10 BEST Things to Do in Granada, Spain for First-Time Visitors

Are you visiting Granada for the first time and wondering what the top attractions are and how to make the most of your time? Follow this post and you'll be on your way to an incredible trip! Ancient palaces, quaint neighborhoods, picturesque viewpoints, top tapas spots, and more...these are the BEST things to do in Granada, Spain.

Southern Spain is one of my favorite areas of Europe. The warm weather, incredible tapas, lush gardens, and busy squares make this a must-visit destination.

The sights, food, and culture aren't the only things that draw me to Granada again and again. The city is also safe, walkable, incredibly clean, well-preserved, and the perfect place to stay busy or sit back and relax.

The mix of Moorish and Spanish culture, along with its intriguing history, makes Granada a fascinating place to visit.

One of the most overwhelming parts of planning a trip is what to see and what to make a priority. I’ve researched and visited the top sights so you can take the guesswork out of how to prioritize your Granada itinerary.

My list of the top 10 things to do in Granada can easily fill a 2-day itinerary or a more leisurely 3-day itinerary.

This map shows the TOP things to do in Granada, Spain. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), select the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.

• Blue - top sights and attractions in Granada
• Purple - tapas and churros in Granada

Before we go into the best things to do in Granada, let's discuss a few things first

How many days in Granada are ideal?

Many visitors spend just one day in Granada. Or they do it as a day trip.

I don't advise this and recommend spending 2 days in Granada, Spain.

Granada is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Don’t rush this city and see the main sights in 1 day. It deserves time to wander the neighborhoods, enjoy a few lengthy meals, and take your time at the top attraction, the Alhambra Palace.

Save the Alhambra for your second day. Book the first time slot and arrive before it opens. This will give you a nice amount of time to enjoy the palace without the hordes of tourist groups.

Those who do Granada as a day trip will have a rushed visit and are forced to go in the late morning/afternoon (when it's the most crowded). You could easily spend four hours here...time a day tripper will not have.

Anything less than 2 days in Granada means you won't have time to truly experience the city. Yes, Granada is small; it's nothing like Paris, London, or Barcelona, but it packs a lot into a small space.

So, how many days in Granada do you really need? Two days and two nights. Don't shorten it or you'll regret it.

Opt for 3 days if you'd like to slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, shop, and wander,

How to get around Granada, Spain

Granada is entirely walkable. The main tourist attractions are typically no more than a 20-minute walk away, with the Alhambra and Mirador de San Nicolás being around 30 minutes. I prefer walking as the city is clean and an enjoyable place to wander.

Uber is available in Granada. I usually use Cabify since it's cheaper and works the same as Uber.

If you're averse to hills, have bad knees, etc., you may consider taking a cab vs. walking. The trek to the Albaicin and the Alhambra is particularly steep.

What's the best time to visit Granada, Spain?

The best time to visit Granada, Spain is spring and late fall; specifically, April through early June and late September through November. March is also nice if you're ok with cooler temperatures (40s and 50s).

Fall sees more rain than Spring. October and November are the rainiest months. April has the highest chance of rain in Spring, though it's still lower than in fall.

Granada has a higher elevation than other towns in the Andalusia region. This means the temperatures are more extreme: hot summers and cold winters.

My personal favorite times/months to visit Granada are April through May and early/mid-October. The weather is great and there are fewer crowds.

10 best things to do in Granada, Spain

1. Walking Tour

One of the best things to do in Granada to orient yourself with the city and learn the overall history

I often book a walking tour on my first day in a new city to not only learn the history but also get my bearings. If there's a city where a walking tour is a must, I would say Granada is one.

Granada offers a captivating history, and a well-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to uncover its stories in an engaging setting. It's also smart to ask your tour guide for suggestions on where to eat, see flamenco, shop, etc.

The walkability of Granada makes this a perfect city for a walking tour. You’ll see the majority of Granada's sights during a 2 to 3-hour tour.

Recommended tours:

• Granada City Center and Albaicin Private Tour
• Granada's Hidden Treasures: Albayzin and Sacromonte Walking Tour
• Golden Hour in Granada: Sunset Walking Tour with Play Granada
• Consider an electric bike tour to see even more of the city.
• Albaicin and Sacromonte Segway Tour

Note: most walking tours will take you through the Alcaicería Market. If yours does not, be sure to stop by. It’s right by the Cathedral and was originally a Moorish silk market. It now feels like a touristy souk but is still worth a quick stop.

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2. Visit Alhambra and Generalife Gardens

Not only THE best thing to do in Granada, but listed as one of the best sights in all of Europe!

The Alhambra is one of the most famous palace complexes in the world, both for it's design and history. It was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain before its fall to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.

It's also one of the best preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, offering a glimpse into the magnificence of Moorish architecture and design.

The grounds are vast, with gardens arranged in structured patterns. Water plays a reoccurring theme with fountains, reflections pools, narrow streams, and channels.

Admiring the intricate Moorish carvings and tile work covering entire walls and ceilings is worth the visit alone!

Purchase your tickets to visit the Alhambra as far in advance as possible (currently up to 3 months). They do sell out.

When you purchase your Alhambra tickets you'll have to pick an entrance time. Be aware that they are very strict on the entrance time. A set number of people are allowed in the Nasrid Palaces, the main palaces, at a time.

Whatever you do, make sure you are in line for the Nasrid Palaces by the time marked on your ticket. The palace employees have no sympathy for late arrivals and will not hesitate to deny you entrance.

My advice is to pick the first time slot at 8:30 am and arrive by 8:15 am. Tour groups start to crowd the palace around 10:00/11:00 am.

There are several different types of tickets to purchase. Make sure to buy the Alhambra General ticket. This includes all the main sights of the Alhambra including the Nasrid Palaces, grounds, and Generalife for €20. 

Guided tours and audio guides are also available if you want to dive into the history. On my first visit, I followed Rick Steve’s self-guided tour and enjoyed going at my own pace. 

Plan to spend at least 4 hours here.

AWA Tip: this is a great place to join a tour. It's more interesting with a guide versus reading it out of your guidebook. 

• Alhambra: Small Group Tour with Local Guide & Admission
• PRIVATE TOUR: Alhambra Highlights Private Tour with Nazaries Palaces
• Granada: Night Visit to the Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces - a fun way to see the palace with fewer crowds. However, I only recommend this if you've visited the Alhambra before, or you love it so much you want to visit twice during your time in Granada.

3. Churros con Chocolate

We all know how popular churros con chocolate are in Spain. No matter which city I’m in while visiting España, I seek out the best spots to enjoy this regional treat.

Make sure to go in the morning or early afternoon as locals typically enjoy churros con chocolate for breakfast.

The best churros in Granada, and I’m talking the traditional thick ones, not the thin sugar-coated churros, are at Cafe Futbol, Churreria Alhambra, and Gran Café at Bib Rambla. 

Churreria Alhambra and Gran Cafe at Bib Rambla are both located at Plaza Bib Rambla. This pretty square is a nice spot to explore and walk around. It can feel a bit touristy, but still makes for an enjoyable stop.

Cafe Futbol, known for its authentic churros con chocolate since 1903, is located off a square called Plaza de Mariana Pineda, just 6 minutes walking distance from Plaza Bib Rambla.

Try one or all three and let me know which you think has the best churros in Granada!

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4. Albaicin – the Moorish Quarter

The Albaicin, or Albayzín, is situated northeast of Granada’s city center. It's one of the most unique aspects of Granada. You'll feel like you've left Spain and entered another country the moment you enter this neighborhood. 

The Albaicin is a medieval Moorish quarter is known by its narrow winding lanes and white stucco buildings with ceramic tile rooftops. After the Reconquista in 1492, the Albaicin continued to be inhabited by Moriscos (Muslims who converted to Christianity). While Christian influences have left their mark, this area retained much of it's medieval Islamic architecture and urban layout.

Wandering this picturesque neighborhood is one of my favorite things to do in Granada, Spain.

Did you know the Albaicin and Alhambra Palace are both listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites?

5. Tapas and Flamenco at the Caves of Sacramonte

The Sacromonte district is compact and steep with homes built right into the cliffs. This is where Granada’s gypsy community resides.

The main street, Camino del Sacromonte, is where you will find many cave restaurants. Unfortunately, these have become quite touristy with high prices. Explore the streets above and below for a more authentic feel.

Sacromonte is one of the best areas to catch a Flamenco performance. Jardines De Zoraya is the most popular option for a reason. The dancers, singers, and guitarists are true talent! You can feel the passion in their performance. The food is surprisingly good as well. 

While there are many other Flamenco performances that feel incredibly touristy, Jardines De Zoraya offers an all-around wonderful experience.

6. Mirador de San Nicolas - Viewpoint

One of the best things to do in Granada for photographers

Mirador de San Nicolas offers one of the best views in Granada, showcasing a panorama of the Alhambra Palace. 

Located in the picturesque Albaicin neighborhood, the walk to this viewpoint is as charming as the view is spectacular. 

Most sites will recommend visiting Mirador de San Nicolas, aka Plaza de San Nicolas, at night. I disagree and have found the late afternoon, sunset, and evening to be incredibly crowded.

Early morning (try for sunrise if possible) is my favorite time to visit. Seeing the Alhambra lit in the soft morning sun and enjoying the view without the crowds is a memory that will last a lifetime. 

If you have time, I recommend visiting at night too. The atmosphere is completely different. There is a spirited and busy feel in the square. Locals play guitar, tourists capture the moment on camera, and others take in the views with a drink in hand.

It is a climb to the Mirador de San Nicolas viewpoint with many steps and uneven pebbled streets. If you don’t feel up to the exercise, grab a cab. Otherwise, wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the walk. 

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7. Tapas Crawl

You can't discuss the best things to do in Granada, Spain without the mention of tapas!

Do as the locals do and start late, around 9:00 pm. Pick a lively square or street that piqued your interest while exploring earlier and hop from bar to bar enjoying a sangria and tapas or two at each spot.

Some of my favorite streets/squares to do a tapas crawl are Carrera del Darro, Plaza Nueva, Calle Elvira, and Calle Navas. 

Some of the best casual and well-priced tapas restaurants in Granada are La Botilleria, Bodegas Castaneda, and Los Diamantes.

Here are some Granada Tapas tour options if you want to save yourself time researching options:

• Granada Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour - 3.5 hours, 12 people max
• Granada Original Tapas Crawl by Food Lover Tour - 3 hours, 10 people max
  
• 3-Hours Tapas Tour in Granada, Spain - 6 people max

8. Cathedral and Capilla Real

The Granada Cathedral is considered a Renaissance church but has elements of Gothic and Baroque styles as well. The church was built over a destroyed mosque and is located right in the city center.

It comes as a dramatic surprise as you round the corner and see the entrance. Which is almost hidden by the surrounding buildings. 

Tickets are €6.50 for the Cathedral and €13 for both the Cathedral and Royal Chapel. An audioguide is included through an app.

The Royal Chapel, aka Capilla Real, holds the remains of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. The treasury houses historic items like Isabella’s prayer book and crown and a box that is rumored to have been given to Columbus filled with jewels to fund his journey. You'll find a collection of Queen Isabella’s paintings in the grand hall.

9. Monasterio de la Cartuja - Granada Carthusian monastery

One of the best things to do in Granada that's NOT on everyone's itinerary

Because Monasterio de la Cartuja is just outside the city center, many tourists miss this monastery. It's actually very quick and easy to get to.

Walk 20 minutes or hop on a public bus or taxi/Uber (around €7-10). 

This monastery is famous for its dazzling Baroque interiors and will be blissfully quiet compared to Granada's other attractions.

Entrance is €6.50 and includes a free audioguide.

The history of the Monasterio de la Cartuja gives an interesting look into the lifestyle of the Carthusian Monks.

10. Hammam

Time to relax after your busy visit to Granada!

When researching the best things to do in Granada, Spain I bet visiting an Arab bathhouse was not on your list! 

Hammams were an integral part of daily life in Moorish culture. What better way to get a feel for this ancient culture than to take part in one of their rituals?

Hamman Al Andalus is the most luxury and well-known hamman in Granada. Go on a water journey through the different temperate water rooms, take a leisurely steam, and end with a blissful massage.

In Summary

I hope this list of the best things to do in Granada, Spain helped with your itinerary planning. Moorish palaces, soulful Flamenco performances, insane viewpoints...this destination has plenty to keep the average visitor busy for two days.

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10 BEST Things to Do in Granada, Spain for First-Time Visitors

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