Don’t miss these things to do in Granada on your next trip

It is safe to say that no stay in Granada is complete without visiting the Alhambra. Perched regally on a hilltop overlooking the city, this fortress-pañace is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. Lose yourself in the Nasrid Palaces, where intricate stucco, arabesques and muqarnas shimmer in the shifting light. Be mesmerised by the beauty of the setting and take your time to capture all the layers of history found on every corner. Book your visit in advance to ensure entry and step back in time as you follow the footsteps of Granada’s Moorish rulers. 

Once the summer palace of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, Generalife is a stunning oasis in the heart of the city. The architecture is simple and pared back in comparison to the palaces of the era, suggesting that this was an intimate setting for rulers and courtiers. Located uphill, to the east of the Alhambra, it is a wonderful place to visit after exploring the grand fortress. Inside the exquisite courtyard, terraced pools, fragrant roses and trickling fountains epitomise the Moorish vision of paradise. For the most evocative experience, book an early morning slot when crowds are thin and the first golden rays of sunshine soften the stones with their honeyed light.

A great place to discover things to do in Granada is the Albaicín district. Considered to be the city’s medieval Moorish quarter, this area, also known as Albayazín, is a labyrinth of cobblestone alleys, whitewashed houses and jasmine-draped balconies. Meander through its winding lanes to discover hidden squares, ornate doorways and tiny shops that invite you to browse with their hand-painted ceramics and handicrafts. Stop here and enjoy a relaxing coffee in one of the neighbourhood cafés while you watch the world go by. Or, pick up some traditional souvenirs for family and friends. Either way, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must on your trip to Granada.

Want a magical and romantic plan to round off your day in the Albaicín neighbourhood? Head up to the Mirador de San Nicolás, which offers what many consider to be Granada’s most iconic view. From this emblematic lookout, you can see the city’s landmarks rise up in all their splendour across the valley, framed by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. At sunset, the fiery amber light casts a mesmerising glow across the skyline as tones of pink and violet paint the sky above. Breathtaking views are coupled with flamenco melodies as street musicians serenade locals, travellers and artists alike, making the panorama even more captivating. Without a doubt, this is a must-do in Granada.

When walking around, you will notice that Granada is not only defined by its Moorish legacy but also by its Catholic grandeur. An example of this is the Cathedral of Granada, built on the site of the city’s principal mosque. It is an awe-inspiring blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture with soaring columns and gilded altars that nod to Spain’s imperial confidence. Next door, you can find the Royal Chapel, the final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella, the monarchs who famously financed Columbus’s voyage to the New World and oversaw the Reconquista. Standing in front of their tombs is a reminder of a pivotal moment in European history. 

Discovering Granada’s tourist attractions can really work up an appetite. But, luckily, Granada is one of the Spanish cities where the free tapas culture still thrives. Order a glass of wine or beer and a small plate of food will magically appear. Expect anything from fried aubergine drizzled in honey to portions of jamón ibérico. 

Of course, bar hopping is an essential part of the experience to ensure you get to taste a variety of plates. Try Calle Navas for a cluster of lively bars or head to the Realejo neighbourhood for a more intimate, local experience. Tapas culture is not just about food but the convivial atmosphere, the chatter and the feeling of being part of something so quintessentially Andalusian.

It is undeniable that the Sacromonte caves are a Granada must-see. Perched on a hillside above the Albaicín and carved into the soft white rock, these caves were historically the home of Granada’s Roma community. Today these caves have evolved into a hotspot for flamenco. In the evening, head to a tablao for zambra performance - a raw and deeply thrilling form of flamenco, characteristic of Granada. The intensity of the singing, the staccato claps and the sheer passion of the dance make this an unforgettable experience.

Kids in tow? Break up your tour of the famous places to visit in Granada with a spot of interactive fun. The Parque de las Ciencias is a 70,000-square-meter science center and museum located near Granada’s top attractions. The exhibits are largely aimed at kids, covering a range of topics from the human body, new technology and astrology, with a biosphere and planetarium for little ones to explore. Book tickets in advance and keep your brood entertained while exploring all the things to do in Granada. It is also a great rainy day plan for when the weather doesn’t cooperate and you are in search of places to go in Granada. 

Tucked away on the Carrera del Darro, El Bañuelo is one of Granada’s most iconic relics of its Islamic past. Older than the Alhambra, it dates back nearly a thousand years and offers a rare glimpse into daily life during the city’s Zirid dynasty. Back in that time, public hammams not only served for cleansing and relaxation but also as hubs of business deals and community. 

Step inside and vaulted chambers pierced with star-shaped skylights blend with elegant arches and ancient stonework, illuminated by the soft glow of the sunshine. While no longer in use, the baths showcase an ancient ritual and a glimpse into the social life of the time. Today, hammam culture is still very much alive in Granada, where several Arab-style bathhouses recreate the soothing experience with hot stone rooms, pools, and massages. Among them, Hammam Al Ándalus is perhaps the most famous, but there are other options too, making it a quintessential tradition to experience during a visit.

If you buy a ticket for El Bañuelo you are also granted access to the Corral del Carbón. This is a remarkable survivor of the Nasrid era and a top thing to see and do in Granada. Built in the 14th century as a grain exchange and lodging house for travelling merchants, this is the only caravanserai still standing in Spain. Step through its monumental horseshoe arch and you’ll enter a quiet courtyard once bustling with trade, where goods were stored, deals struck and travellers found rest. Today it hosts concerts and cultural events, but its weathered stone and ornate façade still speak of Granada’s role as a vibrant crossroads of commerce and culture.

Dream of stepping inside a Moorish mansion? Hidden in the Albaicín, the Casa Horno de Oro is a 15th-century stately home and a must-see in Granada. With its delicate wooden balconies, arched portico and tranquil central courtyard, it reflects the elegance of Nasrid domestic architecture. It was once the residence of wealthy merchants. The house showcases a sense of intimacy and refinement, offering a glimpse into how Granada’s elite lived in the final years before the Christian conquest.

Just beyond the city centre lies the Monasterio de la Cartuja, a Carthusian monastery that astonishes with its exuberant Baroque interiors. Hidden inside its plain exterior, every inch of the monastery bursts with gilded stucco, swirling frescoes and intricate altarpieces. This iconic site was built over several centuries as a symbol of the city’s devotion to the Catholic faith after the Reconquista. Wandering through its cloisters and sacristy is a dazzling immersion into Spain’s golden age of religious art.

Toast to your travels with a delicious nightcap, such as local Sherry or a glass of Vermouth, at one of the city’s chic rooftop bars. Mingle with locals and soak up the Andalusian atmosphere before heading out to enjoy a tasty meal or a night out on the town. Guests at the Palacio Gran Vía, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, are treated to an idyllic rooftop hideaway in the heart of the city with views sprawling as far as the eye can see. Yet, this bar is still well worth adding to your Granada to-do list even if you are not staying there. 

Take a break from city life and enjoy the things to do around Granada. The majestic mountain range of the Sierra Nevada beautifully frames the city and, during the snowy winter months, transforms into a top Spanish skiing destination. If you want to hit the slopes, hop in a car and venture to one of the resorts in the area, where you can hire equipment and book a ski pass. Yet, if action sports are not your thing, the area is also home to wonderful walking routes which can be enjoyed all year, but are especially pretty during the Spring. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and admire the nature and wildlife that form an iconic part of Granada’s identity. It is easy to see why the Sierra Nevada is one of the top things to do in Granada.