for a romantic stroll, especially in the moonlight and among the surrounding vegetation.

Tapas in Spain is an art, but in Granada it's out of this world. If you ask me about the essential things to do in Granada, going out for tapas in the city center is a must.

For those who don't know, tapas in Granada works like this: you go to a bar, order a drink, and they bring you a free tapa. It's that easy! In fact, you can easily have lunch and dinner based on tapas and spend less money than you would in a restaurant.

But the trick to going out for tapas in Granada is knowing where to go to get the best quality tapas. For example, there are places where you can choose your tapa with your drink, places where you are assigned the tapas of the day, and bars where the quality of the tapas you are served increases as you order more drinks. If you're wondering where to go for tapas in Granada, here are several options:

• Taberna Gamboa (Calle Lepanto, 11).
• Los Diamantes (Calle Navas, 28).
• Bella Kurva (Calle San Jerónimo, 19).
• Bodegas Castañeda (Calle Almireceros 1-3).
• La Bella y la Bestia (Cárcel Baja Street, 14).
• La Sitarilla (7 San Miguel Alta Street).

If you're looking for thrills during your trip and you're not afraid of heights, one of the best things to do in Granada is to take a hot air balloon ride.

Can you imagine flying over the city at dawn while enjoying a bird's-eye view of the Alhambra, the Albaicín district, the Sacromonte caves, and the Sierra Nevada? Aboard the balloon, you'll see the city from a privileged and unusual perspective, one that very few people get to experience.

No one who has never been in a hot air balloon before can describe the feeling of floating gently through the air, drifting across the wonderful blue sky of Granada as the city begins to wake up and the sun shines brightly over the mountains.

Although Granada is a small city, it is home to an unparalleled architectural and artistic heritage. It is not surprising that the town's cultural and museum offerings are so varied and extensive. There is something for everyone! Here are some of my favorites:

• The Museum of Fine Arts: this is the city's most important art gallery, with pieces dating from the 15th to the 20th century.
• Alhambra Museum: here you can see Hispano-Muslim art objects recovered from the Alhambra and the Generalife.
• Archaeological Museum: home to archaeological finds from different peoples (Iberians, Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs) who left their mark on Granada.
• Casa de los Tiros: explore the history and traditions of Granada through images, engravings, paintings, bibliographic collections, maps, and local handicrafts.
• Manuel de Falla House-Museum: this is where the composer lived, and you can see his personal belongings, original furniture, piano, and more.
• Lorca House-Museum: this was the summer residence that the poet Federico García Lorca had on the outskirts of the city and where he wrote works such as "Romancero Gitano" and "La casa de Bernarda Alba."
• Granada Science Park: This is Andalusia's first interactive science museum and a highly recommended activity for families.

Visiting this beautiful Andalusian city will be magical whenever you go, but if you plan your trip with the best possible activities for the time of year, I can guarantee you an unforgettable trip. Keep reading to find out the best activities for each season:

• 10 things to do in Granada in summer.
• 10 things to do in Granada in autumn.
• 10 things to do in Granada in winter.
• Or, if you're thinking of going at Christmas, check out this post: 10 things to see and do in Granada at Christmas.

Perhaps you would prefer to know the best months to visit Granada:

• 10 things to do in Granada in January.
• 10 things to do in Granada in August.
• 10 things to do in Granada in September.
• 10 things to do in Granada in October.
• 10 things to do in Granada in December.

Or you may be interested in knowing what plans to make based on the number of days of your trip:

• What to see and do in Granada in 1 day.
• What to see and do in Granada in 2 days.
• What to see and do in Granada in 3 days.
• What to see and do in Granada in 4 days.