Granada Travelers Recommend

Located at the foot of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is famous for its medieval architecture, including the impressive Alhambra complex. A three day trip offers plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the city’s bustling modern center as well as nearby attractions. Here’s how to spend three days in beautiful Granada.

Day 1: The Amazing Alhambra

Set aside most of the day (and book your tickets well in advance) to explore this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Spain's most visited monuments. Built by Moorish kings in the 13th century (and added to by Christian monarchs in later centuries), the Alhambra boasts architecturally significant buildings as well as gardens full of lovely pools and sweeping views. 

Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architectural significance of buildings like the Nasrid Palace, which is often considered Europe’s most magnificent Islamic building, and the Court of the Lions, renowned for its graceful marble columns and lion fountain. After visiting the complex’s many buildings, spend some time in the Generalife gardens, a beautiful retreat for Grenada’s kings full of abundant flora, lovely courtyards, and stunning water features, all overlooking the city. Lastly, head downhill to the many outdoor restaurants situated along the Darro River.

Day 2: See Granada on Foot

Granada's rich history is best experienced by wandering through its timeless streets. Exploring the old Muslim quarter, the Albaicin, is like stepping into the city's Arab past: Mosques and Moorish villas line steep, cobbled alleys, and the scent of jasmine fills the air. Climb to the Mirador de San Nicolas plaza for city views, then relax at El Banuelo, an 11th-century bathhouse. 

Wind your way south, into the more modern parts of the city, to see Granada's imposing Gothic-Renaissance cathedral and the flamboyant Royal Chapel beside it. On the outskirts of town, you’ll find Sacromonte, a hillside area full of cave dwellings that were once inhabited by gypsies and now host flamenco shows. Visit in the evening to catch a show with a traditional Andalucían dinner, and if the music inspires you, sign up for a flamenco dance lesson so you can master some simple moves.

Day 3: More Architectural Gems and Nearby Sights

Complete your architectural tour of the city with stops at the Monastery of San Jeronimo, a Gothic-Renaissance treat, and the church at the Cartuja Monastery. The latter was founded by the memorably named Christian warrior El Gran Capitán and is a baroque wonder, complete with an extravagant sacristy and a beautiful cupola. Literary buffs will also want to see Huerta de San Vicente, the house where Federico Garcia Lorca wrote some of his masterpieces. 

Alternatively, book a day trip to the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains or the lush Alpujarras valley.  You can also head to Córdoba, which is a little over two hours by car from Granada, to explore its Moorish monuments and stroll along the narrow alleyways and cobbled streets of its Jewish quarter. On your last evening in Granada, head back into town to enjoy the city’s lively tapas circuit. 

The Alhambra is one of Granada's top attractions thanks to its unique history and ancient architecture. While travelers have been making their way to this iconic palace complex for years, booking tickets isn’t always easy. Here are some tips.

Reasons to Choose a Guided Alhambra Experience

• With an expert guide, you can bypass the ticket-purchase booth and long lines to explore the beauty and history of the Alhambra without worrying about navigation or timing windows. The tour group entrance is often quieter than the individual ticket holder entrance.

• The palace restricts the number of visitors allowed each day, and tickets often sell out ahead of time, particularly for the Nasrid Palace. It's best to book in advance.

• Visiting on a tour eliminates the need to manage your limited time or worry about restrictions in each area, as your guide will ensure you arrive on time.

• Snagging an admission ticket can be complicated and involves making a reservation online and then picking up a physical ticket on the day of your visit.

• You'll gain insight and commentary about this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site from your expert guide.

• Guided tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off from Seville, Malaga, or Granada.

Full-Access Tours

Not all tours include entrance to all areas of the Alhambra. To avoid being surprised by separate admission fees and get the full Alhambra experience, opt for a small-group or private full-access tour, which gives you priority access to the main areas of the complex, including the Alcazaba Fortress, the Nasrid Palace, and the Generalife Gardens.

Combo Tours

Those who want to see the rest of Granada in addition to the Alhambra can skip the line at the palace and then head out for additional free time or a guided walk in the city. Highlights include the shops of Alcaiceria, the Sacromonte district, the Albaicin Muslim quarter, and the city's Arab Baths (Hammam Al Andalus). Also consider a tour that combines a skip-the-line Alhambra visit with a 30-minute sightseeing flight that soars high above the iconic fortress and offers unmatched views of Granada.

With surprises around every winding turn, Granada’s narrow streets, lush gardens, and grand historic monuments reverberate with the city's Islamic past and medieval Renaissance. From flamenco in a cave to a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, here are a few ideas for a 2-day itinerary.

Day 1: Spanish Sightseeing

**Morning:**Start early (and beat the afternoon heat, if you’re there in summer) with a guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, explore more of Granada while learning about the city’s Islamic and Catholic influences. Stroll through Bib Rambla Square; wander around the Moorish silk market of Alcaicería; and discover the Albaicin, a UNESCO-listed enclave and the historic heart of Granada.

**Night:**In the evening, head to the city center to grab tapas and local wine or beer at one of the many eateries lining Plaza Nueva. Alternatively, catch a flamenco show in one of Sacromonte’s atmospheric caves.

Day 2: Balloons and Baths

**Morning:**Greet the sunrise on a magical hot-air balloon ride—you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains and city landmarks like the Alhambra. Or, venture out on a day trip to Córdoba, with its Moorish monuments and whitewashed courtyards.

**Afternoon:**If you’re not off in Córdoba, book an appointment at Hammam Al Ándalus for an afternoon of R & R. Choose from a range of services such as exfoliating body scrubs and massages at the serene Arabian spa, and enjoy amenities like the steam room and thermal baths. Alternatively, sign up for a culinary tour, sampling traditional cuisine as you check out more of Granada.

**Night:**Even if you already visited the Alhambra during the day, consider treating yourself to a private evening tour of the complex for a whole new perspective of the magnificent palace. Walk around the illuminated grounds, taking in the twinkling lights of Granada from the hilltop vantage point. Or, return to the Sacromonte caves for a flamenco dance lesson.

A visit to Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must for visitors to Granada. Given the site's limited number of daily visitors, it’s essential to book tickets in advance. Exploring as part of a tour is a popular choice, and there are numerous options available. Here’s how to choose the perfect tour for you. 

For First Timers

Various tickets are available for different parts of the Alhambra complex, but to see it all, choose a tour that includes access to Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba Fortress. First-time visitors to Granada can also pair a tour of the Alhambra with a city tour of Granada, a walking tour of the Albayzin neighborhood, or a visit to the Arabian Baths. 

For Independent Travelers

Booking your tickets in advance is the only way to guarantee entrance, but you don’t have to join a guided tour. Opt for a skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide to explore at your own pace. 

For Those Short on Time

Most tours of the Alhambra take around three hours, but if time is of the essence, opt for an early access tour of the fortress or visit the Nasrid Palaces after closing. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you also have the rest of the day free for sightseeing or traveling. 

For History Buffs

Visiting the Alhambra with a private guide offers extra insight into the palace’s history and architecture. Choose a tour that covers the entire site, including the Palace of Charles V and Generalife Gardens, or discover hidden tunnels and passages that most visitors never get to see on a tour of the Alhambra penitentiary site.

When visiting Granada, you’ll work up an appetite climbing the staircases of the Alhambra or touring the winding streets of the Albaicín. Eating is serious business in Andalusia (Andalucía), and from tasting tapas to whipping up your own paella, Granada delivers with these essential foods and experiences.

Must-Try Dishes

Start off your day in the city with a typical Andalusian pastry called Suizo, a type of brioche served with butter and jam, or with the ever-popular chocolate and churros, often enjoyed on Sundays and holidays. Spanish and Moorish influences blend together in the classic dishes of Granada, like habas con jamón, a dish made from cured ham (Spanish) and broad beans (Moorish). Plato Alpujarreño, a favorite dish among locals, includes potatoes, fried eggs, Spanish jam, blood sausage, sweet peppers, and chorizo.

During the summer months, don’t miss out on remojón granaíno, a salad made with fresh oranges, spring onion, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, and salted cod. Of course any meal can be made better with a side of queso montefrieño (a local cheese), jamón de Trevélez (the favored ham of the royal family), and pan de Alfacar (a traditional bread baked in a Moorish oven).

Must-Do Experiences

• Feast on Granada’s famously generous tapas and traditional dishes during a guided food tour of the best tapas bars in the Albaicín neighborhood.

• Take a deep dive into the local food scene by sampling artisan wine, visiting a local market, and talking with neighborhood merchants in the old town.

• See how Granada’s food culture differs from the rest of Andalusia on a multi-day tour to Seville, Granada, and Cordoba.

• See the streets and landmarks of Granada illuminated at night while learning about flamenco traditions and visiting tapas and wine bars.