Free Things to Do in Granada: Attractions Costing Nothing+Map

If you’re looking for free things to do in Granada, this city will pleasantly surprise you. Granada is one of the best places in Spain for budget travellers: the old town is completely walkable, the architecture is impressive, and the best views are completely free.

One of the most unique aspects of the city is the tradition of free tapas with every drink – something you won’t find anywhere else in Spain.

When I was there, I discovered that the best moments came from these little free experiences – watching the sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolas, wandering the narrow streets of the Albaicin, and carefree evenings in the Nueva Plaza.

Watch the Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás

The Mirador de San Nicolás is Granada’s most famous viewpoint of the Alhambra – and it’s completely free. It’s high up in the Albaicín neighbourhood and offers a direct view of the palace complex, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.

When I was there, the streets around the Mirador were bustling with life – street musicians, locals, and children playing ball. Tourists and locals alike crowded the walls of the plaza, each trying to secure a spot with the best view of the Alhambra as it gradually changed colour from gold to deep red.

If you ask me, the best time to go is at least 45 minutes before sunset. I arrived around 7 pm in the spring, and it was already packed. Bring a bottle of water, especially in the warmer months – there are no shops on site.

How to get to the Mirador de San Nicolás: The most authentic way to get there is to walk up the narrow streets of the Albaicín, a UNESCO heritage site. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the centre, but the climb is steep.

👉 If you want more beautiful views without paying an entrance fee, check out my list of hidden attractions in Granada.

💡Practical tip:

• Be prepared for uneven cobbled streets. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Be careful with personal belongings in the crowds at sunset.

Wander Through the Albaicín

The Albaicín is Granada’s oldest neighbourhood – a veritable maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses and small squares. A walk through the Albaicín is completely free and one of the best ways to get a feel for the city.

When I walked there, I didn’t have a specific direction. I just followed the winding streets that opened up to hidden plazas decorated with orange trees. Every turn brought a new view of the Alhambra or the Sierra Nevada mountains on the horizon.

I recommend starting from the Plaza Nueva and walking up to the miradors – the Mirador de San Nicolás is one of them, but there are several smaller and quieter ones along the way. In many of the streets, you’ll find small chapels, old fountains, and houses with authentic Moorish architecture.

👉 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.

Visit Patio de los Perfumes

The Patio de los Perfumes is one of the most fragrant and unusual places I have found in Granada. Located in a restored 18th-century palace just off the Plaza Nueva, at the very beginning of the Carrera del Darro, it offers free access to its patio and a small museum about the history of perfumery.

To be honest, I came across the Patio de los Perfumes by chance while walking along the river. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by the scent of jasmine, rose, and orange blossom, mixed with the cool air from the patio.

Why visit the Patio de los Perfumes?

• Free access to an impressive Andalusian courtyard
• A mini-museum about the history of perfumery
• A unique place to stop during a tour of the old part of Granada
• A chance to sample Andalusian-inspired scents

Tip:

• Entry to the patio and the museum is free, but if you want to take part in a workshop to create your own perfume, there is an extra charge.
• It is best to visit in the late morning or early afternoon when it is quieter.

👉 If you love local crafts and want to create your own scent, check out the perfume-making workshop at the Patio de los Perfumes.

Sign up here for a perfume workshop at Patio de los Perfumes. Create your own scent in the heart of Granada – book here:

Visit the Granada Cathedral (Exterior)

Granada Cathedral is one of the most impressive in all of Spain, and even if you don’t go inside, its facade is enough to leave you speechless. Visiting the outside is completely free and worth a short detour, especially if you’re in the city center.

When I first arrived at the cathedral, I was surprised by how monumental it looked against the backdrop of the narrow streets around it. The huge Baroque facade is richly ornamented, with details on the doors, arches, and towers that tell the story of Granada after the end of Muslim rule.

👉 There’s a fee to enter the interior of the Cathedral, but a walk around the exterior — including side streets like Calle Oficios and Placeta de la Romanilla — is completely free and great for photos.

👉 If you plan to visit the interior of the cathedral as well, I recommend booking a guided tour to the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel for a more immersive experience. Check availability and book here.

Stroll Along Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes

Carrera del Darro is one of Granada’s most picturesque streets, and it’s completely free to walk. The street follows the course of the river Darro, just below the slopes of the Alhambra. The dense stone buildings, small bridges, and cobbled pavement make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

As I walked, I could feel the silence of the river combined with the sound of footsteps on the ancient stones. A few street musicians played softly on guitars, and the smell of freshly roasted coffee wafted from the cafes along the street.

Paseo de los Tristes begins just after Carrera del Darro and is a natural extension of the route. This small square is the perfect place to sit down for a coffee and enjoy the view of the Alhambra rising dramatically above you.

A personal tip: go for a walk in the late afternoon or early evening. The light falls low on the walls of the Alhambra, the Daro River sparkles, and the street comes alive without being overcrowded.

👉 If you want to learn more about the history of this part of Granada, I recommend taking a free walking tour of old Granada. These tours usually include the Carrera del Darro, the Albaicín, and other emblematic places.

Relax at Carmen de los Mártires Gardens

Carmen de los Mártires is one of the most underrated places in Granada, and one of my favourites for escaping the crowds. Located just behind the Alhambra, these Granada gardens are completely free to visit and offer a sense of tranquillity that’s hard to find in the more central parts of the city.

To be honest, I would have missed Carmen de los Mártires if the receptionist at the hotel where I was staying hadn’t recommended it to me. She said, “If you want to see the real Granada, go there”. From the moment I walked in, I knew it was one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

I wandered through swan ponds, shady alleys, and romantic pavilions overlooking Granada. What struck me most was how architecture and nature merged at every turn: ancient fountains hidden among rose bushes and stone arches covered in ivy.

Why go to Carmen de los Mártires:

• No crowds, even at weekends
• Breathtaking views of all of Granada and the Vega plain
• Plenty of shade – perfect on hot afternoons
• If you’re lucky, you might hear a flamenco guitarist practising in the gardens

How to get there:

It’s about a 10-minute walk uphill from the main entrance to the Alhambra. There are signs for Carmen de los Mártires, but be careful – it’s easy to miss, as most tourists don’t know about it.

👉 You can combine it with a visit to the Alhambra.

Free Tapas with Every Drink

Granada is one of the few places in Spain where the tradition of free tapas with every drink is still alive. You buy a beer or wine, and, without asking, you get a small portion of food, often so large that it could easily replace a dinner.

When I first sat down at a small tapas bar near Plaza Nueva, I expected a symbolic bite. Instead, I got an almost full plate of paella. No extra charge. After my second drink, I got a mini-burger with chips. If they hadn’t told me beforehand, I wouldn’t have believed it.

This is how it works:

• You order a drink → you get tapas.
• Most bars choose tapas for you, but some let you choose.
• The more drinks you order, the more different tapas you get.

Recommended bars for free tapas in Granada:

• Bar Los Diamantes – for seafood
• Bodegas Castañeda – authentic atmosphere near Plaza Nueva
• La Buena Vida – a modern take on traditional tapas culture

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

Explore Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva is the oldest square in Granada and a natural starting point for a walk to the most emblematic parts of the city, such as the Albaicín, the Carrera del Darro, and the Alhambra. Walking here is completely free and gives you your first real taste of the atmosphere of historic Granada.

When I arrived at Plaza Nueva, the first thing I noticed was how the square lived its own rhythm: locals hurrying to work, tourists taking pictures of the details on the facades, and small groups of street musicians playing flamenco in the late afternoon.

Why stop at Plaza Nueva:

• A central starting point for all the main attractions
• Beautiful historic buildings such as the Royal Palace of Justice (Real Chancillería)
• A great place for a quick outdoor coffee break

Practical tip: If you plan to visit the Alhambra on foot, start from Plaza Nueva and walk up the Cuesta de Gomérez – this is the most direct route.

Hike Up to Sacromonte

Sacromonte is the neighbourhood of Granada that keeps the gypsy culture and flamenco traditions alive. The walk to Sacromonte is completely free, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

As I walked up from the Albaicín to Sacromonte, the streets gradually emptied of tourists. Instead of the typical tapas bars and souvenir shops, I was greeted by whitewashed cave houses, hanging laundry, and views of the Alhambra that you won’t find anywhere else in Granada.

Why you should walk to Sacromonte:

• The unique architecture of the cave houses
• Incredible views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada
• Historical link to Andalusian flamenco culture
• Almost no crowds in the side streets

How to get there:

From Plaza Nueva, take the Carrera del Darro, pass Paseo de los Tristes, and start the climb. The path is not difficult, but there are some steep sections, so bring comfortable shoes and water.

👉 If you want to learn more about the history of Sacromonte and the Gypsy culture, you can join a guided tour of Sacromonte and Albayzín.

Stroll through Plaza Bib-Rambla

Plaza Bib-Rambla is one of the liveliest squares in Granada and the perfect place to take a break during your tour of the city centre. Here you can feel the pulse of the city – street performers, local families, the smell of roasted chestnuts in winter, and orange blossom in spring.

When I arrived at Plaza Bib-Rambla, I was immediately drawn to the fountain in the middle of the square – Fuente de los Gigantes – with its detailed sculptures. Around the square are dozens of cafes and patisseries with outdoor tables where you can have a coffee or just watch life go by.

Why visit Plaza Bib-Rambla:

• Central location, close to Granada Cathedral
• Perfect place for a quick break or snack
• The atmosphere is very local, especially outside the tourist season
• Colourful stalls and seasonal markets around holidays

Tip:

• If you are in Granada around Christmas or Easter, the square is full of themed stalls and street parties.
• The best time to visit is at dusk when the square comes alive.

Check Out El Bañuelo Arab Baths (Free on Sundays)

El Bañuelo is one of the oldest and best preserved Arabic baths in Spain. Located on the Carrera del Darro, it’s easy to overlook – the unassuming entrance leads to a real architectural treasure.

When I entered El Bañuelo, I was surprised at how well the vaults, columns, and small skylights in the roof had been preserved. It was almost like stepping into a scene from the Middle Ages – and there’s no entrance fee if you know when to visit.

Why visit El Bañuelo:

• One of the few surviving hammams from the Nasrid period
• Free entry every Sunday
• A quick but authentic stop on the way to the Alhambra
• Perfect for history and architecture buffs

Practical tip:

• Entry is free every Sunday – plan your visit to fit into your Sunday itinerary.
• Get a map or use a navigation, as the entrance is easily missed by tourists in a hurry.

Explore Casa de Zafra (Free on Sundays)

Casa de Zafra is one of the best-preserved Moorish houses in Granada and a great way to immerse yourself in the history of the Albaicín. The museum tells the story of life in the neighbourhood over the centuries, and best of all, entry is free every Sunday.

When I entered the Casa de Zafra, I wasn’t expecting how peaceful and secluded the courtyard would be. A small fountain in the middle, and graceful arches make you feel like you’ve stepped into a private Andalusian home.

Why visit Casa de Zafra:

• Free entry every Sunday
• A beautiful example of traditional Moorish architecture
• A small museum about the history of the Albaicín
• A peaceful place to take a break during your walk

Explore Albaicín’s Little Squares (Plazas)

No tour of the Albaicín is complete without a visit to some of its most authentic squares. These hidden corners of Granada are completely free to explore and offer a tranquil atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.

As I wandered through the narrow streets of the Albaicín, I came across a few squares that have remained some of my favourite places in the city:

Plaza Larga

This is the heart of local life in the upper part of the Albaicín. In the mornings, there is a fruit and vegetable market, and in the afternoons, the small cafes are full of locals. I grabbed a coffee from a small bakery and sat on one of the benches to watch the square come alive.

Plaza Aliatar

A small and peaceful square surrounded by tapas bars. It has a real neighbourhood feel – hardly any tourists, just locals. Perfect for a quick break and a bite to eat.

Placeta del Peso de la Harina

One of the quietest corners of the Albaicín. Placeta del Peso de la Harina is more like a stone path than a real square. Here I found a real sense of tranquillity and coolness in an otherwise bustling neighbourhood.

Why you should walk through these squares:

• Authentic Albaicín atmosphere without the tourist noise
• Small markets, cosy tapas bars, and shady benches
• Free places to rest and watch daily life in Granada

Practical tip:

• Wear comfortable shoes – the streets are narrow and steep.
• The best time to walk is early in the morning or late in the day, when the light is soft and the squares come alive.

This list covers the best free experiences, but if you’re curious what else to see beyond the budget-friendly picks, check out my full post on the top things to do in Granada.

Map of Free Things to Do in Granada

To help you plan your walks, I’ve created an interactive map of free attractions in Granada. You’ll find all the places mentioned in this article, from the best viewpoints and squares to hidden gardens and free museums.

📍 What’s included in the map:

• Viewpoints like the Mirador de San Nicolás
• Historic squares like Plaza Larga and Placeta del Peso de la Harina
• Cultural sites like El Bañuelo and Casa de Zafra
• The hidden gardens of Carmen de los Mártires and Patio de los Perfumes

👉 Use the map to group your visits by area and avoid unnecessary wandering up and down the steep streets of the Albaicín.

💡Tip: Download the Google Maps offline map of Granada ahead of time. This way, you’ll have access to all the points of interest even if you don’t have an internet connection.

Final Thoughts: Experience the Best of Granada for Free

Granada is one of those rare places where the best experiences cost nothing. From the sunset over the Alhambra, from the Mirador de San Nicolás to the hidden squares of the Albaicín, the free things to do in Granada are not just an addition to a trip; they are the very heart of it.

As I discovered these places, I realised that it is the small moments of freedom – the scent of jasmine in the Patio de los Perfumes, the silence of the Placeta del Peso de la Harina, the first tapas in a small bar – that create the most vivid memories.

Ready to discover Granada without spending too much?

Plan your route, grab some comfortable shoes, and get lost in the streets of one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

👉 If you’re looking for more travel ideas, check out my 7-day Andalucia itinerary without a car and my articles on How to Visit the Alhambra, Granada’s Hidden Attractions, and Top Things to Do in Granada!

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