- Travel Enthusiast
- Aug 16
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
THE 8 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GRANADA - SPAIN
Granada is where the past and present meet in captivating ways. The legacy of Moorish palaces stands alongside lively streets filled with tapas bars and music, while the Sierra Nevada rises in the background. It’s a city that feels both timeless and alive, inviting you to wander slowly and uncover its many layers.
This guide highlights 8 of the best things to do in Granada, Spain – a perfect starting point for discovering the city’s most iconic landmarks, cultural traditions, and unforgettable views.
Want to make the most of your time? We’ve also created a day-by-day Granada itinerary that brings together all the highlights – perfect for planning your trip.
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VISIT THE ALHAMBRA AND GENERALIFE
No trip to Granada is complete without seeing the Alhambra – the city’s crown jewel and one of Spain’s most visited monuments. This vast complex of palaces, gardens, and fortresses was the seat of the Nasrid dynasty, and every corner is filled with stunning details: carved stucco, intricate tilework, and peaceful courtyards.
The Nasrid Palaces are the star of the show – delicate carvings, tiled courtyards, fountains, and dreamy views over the city. Entry is at a specific time, so check your ticket and plan the rest of your visit around it. Head over to the peaceful Generalife gardens, where fountains, flowers, and hillside views offer a quiet contrast to the palaces. Then climb the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra and its original fortress, where the towers provide some of the best panoramic views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada.
Tip 1: Tickets sell out weeks in advance – book as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time. For a quieter experience, aim for the 8:30 am entry slot when the crowds are at their smallest.
Tip 2: Consider joining a guided tour to better understand the Alhambra’s architecture and history and to navigate the complex and see its most impressive corners.
GET LOST IN THE ALBAICÍN
The Albaicín, Granada’s old Moorish quarter, is a maze of narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, and hidden squares. Wandering here feels like stepping back in time – every turn reveals a glimpse of the Alhambra framed by cypress trees or a tucked-away café where locals linger. Its charm lies not just in the views, but in the small details: carved wooden balconies, flower-filled patios, and the quiet rhythm of daily life.
Down in the lower Albaicín, two streets in particular capture its essence. Calle Elvira hums with energy, known for its lively tapas bars and music drifting from doorways, while Calle Calderería Nueva feels like a slice of Morocco, lined with teterías (tea houses), shops glowing with ornate lanterns, and stalls piled with colorful textiles and ceramics. Together, they show how Moorish and Andalusian influences come together in everyday life here.
Don’t miss the Mirador de San Nicolás for one of the city’s most famous views: the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada in the background. For a calmer experience, head to Mirador de los Carvajales or San Cristóbal, which offer equally stunning perspectives with fewer crowds.
Tip 1: Head to El Huerto de Juan Ranas at sunset for some of the best Alhambra views in the city, and enjoy dinner or drinks as the colors shift over the fortress. Book ahead to secure a terrace table and stay until it’s dark to see the Alhambra beautifully lit at night.
Tip 2: Stop for a traditional mint tea and a sweet pastry in one of the teterías – Tetería Kasbah and Tetería El Bañuelo are both local favorites.
Tip 3: If you’d like to uncover more of the neighborhood’s history and hidden corners, you can join a guided walking tour of the Albaicín, which also includes nearby Sacromonte.
DISCOVER THE SACROMONTE CAVE HOUSES
Sacromonte is renowned for its whitewashed cave homes carved into the hillside, once inhabited by Granada’s Roma community. These unique dwellings, once troglodyte shelters, stay cool in summer and cozy in winter. Today many serve as museums, cultural centers, and intimate flamenco venues that preserve the area's traditions.
The Sacromonte Caves Museum lets you explore restored homes and experience traditional tools, furnishings, and the cave‑dwelling way of life. At night, the caves come alive with flamenco – where guitar, song, and dance echo in the stone, creating an atmosphere that feels authentic and emotional. One standout option is the flamenco show at Zincalé Cave, a 50-minute performance in an intimate cave-tablao that’s truly unforgettable.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk and cobblestone paths. If you’re attending a flamenco show in the caves, book ahead – venues like Zincalé are small and fill quickly.
EXPLORE THE CATHEDRAL AND ROYAL CHAPEL
Granada’s Renaissance-style cathedral is a masterpiece of symmetry and light, built on the site of the city’s former Great Mosque. Its soaring columns, vast domed ceiling, and luminous chapels give it an airy grandeur that’s unlike most Spanish cathedrals.
Right next door, the Royal Chapel holds a piece of Spain’s most pivotal history. Here lie the marble tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who completed the Reconquista in 1492 and financed Columbus’s voyage to the Americas. Inside, gilded altarpieces, Flemish paintings, and the monarchs’ personal items offer a rare glimpse into their private lives and lasting legacy.
Tip 1: If you want to get insights into the history, architecture, and details you might otherwise miss, you can join a guided tour of both the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel.
Tip 2: To save money and enjoy more flexibility, you can buy this combo ticket, which includes entry to both plus four other sites - the Monastery of La Cartuja, Monastery of San Jerónimo, San Juan de Dios Basilica, and the Museum of Fine Arts - over three days, with an audio guide included.
RELAX IN THE CARMEN DE LOS MÁRTIRES GARDENS
Just a short walk from the Alhambra, Carmen de los Mártires feels like stepping into a different pace of life. Once part of the city’s Moorish defenses and later a Christian convent, the grounds were transformed in the 19th century into a romantic garden blending French, English, and Spanish styles.
The garden’s terraces open up to sweeping views over Granada, the Vega plains, and on clear days, even the Sierra Nevada peaks. Visit after exploring the Alhambra for a calming finale – it’s a peaceful spot to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Tip: Entrance is free, and mornings are especially serene. Bring water if visiting in summer – there’s little shade on the walk there.
VISIT THE MONASTERY OF SAN JERÓNIMO
Just a few minutes from the cathedral, the Monastery of San Jerónimo is one of Granada’s most beautiful – yet often overlooked – treasures. Founded in the 16th century, it was the first Renaissance church built in Spain after the Reconquista.
Step inside to find cloisters lined with orange trees, vivid frescoes covering the walls and ceilings, and a golden main altar so elaborate it’s considered among the most intricate in the country. The tranquil courtyard gardens and arched galleries offer a quiet contrast to the city’s lively streets, making it a perfect place to pause and enjoy the atmosphere.
Tip: Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and softer light streaming into the cloisters, which makes the details of the frescoes and carvings even more striking.
ESCAPE TO THE SIERRA NEVADA
Just a short drive from Granada, the Sierra Nevada offers a complete change of scenery – from the city’s Moorish palaces to the rugged beauty of Spain’s highest mountains. In winter, it’s a snow-covered playground for skiers and snowboarders, while the rest of the year brings endless trails, wildflower meadows, and crisp mountain air.
One of the most exciting ways to experience the range is on a safari tour, climbing up to 2,500 meters for sweeping views over valleys, peaks, and – on clear days – even the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, you’ll stop at traditional villages, learn about the area’s wildlife and geology, and take in landscapes that shift from pine forests to high-altitude plateaus.
Tip: Even in summer, it’s cooler at higher altitudes – bring a light jacket. And if you’re visiting in winter, check road conditions before heading up.
HIKE THE CAHORROS DE MONACHIL CANYON
Just outside Granada, the Monachil River Canyon offers one of the region’s most scenic and adventurous walks. The Los Cahorros trail winds through dramatic cliffs, shaded gorges, and lush riverside paths. You’ll cross hanging suspension bridges, duck through narrow rock tunnels, and walk alongside the canyon walls with the river rushing below.
For an even richer experience, you can join a guided hiking tour that takes you through the most photogenic stretches, leads you to hidden viewpoints you might miss on your own, and shares stories about the area’s wildlife, geology, and history.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip – parts of the trail can be narrow, rocky, and slippery, especially near the river.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is Granada, Spain best known for?
Granada is best known for the Alhambra, a Moorish palace and fortress that ranks among Spain’s most iconic landmarks. Yet its identity stretches far beyond this masterpiece. The Albaicín’s winding lanes, the flamenco rhythms of Sacromonte, and the city’s beloved tapas tradition all add to a character that feels both historic and full of life.
Is Granada in Spain worth visiting?
Yes – Granada is absolutely worth visiting. Few cities offer such a mix of rich heritage, vibrant neighborhoods, and mountain views all in one place. You can spend the morning wandering through palaces, the afternoon getting lost in centuries-old streets, and the evening enjoying tapas with the Sierra Nevada as your backdrop.
What’s better, Seville or Granada?
Both are unforgettable, but in different ways. Seville is grand and festive, with its cathedral, flamenco, and buzzing streets. Granada, on the other hand, feels more intimate – with Moorish palaces, hillside views, and a slower rhythm. If you love big energy and iconic monuments, Seville might win. If you’re drawn to atmosphere and history around every corner, Granada is hard to beat.
Is 2 days enough for Granada?
Two days is enough to see Granada’s highlights – the Alhambra, the Albaicín, the Cathedral, and even a flamenco show in Sacromonte. You’ll get a real feel for the city. But if you have more time, an extra day lets you linger in its gardens, enjoy the tapas culture without rushing, or even venture into the nearby mountains.
START YOUR ADVENTURE
These 8 best things to do in Granada, Spain highlight the city’s unique character – from the iconic Alhambra to the winding streets of the Albaicín. Add in tapas traditions, peaceful gardens, and views stretching to the Sierra Nevada, and you’ll see why Granada feels both timeless and unforgettable. Each experience reveals a different side of its history and charm, and altogether they create a journey that captures the very essence of the city.
