If Spain and Andalusia are on your list of dream destinations, Granada must be on your travel itinerary. This gorgeous city charmed us with its majestic landscapes and its impressive monuments, but also by its warm and relaxed atmosphere. The food is also so tasty and affordable, and there are a ton of incredible activities to do around, what more could you ask for? Discover the treasures of Granada by checking out our favorite things to do below!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
1. Visit the Alhambra
Bordered by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Alhambra is often considered the 8th wonder of the world! Also called the “Red Fortress,” the palace was built in the 13th century by the Moors of the Nasrid dynasty.
It’s also one of the most famous monuments in Spain and that’s why it’s recommended to book your visit in advance. The time indicated on your ticket is for visiting the Nasrid Palaces, but you can access the site of the Alhambra from 8:30 a.m. if you also want to explore the magnificent Generalife Gardens, the Palace of Charles V and the Alcazaba.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
For your information, the visit to the Nasrid palaces lasts approximately 1 hour, you can count another hour for the Generalife Garden, 45 minutes for the Alcazaba and 30 minutes for the palace of Charles V. Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1984, the Alhambra’s grandiose decor as well as its incredible history will certainly leave you speechless.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Enjoy the sunset at Mirador San Nicolás
Located in the plaza sharing its name, Mirador San Nicolás definitely offers the city’s most spectacular view of the Alhambra. Nestled in the heart of the Albaicín district, you might even be able to attend a flamenco show during your visit.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
If your schedule allows it, the end of the day, bathed in the sunset’s golden light, is the ideal time to capture the splendor of the Alhambra as a backdrop. The cobbled streets leading to this viewpoint offer a picturesque stroll, but you can also take the C31, C32 and C34 buses to get there if you want to relax or if you’re accompanied by someone with reduced mobility.
3. Explore the Albaicín neighborhood
It’s impossible not to fall under the charm of the Albaicín district when visiting Granada! Dating from the 13th century and a UNESCO heritage site since 1984, this labyrinth of white houses is the perfect place to walk around and get lost in magnificent winding streets.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
There are also numerous viewpoints (including Mirador San Nicolás), and excellent tapas restaurants. In short, we were very happy to have chosen this flowery district for our stay in Granada and we recommend it 100%!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
4. Ultimate relaxation in Hammam Al-Andalus’s thermal baths
We can’t praise enough Hammam Al-Andalus’s thermal baths, one of our biggest highlights in Granada and definitely THE best spa experience we’ve ever had, all countries combined. Located near Plaza Nueva, you’ll be seduced by the Moorish architecture of the place, the idyllic decor with candles and lanterns, the most relaxing mood and, above all, the magical atmosphere that emanates from it.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Lots of therapeutic massages and soothing treatments are available on-site, but you can also simply try the traditional Arab baths if you prefer. The thermal experience lasts 90 minutes of pure relaxation and costs around 50 euros per person (depending on the time of your visit), and it’s definitely worth it! Photos inside are prohibited, but you’ll keep a priceless and precious memory, that’s a promise!
5. Visit El Bañuelo
A preserved archaeological site from the Moorish era, a visit to El Bañuelo will transport you back in time to continue your journey to the heart of the tradition of Arab baths. Testifying to the architectural sophistication of the Nasrid era and the Moorish civilization’s ingenuity, you’ll be able, among other things, to admire its elegant arches, its azulejo tiles and its imposing vaults.
6. Dive into the history of Granada Cathedral
A Gothic masterpiece, the cathedral of Granada, like the one in Malaga, was built on the remains of an ancient mosque, and testifies to the architectural harmony between Christian and Moorish cultures. Nestled in Granada’s historic center, you can soak up the sacred ambiance of this majestic building by exploring its chapels, cloisters and the tomb of the Catholic kings. The visit costs around 5 euros per person and it should take you around two hours to complete the tour.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Walk in Carmen de los Mártires Park
During your visit to the Alhambra, we also recommend that you stop nearby, at the Carmen de los Mártires park, to take a little break in this peaceful haven. Combining the charm of English, French and Spanish gardens, you can admire several species of birds, including peacocks, and take the opportunity to picnic or visit the old aqueduct in the middle of the duck pond. It’s a real gem and the perfect place to relax between activities in Granada.
8. Watch a flamenco show in Sacromonte
Camped in the Albaicín hills, you’ll find Sacromonte, Granada’s gypsy district. Renowned for its famous flamenco shows set up in nearly 3,000 caves on the mountainside, it’s a must to attend a performance of this traditional Andalusian dance. By visiting Sacromonte during the day, you can stroll (and get lost) through the bucolic streets of this neighborhood with whitewashed houses. Many guided tours are also available to learn more about the history of the gypsies who inhabited this area, in addition to showing you the incredible views over Granada and the Alhambra.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. Discover the culture of tapas bars
Renowned for its gastronomy and delicious dishes, Granada maintains an ancient tradition of Andalusian cuisine that isn’t found much elsewhere in the country: free tapas bars! You read correctly, Granada has preserved the custom, previously widespread throughout Andalusia, of offering free tapas when purchasing a drink.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Each tapas bar will therefore offer you a variety of different dishes, and the portions are usually very generous. During our visit, when ordering a glass of wine, tinto de verano or a local beer, we were able, among other things, to taste Iberian meat sandwiches, fresh fish, Spanish croquettes and everything was so good! As a tapas version or as a main dish, you must also try the famous Spanish tortilla during your stay in Granada, a classic as comforting as tasty!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. Have a cup of tea in the Arab quarter
The Moors having populated Granada for several years, many elements of Arab culture can still be found in the city of Granada today. In the Arab quarter, you’ll come across a large number of tea rooms offering of course, traditional mint teas, as well as a wide variety of sweet or savory pastries to accompany it all. Most of the tea rooms are located on a busy street near the bazaar, where you can also buy typical clothes or souvenirs.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, the Sierra Nevada is one of the highest mountain ranges in Western Europe and a real playground for outdoor enthusiasts. During your visit to Granada, we strongly recommend that you take a guided tour of the region to explore its snow-capped mountains and to learn more about the geology of the Iberian Peninsula.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Granada, our favorite city in Andalusia, is a magical destination that really deserves its place on your bucket list! From its fascinating history to its tasty and affordable gastronomy, you won’t regret adding it to your travel itinerary! We hope that our recommendations have made you want to explore Granada and, above all, that they’ll help you plan an unforgettable getaway in Southern Spain!
Have a great trip!
*Did you like this article and would you like to receive more travel content? Subscribe to our newsletter now to stay on top of trends and our favorite destinations!