Unforgettable Things to Do in Granada, Spain
Granada was the last city I visited in Spain at the end of my summer abroad trip, and it was the perfect end to my time in Spain. Granada embodies everything that travelers love about Spain all in one city: stunning vistas, intricately built architecture, great wine and tapas, plus although I was there in the middle of a sweltering August, there was always a cool breeze in Granada that evaded us in Sevilla and Córdoba.
If you are planning your own trip and looking for the best things to do in Granada, this guide will walk you through my favorite experiences plus a few more ideas I would add for a return visit.
Quick Planning Guide for Granada, Spain
Planning Guide
- Where to stay: Hotel Carmen
- Flight details: Fly into Málaga Airport (AGP), then take the bus to Granada (2 hours). Granada also has its own airport, so arriving directly is a valid option.
- Time of year visited: Summer
- Time in Granada: 3 days
- Spain itinerary: 8 weeks study abroad in Spain, including Cádiz, Granada, Madrid, and Sevilla
To help you organize your things to do in Granada, here are a few extra planning notes:
- How long to stay:
- 2 days: Enough for The Alhambra, a tapas night, and a quick walk around the Albaicín.
- 3 days: Ideal, gives you time for The Alhambra, viewpoints, a cathedral visit, and a slow evening at the Arab baths.
- 4+ days: Add day trips to the Sierra Nevada or nearby villages.
- Best time of year:
- Spring and fall usually offer the most comfortable temperatures.
- Summer is hot, but that famous Granada breeze helps. Plan your big hill walks and outdoor things to do in Granada early in the morning or at sunset.
- Getting around:
- The historic center is very walkable, but expect hills.
- Local buses and taxis are helpful when you are tired from exploring all your Granada activities.
Save This Granada Map for Your Trip
How to save this map to use on your trip:
- Click the star to the right of the map title
- Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
- Click on the three lines in the upper left corner and select “Your Places”
- Select “Maps” and the map will be saved there for you to use on your trip. Have fun!
Having your favorite things to do in Granada pinned on one map makes it much easier to connect neighborhoods and group activities by area.
Things to Do in Granada
The Alhambra
Dating back to 889 AD, The Alhambra is a fortress, palace, and city all in one, and it’s served as each of those throughout its history. Like so many other historic sites in Spain, both Islam and Christianity influenced the design based on which was in power. Before you even enter the site, its easy to see that The Alhambra is special. Its crimson walls are nestled within lush green surrounding gardens, with the often white-capped mountain peaks as a backdrop. The building itself is washed in light after dark, reflecting a golden beacon in the night that can be seen anywhere in the city.
Don’t miss: Nasrid Palaces, especially the Court of the Myrtles and Generalife, especially Patio of the Irrigation Ditch
Pro Tip: Buy your tickets in advance as soon as you know you are visiting The Alhambra. They actually do sell out during really popular times like summer weekends.
When you are planning things to do in Granada, The Alhambra should be the anchor of your itinerary. A few extra tips:
- Time your visit:
- Mornings are cooler and a bit calmer.
- Late afternoon visits can be beautiful as the light gets softer.
- How long to spend:
- Plan for at least half a day if you want time to walk through the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife gardens, and stop for views over the city.
- With kids or in a group:
- Bring snacks and water.
- Break up your visit between the formal palace interiors and open garden spaces so everyone gets a chance to move around.
The Alhambra alone could fill a full day, but it is just the beginning when it comes to essential things to do in Granada.
Mirador de San Nicolás
Part of the charm of Granada is that it’s a hilly city not dissimilar to San Francisco; in certain parts of the city, the only way to get where you’re going is up. But the uphill walks (or drives if you’re so inclined) are absolutely worth it for the spectacular views. Mirador de San Nicolás (Saint Nicholas Lookout) offers amazing views of The Alhambra at night, but what you’ll miss if you take most hotel’s recommendation to go up via cab or the public bus is the glimpse into local life hiding within all of the tiny, winding streets, and the increasingly spectacular views you’ll get on the way up.
Don’t miss: The walk up is as much a part of the experience as being at the top. You’ll be rewarded with a sun-kissed view of the city and a unique view of the glowing Alhambra when you get there.
Logistics: Make sure to walk up about 1.5-2 hours before sunset to avoid the heat and catch the dipping sun while you walk. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars in the immediate area, so plan to stay after dark for food and drinks. Plan your walk to hit Mirador de Santa Isabel la Real on the way up for a break and glimpse of the great view you’ll get at the top.
This lookout quickly becomes one of the most memorable things to do in Granada because you get:
- A full, postcard-perfect view of The Alhambra and the mountains
- Musicians, street life, and that relaxed evening energy
- A natural way to explore the Albaicín’s narrow, whitewashed streets
Strolling the Albaicín: Whitewashed Streets and Hidden Views
After or before Mirador de San Nicolás, give yourself time to wander the Albaicín, Granada’s old Moorish quarter. Even if it was not in your original list of things to do in Granada, it will probably end up being a trip highlight.
Ideas for exploring:
- Start near Plaza Nueva and walk uphill into the neighborhood.
- Follow small side streets and peek into courtyards and tiny plazas.
- Stop for a drink or snack at a terrace with a view back toward The Alhambra.
This is a great area to slow down, especially in the evening when the heat eases and the city feels more local.
Hotel Carmen
Book your stay at Hotel Carmen. The view from the rooftop pool (image above) is to die for!
Hotel Carmen puts you in a central spot, close to shops and restaurants, while giving you that rooftop pool to cool off after long days of walking. A few reasons it worked well for my stay:
- Easy to get back for a mid-day break when the sun was strongest.
- Walkable to many of the main things to do in Granada.
- Rooftop views give you a chance to enjoy the city even when you are tired.
If you prefer a different style, you can also look for small guesthouses in the Albaicín or modern hotels closer to the river and cathedral area. No matter where you stay, keep your planned things to do in Granada in mind so you are not crossing the city back and forth all day.
More Amazing Things to Do in Granada
Beyond The Alhambra and the viewpoints, here are a few more ideas to round out your Granada itinerary:
Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel
- Visit the cathedral interior for its high ceilings, artwork, and calm atmosphere.
- Step into the Royal Chapel to see the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella.
- Combine this visit with a walk through the nearby shopping streets and plazas.
Tapas Hopping Around Town
One of the most delicious things to do in Granada is simple: follow the tapas.
- In many places, you receive a free tapa with your drink.
- Try a few different bars to taste how each spot does it.
- Look for lively places filled with locals, especially on weeknights.
Must-Visit Tapas Bars in Granada
La Riviera
La Riviera is a great place to start your night. Order a drink, and let the free tapas set the tone for the evening. It has that lively, classic Granada atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve landed in exactly the right place. If you’re building your own list of things to do in Granada, a stop here early in the evening is a perfect warm-up before you keep exploring nearby streets and bars.
La Telefonica
La Telefonica is another fun stop to mix into your tapas route. It has a more casual, neighborhood feel, so it’s an easy place to drop in for a drink and tapa before moving on. If you’re planning out your evening things to do in Granada, think of La Telefonica as a flexible stop you can add at the beginning, middle, or end of your crawl depending on where you are in the city.
See a Flamenco Show in Sacromonte
If you love live music and want to add something special to your list of things to do in Granada, spend an evening watching flamenco in the Sacromonte caves. Sacromonte sits on the hillside opposite the Alhambra, and its whitewashed cave homes are one of the most atmospheric places in the city after dark.
Inside the caves, the flamenco shows feel intimate and intense. You sit close to the dancers and musicians, so you hear every stomp, clap, and guitar note. It is very different from a big, staged performance and feels more like being invited into someone’s living room. Adding a Sacromonte show to your things to do in Granada is a great way to experience the city’s Romani and flamenco heritage, not just read about it.
Day Trip Ideas
If you are staying longer or want to add variety to your list of things to do in Granada:
Nearby villages: smaller towns can give you a different pace and feel.
Sierra Nevada: mountain views, hikes, and in winter, skiing.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Granada
Granada was the perfect closing chapter to my summer in Spain, and it is still a place I would love to return to, this time with kids in tow. Whether you are here for a few days or a longer stay, focusing on the key things to do in Granada will help you make the most of your time:
- Set The Alhambra as your anchor.
- Add a sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás.
- Wander the Albaicín without a strict plan.
- Mix in tapas, cathedral time, and maybe an evening at the Sacromonte enjoying a live music show.
With a little planning and a short list of must-see things to do in Granada, you can enjoy the same breezy, memorable experience that made this city such a special part of my own Spain story. Feel free to email me or send a message on Instagram, I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you travel.
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