Alhambra Granada Palace is one of the best places to visit in Granada Spain to witness the combinational architectures of Moorish Royalty and the Spanish Renaissance. “Alhambra” is an Arabic word that translates to “The Red”, and as a special red color material was used to build the fortification of the palace, so the name. The palace contains Islamic-style courtyards and gardens with beautiful fountains in the middle. Post Alhambra’s Spanish annexation, the architecture was transformed into modern Renaissance with stone carvings, tile ceilings, arches, frescoes, and motifs.
Location: C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, SpainTimings: 8:30 am to 8pm
Catedral de Granada is one of the most religious places in Spain, which was designed by Enrique Egas. This place lies in the center of the old town of Granada and has been historically praised for its architectural beauty. Originally, the Cathedral was located on the site of the Main Mosque but was later converted into a Church. It showcases the unique blend of Islamic architecture with the gothic style.
Location: C. Gran Vía de Colón, 5, 18001 Granada, SpainTimings: From Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 06:15 PM, and on Sundays 03:00 PM to 06:15 PM.
The Royal Chapel is one of the top religious Places to Visit in Granada built in the late Gothic style. The dome-style Chapel reaches 47 meters in height with interiors featuring several 16th-century stained glass windows, royal tombs, and 7 large paintings by Alonso Cano. You can witness the Sword of Ferdinand de Aragon, and the Crown of Isabella de Castillo from this place. The Royal Chapel is interlinked with Catedral de Granada for religious tours and easy access.
Location: Calle Oficios, s/n, 18001 Granada, SpainTimings: Monday to Saturday- 10:00 AM to 06:30 PMSunday- 11:00 AM to 06:30 PM
El Banuelo is the recreation of ruins of Arabic Baths in Spain, also known as “Hammam Al Andalus Granada”. These baths date back to the 11th century and are among well-preserved Moorish sites. Catholic Monarchs didn’t destroy these baths as they considered this act immoral. This is the reason why the architecture of the baths combine Islamic tile work with Renaissance elements like elegant arches, and hot chamber Caldarium. The original Hammam was destroyed, and the latest one has been reconstructed with high-end amenities like Spa services in similar architecture.
Location: Carrera del Darro, 31, 18010 Granada, SpainTimings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
The left-side bank of River Darro is called Carrera del Darro. This river bank is among the best places to visit in Granada Spain that offers the most amazing views of sunsets and sunrises. Owing to the fact of being river Darro’s left bank, this street lets you witness the beauty of Granada’s skyline behind the waters. Apart from the serene looks of the city, there are many intriguing places to explore on this bank such as shops, cafes, and restaurants. Around the nighttime, the street is lit with colorful lights with street performers entertaining you with their best acts.
The street of Paseo De Los Tristes, known as Granada’s “Promenade of the Sad ones”, is strangely untraceable on Google Maps. The street is a hidden gem as it isn’t crowded, and hard to locate on the map. Unlike its name, the atmosphere of the street is quite romantic, vibrant, and happening with palaces, museums, shops, restaurants, and cafes everywhere. This vibrant street is located in close proximity to Plaza Nueva, and Carrera del Darro.
The medieval Arabic Quarter- Albaicín is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that is among the best places to visit in Granada Spain owing to its perseverance of Moorish character and beautiful narrow streets. The hilltop street contains some of the best authentic eateries and presents you with breathtaking views of Alhambra. Located just 1.7 km from Albaicín, Sacromonte is another neighborhood listed among the best places to visit in Granada Spain for its hippie streets. Apart from the streets, you can visit the cave museum to understand the 100-year Gypsy history of Sacromonte.
Timings for Albaicín: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.Timings for Sacromonte: 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM
Tapas is the ultimate taste of Spain that is an appetizer. Offering free Tapas is one of the specialties of Granada that you can find nowhere else in Spain. Most restaurants and cafes give you free Tapas after eating Spanish food, just before leaving. Tapas is also offered at bars with wines, and some iconic beverages. Some of the popular areas to fetch some Tapas for you are Carrera del Darro, Navas, Elvira Streets, Realjo, Plaza Nueva, Plaza de Toros, etc.
Sierra Nevada is one of those places to visit in Granada that let you enjoy the coldest temperatures of Spain. This is a ski resort located in the southernmost portion of Spain, lying 32 km from Granada, and 2600 meters above the ground level. The ski resort offers you some of the coolest winter sports, and presents you with the natural beauty of mountainous terrain with snow. The ski levels are divided into different colors, green for beginners, blue for easy level, red for difficult level and black for extreme level.
Location: 18451, Granada, SpainTimings: 09:00 AM to 04:45 PM
Alcaiceria is among the best places to visit in Granada Spain that mimics a Moroccan mini-souk. It is the best existing Moorish Marketplace that houses restaurants, cafes, stores, and churches. Alcaiceria is a recreation of a 19th-century Arabian market that existed in the same place but was destroyed due to fires. You can buy illuminating lamps, natural tea, and various souvenirs from this place. This market houses a fountain in its center, just like an Arabian market. As the narrow streets unfold in front of your eyes, you can witness colorful and decorative stands throughout the area.
Location: Calle de la Alcaicería, Granada.Timings: 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Granada Charterhouse- “The Carthusian Spanish Monastery” is the best of Baroque architecture that showcases the most detailed decoration, well-crafted rooms, and delicate artworks with the impressive plasterwork prominent in the ceiling. This Monastery is among the calmest places to visit in Granada which lies away from the bustling city and possesses a peaceful atmosphere. This place also has a huge collection of Renaissance art and oil paintings.
Location: Paseo de Cartuja, s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain.Timings: From Sunday to Friday 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM, and on Saturday 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM, and 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM.
Cathedral Santa Maria de la Encarnacion is the finest and oldest Renaissance Church in Spain. Built as a symbol to cherish Christian Spain’s win over the moors, Queen Isabella commenced the construction of the cathedral. The architecture of the Cathedral varies from Gothic to Plateresque as the interiors starting from the main door are decorated in Renaissance style. The northwest side of the Cathedral encompasses ornate sculptures, and the arch pillars have statues of Catholic Monarchs. Apart from the pillars, the choir of the church houses baroque-style organs.
Location: 5 Gran Via de Colón, Granada.Timings:Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PMSunday from 03:00 PM to 5:45 PM.
What are some insider tips for visiting Granada?
What is the best time of year to visit Granada?
The best time to visit in Granada is September to October, owing to the autumn season, and pleasant weather. The temperatures are neither high nor low, making it perfect for uninterrupted fun, and comfortable exploration. This season boosts outdoor activities like hiking, biking and many more, and is also an ideal time to enjoy the nightlife of the city. It is the best time to explore the topmost places to visit in Granada like Alhambra Palace, Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Royal Chapel, El Bañuelo.
What are some foods to try in Granada?
You can try the most popular item in Granada, “Tapas”- The Spanish Appetizer. Some other tasty foods to try are Paella, a Spanish dish made with rice and seafood, and Gazpacho, which is a cold mixture of tomato and vegetable soup. Flamenquín is another combo dish of fried roll, and cheese that you should not miss out on.
Is Granada worth visiting?
Yes, Granada is worth visiting with its the prime example of ruins of the Moorish, Spanish architecture, and age-old hippie streets. You can explore Granada Attractions and the city’s beauty through its hillside neighborhood, cathedrals, restaurants, cafes, and gardens.
What is Granada Spain best known for?
Granada is known for its Spanish modernism, Islamic ruins, and hippie streets. Out of all the best places to visit in Granada Spain, Alhambra tops the list, owing to its unique blend of Moorish architecture and Spanish Renaissance.
Also Check: Royal Palace of Madrid Tour