Nest In the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada invites you to immerse yourself in its fascinating scenery, a heritage of Moorish and Catholic influences.
Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, you’ll be seduced by the monumental architecture of the Alhambra, the enchanting neighborhoods and the delicious cuisine. To make matters worse, Granada is the capital of tapas!
In this article, we propose a 2-day itinerary for Granada, optimized to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the must-sees. You’ll also find alternatives for enjoying the city’s other cultural sites or taking a nature excursion.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Practical tips for a 2-day visit to Granada
What can you see in Granada in 2 days? Is it long enough?
Just two days are enough to explore Granada’s must-sees and soak up its enchanting atmosphere. In just one weekend, you can discover the two facets of the city: on the one hand, the Moorish heritage, with theAlhambra and the picturesqueAlbaicín district, and on the other, the Catholic influence, through the historic center, the majestic Cathedral of the Incarnation and the Royal Chapel.
However, we can’t recommend staying longer enough to discover the city’s other nuggets! You can even choose Granada as your base, as it lies at the crossroads of many of Andalucia’s points of interest(white villages, Sierra Nevada, etc.).
Maps of must-see attractions
To help you find your way around our itinerary below, here’s our map of Granada’s main tourist attractions:
Getting around Granada
It’s easy to get around Granada on foot in the historic center. Only some neighborhoods, such as Sacromonte, are more difficult to navigate due to their steep climbs.
You can get there by public transport, in particular by bus. Visit the official Granada transport network website here. Finally, the cab network is very efficient and inexpensive, making it a good alternative for long journeys!
Where to sleep in Granada
WHERE TO STAY IN Granada
Our favorites: hotels and neighborhoods
Downtown
Hotel Luna Granada Centro – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Corrala del Realejo – See prices, photos and availability
At the Alhambra
Alhambra Palace – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Granada
Our ideal itinerary: 2 days in Granada
To discover Granada is to plunge into the heart of a fascinating history, marked by the imprint of two cultures. The Muslim heritage, at its height under the Nasrid kingdom (13th-15th centuries), and the Catholic heritage, from the Reconquest in 1492.
Spend a weekend exploring this fascinating duality, through its architecture and contrasting atmosphere, between East and West.
Day 1 – Exploring the treasures of Granada’s historic center
Morning: Discover Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel
You’ll start your city tour with Granada Cathedral, considered Spain’s first Renaissance cathedral. Erected in 1501, it will captivate you with its colossal architecture and abundance of interior ornamentation.
Right next door, don’t miss the Royal Chapel! Built in the early 16th century by the Catholic Monarchs as a burial place, it houses the tombs of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, and displays a collection of objects in a sumptuous setting.
Quiet lunch
After a morning rich in discoveries, a short break is in order! Find out more about where to eat in Granada.
For those in a hurry, head for the Mercado de San Agustín, a lively market brimming with fresh produce and several stalls where you can grab a bite to eat.
For those who want to take their time, the terrace of Restaurant Pimienta Rosa, with its generous cuisine, will give you the strength you need for the rest of the day.
Afternoon: Stroll through the historic center, between ancient souks and churches
After this gourmet break, let yourself be carried away by the warm and contrasting atmosphere of Granada’s historic center. Stroll through the city’s emblematic squares, such as Plaza Nueva, Granada’s oldest, or Plaza de Bib-Rambla, dominated by its impressive Neptune fountain.
Continue your stroll along Calle Calderería Nueva, where the scent of the old medina still wafts between the colorful facades and the teterias, Granada’s typical oriental tea rooms. A little further on, theAlcaicería, a veritable souk and remnant of the great silk market of the Nasrid era, captivates with its horseshoe arches and finely sculpted ornamentation.
Nearby, you’ll find several churches, including the Basilica of San Juan de Dios.
Tapas evening
After a refreshing break at your hotel, it’s time to relax!
Did you know? Tapas are said to have been invented in Granada, where legend has it that innkeepers served a small slice of ham on top of a glass of wine to keep the flies out. The word tapa means “lid” in Spanish.
Today, tapas have become a veritable culinary art form throughout Spain, but in Granada you can still find establishments serving free bites with drinks. You’ll find plenty of tapas bars between Campo del Principe and Plaza de Santo Domingo in the Realejo district, Granada’s former Jewish quarter.
Day 2: Immersion in Granada’s Moorish heritage
After discovering the contrasting facets of central Granada, dive into its Moorish roots. Although the town has Iberian and Roman origins, it was really with the arrival of the Arabs in 713 that it experienced its golden age, shaping the architectural heritage for which it is still renowned today.
Morning: Discover the picturesque Albayzin district
This is the city’s most typical neighbourhood! The Albayzín hill was the site of Granada’s first Arab fortress, of which only the walls and the first medina remain. A maze of narrow streets interspersed with pretty flower-filled squares winds its way up the hill, past sometimes opulent villas hiding superb jasmine-scented gardens. Time seems to stand still!
Panoramic lunch on the Alhambra
When you’ve finished exploring every nook and cranny of the Albaicín, we recommend you finish with the highlight of the show: the Mirador de San Nicolás. Offering breathtaking views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada on a clear day, this belvedere attracts crowds.
Why not take advantage of this incredible view to take a break? Take a seat at one of the tables with a view of the neighborhood. We particularly recommend Restaurant El Trillo or Restaurant Carmen el Agua.
Digestive stroll along the ramparts
After your feast, what could be better than a digestive stroll? From the Mirador San Nicolás, a direct route leads to the Alhambra via the Cuesta del Chapiz. This pleasant, gently sloping walk, lined with greenery, takes 25 minutes to reach the entrance to the palace.
Afternoon: Immersion in the heart of the monumental Alhambra
Your itinerary will depend on when you enter the sumptuous Nasrid Palaces. The finesse of the architectural details will amaze you, despite the crowds and limited visiting time. You can then explore theAlcazaba, the oldest part of the complex, once a military quarter, whose ramparts and Torre de la Vela offer a breathtaking 360° view of Granada.
To complete the experience, stop off at the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in the magnificent Renaissance Palace of Charles V, to delve deeper into the richness of al-Andalusian art. Last but not least, a visit to the Generalife Gardens, the former summer palace of the sultans, where flowery avenues and babbling fountains create a peaceful atmosphere.
Peaceful dinner along the Darro River
After this intense day, it’s finally time to enjoy a moment of relaxation. What could be better than dining on a terrace, lulled by the murmur of the Río Darro, with the Alhambra illuminated in the background? The Carrera del Darro, one of Granada’s most picturesque streets, is the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening. There are several restaurants in and around this street. On the menu: local specialities and a glass of fresh sangria!
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Alternative 1: Granada, off the beaten track
Granada is a city where history, culture and nature are revealed around every corner.
If you’d like to explore other sites, here’s a selection of nuggets you won’t want to miss on your getaway:
For architecture buffs
Perched on a hill to the east of Granada, the Sacromonte district offers a truly timeless experience. Renowned for its troglodytic houses carved into the hillside, this district was long home to the gypsy community, who shaped one of Andalucia’s most vibrant treasures: flamenco. Several tablaos set up along the main road host evening performances. We highly recommend a stroll through the steep, narrow streets of this unspoilt neighbourhood, sometimes austere but full of charm! All the more so as it offers marvellous panoramic views of Granada…
You can also choose to visit the Realejo, Granada’s old Jewish quarter.
This bohemian district boasts numerous boutiques, murals and a lively nightlife!
For heritage lovers
Granada is home to some very fine religious buildings, including the Basilica of San Juan de Dios. This 18th-century Baroque building, with its profusion of details (sculptures, stuccowork, gilding and frescoes), dazzled us! Round off your visit with the museum dedicated to the figure of Saint John of God.
Just a 2-minute walk from this basilica, you can go on to discover the Monasterio de San Jerónimo. Still occupied by the Sisters of St. Jerome, this monastery is distinguished by its elegant cloister with orange trees, its superb Renaissance portals and, above all, its church, where carved coffered ceilings and a 16th-century altarpiece offer a fascinating blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The Monastery of La Cartuja is a little far from the city center, but well worth a visit! It features a splendid Baroque church dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. We were struck by the beauty of its trompe-l’œil frescoes, and its sacristy with its magnificent marquetry.
For culture lovers
In addition to the magnificent museums housed in the Alhambra (the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum in the Palace of Charles V), the city boasts an incredible cultural offering.
There’s something for everyone! Fans of poetry will want to visit the Centre Garcia Lorca, dedicated to the poet and writer, while lovers of architecture will want to pay a visit to the Palais Madraza, a former 14th-century Koranic school.
Finally, those who want to delve into the world of painting will find what they’re looking for at the Rodriguez-Acosta Foundation, where the collection of painter José Maria Rodríguez is on display, or at the José Guerrero Center, a major figure in 20th-century abstract art in Spain.
Find more details and inspiration in our article on Granada’s museums.
For those looking for a bucolic escape
Granada is a magnificent city that breathes with its dense vegetation! This can be seen from the Mirador de San Miguel Alto, undoubtedly one of the best views of Granada! Located in the Sacromonte district, it offers breathtaking views of the city, the Alhambra and the surrounding mountains. It’s well worth the short climb!
We also recommend a visit to the pretty Camen de los Martires Park.
This lush garden, spread over hundreds of hectares, offers a pleasant stroll punctuated by palm trees, fountains, grottoes, sculptures and breathtaking views.
Alternative 2: With excursions
After several days exploring Granada, why not escape the city and discover other sites?
Trek the Sierra Nevada mountains
Take an adventurous hike through the Sierra Nevada mountains, Europe’s second-highest mountain range! The Pico del Mulhacén, at 3480 m altitude, offers spectacular scenery! Find out more about the climb here. And for those who prefer an adrenalin rush, you can visit by 4×4 – see prices, availability and booking.
Would you like an exceptional excursion that’s completely under your control? Why not try a dizzying ride on the Caminito del Rey? A 2-hour drive from Granada, we were impressed by the beauty of this trail suspended among the cliffs and bordered by an artificial lake – see prices, availability and bookings.
Explore white villages
Those who prefer a heritage tour can visit the white villages near Granada, such as Montefrío(50 min. drive), with its impressive hilltop church and spectacular views. Further south, in the heart of theAlpujarra region, the villages of Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira are a tangle of white houses and flower-filled alleyways. Here, traditions are still very much alive, notably in local crafts and comfort food.
Read our article on the best excursions from Granada!
A lazy day on the Costa Tropical
What better way to balance out a day of intense cultural visits than an afternoon by the sea? Just 1 hour’s drive from Granada, the Costa Tropical boasts some of the world’s finest beaches, including Playa de la Herradura and Playa de la Rijana, punctuated by picturesque villages such as Frigiliana, Nerja and Motril.
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Alternative 3: Visiting Granada with the family
If your children are going to love the splendor of the Alhambra and the maze of alleys in the city’s different districts, here are a few activities specifically for them:
- Le Parc des Sciences: with its many fun facilities and workshops, this science park has been designed with families in mind: don’t hesitate!
- Basilica San Juan de Dios: your kids will love this tour, which includes a virtual reality experience!
- Guided tour of the city on a miniature train: the ideal way to keep the little ones entertained! Book your tour now.
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What you need to know for your stay in Granada
The weather in Granada
Granada’s weather is different from other Andalucia cities, as it is located at an altitude of 738m. As you can see, it can snow if you go to Granada in winter, with temperatures averaging around 7°C. December is generally the wettest month, although this remains reasonable (7 days of rain maximum over the month).
In spring, temperatures hover around 20 to 25°, while in summer, the thermometer climbs to 35°, which isn’t much compared to other cities like Sevilla!
You’ll find it quieter than in spring, which is the peak tourist season.
Affluence in Granada
The crowds in Granada are huge, especially at the Alhambra, Spain’s most visited site. In spring, visitor numbers are very high.
We therefore recommend visiting Granada in winter, for greater peace and quiet. You can even enjoy the snow-covered Sierra Nevada!
Otherwise, you should know that some places, such as monasteries, are much less popular with tourists, despite their beauty. You can enjoy it with peace of mind all year round!
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
Bad weather during your stay in Granada? Don’t panic! There’s plenty to keep you entertained:
- Enjoy the city’s best museums
- Visit monasteries and other religious buildings (Monastery of La Cartuja, San Jerónimo, Basilica San Juan de Dios).
- Attend one of the city’s many flamenco shows!
- Or if you want to explore the city, you can opt for a guided tour on a small train.
Last but not least, visiting Granada in winter is a great alternative! Enjoy the snow-covered Sierra Nevada and numerous festive events. To find out more, read our article on visiting Granada in winter.
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