Is a trip to Southern Spain even complete if you didn’t make it to Granada? Trick question. This city is a must visit on anyone’s Spain adventure, but especially if you’re making your way to Southern Spain (aka Andalusia).
In Granada, you’ll find some of the best aspects of Andalusian culture like tapas, flamenco, lively crowds, and Moorish architecture. We recommend a three-day trip to this cultural hub making it a perfect weekend getaway.
What to do in Granada
#1: Spend the day at the Alhambra
Real talk: this will probably take you half a day on its own, but this is THE site to see in Granada. After an 8-century long rule, the Alhambra was the last Moorish stronghold to fall during the Spanish Inquisition. It’s still one of the best preserved testimonies to their culture and presence in Spain. So seriously, don’t slip up and miss it!
We recommend purchasing tickets months in advance, but if the Alhambra is already sold out online, don’t worry. There are limited day-of tickets available when the park opens, or you can usually find a last minute spot on a guided tour.
Your visit can last 3-6 hours depending on your walking speed, the weather, and–of course–how long you spend taking pictures.
#2: Stroll the Albayzin and find a kick ass view of the Alhambra
When you start strolling the Moorish quarter of Granada, you’ll quickly understand why it’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This white hill-top neighborhood offers some of the best views of Granada and many sites to visit, such as the Moorish era city gates! You’ll also find some cool street art along your walk.
Recommendations:
- Head to Mirador de San Nicolas for unobstructed views of the Alhambra or the Church of San Nicolas for aerial views of Granada with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a back drop.
- Start your stroll 1-2 hours before sundown and go to a lookout point for sunset.
- There are a lot of steep streets and slippery white shoes, wear good walking shoes.
#3: Find cool trinkets at the Alcaiceria
When you start strolling the Moorish quarter of Granada you’ll quickly understand why it’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This white hill-top neighborhood offers some of the best views of Granada and many sites to visit, such as the Moorish era city gates! You’ll also find some cool street art along your walk.
The best views of Granada are in the Albayzin from Mirador de San Nicolas (where you’ll find unobstructed views of the Alhambra) or the Church of San Nicolas (where you’ll get aerial views of Granada with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a back drop).
#4: Go Tapeando for dinner
Tapas are small portions of food served with your drink, and Granada is the best place in Spain to eat them. Why? Every beverage gets you a FREE tapa! Head to Calle de Pedro Antonio for an entire street of more tapas bars than you can eat at.
#5: Visit the Cave Houses of the Sacromonte Neighborhood
Because of its meadows, rivers, and mountain views, the Sacromonte is another popular neighborhood to explore in Granada. It’s also a multi-ethnic neighborhood where you’ll find Spanish, Jewish, Arab, and Roma* culture. Here you’ll find many cave houses that you can visit and you can also watch a Flamenco show in one. I recommend Cueva de la Rocio but there are many to choose from.
#6: Marvel at the Granada Cathedral
Whether you’re a cathedral junkie or not, you definitely have to pass by this one. It’s in the heart of the city and is considered one of the best examples of Spanish-style Rennaissance architecture (a title that’s hard to come by in a country rich in Rennaisance-era architecture).
Pro tip: The cathedral is close to tons of cafes and restaurants so grab a menu del dia or a coffee and enjoy the views of the cathedral.
#7: People watch at Plaza Nueva
Despite its name, Spanish for new plaza, this is the oldest plaza in Granada (they have a sense of humor around here, you’ll find out). Walk along the plaza and continue along the Daro River for more views of this gorgeous city.
#8: Hike, ski, or sled at Sierra Nevada National Park
The largest national park in Spain is easily accessible from the city of Granada. So if you’re a nature lover, you have to check out the hiking! If you’re visiting in winter, it’s also one of the best places to ski, snowboard, or sled in Spain.
Consider setting aside at least half a day for your visit depending on which activity you choose.
#9: Shop at Nevada Shopping Center
Okay this isn’t exactly a cultural recommendation in the typical sense, but fashion is culture, right? This is probably my #1 favorite shopping center in all of Spain, and you will find all of the best Spanish brands and styles available in large quantities. Check out brands like Zara and Mango, for home-grown Spanish fashion.
When is the best time to visit Granada?
Let’s start with a popular but problematic time: Summer. If your hands are tied, visit as early or as late as possible to avoid the July heat. Early June or late August are bearable.
Summer is HOT. And not just outside. It might also be hot inside if you don’t have a fan or air conditioning (so check your listing twice). Most places will also abide by siesta time and close from 2-5 for a mid-day nap because it is sizzling outside (though this could be an opportunity to experience siesta for yourself)!
But if you come in the summer especially during May and June, you are in for a treat. Flowers are in full bloom and some of the city’s most iconic cultural events happen during this time.
Other than that, it depends what you’re looking for, mate!
The best time to catch a cultural event in Granada
This is a tough one because Granada has so many iconic festivals throughout the year, but if you want to visit for the most popular ones consider visiting during these times:
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) in April – Throughout all of Spain during Holy Week or Semana Santa you will witness ornate processions dedicated to the life and passion of Jesus Christ. Each city celebrates it a little different, and Granada’s is especially popular for the procession of the gypsy* Christ, which is unlike any other procession in Andalusia. Unlike other processions that might be more solemn or family oriented, this procession is lively and full of revelry and flamenco dancing. You don’t have to be Christian or religious to enjoy this cultural event, it’s one of the biggest of the year in Spain and worth seeing for at least a day.
- The Day of the Cross (Las Cruces) in May – Las Cruces is celebrated throughout all of Andalusia, but no one celebrates it like Granada because it first originated here in the 17th century.
- Corpus Christi in June – If you’re looking for the grandest festival in Granada you have to stop by in June for Corpus Christi. You’ll see puppet shows, bullfights and flamenco shows.
The best time to avoid crowds of tourists in Granada
September and October are definitely the best times of the year to avoid crowds. Many will just have returned from lengthy summer vacations and students will be back in school, leaving the city less packed with tourists.
When to catch the best weather in Granada
Spring time months such as April and May offer moderate weather, as do the months of September and October. If you December-February will be the best time to enjoy winter sports in the nearby Sierra Nevada, but depending on where you’re staying there could be a hike in prices.
*Side note: The term gypsy or gitano has a controversial use due to the historical marginalization of this community. Roma is the appropriate term to use this group of people. However, we chose to use this in certain instances for clarity or because of official naming of events.
