Top 10 activities to enjoy in Granada, Spain

Granada stands as Spain’s vibrant southern city, rich in culture and history, with the magnificent Alhambra at its heart—one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements.

For the Moors, it was a heavenly oasis; for the Reyes Católicos (Catholic Monarchs) who followed, Granada became the birthplace of a vast empire.

Today, the city's historical diversity remains the primary allure for visitors. Explore its historic neighborhoods, including former Jewish (El Realejo), Roma (Sacromonte), and Muslim (Albaicín) areas, where the sounds of a flamenco guitar may drift through the balmy air. With attractions for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and fans of music and literature, these highlights will enhance your visit to Granada.

1. Experience Moorish craftsmanship at the Alhambra

Granada is renowned for its iconic Alhambra, a stunning fortress atop a hill featuring intricately adorned palaces (Palacios Nazaríes), formidable defenses (the Alcazaba), and elegant gardens (the Generalife). As you explore its lavishly decorated palace chambers and courtyards highlighted by soothing marble fountains, it’s easy to envision emirs enjoying leisurely moments in the shade, relishing life’s pleasures. This philosophy inspired the creation of such beautiful structures: that life is fleeting and should be cherished in the moment.

Planning tip: Access to the Nasrid Palaces is regulated by timed tickets (typically available one hour post-purchase), so begin your journey at the Alcazaba, then proceed to the Nasrid Palaces, concluding your visit in the Generalife gardens. To secure an earlier time slot before the crowds arrive, book online ahead of time.

2. Pay respects to the royal figures at the Capilla Real

While no structure built by the conquering Reyes Católicos after reclaiming Granada from the Moors in 1492 can match the Alhambra, the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) comes remarkably close. Unlike the Moorish palace, which celebrates life, this exquisite post-Reconquista edifice is dedicated to death. Within the Gothic chapel adjoining Granada Cathedral, the elaborate marble tombs of the esteemed monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella rest behind a protective wrought iron screen. Most royal remains are housed in lead coffins within the crypt below.

3. Revel in the beauty of Lorca’s Granada

No one has captured the enchanting landscapes and evocative culture of Andalucía quite like Federico García Lorca (1898–1936). A fragment of his poetic world, “Parched land, quiet land, of immense nights,” can be experienced at Huerta de San Vicente. It was in his summer residence on the city's western edge, surrounded by the serene poplars, palms, and ponds of Parque Federico García Lorca, that he penned many of his most celebrated poems and plays. Tours are available by guided visit only from Wednesday to Friday, except in August when the house is closed.

Detour: To delve deeper into Lorca's legacy, visit the Museo Casa Natal in Fuente Vaqueros, just 17km (13 miles) from Granada. This was the unyielding poet’s birthplace, where he spent his formative years.

4. Sweeten your mint tea generously at a tetería

You won't find many teterías in other Spanish cities, as they are a legacy of the Moorish culture left behind when Boabdil was exiled to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Places like Tetería Dar Ziryab showcase beautiful Arabesque designs, while Tetería Palmira offers fantastic Middle Eastern dishes, including mutabal and baba ganoush. Locals enjoy mint tea (skip the milk but don’t hold back on the sugar), served in glasses from stainless steel teapots.

Planning tip: The highest concentration of teterías can be found near the intersection of calles Elvira and Calderería Nueva, just two blocks east of the cathedral.

5. Explore tapas bars for complimentary bites

Perhaps even more remarkable than the enduring allure of the Alhambra is the fact that you can still enjoy complimentary tapas in Granada today. Once a common tradition throughout Spain, this practice of serving a small dish with each drink has become almost exclusive to Granada and its surroundings. Iconic spots like Bar Poë even feature a menu with over 10 options, including estofado de carne (piri-piri pork stew) and ensalada de garbanzos (chickpea salad).

Planning tip: Free tapas are available at bars across the city, but for a traditional experience, head to the Realejo neighborhood, southwest of the Alhambra, where you'll find classic bars like Bar Los Diamantes on Calle Navas. A handy phrase to remember is vamos a tapear, meaning: let’s go tapas bar hopping.

6. Observe the fusion of architectural styles in Mudéjar buildings

Originally a mosque, the Church of San Gil y Santa Ana exemplifies the religious rivalry often seen in Andalucía’s historic architecture. While the Catholic Baroque style predominates, take a moment to admire the beautifully carved wooden artesonado ceilings. Other captivating remnants from this period include the Corral del Carbón, once a coal warehouse but initially a 13th-century caravanserai. Close by, the Palacio de la Madraza, next to the cathedral, showcases a Spanish Baroque facade, yet its arabesque stucco interior clearly reflects Mudéjar influences.

7. Witness one of Spain's most breathtaking views

From nearly every angle in the Albaicín neighborhood, the majestic Alhambra dominates the backdrop against the snow-capped Sierra Madre peaks. As you meander through the Albaicín’s narrow, winding streets, be sure to find a mirador (lookout point) just in time for sunset. The most breathtaking view can be found at Mirador de San Nicolás, but many visitors opt to stay in the Albaicín to enjoy this sight both morning and night.

Planning tip: The streets in this neighborhood are steep and filled with steps, so be sure to wear suitable shoes. Hotels situated higher up the hill, north of the Darro River, provide the best vistas. Recommended options include Casa Bombo and Hotel Santa Isabel la Real.

8. Experience a flamenco show in a cave in Sacromonte

The Sacromonte neighborhood in northeast Granada showcases rich Romani heritage. Many of the area's oldest residences were carved into the naturally occurring caves of the Sierra Nevada foothills. These caves gave rise to a profoundly emotional form of flamenco, where each guitar-accompanied grito resonates with the struggles of an oppressed people. Today, numerous nightly performances feature this flamenco style known as Granaína, benefiting from the unique acoustics of their cavernous surroundings. Notable venues include Zambra María la Canastera and Cueva de la Rocio.

Planning tip: There are many fantastic spots to enjoy flamenco performances across Granada. Traditional non-cave flamenco venues are referred to as tablao. Some combine dinner with the show, like Tablao Flamenco La Alborea, while others focus solely on the performance.

9. Learn about Inquisition history at the Palacio de los Olvidados

For years, the Inquisition has been a dark and often ignored chapter in Spain's history. While it can still seem like an unresolved issue, museums such as Palacio de los Olvidados contribute to a discussion on the violent extremism that followed the Moors' expulsion from Granada, aimed at curbing anti-Catholic sentiment. The museum features exhibits of torture devices from that era, striving for an honest reflection on this troubling period without diminishing its significance.

10. Hunt for unique ceramics at Fajalauza

If you're planning to wander through the higher parts of the Albaicín and seeking additional enjoyable activities, make sure to visit Fajalauza. For years, there have been rumors that this last stronghold of Granaína ceramics may soon shut down. Operating since 1517, this family-owned factory has been passed down through countless generations. The exhibition and sales area is the perfect spot to discover a unique, hand-painted keepsake.