Granada is an Andalusian city full of history and charm.
Located near the Sierra Nevada, the city is famous for its impressive Alhambra, considered one of the new 7 wonders of the world.
did you know that Granada was the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula? Reconquered in 1492, the city has a rich Moorish heritage, present in every corner of this beautiful metropolis.
In addition, the city is also known for its free tapas with every drink and for being a vibrant student centre.
If you want to know what to see in Granada without missing a spot, read on.
What to see in Granada: 12 places you can’t miss
1. Alhambra: A Wonder of the World
This majestic 13th century Nasrid fortress and palace is considered a jewel of Islamic art in Spain and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its decorative details stand out, with mosaics of a thousand colours, as well as its emblematic courtyards such as the Patio de los Leones or its impressive rooms such as the Sala de los Abencerrajes (Hall of the Abencerrajes).
But did you know that it was originally a military fortress? It later became the royal residence and court of the Kingdom of Granada. Today it is one of the most visited monuments in the country, making it an essential place to visit in Granada.
2. Granada Cathedral: Tomb of Kings
Officially known as the Cathedral of the Incarnation, it is a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance, located in the heart of the city.
It was built over the Great Mosque after the Christian Reconquest in 1492.
Its impressive main façade and its majestic interior chapels, including the Capilla Mayor and the Capilla Real, the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, are outstanding
If you don’t know what to see in Granada, we recommend you to visit this central and important point for the city.
3. Basilica of San Juan de Dios: a Baroque jewel
Built in the 18th century, it stands out for its detailed interior decoration, full of gilding, frescoes and marble.
Its façade is equally impressive, combining different colours of white, green and grey marble. A must-see in Granada.
Inside, you will find the reliquary with the remains of San Juan de Dios, founder of the Hospitaller Order, as well as numerous works of art and altars with great detail.
4. Corral del Carbón: Immaculately preserved
Formerly an alhóndiga (grain warehouse) and Nasrid inn, this warehouse is the only building of its kind to be preserved in its entirety on the Iberian Peninsula.
Originally known as Al-Funduq al-Jadida, the Corral del Carbón served as a place of trade and accommodation for merchants arriving in the city.
It is notable for its impressive façade with a horseshoe arch, as well as for its central courtyard surrounded by galleries and rooms.
Nowadays, it is a cultural space that hosts events, exhibitions and activities, offering visitors a window into the historical past of what to see in Granada.
5. Plaza Nueva: Or not so new square?
Located between the Albaicín neighbourhood and the historic centre, this is one of the oldest and most emblematic squares in the city.
Despite its name, the square dates back to the 16th century and has been an important meeting point and social activity throughout the centuries.
This lively space surrounded by historic buildings, such as the Real Chancillería (High Court of Justice of Andalusia) or the Church of Santa Ana, is a main sight to see in Granada.
Curiosity: Did you know that the square had to be rebuilt? In 1835, an overflowing of the Darro river swept away some houses and a fountain from 1593.
6. Monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: “La Cartuja”
Better known as “La Cartuja”, it is an impressive monument located in Granada, founded in the 16th century.
Despite being far from the city, this Carthusian monastery is an important building in Granada.
With Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, it stands out for its beautiful cloister, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity with its rich Baroque decoration, and the sacristy, considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque.
7. Paseo de los Tristes: The Funeral Processions
Officially known as Paseo del Padre Manjón, it is one of the most picturesque and charming places in Granada.
Its popular name, “Paseo de los Tristes”, comes from the fact that it was the path followed by the funeral processions to the cemetery of San José.
Bordering the Darro River, it passes historic buildings, stone bridges, and offers a spectacular view of the Nasrid Palace, making it a path full of history and culture to see in Granada.
8. Royal Monastery of San Jeronimo: Art and culture
This monastery was the first cloister built after the Christian Reconquest of Granada and is famous for its impressive church and cloister.
The church, dedicated to San Jerónimo, the origin of its name, stands out for its magnificent main altarpiece, considered one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance, and for its elaborate interior decoration, which includes sculptures and frescoes of great artistic value.
Founded in the 16th century, it also stands out for its pantheon monastery is its pantheon and its beautiful cloister surrounded by gardens.
If you are a lover of art and culture this is a must-see in Granada.
9. Puerta de Elvira: The great entrance
Located at the entrance to the historic centre, this is one of the oldest gates in the city.
Built in the 11th century during Zirid rule, this monumental gate served as the main access to the city from the north. Its impressive horseshoe arch and sturdy walls reflect the defensive architecture of the period.
The origin of its name is curious, as it comes from the nearby town of Elvira, making it a spectacular entrance to see in Granada.
Today it is an emblematic landmark and an evocative reminder of Granada’s medieval splendour, a vestige of its Islamic past.
10. Palacio de la Madraza: Former Arab University
The palace was Granada’s first temple of learning, or Arab university, where medicine, law and mathematics, among other disciplines, were taught for 150 years. Built by Sultan Yusuf I in 1349, it was one of the first universities on the peninsula.
However, few copies of its great intellectual wealth remain today due to the burning of its entire library in a public bonfire.
After the Christian Reconquest, the building was converted into the Town Hall of Granada and later housed the University of Granada. Today, the Palacio de la Madraza is a cultural and academic centre to see in Granada.
11. Science Park
The Parque de las Ciencias de Granada is an extensive and modern interactive science and technology museum, inaugurated in 1995 and a must see in Granada.
Its main attractions include the Planetarium; the Biodome, a space dedicated to biodiversity; and the Observation Tower, which offers panoramic views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada.
In addition, the park has a tropical butterfly farm and an outdoor area with gardens and areas for interactive experiments.
It is an educational and entertaining place for all ages, making it a must-see in Granada for those who want to explore and learn about the world of science.
12. El Albaicín” neighbourhood:
“El Albaicín” is one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods in the city, known for its maze of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and panoramic views of the Alhambra.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves the essence of its Islamic past, with numerous remains of ancient walls, gates and cisterns.
Its points of interest include the Mirador de San Nicolás, a spectacular view of the Alhambra; the Bañuelo, one of the best preserved Arab baths in the country; and the Casa del Chapiz.
Today, the Albaicín is a vibrant and bohemian place, full of tea shops, tapas bars and craft shops, which you definitely have to see in Granada.
Tourism means visiting Granada but also tasting the local dishes. Here are some tapas that characterise the city:
Best Tapas in Granada
Poor man’s potatoes
do you know why they call them this way, what’s so poor about such tasty potatoes?
In the past, during a time of famine in Andalusia, the scarcity of food led to the preparation of this dish with basic ingredients available in the pantry, such as potatoes, onion, peppers and garlic. Over time, other ingredients such as eggs and meats were added when available, becoming the delicious dish we know today.
If you don’t know what to see in Granada, we invite you to find out what to eat with these delicious potatoes, served for free with every drink.
Fritura de pescado, or “Pescaito frito”
Pescaíto frito, or fried fish, has its origins in the 3rd century B.C. with the Phoenicians who introduced this technique in cities such as Cádiz.
Over the centuries, various cultures adapted the recipe, including the Romans and Sephardim.
Today, typical in Andalusia, especially in Cadiz, Malaga and Huelva, it is made by frying fish coated in flour in hot olive oil.
Nowadays it is a typical tapa to see in Granada, and to try!
Croquettes
the croquette is not Spanish! Its origin is French, hence its name,“croquette” in French, which means crunchy.
However, we Spaniards have taken over this dish, and it is the queen of the “tapas” cuisine and the third most consumed tapa, after tortilla de patatas and patatas bravas.
We are such fanatics that there is even an International Croquette Day, celebrated on 16 January.
which is your favourite croquette?
Montaditos
Montaditos are a popular tapa throughout Spain.
This delicacy consists of small sandwiches made with crusty bread and meat, although there are many different types.
They date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when bread, a staple food, was combined with other ingredients to enhance the flavour.
These versatile and easy to prepare dishes are a delicacy to see in Granada if you want to fill your belly and eat well.
Top 3 things to do in Granada
1.-Havea Hammam ritual, -Take a bath!
A hammam is a Turkish bath, a place where you can enjoy steam-based body treatments.
These are based on purification, especially important in Muslim culture and have numerous benefits, such as improving the respiratory system, relaxation and cleansing the skin.
In Granada, after the banning of baths by the Catholic Monarchs in the 16th century, many Moorish bathhouses were converted into bread ovens, using the boilers to heat the water. This historical transformation explains the location of the current hammam, being former bread ovens.
If you do not know what to see in Granada, this is an activity that we recommend you to do, relax and enjoy!
2.-Enjoya flamenco show
Another activity to see in Granada is the world famous flamenco shows.
One of the most popular and famous places to see this musical dance is in the Sacromonte of Granada. This neighbourhood, famous for its caves-houses, offers an authentic atmosphere where flamenco comes to life with unrivalled intensity and passion.
why caves? When the gypsy group arrived in Granada after the Christian Reconquest and settled in this area, they had to look for a refuge where they could establish themselves, far from persecution. Dug into the rock itself, these caves were the only safe home for this marginalised people.
3.-Takea trip to the Alpujarras
The origin of the name Alpujarra comes from the Arabic “al-Bugsharra”, meaning “land of pastures” or “land of grass”, and this Arabic heritage is reflected throughout this enchanting region.
The Alpujarras are a series of picturesque villages on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, known for their well-preserved Moorish architecture, narrow whitewashed streets and green terraces.
Only 23 km from Granada, it is a place you definitely have to see in Granada.
Legends and Curiosities to See in Granada: Mysteries and Tales that Enrich the City
Granada is a city steeped in history and culture, but also in legends and curiosities that give it a unique charm. These stories, which have been passed down from generation to generation, offer a magical and mysterious perspective of the city. Here are some of the most interesting legends and curiosities to see in Granada.
1. The Legend of the Suspiro del Moro (the Moor’s Sigh)
One of the most touching legends to see in Granada is that of the Suspiro del Moro, related to the last Muslim king of Granada, Boabdil. According to tradition, when Boabdil was defeated and forced to abandon the city after the Reconquest in 1492, he stopped at a high point known as the “Puerto del Suspiro del Moro”, from where he looked down for the last time on his beloved Alhambra. On seeing the city for the last time, Boabdil let out a sigh of sadness and despair.
His mother, Sultana Aixa, reproached him harshly: “Weep as a woman for what you were unable to defend as a man”. This moving site remains a point of interest for those who wish to connect with this significant moment in Granada’s history.
2. The Mystery of the Fuente del Avellano (Hazel Tree Fountain)
Another fascinating curiosity to see in Granada is the Fuente del Avellano, located in the valley of the river Darro. This fountain has been famous since ancient times for the curative properties of its waters. Legend has it that a blind shepherd discovered the fountain and, after washing his eyes with its water, miraculously recovered his sight. Since then, the fountain has been a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to cure ailments or receive blessings. In addition, the Granada poet Ángel Ganivet founded the famous “Cofradía del Avellano” (Brotherhood of the Hazel Tree), a literary circle that met at the fountain to discuss art and literature.
3. The Curiosity of the Aljibe del Rey (King’s Cistern)
The Aljibe del Rey, located in the Albaicín quarter, is one of the largest and oldest cisterns in Granada, with a capacity to store up to 300,000 litres of water. This cistern is not only a fascinating example of hydraulic engineering from the Nasrid period, but it is also shrouded in legend. It is said that underneath the cistern there is a secret passageway that connected to the Alhambra and was used by Nasrid monarchs to escape in times of danger. Today, the cistern houses the headquarters of the AguaGranada Foundation, which offers guided tours to learn more about the history of water in Granada and discover this special place to see in Granada.
4. The Legend of the Silla del Moro (Moor’s Chair)
In the hills surrounding the Alhambra is a place known as the Silla del Moro (Moor’s Chair), a structure that offers a panoramic view of the city. According to legend, this chair was used by Boabdil himself to observe from afar the movements of the Catholic Monarchs during the siege of Granada. Another version of the legend suggests that the chair belonged to an earlier sultan, who used it to contemplate his domain and relax on days of peace. Although not much remains of the original structure today, the Silla del Moro is still a place full of mysticism and an interesting stop to see in Granada for those interested in the stories of the past.
These legends and curiosities are just some of the many fascinating stories to see in Granada. Exploring these tales will allow you to discover the city from a different perspective, where history and fantasy intertwine to create a unique charm.
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