Granada travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Granada.
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1
Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces
Tip: Book at alhambra-patronato.es only; resale sites add fees. Information phone +34 858 953 616 · Bring the photo ID or passport used at booking; names are checked at the Nasrid Palaces · Arrive 30 minutes before the palace slot; late entry is refused · Carry water and a hat; shade is limited between the Generalife and the Alcazaba · Last-minute tickets are released for the next day at the official site, but are limited
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2
Generalife Gardens
Tip: Visit the Generalife first and finish at the Nasrid Palaces on the late slot · Take the Paseo de los Cipreses between the two areas · Bring a hat and water in July and August · Spring weekdays have the fullest bloom · Photography is allowed; tripods need permission
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3
Granada Cathedral
Tip: Buy tickets online at catedraldegranada.com to skip the queue · Cathedral and Royal Chapel use different tickets · Dress to cover shoulders and knees · Go in the morning; light through the high windows is best · Audio guides are available in several languages
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4
Capilla Real (Royal Chapel)
Tip: Photography is not allowed inside · Buy online in Semana Santa and summer · Visit before the Cathedral to avoid midday groups · Go in the morning; midday closures differ by season · Cover shoulders and knees
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5
Mirador de San Nicolás and the Albaicín
Tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to secure a place at the wall · Take minibus C31 or C34 uphill and walk down · Keep bags closed in the evening crowds · Avoid unlit lanes after dark; stay on main routes · Bring a jacket; the viewpoint is windy in winter
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6
Sacromonte Caves and Flamenco
Tip: Book flamenco shows directly with the venue or through the tourist office · Use minibus C34 and return by taxi after late shows · Combine the museum with a sunset at Mirador de San Cristóbal · Wear sturdy shoes; paths are steep and cobbled · Ask about drink-only and dinner-show prices before booking
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7
El Bañuelo Arab Baths
Tip: Combine with the Casa de los Tiros and the Carrera del Darro walk · Check the opening days before going · Go early; the rooms are small · Wear shoes with grip, floors can be wet · Tickets are sold at the entrance
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8
Corral del Carbón
Tip: Combine with the Alcaicería, Calle Zacatín and Plaza Bib-Rambla · Free to enter; no ticket needed · Visit mid-morning for photographs · Check for temporary exhibitions in the galleries · Keep an eye on bags in nearby shopping streets
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9
Monasterio de la Cartuja
Tip: Take a city bus or taxi to save the walk · Visit before lunch; hours may close at midday in winter · Photography is allowed without flash · Combine with the nearby Parque Federico García Lorca · Cover shoulders
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10
Monasterio de San Jerónimo
Tip: Check closing times before lunch · Combine with the Cathedral on foot · Photography rules vary in the church · Cover shoulders · Go early for a quiet cloister
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book Alhambra tickets weeks ahead at alhambra-patronato.es (general ticket about €21 / ~$24
and pick the earliest or the evening Nasrid Palaces slot. Stay in or near the Albaicín for sunset views, and take minibus C31 or C34 uphill to save energy. Order a drink in a traditional bar and a free tapa follows, so plan lunch or dinner as a tapas crawl through Calle Navas, Calle Elvira and the Realejo. Many churches close from 13:00 to 15:30, and most monuments close one day a week, so check the posted hours. Book flamenco shows in Sacromonte in advance, especially in spring and summer
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed for Granada?
Two full days cover the Alhambra, the Albaicín and the centre; a third day suits Sacromonte, the Cartuja and a Sierra Nevada or Alpujarras day trip.
Do Alhambra tickets sell out?
Yes. Daily numbers are capped, and the Nasrid Palaces are entered in timed half-hour slots, so book at alhambra-patronato.es as early as possible.
Is the free tapas tradition real?
Yes. In many traditional bars a free tapa comes with each drink, and the dishes get bigger with each round.
Is the Albaicín safe at night?
The main lanes and squares are fine, but unlit side streets are best avoided after dark; take a taxi or the late minibus.