Ultimate Guide: Top Things to Do in Granada

From a wine tour in Andalusia to exploring hilltop palaces and flamenco-filled nights, this is your essential guide to Granada, a remarkable Spanish city nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Alhambra, whitewashed Moorish quarters, lively tapas bars, and fiery flamenco shows, Granada is a cultural gem in the south of Spain. Whether you’re here for a couple of days in Granada or are weaving this stop into your broader Spain itinerary, this vibrant city strikes the perfect balance of history, gastronomy, and wine-infused relaxation. This Granada itinerary was designed for you to deep dive into local culture, sipping fine Andalusian wines, walking cobblestone streets under centuries-old balconies, and seeking the best views of the city. It’s time to discover the best things to do in Granada for your next trip!

What are the best things to see in Granada?

Marvel at the incredible Alhambra Palace

Standing as the crown jewel of Andalusían architecture, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for anyone visiting Granada. This majestic fortress complex includes the Nasrid Palaces, the opulent Generalife gardens, and the imposing Alcazaba of the Alhambra. You can also opt for a guided tour of the Alhambra to gain cultural context and see the intricate Moorish tiles, courtyards, and arches up close. From the top, enjoy stunning views of the city and Sierra Nevada peaks. To avoid long waits and ensure entrance, we recommend booking your Alhambra ticket weeks in advance!

Wander through the historic Albaicín quarter

The Albaicín or Albayzin is the oldest quarter of the city and a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, charming whitewashed buildings, and postcard-perfect scenes. This quarter of the city, once the heart of the Moorish city of Al-Andalus, offers authentic teahouses, scenic walks in Granada, and hidden miradors, lookouts.

Watch the sunset from Mirador de San Nicolás

Probably the best view of the Alhambra is found at the iconic Mirador de San Nicolás. This picture-perfect terrace offers unmatched panoramic views of the palace and the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada mountains. For an unforgettable experience, visit at golden hour, you’ll often find local musicians playing guitar with an electric ambiance.

Enjoy flamenco in Sacromonte

To truly experience the pulse of Granada, attend a traditional flamenco show in the atmospheric caves of Sacromonte. This hillside neighborhood, perched across from the Alhambra, is deeply rooted in Roma heritage and the flamenco style known as zambra, a passionate blend of music and dance born from Andalusian and Gitano traditions. Two unforgettable venues are Zambra María la Canastera and Cueva Los Tarantos, both offering intimate performances that capture the soul of Andalusia through rhythmic footwork, haunting vocals, and raw emotion.

Visit the Majestic Catedral de Granada & Royal Chapel

The Granada Cathedral (or Catedral de Granada) rises in Renaissance splendor above the city center. Built on the site of a former mosque, it’s a stunning representation of Spain’s evolving religious and cultural layers. Nearby lies the Royal Chapel, where the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella are entombed. Stand in front of the cathedral and admire its ornate Baroque facade, then step inside to experience its soaring ceilings and golden altars, a breathtaking display of Renaissance architecture and Catholic grandeur.

Relax in the arab baths

Inspired by ancient Moorish traditions, the soothing Arab baths of Granada, like Hammam Al Ándalus, offer a sensory journey through heated pools, optional massages, and candlelit arches that evoke the ambiance of Al-Andalus. It’s a perfect blend of history and relaxation, and an ideal way to unwind after long days of exploration in the city.

Sip the Andalusian culture in bodegas

Step into the heart of Andalusian wine culture by sipping local vintages in traditional bodegas, family-run wine cellars where heritage, craftsmanship, and hospitality come together. Whether you’re tasting bold reds, crisp whites, or the region’s iconic fortified wines, each glass tells a story rooted in centuries of tradition. Many bodegas offer guided tours that take you through cool, barrel-lined cellars and sunlit courtyards, ending with tastings paired with regional tapas. It’s more than a drink, it’s a full sensory experience and one of the most rewarding ways to connect with the soul of southern Spain.

Take a day trip to Monasterio de San Jerónimo

Just a short walk from central Granada, the Monasterio de San Jerónimo is a treasure for lovers of historic architecture. This serene site showcases exquisite Renaissance altarpieces, cloisters, and religious art within a peaceful setting. One of the city’s true hidden gems, it offers a quiet, heritage-rich escape from Granada’s busier landmarks.

Savor tea culture in Granada’s Hidden Teterías

Influenced by its Moorish past, Granada is home to many teahouses or teterías, especially in the Albaicín. These serve an array of Arabic tea, sweets, and hookah options in ornately decorated spaces. Enjoy a quiet hour here between sightseeing. Highly recommended spots include Tetería As-Sirat and Tetería Palacio Nazaríes.

Discover local life at Plaza Nueva

As the oldest square in Granada, Plaza Nueva is a lively and atmospheric spot to enjoy a coffee or lunch while watching the rhythm of the city unfold. Surrounded by historic facades and within easy reach of top landmarks, it’s a perfect meeting point to start or wind down your day’s explorations.

What are the best things to do around Granada?

Experience the soul of Andalusia through its wines

Just over an hour beyond Granada, you’ll find yourself immersed in Andalusia’s vibrant wine country. This sun-soaked region winds through whitewashed villages, fertile vineyards, and historic bodegas producing celebrated varietals like Tempranillo and Moscatel. A visit here not only delights wine lovers but also offers a deeper taste of southern Spain’s rich agrarian heritage. Pair a bold local red with a regional tapa, and you may find the experience rivals even the famed tapas bars of central Granada. It’s an ideal half-day addition to your itinerary, especially if you’re looking to venture beyond the Alhambra in search of flavor and tradition.

Visit Sierra Nevada National Park

Less than an hour’s drive south‑east of Granada, the soaring peaks of the Sierra Nevada National Park beckon hikers and nature lovers. Alpine paths climb above pine forests and, farther on, link to the remote white‑washed villages of the Alpujarras. Even in summer, snow‑streaked summits rise over Granada’s warm, Moorish‑toned skyline, a striking contrast after a morning in the Alhambra or the Albaicín. Swap palace courtyards for high‑mountain air and ridgeline vistas that easily rival those from the famed Mirador de San Nicolás.

Relax by the coast in Salobreña or Almuñécar

Less than an hour’s drive from Granada, head south to the coast and explore charming seaside towns like Salobreña and Almuñécar. Combining hammam-style relaxation, serene Mediterranean beaches, and cliffside castles, these towns present an ideal contrast to the fortress ambiance of the Alhambra. Lounge with local seafood and drinks, or join a wine experience featuring fresh coastal varietals. It’s a refreshing addition after delving deep into the culture and history of Granada.

Good to Know before visiting Granada