Best Things to Do in Granada

Getting Oriented 

Set in Spain's southern Andalucía region, the small city of Granada attracts over 2 million visitors each year, many heading straight to the impressive Alhambra. The imposing Muslim fortress sits high atop a hill with the Sierra Nevada Mountains creating a scenic backdrop. But, although the Alhambra and its gardens are certainly a sight to see, Granada is worth a visit for many other reasons, too.

Because the Iberian Peninsula was once ruled by the Moors (and called Al-Andulas at that time), you'll find a diverse range of cultural influences in Granada. From architecture to gastronomy, the city is like a treasure hunt and maze in one. Enjoy twisting through the Moorish quarter of Albaicín, tasting the region's famed cuisine that combines traditional Spanish food with North African influences, and watch an authentic flamenco show deep in the hills of the city. 

Food + Culture

In Andalucía, food and culture go hand in hand. Enjoy tapas while watching a flamenco show, take a cooking class in a local's home, and enjoy a food tour of Granada's Old Town.

Tapas & Flamenco in Albaicín & Sacromonte

Tapas and flamenco are two of the most popular experiences in Granada! With an expert leading the way, you'll enjoy a walk through three of the city's neighborhoods, stopping at a few tapas bars for drinks and local delicacies along the way. Enjoy passing through the city's historic Old Town and Albaicín districts before heading up into the hills of Sacromonte, where caves host traditional music with flamenco dancing. Read More

Tapas Cooking Class in a Local Home

Join a local in their home for a cooking class about Spanish tapas. You'll meet your host at Granada's central market, where you'll pick up all the fresh ingredients needed for the day's recipes. Then, you'll settle into your host's kitchen and work together to create a 3-course menu of traditional staples. Although the menu changes with the seasons, some dishes may include paella, patatas bravas, and gazpacho. Read More

Food Tour of Granada

Granada is world-renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine. With so many cultural influences throughout the centuries, the food combines several flavors and consistencies that you'll love to taste. A local foodie will lead you to four hotspots to enjoy some of the city's and country's signature dishes. Highlights include local style ham cured in the mountains, dry fruits and nuts in one of the oldest ultramarines (grocery shops) in Spain, and traditional Granada tapas in a charming family-owned restaurant. Read More

History + Nature

One of Granada's biggest draws is its history. Of course, you can't miss a tour of the historic Moorish quarter, Albaicín, or the great Alhambra fortress with its impressive gardens. But when you're done exploring the city, head into the nearby hills and enjoy a hike in the Sierra Nevadas.

Evening Tour of Albaicín

Join the locals of Granada as you explore the historic Albaicín neighborhood as the sun goes down. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this district was the city's former Moorish quarter, known as an Islamic city-within-a-city. As you twist through the district's alleyways and up to lookout points, enjoy views of Granada and listen to anecdotes about the area's history, culture, and tradition. Stop in at a local tapas bar to truly get a local glimpse of this lively neighborhood. Read More

Visit the Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

Many travelers tour the city's biggest attraction in Granada: the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, which draw more than two million visitors annually. When the Moors ruled the Iberian Peninsula (then called Al-Andulas), they built this imposing Muslim fortress atop a hill in the 9th century. It was then rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and eventually used as the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. Read More

Hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Trade the city for the countryside and enjoy a hike in the Sierra Nevadas just outside Granada. Led by a local guide, your trek combines outdoor adventure with cultural experiences, as you'll walk within a region known for gastronomic traditions based on farming. Meander through farms and olive groves and swing across hanging bridges as you learn about the locals' way of life. Read More

How to Craft the Perfect Granada Itinerary

How many days you spend in Granada depends on what you want to see and do. Although many travelers visit Granada for the Alhambra and nothing else, the city isn't very large, so you can easily tackle its highlights in a couple of days—and it's worth spending a little more time to truly get to know this vibrant and historic city!

However, the greater appeal is Andalucía itself, and many visitors like to combine Granada with the region's other cities, such as Seville, Córdoba, and Cádiz. There are many smaller towns to visit, too, including Ronda, Jaen, Almería, and Mojácar. If you'd like to simply tour around the southern area, give yourself at least one week. If you'd like to combine Granada with other major cities, like Madrid, Valencia, or Barcelona, opt for about two weeks in Spain.

Past kimkim travelers enjoyed the following itineraries that feature experiences in Granada:

• Highlights of Madrid and Andalusía - 8 Days
• Cities & Culture in Spain: Madrid, Seville, & Granada - 9 Days
• Explore the Cities, Islands, and Culture of Spain - 14 Days