Granada: The Complete Guide

Granada is a provincial capital in the Andalucia region of Spain. Once home to the Iberian Moorish royalty it is rich in history and culture, Granada is arguably the single most worthwhile city in Spain for visitors.  In addition to a rich multicultural history, the Alhambra and other monuments, it is Spain’s liveliest cities with a student-driven nightlife, and skiing and trekking in the nearby Sierra Nevada, Granada offers a break from the summer heat of other Andalusian cities such as Córdoba or Seville.

Alhambra is a sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains and orchards of the Generalife gardens.

Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil and the Beiro. It sits at an average elevation of 738 m above sea level, yet is only one hour by car from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical.

 

Visiting Granada for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Granada on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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34 Best places to See in Granada

This complete guide to Granada not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Granada and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Carmen de los Mártires

Pool, Carmen De Los Mártires
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap
The Carmen de los Martires or Carmen of the Martyrs is a park located on the side of the valley opposite the Alhambra in Granada. It is the largest garden in the city of Granada and stretches out over seven hectares along the southern slopes of Mauror Hill. It is a haven of flowerbeds, small […]
Location: Calle de Antequeruela Alta, Granada, España | Hours: From April 1 to October 14: From Monday to Friday from 10:00 am. to 14:00 pm. and 18:00 pm. to 20:00 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 am. to 20:00 pm. From October 15 to March 31: From Monday to Friday from 10:00 am. to 14:00 pm. and 16:00 pm. to 18:00 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 am. to 18:00 pm.| Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.90km
Visiting Carmen de los Mártires

Alhambra Complex

View Of Alhambra 3
Pixabay / granadandyou
The Alhambra or literally ‘The Red One’  is an opulent  palace and garden  complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The plain walls of the red Alhambra red fortress towers look imposing, standing on a fortified plateau,  rising from a wood of cypress and elm. Across the valley lie the Generalife gardens with its leafy tree-lined […]
Location: Alhambra Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: 8.30am-8pm Apr–mid-Oct, to 6pm mid-Oct–Mar, night visits 10-11.30pm Tue & Sat Apr–mid-Oct, 8-9.30pm Fri & Sat mid-Oct–Mar | Price: Adult €14,12-15yr €8, under 12yr free, Generalife & Alcazaba only adult/under 12yr €7/free NB Advance ticket reservations are almost essential for admission to the best parts of the Alhambra. | Website | Full Alhambra Guided Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets Available! | Distance: 1.30km
Visiting Alhambra Complex

Generalife

The Court Of La Acequia,Generalife, Grenada 2
Pixabay / granadandyou
The Generalife or Architect’s Garden is the sultans’ gorgeous whitewashed summer palace, which dates to the 14th century. It is on the hillside facing the Alhambra and to get to it you need to pass a string of elegant rectangular plots with tinkling water features, the Jardines Nuevos to get there. Generalife is a soothing […]
Visiting Generalife

Puerta De La Justicia

Puerta De La Justicia, Alhambra, Grenada 7
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Martin Furtschegger
The Puerta De La Justicia or the Gate of Justice, is a city gate in the , in Granada, Spain. It was built by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada, in 1348 and was the main entrance of the Alhambra, which had three other gates. It is also known as the Puerta de la Explanada or […]
Location: Justice Gate Calle Real de la Alhambra, 18 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.30km
Visiting Puerta De La Justicia

Palacio de Comares

Patio Of The Myrtles 3
Pixabay / Olivier Gonzalez
The Palacio de Comares or Comares Palace was the official residence of the king and it comprises several rooms that surrounded the Court of the Myrtles (Patio de los Arrayanes). The rooms have galleries with porticoes at the ends. Some examples are the Hall of the Boat (Sala de la Barca) to the north and the Hall of the […]
| Hours: For opening times of the Palacio de Comares see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Palacio de Comares is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Palacio de Comares

Patio de los Arrayanes

Patio De Los Arrayanes With Palacio Carlos V Behind, Palcia De Comres
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Xavi
The Patio de los Arrayanes or Court of the Myrtles is the central courtyard of the . Which is one of the palaces that make up the in the , in Granada, Spain. This palace was started by Ismail I, continuing through Yusuf I and finished by his son Muhammad V in 1370. It was […]
Location: Court of the Myrtles Calle Real de la Alhambra, 1T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Patio de los Arrayanes see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Patio de los Arrayanes is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Patio de los Arrayanes

Patio de los Leones

Patio De Los Leones, Alhambra
Pixabay / Wilfried Santer
The Patio de los Leones or Lion Courtyard is a courtyard in the . The Palacio de los Leones is one of the palaces that make up the in the , in Granada, Spain. This patio was built by order of Mohammed V and is famous for its marble fountain which channels water through the […]
Location: Patio de Los Leones Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Patio de los Leones see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Patio de los Leones is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Patio de los Leones

Palacio Nazaríes

Stonework Alhambra
Pixabay / Fernando Villadangos
The Palacio Nazaríes or Nasrid Palaces is a palace within the Alhambra complex located in Granada, Spain. Alhambra comprise of a series of lavish rooms and heavenly built courtyards. Make your way to the main visitor entrance to the Alhambra and set foot into the grandiose of Nasrid Palaces. Based on your preference you can enter the luxurious palaces […]
Location: Nasrid Palaces, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada, Spain | Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Fast-Track Ticket Available! | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Palacio Nazaríes

Palacio de Carlos V

Patio Palacio Carlos V In Alhambra
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ra-smit
The Palacio de Carlos V or Palace of Charles V is a Renaissance building in the , in Granada, Spain.. The structure was commanded to be built by Charles V (1500–1558), Holy Roman Emperor, who also was the  King of Spain (Castile and Aragon) from 1516. He wanted to to establish his residence close to […]
Location: Palacio de Carlos V, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada, Spain | Hours: 8.30am-8pm Apr–mid-Oct, to 6pm mid-Oct–Mar, night visits 10-11.30pm Tue-Sat Apr–mid-Oct, 8-9.30pm Fri & Sat mid-Oct–Mar | Price: Access to the Palacio de Carlos V is free via the Puerta de la Justicia on the southern side of the Alhambra. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Palacio de Carlos V

Palacio del Mexuar

Patio De Machuca, Palace Of Mexuar, Palacio Nazaries, Alhambra 2
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rumomo
The Palacio del Mexuar or Palace of the Mexuar is one of the three palaces of the , in the , in Granada, Spain. The other palaces are the and the . You will enter the Palaces through the Mexuar. This is a 14th-century room used as a ministerial council chamber and antechamber for those […]
Location: Patio de Machuca Calle Real de la Alhambra, 1T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Palacio del Mexuar see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Palacio del Mexuar is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Palacio del Mexuar

Palacio de los Leones

Patio De Los Leones, Palacio De Los Leones, Alhambra
CC BY-SA 3.0 / rheins
The Palacio de los Leones or Palace of the Lions is one of the palaces that make up the in the , in Granada, Spain. It was built in the second half of the 14th century, by the command of Muhammad V. This palace comprised of private rooms which belonged to the royal family. Lion’s […]
| Hours: For opening times of the Palacio de los Leones see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Palacio de los Leones is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Palacio de los Leones

Sala del Mexuar

Sala Del Mexuar, Alhambra 9
© 2024 Andrew Ashton
The Sala del Mexuar or Hall of the Mexuar is part of the , one of the palaces that make up the in the , in Granada, Spain. The Palacio de El Mexuar is the oldest of the three palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes and this is evident in this room as it […]
Location: Mexuar room s/n Calle Real de la Alhambra 18009 Granada Spain | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Sala del Mexuar

Patio del Cuarto Dorado

Patio Cuarto Dorado, Palacio Del Mexuar, Alhambra 1
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Øyvind Holmstad
The Patio del Cuarto Dorado or Courtyard of the Golden Room is a small patio located in the  .  One of the palaces that make up the in the , in Granada, Spain. Official hearings were held in this courtyard.  This is where the king received his subjects in audience in the second half of the […]
| Hours: For opening times of the Patio del Cuarto Dorado see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Patio del Cuarto Dorado is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Patio del Cuarto Dorado

Palacio del Partal

Torre De Las Damas, Alhambra, Granada 1
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wolfgang Pehlemann
The Palacio del Partal or Partal Palace is one of the Palaces of the  in the , in Granada, Spain. It was built by Muhammad III of Granada who ruled from 1302 to 1309. Where does the Palacio del Partal get its name? El Partal comes from an Arabic word meaning “the portico”, and is […]
Location: El Partal Callejon Guindo, 2T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Palacio del Partal see Alhambra Opening Times | Price: The Palacio del Partal is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Palacio del Partal

Puerta de las Granadas

Puerta De Las Granadas & Old Moorish Gate
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap
The Puerta de las Granadas or the Gate of the Pomegranates is an gateway or entrance to the Alhambra, located in the , in Granada, Spain. The road starts in the city centre at the Plaza Nueva, and continues up the Cuesta de Gomérez, after the Gate you walk through the Forest of the Alhambra […]
Location: Puerta de las Granadas, Cuesta de Gomérez, Granada, Spain | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Puerta de las Granadas

Plaza de Los Aljibes

Plaza De Los Aljibes, Alhambra Grenada
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Jebulon
The Plaza de Los Aljibes, or the Square of the Cisterns is a square in the , in Granada, Spain. The Plaza de Los Aljibes is a public space located in the Alhambra complex but free to access. Looming over the cypress trees in this square are crenelated towers. There’s a busy snack stand in the middle. […]
Location: Placeta de los Aljibes Plaza Algibes Alhambra, 1T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.40km
Visiting Plaza de Los Aljibes

Alcazaba

The Walls Of Alhambra, Granada
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Øyvind Holmstad
The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortification withing the in Grenada, Spain. Within the limits of Alhambra is the Alcazaba, a walled fortification meant for the rulers and their subjects. According to some sources, Alhambra’s Alcazaba was said to be built around the 11th century. This later became the last Moorish stronghold of Al-Andalus, and as such, […]
Location: Alcazaba 18009 Granada Spain | Website | Distance: 1.50km
Visiting Alcazaba

Patio de la Acequia

Patio De La Acequia In Generalife, Granada, Spain 7
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rumomo
The Patio de la Acequia or Patio of Water Channel is a patio in the in the , in Granada, Spain. It is probably the oldest garden in the West that has preserved that use since its origins. What does the Patio de la Acequia look like now? Carefully and wonderfully designed, the courtyard is […]
Location: Court of the Water Channel Camino Fuente del Avellano, 4 18010 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Patio de la Acequia in  Generalife see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Patio de la Acequia is part of the Generalife of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.50km
Visiting Patio de la Acequia

Cuarto Dorado

Arabesque, Cuarto Dorado, La Alhambra, Granada
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Javierbl 90
The Cuarto Dorado or Golden Room  is one of the rooms of the  . The Palacio del Mexuar is one of the palaces that make up the in the , in Granada, Spain. What to see in the Cuarto Dorado On the front wall of the room, we find a balcony divided by a column […]
| Website | Distance: 1.50km
Visiting Cuarto Dorado

Torre de la Vela

Torre De La Vela, Alhambra
CC BY-SA 24.0 / Rumomo
The Torre de la Vela  or Watch Tower  or the Candle Tower is a watchtower within the Alhambra palace complex with superb views over the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a very recognizable feature at the Alcazaba owing to its flags and the bell tower. There are currently four flags are flown over the tower: […]
Location: Torre de la Vela, Alhambra Cuesta de Gomérez, 39 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Torre de la Vela see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Torre de la Vela is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.50km
Visiting Torre de la Vela

Realejo

Barrio Del Realejo San Matias
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Hector Garcia
The Realejo or Realejo-San Matías is a district of Granada, in Andalucia. It was the old Jewish neighborhood of Muslim Granada. Realejo is now a heavily populated neighborhood, and its streets are vibrant with a distinctive character. History of Realejo Sephardi Jews had already settled here well before the arrival of the Moors in the […]
| Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 1.50km
Visiting Realejo

Corral del Carbón

Granada, Corral Del Carbon
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap
The Corral del Carbón or The Coal House is a 14th-century market located in the Spanish city of Granada in Andalusia. It was originally Granada’s grain market, which would have been called an Alhóndiga. This old grain market lies in the center of the El Albaicín district. Nowadays, a number of cultural institutions, a tourist information […]
Location: Calle Mariana Pineda, 8 Granada | Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 19:00 Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 14:00 | Price: Free | Distance: 1.60km
Visiting Corral del Carbón

Arab Baths of Granada

Arab Baths Of Granada 2
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Martin Furtschegger
The El Bañuelo de Granada or the Moorish Baths of Granada are 11th Century baths in Granada, in Spain. The 11th-century Moorish or Arab Baths which used to be part of the Mezquita del Nogal or Mosque of the Walnut Tree. One of the oldest and largest baths of the kind in Spain, this was […]
Location: Arab Baths, 31 Carrera del Darro, Granada, Spain | Hours: September 15th - April 30th: Daily from 10:00 - 17:00 May 1st - September 14th: Daily from 9:30 - 14:30 and 17:00 - 20:30 | Price: € 2.50 | Distance: 1.60km
Visiting Arab Baths of Granada

Royal Chapel of Granada

Tombs Of The Catholic Monarchs At The Royal Chapel Of Granada
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Javi Guerra Hernando
The Capilla Real de Granada or Royal Chapel of Granada is an Isabelline style building and originally integrated in the complex of the Granada Cathedral. It is the burial place of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand.  The Building also contains  a gallery of artworks and other items associated with Queen Isabella. The […]
Location: Royal Chapel, Gran Via de Colon 5, 18001 Granada. | Hours: 10:15 - 18:30 (Monday - Saturday); 11:00 - 18:00 (Sunday & holidays) | Price: 5€ (adults), 3.50€ (students, disabled, children), 0€ (children under 12) | Website | Distance: 1.70km
Visiting Royal Chapel of Granada

Alcaicería

Alcaiceria Granada
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Kolforn
The Alcaicería is a market in Granada, built on the same location and in the same style of the original Moorish silk market.  It is located near to Granada’s Cathedral. The market was rebuilt in 19th century and has local jewelry and souvenirs on offer. It is an area with a rich history and local […]
Location: Calle Alcaicería, 1 Granada | Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. During the months of June and July closed on Sunday from 15:00. Closed on sunday from January 6th to March 19th. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.70km
Visiting Alcaicería

Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation

Main Nave Of The Granada Cathedral.
CC BY-SA 4.0 / FDominec
The Catedral de Granada, Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación de Granada  or Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Granada in Spain. This cathedral is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance style. This grand 16th century church largely dates back to the Renaissance and is 115 metres long […]
| Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:15 - 18:30 Sunday: 11:00 - 18:00 | Price: € 5, Up to 10 years: free / 65+ and students: € 3.50 | Website | Distance: 1.80km
Visiting Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation

Mirador de San Nicolás

Buskers At The Mirador De San Nicolas
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Nikater
The Mirador de San Nicolás is a viewing point in the in the historic Albaicín neighborhood of the Spanish city of Granada, in Andalusia. The Mirador de San Nicolás is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in Granada.  If you are planning a trip to Granada, Mirador de San Nicolás as a must for those classic sunset shots of the Alhambra […]
Location: Mirador San Nicolás Plaza Mirador de San Nicolás, 2 18010 Granada Spain | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 1.90km
Visiting Mirador de San Nicolás

Parque de las Ciencias Granada

Parque De Las Ciencias Granada
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Peterfh
The Parque de las Ciencias Granada or Science Park and Science Museum in Granada is a is a 70,000 square metre interactive science museum located in Granada. The exhibitions  invite participation in order to understand the science behind things like inertia, gravity and Archimedes’ principle. This is the most visited museum in Andalusia since the opening […]
Location: Avda. de la Ciencia, s/n Granada | Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 19:00 Sunday and public holidays 10:00 - 15:00 Closed on Mondays 1st of January, 1st of May and December 25th closed Times of the planetarium are available daily at the ticket office. Approximately every hour a session. | Price: Regular tickets: € 7 / planetarium € 2.50 65+ and under 18: € 6 / planetarium € 2 | Website | Distance: 1.90km
Visiting Parque de las Ciencias Granada

Sacromonte

Sacromonte Granada
CC BY-SA 21.0 / PerryPlanet
The Sacromonte district is a district of Granada, located on the Valparaiso hill.   It is one of the six neighbourhoods that make up the urban district of Albayzín.  The district is famous in Andalusia for its unique gypsy neighborhoods, which are full of caves of flamenco music. The Sacromonte also offers views of the towers of […]
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Flamenco Show at Cuevas Los Tarantos Tickets Available | Distance: 1.90km
Visiting Sacromonte

Albaycin

Albaicin, Granada, Seen From Alhambra
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Øyvind Holmstad
Albaycin is a neighborhood and district of the old Moorish quarter in the city of Granada. The neighborhood has neat narrow lanes and well-kept traditional houses, the area has retained its old charm and is the ideal place to discover Moorish architecture. Albaicín is especially famous for its dramatic views overlooking the Alhambra palace.  This […]
Visiting Albaycin

Church Of San Salvador

San Salvador Albaicin Granada
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Giorgiomonteforti
The Iglesia del Salvador or the El Salvador Church is a 16th century church in Granada, built on the site of the Albaicín Great Mosque. The church has a very interesting architectural style that reflects the blend of strict Classicism with Moorish elements. Short History of the Church Of San Salvador The Iglesia El Salvador […]
Location: Church of San Salvador, Placeta del Abad, 7, Granada, Spain | Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-1pm and 4.30-6.30pm | Price: 1€ | Distance: 2.00km
Visiting Church Of San Salvador

Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra

View Of Dar Al Horra Palace, Granada
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Pepepitos
The Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra or Palace of the Honest Woman is a palace situated in the Albaicín district of Granada.  The 15th century palace was the residence of the sultana Aixa; who was the mother of the last Moorish sultan, Boabdil of Granada. The History of Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra in under a minute! The palace […]
Location: Callejón Ladrón del Agua, 8 in Granada | Price: €5, Sun free | Website | Distance: 2.10km
Visiting Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra

Plaza Larga

Plaza Larga, Albaicin Granada
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Øyvind Holmstad
Plaza Larga or Long Square, is a vibrant Plaza in the Albaicín quarter in Granada, Andaulsia. The square is characterized by its attractive cobblestone paving which holds the vegetable and fruit market every morning. aza Larga also has a growing culinary culture with many restaurants and cafés serving delicious tapas with original Arabic touches. Several […]
Location: Plaza Larga, Albaicin, Granada | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 2.10km
Visiting Plaza Larga

Monastery of Cartuja

Granada Charterhouse, View From The East. Granada, Spain
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ввласенко
The Monasterio de la Cartuja is a monastery which once housed Carthusian monks located on a northern hill of Granada. The monastery with a special interior in baroque style dates back to 1506, but was not completed in its current state until three centuries later.  The main attraction is its baroque church. This monument is often overlooked […]
Location: Monasterio de la Cartuja, Paseo de Cartuja, Granada | Hours: Summer: 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00 Winter: 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00 | Price: €5.00, Up to 12 years free / students up to 25 years € 3.50 | Website | Distance: 3.30km
Visiting Monastery of Cartuja

Tours and Activities from Granada