Location: Granada
Top Things to do in Granada
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What to do and see in Granada, Andalucia: The Best Free Things to do
The Alhambra citadel of Granada is one of the most famous buildings in Spain: a Moorish fortress with grand archways and delicate ornamental mosaics. Step backwards in time as you wind through the ascending cobblestone streets of Albayzin. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views from the Mirador San Nicolas. Granada’s nightlife is vibrant and varied, thanks in part to its student population. Hit the bars of Calle Elvira or, for a quieter outing, the traditional tea rooms of La Calle de Las Teterias.
Restaurants in Granada
1. Mirador de San Nicolas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,666 reviews
Reviewed By LYNN8008 - Penang Island, Malaysia
Albayzin is famous for its charming surroundings, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and tapas bars. We walked along the little Albayzin streets and climbed up some steep steps leading to Mirador de San Nicolas located in the Albayzin neighbourhood for a spectacular view of the Alhambra, the Generalife, the city at its feet, and the magnificent Sierra Nevada right behind!
2. Albayzin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,591 reviews
Named a World Heritage Site, this is the old Moorish quarter of Granada.
Reviewed By Omer-Lavv - Greater London, United Kingdom
ALBAYZIN is a district in the historical city of Granada that retains its name and look from it’s Moorish past, when it was ruled by Muslims.The place has many places to see, colorful shops and restaurants to eat. Albayzin has narrow streets and has a hilly landscape. A good walk up to the top of Albayzin to see Palacio Dal al Hora, or “Mirador San Nicolas” provides a great opportunity for scenic views and an escape from busy streets of Granada for a breath of fresh air. It’s a very interesting place to wander about and see historic buildings and medieval looking streets like “Calle Elvira”, and in particular its steep off streets (with many colourful Arabic shops and restaurants), Calle Calderería, Puerta Elvira (Granada's city gate), Palacio Dar el Hora (residence of the last Moorish king's mother) and the one I really liked was" Mirrador San Nicolas"(A view point on the top with scenic views of Alhambra,Granada, especially during sunset, see my profile cover picture), along with many other attractions in this interesting place. Albayzin has a strong middle eastern feel and look in its streets with women selling Hina (Arabic tattos) for ladies and men doing Arabic calligraphy. We've been there twice and still can't get enough of this beautiful city with centuries of history attached to it.
3. Carrera del Darro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,795 reviews
Reviewed By shoestrung - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Picturesque cobbled street running alongside the Rio Darro, lined with some lovely little bars and restaurants. Well worth a meander.
4. Sacromonte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,905 reviews
A large hill located close to the Albayzín that is known for its caves that have been turned into public places for flamenco performances.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
With 3 nights in Granada, we had time to explore a little further beyond the Alhambra. Exploring Sacromonte was a highlight. We went here specifically to see the unique cave-houses. History is somewhat murky but it is generally thought that the Roma gypsies (Gitano) settled here in the 15th century, making homes by digging back into the mountain side. Sacromonte was very easy to explore on foot and you did not need a guide. There is one only narrow main street, the Camino del Sacromonte, which is what we walked down (keep an eye out for cars and the occasional small bus because there’s not much space). We started from the the tiny plaza with a central statue of the Gypsy King. This is Curro Albaicin, who was born in Sacromonte in 1940s and famously performed for people from Bill Clinton to Koffi Annan. Just past that you see cave bars where flamenco shows are held in the evening. Cuesta de la Rocio caught our eye. Although it was not yet open, the owner kindly let us go in and have a look. If we’d had one more night, I’d have gone back to see a show there. As we continued, the area became more residential. Most of the houses had been substantially developed and were no longer humble cave homes. The white-washed walls were hung with pots and vividly colourful geraniums. The view is also worthwhile. In one direction, you look across ravines to the Alhambra and in the other direction, the mountain landscape is a beautiful backdrop. In hindsight we should have allowed more time for Sacromonte. We went there on our last morning and only had an hour or so to explore. We short-changed ourselves here. We didn't have time to explore the side-streets or the museum (11 restored, preserved cave-houses). With more time, I’d definitely have continued our walk to the abbey and the catacomb caves. GETTING THERE: We started from Plaza Nueva and walked along the Carrera del Darro, following the river bank, then headed left up Cuesta del Chapiz. At the Gypsy King statue, turn right into Camino del Sacromonte. It was about a 20 min walk. You can also take the C2 bus from Plaza Nueva.
5. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias
6. Carmen de los Martires
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 460 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Carmen de los Martires is a paradise on earth, specifically in Granada! We visited after having enjoyed the superb Alhambra. This is really an oasis of peace and tranquility. Beautifully landscaped gardens with sculptures and water features. Here a church was built, at the top of the hill, to honour and remember all those Christian martyrs who suffered under the Moor domination, whilst Spain was under Arab rule.
7. Iglesia del Sagrario
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
During the moorish centuries in Granada, the mayor mosque of Granada stood exactly here! With the conquest of Granada by the legendary Catholic Kings, the old "Aljama Mosque" (the "Friday Mosque", in English) was Cristianized and converted into the "Iglesia del Sagrario" ("Church of the Holy Tabernacle"). In the 18th century, after the construction of the magnificent Cathedral of Granada, the old converted mosque was demolished and the construction of a new Church was started by Francisco de Hurtado Izquierdo, the same architect of the city's Cathedral. The construction took decades and finally, in 1759, the new "Iglesia del Sagrario" was opened. It is a beautiful Church, with not so many visitors as it is overshadowed by the neighboring Cathedral. Please check its visiting hours before going. Moments of silence, prayer and confidence await you! Enjoy!
8. Plaza de San Nicolas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,269 reviews
Reviewed By paulwL4646YD
This is like Mallory Square in Key West- musicians, "hippies", locals and tourists mingle and watch the colors play on the Alahambra as the sun sets. Great vibe.
9. Mezquita Mayor de Granada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By 1512sharik - Paderborn, Germany
Scenic lookout with BEST views of Alhambra in a great courtyard. The mosque itself is also very beautiful and people are very hospitable offering a rare chance to observe the azaan (Muslim call to prayer) live. This place is a true gem offering serenity and calmness all-in-one. Must visit on your Granada visit!
10. Casa Museo Max Moreau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By MarilynJ450 - Moldova, null
This museum was open and free when we were there, It is a restored home with part of it turned into a gallery of his work, It is a beautiful Carmen with high walls and a glorious garden on multiples levels, patios with views of the city and lovely restoration work on the original home.
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