All citiesGranada Things to do and walking itinerary
Spain Granada travel guide
24 things to do in Granada, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Granada
- Alhambra — palace and fortress complex in Granada, Andalusia, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Generalife — palace in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- University of Granada — Spanish university (visit ≈ 120 min)
- S.A.I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Palace of Charles V — Renaissance building in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Puerta de Elvira — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Granada Charterhouse — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Madrasah of Granada — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Basilica of Saint John of God — minor basilica in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Partal — historic palace inside the Alhambra of Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Granada Mosque — mosque in Granada, Andalusia, Spain (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Monasterio de San Jerónimo — monastery in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Archaeological Museum of Granada — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Alcázar Genil — Historic building in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Federico García Lorca Park — park in Spain (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Palacio de los Olvidados — museum in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Arc of Granadas — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra — palace (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Abadía del Sacromonte — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Muralla de la Alcazaba — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Gate of Bibarrambla — cultural property in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Convent of San Francisco, Granada — building in Granada Province, Spain (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo — historic building in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Sephardic Museum — Jewish museum in Granada, Spain (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Granada walking itinerary
Starting point: Albaicín. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 4.6 km · 6,160 steps · 1 h 1 min on the way): Generalife → Alhambra → Palace of Charles V → Madrasah of Granada → S.A.I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación → Puerta de Elvira
- Day 2 (≈ 4.5 km · 6,020 steps · 1 h 0 min on the way): University of Granada → Granada Charterhouse
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Granada
- Sacromonte Caves Museum — Hillside museum on traditional cave-house life and flamenco culture. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- El Bañuelo — Well-preserved 11th-century Arab bathhouse with star-shaped skylights. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Corral del Carbón — The only Nasrid-era caravanserai surviving in Spain; a small courtyard behind a carved gateway. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Alcaicería — Narrow lanes of spice and craft shops on the site of the old silk bazaar beside the cathedral. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Mirador de San Miguel Alto — At the very top of the Albaicín beside a small chapel; a calmer panorama of the Alhambra than San Nicolás. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Casa de Zafra — 14th-century Nasrid house with a pool courtyard in the Albaicín, now an interpretation centre on the quarter. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Parque de las Ciencias — Interactive science museum with a planetarium, butterfly house and an observation tower; great for families. (visit ≈ 150 min)
Where to stay in Granada
- Albaicín: The old Moorish quarter of white houses facing the Alhambra; hilly.
- Realejo: The old Jewish quarter; tapas bars and street art.
- Centre / Cathedral: Flat and central; the airport bus stops here.
- Sacromonte: Known for cave houses and flamenco shows.
Getting from the airport to Granada
- Granada Federico García Lorca (GRX): Airport bus ≈ 40 min
Getting around
The centre and Albaicín are hilly; minibuses C30, C31 and C32 climb to the Alhambra and Albaicín. Book Alhambra tickets ahead.
Classic places to eat
- Bodegas Castañeda: An old bodega serving a free tapa with each drink.
- Los Diamantes: A packed bar famous for fried fish tapas.
- Café Fútbol: Since 1910; churros and hot chocolate.
- Pastelería López-Mezquita: Since 1862; try the pionono.
- Chikito: Classic cooking where Lorca’s literary circle once met.
Romantic views
- Mirador de San Nicolás (Sunset): The most famous view of the Alhambra against snowy peaks.
- Mirador de San Cristóbal (Sunset): A quieter view of the Albaicín and the Alhambra.
- Paseo de los Tristes (Evening): A stroll along the Darro below the Alhambra.
- Carmen de los Mártires (Afternoon): A romantic garden with peacocks and city views.
Football stadiums in Granada
- Estadio Nuevo Los Cármeness: Home of Granada CF
Good to know before visiting Granada
- Fine: Drinking in the street (botellón) is fined in many cities.
- Fine: Coastal cities such as Barcelona, Málaga and Palma fine walking around in swimwear or shirtless.
- Fine: Swimming when the red flag is flying is fined.
- Fine: Smoking is banned indoors and near children's playgrounds.
- Warning: Cover shoulders and knees in cathedrals and churches.
- Warning: You must carry ID or a passport; police can ask for it.
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080)
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe, though it can taste chalky in some cities.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Spain, Wikivoyage — Spain, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Granada travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Granada?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Granada?
- Highlights: Alhambra, Generalife, University of Granada, S.A.I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación and Palace of Charles V. The map has 24 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Granada?
- Albaicín: The old Moorish quarter of white houses facing the Alhambra; hilly. Other options: Realejo, Centre / Cathedral and Sacromonte.
- How do you get from the airport to Granada city centre?
- Granada Federico García Lorca (GRX): Airport bus ≈ 40 min
- How do you get around Granada?
- The centre and Albaicín are hilly; minibuses C30, C31 and C32 climb to the Alhambra and Albaicín. Book Alhambra tickets ahead.
- What is the emergency number in Granada?
- Emergency: 112 (police 091, ambulance 061, fire 080).
- Do you tip in Granada?
- Tipping isn't required; small change or 5–10% is plenty.
Nearby cities
Málaga · Córdoba · Seville · Madrid · Fez · Valencia · Rabat · Lisbon
Spain travel guide: all cities · All cities