Granada is one of Andalusia‘s most enchanting cities. It’s a place where Moorish palaces, snow-capped mountains, and lively tapas bars coexist in perfect harmony. Unlike larger cities like Seville or Madrid, Granada feels compact and intimate, yet it holds treasures that rival anywhere in Spain.
Most travelers only spend 2 days and 2 nights in Granada, which is the perfect amount of time to explore the essentials: the world-famous Alhambra, the maze-like Albaicín, vibrant flamenco culture in Sacromonte, and the local tradition of free tapas with every drink. This guide focuses on the absolute must-do things in Granada to help you make the most of your short stay.
1. Alhambra – 2. Albaicín – 3. Miradores de San Nicolás & San Miguel Alto – 4. Cathedral of Granada – 5. Sacromonte – 6. Carrera del Darro & Paseo de los Tristes – 7. Hammam Al Ándalus (Arab Baths) – 8. Granada’s Free Tapas – 9. Alcaicería (Old Silk Bazaar) – 10. Carmen de los Mártires Gardens – 11. Realejo street art – 12. Plaza San Miguel Bajo
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Best Things to Do in Granada in 2 days
🛏️ Planning to stay in Granada, Spain? Here’s an overview of all the hotels.
1. Explore the Alhambra & Generalife Gardens
No visit to Granada is complete without the Alhambra, one of the most famous monuments in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this vast complex includes palaces, fortresses, gardens, and courtyards that showcase the splendor of Islamic art and architecture.
💡 Tickets for the Alhambra sell out weeks in advance, so book online as soon as possible. Read the specifications carefully, since not all options include access to the Nasrid Palaces.
🪪 It is mandatory to present the original ID card or passport to access the monumental complex.
“Alhambra” comes from the Arabic “Al-Qal’a al-Hamra”, meaning “The Red Fortress,” due to the reddish hue of its walls at sunset.
Nasrid Palaces
Le Nasrid Palaces are the highlight of the Alhambra. Intricate stucco patterns, arabesques, and tilework make every corner feel like a work of art. Must-see areas include:
- Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions) – Famous for its fountain supported by twelve marble lions.
- Hall of the Ambassadors – The grand reception hall with stunning arches and decoration.
- Mexuar Hall – Used for administrative and judicial purposes during Nasrid rule.
The craftsmanship here is breathtaking, and it’s the main reason most visitors flock to the Alhambra.
Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens
Le Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra, a fortress with imposing towers and walls. The Torre de la Vela, constructed in 1238, was the first structure built in the Alcazaba and is the oldest surviving part of the Alhambra. You can climb the tower for panoramic views over Granada and the surrounding hills.
Le Generalife Gardens served as a summer palace and retreat for Nasrid rulers. With fountains, flowerbeds, and cypress trees, it’s the perfect place for a stroll and offers incredible views over the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Free Areas of the Alhambra
Even if you don’t have a full-ticket entry, some areas of the Alhambra are free to explore. These include:
- Le Palace of Charles V – The Renaissance-style palace located inside the complex.
- Surrounding gardens, plazas, and forested paths – Great for scenic walks and photography.
- Le Alhambra Museum – Offers insight into the history and artistry of the site.
These spots allow visitors to enjoy parts of the Alhambra’s beauty without purchasing full access tickets.
Practical information for visiting the Alhambra
🎟️ The General Access to the Alhambra (Nasrid Palace + Generalife Gardens + Alcazaba) costs 22.3€ for adults and 14.9€ for students, minors aged 12-15, EU Citizens over 65, and people with disabilities. Access to Generalife Gardens and Alcazaba only (no Nasrid Palace) costs 12.7€ for adults and 8.5€ for people eligible to discount. Book your tickets on Alhambra’s official website here. If you would like to join a guided tour, you can do so here.
🕒 Granada’s Alhambra is open daily from 8.30AM to 6.00PM between October 15 and March 31, and from 8.30AM to 8.00PM between April 1 and October 14. The ticket office opens half an hour earlier.
2. Wander Through the Albaicín
Le Albaicín is Granada’s old Moorish quarter, another UNESCO site and one of the most atmospheric places in Andalusia. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with whitewashed houses, hidden courtyards, and bougainvillea spilling over stone walls. Along the way, you’ll find small squares, artisan shops, and plenty of viewpoints looking toward the Alhambra.
✨For a deeper experience, you can join a sunset walking tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte, exploring the winding streets, learning about Granada’s history, and enjoying sunset views of the Alhambra.
💡 Wear comfortable shoes! The cobblestone streets are steep and uneven.
3. Admire the View from Mirador de San Nicolás & San Miguel Alto
Granada is a city of viewpoints (miradores), and the most famous of them all is the Mirador de San Nicolás. From here, you’ll get the iconic postcard view: the Alhambra with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background. Street performers often gather here, adding music and atmosphere.
For a quieter but equally stunning experience, head up to Mirador de San Miguel Alto. It’s a bit of a climb (or a short taxi/bus ride), but the reward is a sweeping panorama over the whole city, the Alhambra, and the surrounding mountains.
4. Visit Granada Cathedral & the Royal Chapel
In the heart of the city center, you’ll find the Cathedral of Granada, a massive Renaissance building that dominates the skyline. The interior is bright and elegant, filled with soaring columns and chapels. Attached to it is the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real), where Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella are buried. Their tombs, carved in marble, are masterpieces of Spanish Renaissance sculpture. Even if you’re not usually drawn to churches, these two landmarks tell the story of Granada’s transition from Islamic to Christian rule and are central to Spain’s history.
🎟️ Access to Granada Cathedral costs 7€ for adults and 5€ for students. Book your tickets Granada Cathedral’s official website here.
🕒 Granada Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00AM to 6.15PM, and on Sundays from 3.00PM to 6.15PM.
5. Discover Sacromonte’s Cave Houses & Flamenco
Le Sacromonte neighborhood is unlike anywhere else in Granada. Here, whitewashed cave houses are built into the hillside, traditionally inhabited by the Roma (Gypsy) community. There’s even the Sacromonte Cave Museum (Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte), where you can step inside reconstructed cave dwellings and learn about the traditional lifestyle, crafts, and history of the neighborhood. Book your tickets here.
Sacromonte is also the birthplace of zambra, a passionate form of flamenco unique to Granada. Watching a live performance in one of the intimate cave venues is a must-do cultural experience.
✨ Some venues even offer authentic zambra gitana shows, where you’ll enjoy an hour of music, song, and dance with a drink included.
6. Stroll Along Carrera del Darro & Paseo de los Tristes
For one of the most romantic walks in Granada, head to the Carrera del Darro, a cobbled street that runs along the Darro River. Lined with old stone bridges, historic buildings, and charming cafés, it’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. It leads into the Paseo de los Tristes, a lively promenade with views of the Alhambra rising above. The name means “Walk of the Sad Ones,” but don’t be misled: it’s a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy drinks, music, and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
7. Relax at Hammam Al Ándalus (Arab Baths)
After hours of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than unwinding at a traditional Arab bath (hammam). The most famous in Granada is Hammam Al Ándalus, located near the Darro River. Here you can soak in warm, hot, and cold pools, enjoy steam baths, and even book a relaxing massage. The tiled interiors and candle-lit ambiance recreate the spirit of Andalusian bathhouses from centuries past.
🎟️ Access to Granada’s Arab Baths (Hammam Al Ándalus) costs 52€ per person; if you would like to include a massage, pricing starts at 60€. Book your session here.
🕒 Granada’s Arab Baths (Hammam Al Ándalus) are open everyday from 9.30AM to midnight.
8. Taste Granada’s Free Tapas Tradition
Granada is famous throughout Spain for its free tapas culture. In most bars, every drink comes with a complimentary tapa, from patatas a lo pobre (potatoes with peppers and egg) to mini hamburgers or fried fish. For a fun evening, go on a tapas crawl. Start around Calle Navas or the Realejo neighborhood, hopping from bar to bar. It’s affordable, social, and a delicious way to sample Granada’s flavors.
💡 Order a drink, wait for your tapa to arrive, then decide whether to move on or stay for another round. Each bar has its own specialties.
9. Explore the Alcaicería (Old Silk Bazaar)
Near the Cathedral lies the Alcaicería, a maze of narrow alleys that was once Granada’s silk market under Moorish rule. Today, it’s filled with small shops selling handicrafts, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs. It may be touristy, but the atmosphere, with its lanterns and stalls, still evokes the old souks of Al-Andalus.
10. Relax in Carmen de los Mártires Gardens
Just a short walk from the Alhambra lies the Carmen de los Mártires, one of Granada’s calm corners. These gardens combine French, English, and Moorish styles, with fountains, statues, and peacocks wandering freely. Because it’s less known, you’ll often find it peaceful, making it a perfect spot to rest between sightseeing. From here, you also get wonderful views over Granada and the plains beyond.
🎟️ Access to Carmen de los Mártires Gardens is free.
🕒 Carmen de los Mártires Gardens is open Monday to Friday from 10.00AM to 2.00PM and again from 6.00PM to 8.00PM, and on weekends from 10.00AM to 8.00PM.
11. Find Street Art in the Realejo
Granada’s old Jewish quarter, the Realejo, has reinvented itself as an open-air gallery. Walls here are covered in colorful street art, much of it created by local artist El Niño de las Pinturas, whose murals mix poetry and imagery. Exploring this neighborhood gives you a different perspective on Granada: creative, modern, and vibrant, beyond the historical landmarks.
✨If you’d like to dive deeper and not miss any artwork, you can join this 3-hour guided walking tour that explores Realejo’s murals along with the Albaicín and Sacromonte, blending street art, history, and even a visit inside a traditional cave house.
12. Sunset from Plaza San Miguel Bajo
To end your trip on a magical note, head to Plaza San Miguel Bajo, a square in the Albaicín lined with lively tapas bars and overlooked by the 16th-century Church of San Miguel Bajo. As the sun sets and lights twinkle across the city, it’s the perfect place to soak up Granada’s atmosphere with a drink in hand.
And that’s a wrap on the best things I recommend doing in Granada, Spain!
What next? Maybe you are continuing your Andalusia trip? Then, these articles may interest you:
✨ Easy Andalusia Itinerary Without a Car (7 to 10 Days): Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda, Málaga
✨ 15 Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain: Complete 2025 Guide for First-Time Visitors
✨ 12 Best Things to Do in Córdoba, Spain: Ultimate 2025 Guide
✨ 16 Best Things to Do in Ronda, Spain: What Not to Miss in 2025
Where to stay in Granada, Spain?
Granada’s accommodation options suit all budgets, whether you’re after a traditional Andalusian guesthouse or a modern city hotel. The most atmospheric areas to stay are the Albaicín, with its whitewashed houses and views of the Alhambra, and the Centro for easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
🛏️ Voir plus available accommodation in Granada.
Please note that the prices are per night and based on 2025 rates. Prices are subject to fluctuation according to supply and demand, time of the year, and the will of the owners.
My Tips for visiting Granada, Spain
How many days do you need in Granada, Spain?
Two full days in Granada is ideal to see the main highlights: the Alhambra, Albaicín, Sacromonte, and Cathedral, while still leaving time to enjoy tapas and viewpoints. If you only have one day, you can visit the Alhambra and stroll through the Albaicín, but staying two nights lets you experience the city’s atmosphere after day-trippers leave.What is the best time to visit Granada, Spain?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit Granada, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Summers can be very hot, especially in July and August, while winters are cooler but often sunny, with the Sierra Nevada mountains nearby offering snow in contrast to the city’s milder climate. I personally visited in December and enjoyed it, as the temperatures are pleasant compared to much of Europe at that time of year.
What are the best free things to do in Granada, Spain?
Some of the most memorable free activities in Granada include wandering the Albaicín’s winding lanes, enjoying postcard views of the Alhambra from Mirador de San Nicolás ou San Miguel Alto, and strolling along the Carrera del Darro et une Paseo de los Tristes. You can also discover street art in the Realejo or relax in the peaceful Carmen de los Mártires gardens.
Even within the Alhambra complex, there are areas you can explore without a ticket, such as the Palace of Charles V, the Alhambra Museum, and surrounding gardens, plazas, and forested paths that don’t require admission.
Is Granada safe for solo travel?
Yes, in my opinion, Granada is a very safe city to visit, including for solo female travelers. I felt comfortable walking around both during the day and at night, especially in the central districts. As with any popular destination, just keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like around the Cathedral or Albaicín viewpoints, but overall the city feels relaxed and welcoming.
How to get to Granada, Spain?
Granada is well connected by train, bus, and plane. From Madrid, high-speed trains reach Granada in around 3.5 hours. From Seville, buses take about 3 hours, while from Málaga you can reach Granada by bus in under 2 hours. Granada also has a small airport with domestic and some European connections.
How to get around Granada, Spain?
The best way to get around Granada is on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance in the historic center. Be prepared for hilly, cobbled streets in the Albaicín and Sacromonte. For longer distances, such as getting up to the Alhambra or out to Sacromonte, local buses and taxis are convenient and affordable. Driving inside the old town is not recommended, as streets are narrow and often restricted.
BONUS: Map of Granada
To help you make the most of your time in Granada, I created a map that highlights the best places to visit and activities to do during your trip. I hope you will enjoy it!
💡 Pour naviguer sur cette carte, utilisez simplement la souris de votre ordinateur pour zoomer en avant ou en arrière. Vous pouvez cliquer sur les icônes pour obtenir plus d'informations sur chaque emplacement et accéder à l'index en cliquant sur la flèche dans le coin supérieur gauche. De plus, si vous souhaitez enregistrer la carte sur votre compte Google Maps, cliquez sur l'étoile à côté du titre de la carte. Pour afficher votre carte enregistrée sur votre smartphone ou votre PC, ouvrez Google Maps et accédez à "Vos lieux" ou "Cartes" dans le menu. Si vous souhaitez imprimer la carte ou l'afficher dans une fenêtre plus grande, cliquez simplement sur "Afficher une carte plus grande" dans le coin supérieur droit.
I hope these suggestions of things to do in Granada, Spain have been helpful and informative!
📌 Utile? Enregistrez sur Pinterest!
