Posted by Granada, situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia, is a beautiful city full of Islamic and Spanish history. Granada is a lively city with many young people and has much to offer: The sights in the city above all the Alhambra, hikes and lots of nature in the surrounding area, many good bars, cafes and a distinctive nightlife. In spring you can ski from Granada to the Sierra Nevada or lie at 25 degrees on the beach – both are only an hour’s drive away. A flamenco performance is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the Andalusian culture. The tapas restaurants and the cakes in the city’s cafés are among the best in Spain. The best time to travel is spring and autumn. The summers are very hot in the city of 250,000 inhabitants, as in many places in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula.
Tickets and guided tours of the Alhambra are available on the Internet: Click here
>>> Tickets for the Alhambra should be bought in advance because of the large crowds: >>> Link to the ticket website
Cheap Accommodation in Granada (Spain)
El Granado Hostel – Centrally located on Calle Conde de Tendillas (near the city center), rated approximately 9.0/10, dorms from approximately €15/night, private rooms from approximately €30.
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Granada Old Town Hostel – In the old town (Angel8), very popular, rated approximately 9.1/10, dorms from approximately €13, private rooms from approximately €28.
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Hostal El Cascabel – Near Albaicín and the Alhambra, rated approximately 8.7/10, dorms from approximately €14, private rooms from approximately €30.
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Broz Hostel – Calle Azhuma 30, simple atmosphere, rated approximately 8.7/10, dorm beds from approximately €16.
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4U Hostel – Calle Coches de San Matías 15, centrally located, rated approximately 8.2/10, dorms from approximately €14–16.
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Places of interest Granada
The Alhambra is certainly one of the great sights in Spain. The gigantic castle complex, located on a small mountain called Sabikah in Granada, has a length of more than 700 metres.
Picture: © sborisov – Fotolia.com
The Alhambra fortress is by far the most important Moorish building in Europe. Many of the tourists come to Granada only because of this top sight. Especially in the summer, the crowd is so big that one has difficulties to get in at all. Therefore, quite a few visitors buy the tickets in advance in the internet or in the city. The Alhambra is famous for its Arab works of art. The lion fountain in the fortress belongs to the most famous fountains of Europe. From the Alhambra mine has a great view to Granada and the surroundings. Very interesting are also the big gardens of the Alhambra.
Tickets and guided tours of the Alhambra are available on the Internet: Click here
Picture: © fotobeam.com – Fotolia.com
Opening hours Alhambra: The main attraction in Granada is open every day of the year except at Christmas and New Year, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer and from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter. In addition, the Alhambra is open on most days in summer (not Monday) and on some days in winter again late in the evening. In the darkness the building looks even more impressive than during the day. The entrance fee to the Alhambra does not seem to be uniform.
Our tip: On this website you can book a good tour with a guide through the famous castle Alhambra online. In general you should buy the tickets for the Alhambra in advance to avoid long queues.
The main attraction in the centre of Granada is the large Renaissance cathedral. Some old buildings of the great University of Granada are also worth a visit. If you can, you should visit Granada for the famous water festival on June 20th. Also the competition of the districts of Granada about the most beautifully decorated cross annually on the 3rd of May (cross festival of Granada) is popular among the many tourists from inland and abroad.
Arrival Granada
The airport “Federico Garcia Lorca” is located about 13 km outside the city. The Alhambra can be reached on foot or by public minibus. The train station is in the centre. Granada is still connected to the Spanish high-speed railway network, but the connection is under construction (info from 2012). The next tourist place at the sea is the smaller city Almunecar.
Granada Insider Tips
Sure, the Alhambra is a must. But Granada has so much more to offer – small alleys, hidden bars, quirky places, and viewpoints that haven’t been completely Instagrammed yet. Here are a few insider tips to help you discover Granada like a local (or a curious backpacker)!
1. El Realejo – Street Art, Coffee Art, and Hippie Flair
Welcome to the old Jewish quarter, which today is more “hip with flair.” Between the alleys, you’ll find brightly colored street art by “El Niño de las Pinturas” – a local graffiti artist who has almost achieved legendary status here.
Tip: At La Finca Coffee, you can get a great flat white with a view of graffiti art.
2. Mirador de los Carvajales – View without the crowds
Everyone runs to the Mirador de San Nicolás. Sure, the view is great – but you’ll be sharing it with 100 tourists and three flamenco groups. Quieter (and just as beautiful) is the Mirador de los Carvajales. Here you can admire the Alhambra in peace – perhaps with an ice-cold beer in hand?
Don’t forget a picnic!
3. Teterías on Calle Calderería Nueva – 1001 Nights in Spain
This street feels more like Marrakech than Spain. Shishas, tea rooms, mosaic lamps – all a bit kitschy, but totally charming. And hey: where else can you get mint tea with honey AND baklava for under 5 euros?
Our tip: Tetería As-Sirat – cozy and less crowded.
4. Carmen de los Mártires – park with peacocks and palm trees
Just a few minutes from the Alhambra, but almost deserted. The garden is a real insider tip – romantic, tranquil, and with free-roaming peacocks proudly strutting around like models on a catwalk.
Free entry – and amazing photos!
5. Los Manueles – Tapas tradition without the tourist trap
Want authentic tapas? Then head to Los Manueles (preferably the branch on Calle Reyes Católicos). Here, every drink comes with a generous portion of tapas. Sometimes so large that you can skip the meal afterward.
Pro tip: Say “una caña” and wait for the food to arrive…
6. Hammam Al Ándalus – Splashing around like in the Middle Ages
Okay, not exactly cheap – but an experience. The Arab baths in the heart of the old town are super relaxing and feel like a mini-vacation within a vacation. Warm water, candlelight, the scent of orange blossoms… Yes, almost kitsch. But beautiful.
It’s better to book online in advance, as they’re often fully booked.
7. The Sacromonte Caves – Living in the Mountains
Want to see how people actually live in caves? Then head to Sacromonte. The houses are built into the rock, pleasantly cool inside (perfect in summer!), and some are still inhabited. There’s also a small museum that shows how people used to live here.
And yes: This is where real flamenco dances! Not for tourists, but for locals.
8. Free Walking Tour with Wit and Charm
Get to know Granada with someone who lives here. Many walking tours are free (tips appreciated) and are led by locals who have plenty of funny stories to tell. From Moorish princes to student pranks – there won’t be a dry eye to be found.
The meeting point is often at Plaza Nueva – just keep your eyes open!
9. Calle Navas – But please, find the right bar!
This alley is known for tapas, but beware: it’s brimming with tourist traps! A real insider tip amidst the hustle and bustle: Bar La Buena Vida – small, loud, delicious. And the prices are old-school.
10. Get lost! Really.
You’ll find the best places in Granada if you just go with the flow. No Google Maps, no Tripadvisor – just you, your nose, and the nearest delicious bakery around the corner. Granada is like a labyrinth – but one you’ll gladly get lost in.
11. La Chumbera – Flamenco with a view of the Alhambra
Many flamenco shows in Granada are… well, let’s say: more show than soul. Not so at the Centro Municipal de Flamenco La Chumbera! Here, real flamenco artists perform – with emotion, sweat, and goosebumps.
The whole thing takes place in a cave stage – with a panoramic view of the Alhambra at night. Unforgettable.
12. Helados La Perla – Ice cream like grandma would have made
A real insider tip for those with a sweet tooth: This ice cream parlor has been around since 1932. The flavors? Homemade, creative, sometimes wild (almond cinnamon, orange blossom water, gazpacho – yes, really!). Perfect for cooling off on hot days.
Address: Calle Gran Vía de Colón, 33
13. El Huerto del Carlos – The Chill Garden in the Albaicín
A small urban garden with benches, lemon trees, and shady spots – right in the old town district of Albaicín. Here, students relax, dogs doze, and sometimes someone plays the guitar. A place to breathe, read, or people-watch.
And the best part: Nobody knows about it. Yet.
14. El Apeadero – Indie, Theater & Quirky Concerts
Looking for something a little alternative? Then head to El Apeadero! A mini cultural center with absurd theater pieces, indie bands, poetry slams, or even an improvisation evening about… goats.
The entrance fee is often “pay what you want” – the crowd: diverse, cool, and Granadan.
15. A Beer with a View: Jardines de Zoraya
Actually a place for flamenco evenings – but you can also just sit on the terrace, order a drink, and enjoy the sunset. The garden is beautiful, quiet, and… you can hear flamingos without going in.
Address: Calle Panaderos, in the Sacromonte district – romantic to the max.
16. Biblioteca Pública del Salón – Books under Palm Trees
Sounds boring? But it isn’t! This public library is located in a pretty little park with fountains and benches under palm trees. The perfect place for a reading break (or a midday nap with birdsong).
There’s Wi-Fi too. And hardly any tourists.
17. Cine Madrigal – Cinema like it was in the 50s
Love nostalgia? Then head to Cine Madrigal. This arthouse cinema shows films in their original language, mostly in Spanish or English – but the star is the building itself: old seats, creaking floors, red velvet curtains. And popcorn that tastes like real childhood.
Pro tip: Tuesday is movie day – tickets are often only €4.
18. Bar Poe – Tapas from around the world (but in Granada!)
Boring patatas bravas? Not here! Bar Poe serves tapas with a twist: Portuguese piri-piri chicken, Thai curries, Moroccan tagine – free with a drink! All this in a tiny bar with a living room atmosphere.
Address: Calle Verónica de la Magdalena, 40
19. Stroll along the river – The Genil River, completely laid-back
Not in the mood for sightseeing? Then stroll along the Río Genil, just out of town. At some point, it turns green, quiet, and you almost forget you’re in a big city. Joggers, families, and: ducks. Lots of ducks.
Especially beautiful early in the morning or at sunset!
20. Mirador de San Miguel Alto – For the really tough
The climb is tough (steep, dusty, sweaty), but the view? Legendary. Much better than San Nicolás, because there’s hardly anyone up here. And if you come in the evening in summer: picnic + beer + view = the perfect end to the day.
>>> Tickets for the Alhambra should be bought in advance because of the large crowds: >>> Link to the ticket website
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