11 Best Things to Do in Granada, Spain

Looking for the best things to do in Granada? This Andalusian city may be famous for the Alhambra, but what truly makes it unforgettable are the moments you don’t expect — sipping tea in a Moorish courtyard, catching a breeze on a quiet mirador, or wandering into a plaza where time seems to pause.

I spent several days exploring Granada on foot, and the more I wandered, the more I realized this city is a perfect blend of grand and grounded. Whether you’re here for history, views, or just good food, this list of the 11 best things to do in Granada covers both the iconic and the under-the-radar, all based on firsthand experience.

Ready to discover what makes Granada so special?

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Visit the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens

If you do only one thing in Granada, make it the Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage site is more than a palace. It’s a sprawling fortress complex with intricate Islamic architecture, peaceful courtyards, flowing fountains, and hilltop views that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

I booked an afternoon ticket and gave myself several hours, and I still wasn’t ready to leave. The Nasrid Palaces alone deserve your full attention, but don’t miss the Alcazaba (the original fortress), the lush Generalife Gardens, and the views over the Albaicín from almost every corner.

💡Insider Tip: Tickets often sell out weeks in advance, especially for the Nasrid Palaces. Book online early and bring your passport, as they check ID at the entrance. Go early in the morning or late in the day for softer light and fewer people.

Visiting the Alhambra is an unforgettable experience — but only if you plan ahead. I wrote a full guide on how to visit the Alhambra with everything you need to know: tickets, time slots, entrances, and what to expect.

Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás

If there’s one view in Granada that everyone should experience, it’s the Alhambra glowing orange in the sunset — and Mirador de San Nicolás is the place to see it.

From this stone terrace in the heart of the Albaicín, the palace complex rises dramatically with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. It’s postcard-perfect, and even better in person.

I arrived about 30 minutes before sunset and still had to squeeze onto the wall between a guitarist and a group of locals sipping wine. Touristy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

Just behind the mirador is the peaceful Church of San Nicolás, which most people ignore. Don’t miss it if it’s open.

💡Insider Tip: The earlier you arrive, the better your spot, especially in peak season. Want the same view with fewer people? Try nearby Mirador Ojo de Granada or Placeta de Carvajales instead.

Get Lost in the Albaicín

The Albaicín is Granada’s oldest neighborhood, and wandering its maze of whitewashed streets is like stepping into a different time.

This former Moorish quarter sits on a hillside opposite the Alhambra, offering winding alleys, small plazas, and unexpected views at every turn.

I explored the Albaicín without a map, and that’s exactly how you should do it. I stumbled upon hidden plazas, quiet miradores, and tiny shops tucked behind vine-covered walls.

One moment you’re in total silence, the next you’re hearing a flamenco guitar echo from a courtyard.

💡Insider Tip: Wear good shoes, the cobblestones are no joke, and some alleys are steep. Aim to explore in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the neighborhood is quieter. Don’t miss Plaza Larga, Arco de las Pesas, and Placeta del Peso de la Harina.

👉 If you want a more in-depth experience, this sunset walking tour of the Albaicín and Cacromonte is really great. Click here to see availability and book.

Granada is a great city for budget travelers. In fact, many of the best views and experiences cost nothing at all. Here’s my guide to the best free things to do in Granada, including some surprisingly beautiful places.

Step Inside the Cathedral and Royal Chapel

Granada’s Cathedral and Royal Chapel often play second fiddle to the Alhambra, but they shouldn’t. These two monuments in the heart of the city center are architectural masterpieces, and they tell the story of how Christian and Moorish Spain collided.

The Cathedral stuns with its white-and-gold Renaissance interior, while the adjacent Royal Chapel houses the ornate tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs who completed the Reconquista and funded Columbus.

I visited mid-morning and was surprised how quiet it was inside — a peaceful counterpoint to the buzz outside on Calle Oficios.

💡Insider Tip: Audioguides are worth it if you’re interested in Spanish history. Photography is allowed in both (without flash), so bring your camera.

👉 I recommend booking a guided tour to the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel for a more immersive experience. Check availability and book here.

If you’ve already seen the big sights or want to skip the crowds, check out my list of hidden gems in Granada — quiet corners, scenic backstreets, and places most tourists miss.

Relax at a Hammam

After a long day climbing hills and wandering cobbled streets, there’s nothing better than sinking into warm, candlelit waters, and Hammam Al Ándalus is the perfect place to do it. Inspired by traditional Arab baths, this restored hammam near Plaza Nueva offers a tranquil experience of Granada’s Moorish legacy.

I booked a late session, and stepping into the vaulted stone rooms lit by flickering lanterns felt like entering another world. The baths ranged from hot to cold, the herbal tea flowed freely, and the optional massage? Totally worth it.

💡Insider Tip: Reserve your slot early, especially on weekends. The basic entry includes bath access and mint tea; add a massage or aromatherapy ritual for full relaxation.

Book your Hammam Al Ándalus experience here

Enjoy Free Tapas with Every Drink

Granada is one of the few places in Spain where ordering a drink means getting a free tapa, no questions asked. It’s more than a quirky custom; it’s a way of life.

From small plates of jamón and cheese to mini paellas and stews, every round comes with a surprise from the kitchen, and the quality is often surprisingly good.

💡Insider Tip: You don’t need to ask for the tapa, it comes automatically. Just order your drink and enjoy the surprise. Locals often rotate between a few bars instead of staying in one, especially in the Albaicín and Realejo neighborhoods.

👉 If you want to try even more flavors and learn about the history of tapas in Granada, I recommend a gastronomic tour with a local guide.

Visit Carmen de los Mártires

Just a short walk from the Alhambra, Carmen de los Mártires is one of Granada’s best-kept secrets. This 19th-century villa surrounded by lush gardens and fountains feels like a forgotten palace — and it’s completely free to visit.

I went expecting a quick stroll and stayed over an hour. There were peacocks roaming freely, shaded benches with views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada, and even a small romantic pond with a stone bridge.

I couldn’t believe how few people were there. Most tourists walk right past it on their way to the Alhambra without realizing what they’re missing.

💡Insider Tip: The entrance is easy to miss. Look for the small gate on the road between the Alhambra and Realejo. It’s a great place to take a break after your Alhambra visit.

Stroll Along Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes

For the most photogenic walk in Granada, head to Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes. Following the Darro River at the foot of the Alhambra, this cobbled path weaves past stone bridges, historic buildings, and leafy trees with the palace looming above — it’s the kind of place where you keep stopping to take photos.

I walked this route nearly every day during my stay. Early mornings were peaceful, with locals out for a jog, while evenings brought street musicians and a golden glow on the Alhambra walls. If you continue past the cafés at the end of Paseo de los Tristes, it quiets down beautifully and leads you toward Cuesta de los Chinos, a hidden uphill path to the Alhambra.

💡Insider Tip: Start from Plaza Nueva and head toward Sacromonte. It’s slightly uphill but manageable.

Explore El Bañuelo

Hidden in plain sight along Carrera del Darro, El Bañuelo is one of the best-preserved Arab baths in Spain, and one of the most overlooked.

Dating back to the 11th century, these ancient hammams were once a cornerstone of daily life under Moorish rule. Today, you can walk through the vaulted chambers and admire the star-shaped skylights that filter soft light onto the stone floors.

I nearly walked past the modest entrance — it’s that understated. But inside, the silence and cool air give you a powerful sense of history. The best part? It’s free to visit on Sundays, and rarely crowded.

💡Insider Tip: Look for the small wooden door just before the river bend on Carrera del Darro. Combine your visit with Casa de Zafra, which is included in the ticket.

Shop at the Alcaicería Market

Tucked just behind Granada’s Cathedral, the Alcaicería Market is a reimagined Moorish bazaar. It is a narrow maze of stalls and shops selling everything from hand-painted ceramics and embroidered shawls to spices and teas.

It’s a touristy spot, yes, but the ambiance still captures the feel of a historic silk market that once thrived here under Nasrid rule.

I wandered through after visiting the Cathedral and ended up buying saffron, a handwoven table runner, and more than a few tea blends I hadn’t planned on. The alleyways are atmospheric, especially early in the day when it’s still quiet and the shopkeepers are setting up.

Visit Casa de Zafra

Hidden in the heart of the Albaicín, Casa de Zafra is a beautifully preserved Nasrid-era home turned into a small museum. It was one of the most peaceful places I visited in Granada.

Once the private residence of a Moorish noble family, the house now showcases the traditional layout of a carmen: central courtyard, quiet rooms, and simple, elegant architecture.

The museum inside is small but informative, with panels explaining the evolution of the Albaicín. The atmosphere is calm, and the restored patio is a lovely place to pause mid-exploration.

💡Insider Tip: Both Casa de Zafra and El Bañuelo are free to enter on Sundays.

Final Tips for Visiting Granada

Before you dive into exploring Granada, here are a few key things to know that will make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and maybe even cheaper:

🕓 How Many Days Do You Need in Granada?

Plan on 2 to 3 full days. That gives you enough time to visit the Alhambra, explore the Albaicín and city center, enjoy tapas culture, and still find a few hidden gems without rushing.

📅 When’s the Best Time to Visit Granada?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the afternoons, and winter is quieter but can get chilly.

🚶 Getting Around Granada

The city center is very walkable, especially if you’re staying near Plaza Nueva or the Cathedral. For the steep climbs in the Albaicín or to reach Sacromonte, local minibuses (C31, C32) are cheap and convenient.

💡 Local Tips

• Book Alhambra tickets in advance — ideally 2–4 weeks ahead
• Tapas are free, but drinks are not — so pace yourself!

Map of the Top Things to Do in Granada

To help you plan your visit and group nearby sights efficiently, here’s an interactive map with all 11 best things to do in Granada mentioned in this post.

📍 What’s on the map:

• Top landmarks like the Alhambra, Cathedral, and Royal Chapel
• Peaceful green spaces like Carmen de los Mártires
• Tapas bars, hidden patios, scenic walks, and more

💡 Tip: Download the map to your Google account or save it offline before heading out, as mobile signal can be spotty in the Albaicín’s narrow alleys.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Time in Granada

Granada is the kind of place that stays with you. Not just because of the Alhambra, but because of the views at sunset, the sound of footsteps on cobbled streets, and the surprise of free tapas with every glass of wine. Whether you’re here for two days or five, these 11 best things to do in Granada will help you experience both the iconic highlights and the quiet corners that make this city unforgettable.

💡 If this guide helped you, here’s what to do next:

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Thanks for reading — and I hope you enjoy every step, sip, and view in Granada as much as I did.

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