18 Must-See Places in Granada
18 Must-See Places in Granada (Map + Itineraries)
This list of the best places to see in Granada is perfect for making sure you don’t miss anything in one of Spain’s most fascinating and historic cities.
Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Granada was the capital of Al-Andalus for a long time and the last city reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Its rich history is still visible in its monuments, including the incomparable Alhambra, one of the wonders of the world.
To explore Granada’s main tourist attractions and fully enjoy the best experiences, we recommend spending at least three days in the city. However, it is also an excellent weekend destination, or you can extend your trip to visit some of the surrounding marvels.
The best time to visit Granada is in spring and autumn, as summer temperatures often exceed 30 degrees, making sightseeing difficult during peak hours. If you want to avoid crowds and high accommodation prices, it's best to skip Semana Santa (Holy Week), one of Andalusia’s most significant celebrations.
Based on our visits to this city, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and one of the top places to visit in Andalusia, we have created this list of the 18 must-see places in Granada. Let’s get started!
1. Alhambra of Granada
Walking up to the Alhambra early in the morning, known as the eighth wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best thing you can do in Granada.
Located atop the Al-Sabika hill with the Sierra Nevada in the background, this impressive complex consists of palaces, gardens, and a fortress in Andalusian style. Built by the Nasrid King Muhammad ben al-Ahmar in 1238, it later became a royal residence after the Christian conquest.
A great way to learn more about its history is by booking this guided tour or this one, which includes the Nasrid Palaces. If you prefer to visit independently, be sure to buy tickets in advance from this official page or, if unavailable, from this alternative site.
Visiting hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (April 1 - October 14); closes at 6:00 PM the rest of the year.
Night visit hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM (April 1 - October 14); Friday and Saturday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM the rest of the year.
Alhambra, one of the must-see places in Granada
2. El Albaicín
El Albaicín, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Granada’s oldest and most charming neighborhood.
Stretching from the San Miguel hill to Calle Elvira, this district is perfect for wandering through its narrow cobbled streets, where you’ll discover charming taverns offering Granada’s signature tapas, such as broad beans with ham, fried fish, or Sacromonte-style omelet.
To explore without missing any highlights, we recommend booking this free tour of Albaicín.
El Albaicín
3. Paseo de los Tristes
Located between the Alhambra and Albaicín, alongside the Darro River, Paseo de los Tristes is one of Granada’s most picturesque spots.
It was historically the route for funeral processions heading to the San José cemetery, which earned it its somber name. Today, it is a charming walkway filled with history and beauty.
Paseo de los Tristes
4. Casa del Chapiz
Located at the edge of Albaicín, Casa del Chapiz is a 16th-century Moorish house that now hosts the School of Arabic Studies in Granada.
Its courtyard with white marble columns and the stunning views of the Alhambra make it a must-visit site.
Visiting hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Casa del Chapiz
5. Sacromonte Neighborhood
After visiting the Casa del Chapiz, you will enter the Sacromonte neighborhood, known as the gypsy quarter and one of the most charming places to see in Granada.
One of the great experiences this neighborhood offers is visiting one of its famous caves at sunset to enjoy a zambra, a gypsy festivity where flamenco is sung and danced. We recommend booking in advance this show at Cuevas Los Tarantos or this one at the Cueva Los Amayas tablao, two of the most famous and emblematic places in Granada to enjoy a flamenco performance.
Before attending a zambra, we suggest taking a stroll through this neighborhood, dotted with white houses, which was formed in the 14th century when groups of Muslims, Jews, and nomadic gypsies began occupying the caves on the slopes of a hill, escaping administrative control. Once settled, the gypsies created their own identity and culture, making this neighborhood one of the cradles of flamenco.
As a recommendation, if you want to learn all about this history, you can visit the Sacromonte Caves Museum, where 10 caves recreate the living conditions and traditional trades of its inhabitants.
Another highlight of this Granada neighborhood is the Sacromonte Abbey, a late 16th-century temple that amazes visitors with its sacred caves and its collection of lead books—lead plates written in Arabic that were found in Roman-era kilns. You can book a guided tour of the abbey from this page.
Keep in mind that if you don't want to walk to the abbey, located at the end of Calle Siete Cuestas, you can take bus line C34 from Plaza Nueva.
Museum visiting hours: daily from 10 AM to 6 PM from October 15 to March 14; the rest of the year, it closes at 8 PM.
Abbey visiting hours: daily from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 5 PM to 7:30 PM from May to September; the rest of the year, it closes at 6 PM (on Sundays, it opens at 11 AM).
Sacromonte Neighborhood
6. San Nicolás Viewpoint
Located at the highest part of the Albaicín neighborhood, the San Nicolás Viewpoint is the most popular in Granada, offering the best views of the Alhambra with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.
The best time to visit this viewpoint is just before sunset, so you can sit on the wall and watch as the city lights up with the setting sun.
If it gets too crowded, you can head to Placeta de los Carvajales, which offers excellent views of the Alhambra and the Generalife, or step inside the courtyard of the Great Mosque of Granada, which provides a quieter view of the Alhambra.
In addition to these viewpoints, you can enjoy a meal or dinner at a restaurant with views of the Alhambra, such as Aben Humeya, Las Tomasas, or El Agua, all of which are among the best restaurants in Granada.
San Nicolás Viewpoint
7. Arco de las Pesas
From the San Nicolás Viewpoint, you can walk a little further up to the Arco de las Pesas, one of the access points of the ancient Zirid wall that separated the Albaicín from the Alcazaba Qadima neighborhood. This is another must-see place in Granada.
Before reaching this gate, we recommend wandering through the charming narrow streets that lead from the San Nicolás Viewpoint, passing by the Parish Church of Nuestro Salvador—built in the Mudejar style over the old Great Mosque of Granada—and arriving at the picturesque Plaza Larga.
Once at the Arco de las Pesas, you will see one of the earliest examples of Hispano-Muslim architecture, built in the 11th century by the Zirid rulers to defend the old Alcazaba. It stands out for its Almoravid-style design, featuring overlapping horseshoe and semicircular arches.
After passing through this gate, you can explore the remains of the Alcazaba Cadima and visit the Monaita Gate, another entrance to the old city walls, as well as the San Cristóbal Viewpoint, which offers fantastic views of the Cathedral and the Alhambra.
Arco de las Pesas
8. Dar-al-Horra Palace
Located in the upper Albaicín, within the ancient Alcazaba Cadima, the Dar-al-Horra Palace was the first residence of the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, Muhammad I, and is one of the most fascinating buildings to visit in Granada.
Built in the 14th century over a Zirid palace from the 11th century, it later became the official residence of Aixa la-Horra, wife of Muley Hacén and mother of the last Nasrid emir of Granada. After the Christian reconquest, it passed into the hands of Hernando de Zafra, who converted it into his residence.
Later, it was integrated into the Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real and was declared a Cultural Heritage Site, thanks to its stunning Nasrid architecture, which features a courtyard with a central pool and a viewpoint offering beautiful views of Granada.
Visiting hours: Every day from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
9. Climbing to San Miguel Alto – A Must-Do in Granada
One of the best things to do in Granada is to hike up to the San Miguel Alto viewpoint at sunset, our favorite for offering the most complete panoramic view of the city, the Albaicín and its walls, the Alhambra, and Sierra Nevada.
To reach the top of Cerro de San Miguel, where the small hermitage of the same name is located, you’ll need to walk up a steep hill or take bus line N9 (Triunfo stop) or a convenient taxi.
Once at the top, we recommend heading to the terrace next to the hermitage and walking down a short dirt path to find a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
In our case, as the sun was setting, we decided to descend towards the city center via an unmarked dirt trail, which allowed us to enjoy closer views before nightfall. However, be cautious, as this area is not the best place to get lost after dark.
San Miguel Alto
10. Granada Cathedral
The Cathedral, located in the heart of the historic center and built between 1523 and 1706 on the site of an old mosque, is the main religious temple and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Granada.
A masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, its main façade captivates with a mix of styles, predominantly Baroque, while the interior impresses with its vast dimensions, towering classical columns, and beautiful chapels. Among them, the Capilla Mayor stands out, but without a doubt, the most striking is the Royal Chapel (where photography is not allowed), an annex to the Cathedral where the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, their heir Joanna the Mad, her husband Philip the Handsome, and the infant Miguel de la Paz rest.
To learn more about the fascinating history of the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, we recommend booking this guided tour.
If you prefer to visit on your own, the entrance fee is 5 euros (with an included audio guide), or you can visit for free on Sundays from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM. The Royal Chapel is also free on Wednesdays from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM with prior reservation through this website.
Cathedral visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:45 PM.
Royal Chapel visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:15 AM to 6:30 PM, Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Granada Cathedral
11. Palacio de la Madraza
Located across from the Royal Chapel, the Palacio de la Madraza was the first public university in Al-Andalus and the only one that has been partially preserved.
Founded in 1349 by the Nasrid king Yusuf I of Granada, this Muslim higher education school offered classes in law, medicine, mathematics, and other sciences, taught by great scholars such as Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Zamrak, whose poems adorn the walls and fountains of the Alhambra.
After several renovations that gave it a Baroque appearance, it still retains the original Nasrid oratory, complete with its mihrab and octagonal dome. The original marble façade, however, was moved to the Archaeological Museum of Granada.
It is also worth visiting the upper floor to see the Salón de Caballeros Veinticuatro, which houses magnificent Mudejar-style coffered ceilings and the valuable painting of the Virgen de la Rosa.
Visiting hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Palacio de la Madraza
12. Alcaicería
After passing through Plaza Bib Rambla and admiring its famous Fuente de los Gigantones, you can enter La Alcaicería, an old Arab souk with narrow alleys where silk was manufactured and sold during the Moorish era.
Today, this labyrinth of streets is home to several souvenir and craft shops where you can purchase the popular Fajalauza ceramics or wood inlays known as taracea.
Alcaicería
13. Corral del Carbón
A few meters from La Alcaicería, you will find the Corral del Carbón, the only fully preserved Nasrid alhóndiga (public warehouse and marketplace) in Spain and another fascinating place to visit in Granada.
Built in the 14th century by Yusuf I, it was originally used to accommodate merchants trading in the adjacent market. Later, under Christian rule, it was converted into a venue for theatrical performances.
It is worth stepping through its impressive horseshoe arch, designed in the Nasrid style, to admire the large square courtyard, which is surrounded by three-story buildings with rooms and features a central fountain with two spouts.
Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Corral del Carbón
14. Calle de las Teterías
Having a tea on Calle de las Teterías, known locally as Little Marrakech, is another of the best things to do in Granada.
Located in Calle Calderería Nueva, in the heart of the historic center, this street transports you momentarily to an Arab city with its numerous teahouses, the distinct aroma of tea, small clothing shops, artisan workshops, and traditional bakeries and pastry shops.
If you happen to be in the area around mealtime, we recommend trying a delicious plate of falafel, couscous, or tajine at El Vizir restaurant, followed by a visit to one of the most recommended teahouses such as Diwan, La Oriental, or Abaco Té—the latter offering fantastic views of the Alhambra.
Calle de las Teterías
15. El Realejo
At the foot of the Alhambra citadel lies El Realejo, the old Jewish quarter and another of the must-see places in Granada.
In its narrow, centuries-old streets, nestled among whitewashed houses and historic mansions known as "cármenes," Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities coexisted for centuries, giving this neighborhood a unique charm that unfolds as you explore.
We recommend starting your route at Plaza de Isabel la Católica, where you'll find a statue of Queen Isabella and Columbus. Then, continue to the Casa de los Tiros, a 16th-century building. After admiring its façade, head to Placeta Puerta del Sol, home to the Lavadero viewpoint and the Sephardic Museum, which offers insight into the history of Jews in Granada.
The next three stops include the Church of Santo Domingo, a beautiful temple that once housed the Spanish Inquisition; the Torres Bermejas, a defensive fortress; and the Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation, one of the most stunning "cármenes" to visit in Granada.
To wrap up your visit, stroll through the gardens of the Carmen de los Mártires palace, which offers breathtaking views of the city, and finish at Plaza del Campo del Príncipe, where you'll find the iconic Cristo de los Favores statue. You can then dine at one of the most recommended restaurants in the area, such as EntreBrasas, El Mentidero, or La Esquinita de Javi.
To learn more about the history of this neighborhood, you can book this free walking tour of El Realejo, one of the best free tours in Granada.
El Realejo
16. Hammam Al Ándalus, one of the must-visit places in Granada
Taking a relaxing bath and getting a massage at a hammam after a long day of sightseeing is another of the best things to do in Granada.
Also known as an Arab or Turkish bath, this relaxing space offers steam baths as well as pools at different temperatures, leaving you completely rejuvenated.
These baths were very popular during the Arab period, serving not only for body purification but also as places for business and political meetings. Today, they are among the most visited attractions in Granada.
Remember that if you want to enjoy a bath, a relaxing massage, or a skin treatment, it’s important to book in advance at Hammam Al Ándalus, which recreates an ancient Arab bath and is one of the most recommended experiences in Granada.
Arab Baths
17. Monastery of La Cartuja
If you have extra time in the city, we recommend visiting the Monastery of La Cartuja, located 2 kilometers from the city center. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Granada.
This Baroque gem, built starting in 1506, impresses visitors with its lavishly decorated chapels and charming corners such as the Courtyard, the Refectory, the Chapter Room, the Sacristy, and above all, the Church of the Assumption.
To reach this monastery, you can take bus lines 8, U1, U2, or U3, or book a seat on this tourist train that tours the city.
Visiting hours: Monday to Friday and Sundays from 10 AM to 8 PM; Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM.
Monastery of La Cartuja
18. Monastery of San Jerónimo
Another important religious site outside the city center is the Monastery of San Jerónimo, the first monastery built in Granada after the city was conquered by the Christians. It is our final recommendation in this list of must-visit places in Granada.
Founded by the Catholic Monarchs before the city’s conquest, this Renaissance-style architectural complex, composed of a church and a monastery, stands out for its two courtyards and the Mannerist altarpiece in the main chapel, where "El Gran Capitán" (The Great Captain), a distinguished military leader, is buried.
Visiting hours: March to August: 10 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 7:30 PM; Rest of the year: Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 6:30 PM.
Monastery of San Jerónimo