Two days is the perfect amount of time for a first visit to Granada: enough to see the big sights without rushing, and to soak up the atmosphere, which here is half the trip. Here’s the itinerary I’d plan for a friend, hour by hour, with the Alhambra slotted in properly (that’s the trickiest bit) and time left over to go for tapas and get pleasantly lost.
Let’s get to it.
Before you start: book the Alhambra
First things first, before you even think about the itinerary: book your Alhambra ticket as soon as you have your dates. It sells out weeks in advance and, if you miss out, the whole plan falls apart. I explain how in the guide on how to buy Alhambra tickets. I’ve built the rest of the itinerary assuming you visit on the morning of day one.
Day 1: the Alhambra and the centre
- Morning: the Alhambra and the Generalife. Allow around three hours to take it in at a relaxed pace. Arrive with time to spare, as your slot for the Nasrid Palaces is fixed to the minute.
- Lunch: head down to the centre for tapas and to recharge.
- Afternoon: the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, then a stroll through the Alcaicería and Bib-Rambla.
- Evening: a tapas crawl along calle Navas or around the Realejo.
Day 2: Albaicín, Sacromonte and viewpoints
- Morning: climb up to the Albaicín along the Carrera del Darro, lose yourself in its streets and pop out onto the Plaza Larga.
- Lunch: in the Albaicín or the Realejo, with a view if you can manage it.
- Afternoon: the Sacromonte and, as the day winds down, the San Nicolás viewpoint to watch the Alhambra turn golden.
- Evening: flamenco in a Sacromonte cave to round it all off.
Tips for making the most of your two days
- Stay central: it saves you cars and taxis. Have a look at where to stay in Granada.
- Wear comfy shoes: Granada is all hills and cobbles.
- Don’t try to do everything: leave gaps to wander, because that’s what you’ll remember best.
- If you’re short on time to organise it all, a guided tour of the Alhambra or the Albaicín sorts out a day’s logistics for you.
Got more or fewer days? You’ll find the one-day and three-day itineraries in the guide on what to see in Granada.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in Granada in two days?
On the first day, the Alhambra and the centre (Cathedral and tapas). On the second, the Albaicín, the Sacromonte and the San Nicolás viewpoint at sunset.
Is two days enough to see Granada?
More than enough for the essentials. Two days is just the right amount of time for a first visit: you see the big sights without rushing and still enjoy the atmosphere.
Which day should I visit the Alhambra?
I’d put it on the morning of the first day, with your ticket booked in advance. That way you get the big visit out of the way early and the rest of the trip feels more relaxed.
Where’s best to stay to see Granada in two days?
In the centre or nearby, so you can do everything on foot and not waste time getting around. You’ll find it broken down by area in the where to stay guide.