Granada is so much more than the Alhambra. Whether you’re here for a weekend, coming back for more, or you already know the city and you’re after something different, there’s always something to do: hop from one tapas bar to the next, get lost in the neighbourhoods, catch some flamenco, head up to the sierra, or simply wander with no plan at all. I’ve gathered the best things to do in the city, so you’ll have plenty going on whoever you come with and whatever the weather does.
Let’s get to it.
Things to do in Granada, at a glance
- Visit the Alhambra and the Generalife.
- Go for tapas around the centre and the Realejo (the old Jewish quarter).
- See flamenco in the cave venues of the Sacromonte.
- Head up to a viewpoint at sunset.
- Escape to Sierra Nevada (skiing or hiking).
- Plans for coming with kids or for rainy days.
1. The things you can’t go wrong with
If it’s your first time, there’s a handful of things you really shouldn’t miss: the Alhambra (booking your ticket in advance, no exceptions), getting lost in the Albaicín up to the San Nicolás viewpoint, going for tapas around the centre, and seeing flamenco in a cave in the Sacromonte. With that, you’ve already got the essence of Granada. I’ve laid it all out in order in the guide to what to see in Granada.
2. Granada in a weekend
A weekend is the perfect format for a first taste: one day for the Alhambra and another for the neighbourhoods, the centre, and the tapas. You can fit in a lot if you organise it well. I’ve put together the full plan in the guide to Granada in a weekend.
3. Granada with kids
Travelling with little ones here is easy: the Parque de las Ciencias (the Science Park, one of the best in Spain), the Alhambra gardens, a walk along the Darro river and the viewpoints, or heading up to the sierra to see the snow. All the plans that work for families are in the guide to Granada with kids.
4. Things to do in Granada when it rains
A bit of rain won’t ruin your trip. There are lovely things to do under cover: the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, the museums, the Arab baths, the Parque de las Ciencias, or simply taking shelter at a bar for some tapas (which is something we’re rather good at). You’ll find them all in the guide to things to do in Granada when it rains.
5. Flamenco, viewpoints and Granada life
The plans that taste most of Granada are the simplest ones: seeing flamenco in a cave in the Sacromonte, going up to a viewpoint at sunset, or sitting on a terrace and watching life go by. I’ll tell you where, without falling into the tourist traps, in the guide to the neighbourhoods of Granada.
6. Escape to the sierra or the coast
One of the wonders of Granada is how close you are to both the mountains and the sea. In under an hour you’re in Sierra Nevada (skiing in winter, hiking in summer). And in not much longer, on the beaches of the Costa Tropical. Brilliant ways to stretch out your trip.
How to choose your plan
My advice as a granadina: don’t try to do everything. Granada is best enjoyed slowly, wandering the streets and stopping for tapas. Pick two or three big plans (the Alhambra is a must) and leave gaps to get lost, because those are the bits you’ll remember best. To map it out by days, take a look at what to see in Granada.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Granada in one day?
The Alhambra in the morning (with your ticket booked in advance) and the Albaicín with the San Nicolás viewpoint in the afternoon. It’s a tight squeeze, but you come away with the essence of the city.
What can you do in Granada for free?
Getting lost in the Albaicín, going up to the viewpoints, strolling along the Carrera del Darro, and going for tapas (the tapa comes free with your drink). You can enjoy Granada a great deal without spending much at all.
What can you do in Granada with kids?
The Parque de las Ciencias, the Alhambra gardens, the viewpoints, and heading up to Sierra Nevada to see the snow. The city has plenty to offer for families.
What can you do in Granada at night?
See flamenco in a cave in the Sacromonte, head out for tapas and drinks around the centre or the Realejo, or go up to a viewpoint to see the Alhambra lit up.