visit granada in 2 days

Perfect 2 Days in Granada Itinerary

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: October 10, 2023  - Last updated: November 27, 2023

A guide to the best things to do while spending 2 days in Granada

Granada may be a popular day trip from the Costa del Sol, but there’s more to this beautiful city than simply the famous Alhambra Palace. 

If you have the time to spend 2 days in Granada , you’ll be able to discover everything this part of Spain has to offer, from its fascinating history to its Moorish heritage. One day in Granada is never enough!

If you travel to Granada on a short break or a longer holiday, you’ll be amazed by how many things to do in Granada are there to explore.

So, are you ready to see the best of Granada in two days? 

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Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Granada? Have a look at my other posts: 

• One day in Granada
• Most Beautiful Places in Granada
• Granada Hotels near Alhambra

Top Guided Tours for 2 Day in Granada

• Visit the Royal Chapel and Granada Cathedral – Check the guided tour here
• See a Flamenco show in Sacromonte – Get your guide here
• Stroll around the Nasrid Palace – Book your guide in advance
• Alhambra Palace should not be missed – Check the guided tour here

2 Days in Granada – Day 1

Read on, and you’ll discover our best Granada 2 day itinerary. We’ll advise you about what to do in Granada, Spain in 2 days as well as where to stay in Granada .

We’ll also answer the question “What food is Granada famous for”. 

1. Granada Cathedral 

On the first of your 2 days in Granada, your first stop should be the cathedral.

The second biggest in Spain, this impressive building has a bright and light interior in the Baroque and Renaissance styles. 

Entrance costs 5 Euros and includes an insightful audio guide that ensures you get the best possible experience. – Get your guided tour here

Work on this structure began in the 16th century but it wasn’t completed until the 18th century. It’s no wonder, then, that so many styles combine in its design. 

The stained glass windows are especially beautiful, especially on a sunny day when the colorful light streams in. 

Opening times:

The cathedral is open every day, with opening times between 10 am and 6:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 3 pm until 6:30 pm on Sundays. 

2. Royal Chapel

Next on your 2 days in Granada itinerary you should stop off at the Royal Chapel.

Flamboyant and Gothic in style, this ornate building is the final resting place of the liberators of Granada, the Catholic Kings , Ferdinand and Isabella. 

If you’re a history buff, this is one of the best places to visit in Granada, Spain thanks to its fascinating heritage. – Check out t h e guided tour here .

Not only will you see the personal art collection of Queen Isabella, but you’ll also see a box that supposedly was given to Christopher Columbus containing jewels to fund his voyage to the New World. 

The entrance fee of 5 Euros includes an audio guide that explains more about the site.

Open between 10 am and 6:15 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 11 am until 6:15 pm on Sundays, the Royal Chapel forbids any kind of photography within its interiors. 

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3. Coffee at La Finca

If you’re ready for a coffee and a snack after your morning of sightseeing, head to La Finca, one of the best coffee shops in Granada. 

Right beside the cathedral, this café roasts its own beans and is known for its creative drinks such as matcha and beet lattes. It’s also a great place to indulge in a homemade cake or pastry. 

4. Buy Arab Souvenirs from Alcaicería 

After a quick break, it’s time to head to the Alcaiceria – a must-see attraction of your list of what to do in Granada. 

A throwback to ancient times, this area of the city is now home to souvenir stalls that sell traditional Arabic ceramics, lamps, clothing, and knick-knacks. 

If you head to the area around the Plaza Bib-Rambla, you’ll see how the old market may have looked, as it is home to stalls that sell Moroccan spices and herbs, fruits, and silks. 

Although this is a fascinating area to explore, take care to be wary of pickpockets. 

The stalls are open between 10 am and 9:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 am until 9 pm on Sundays. 

5. Mirador de San Nicolás in Albayzín

During your 2 days in Granada, Spain, you need to fit in a trip to the Mirador de San Nicolas in Albayzin. 

The medieval Moorish neighborhood of the Albaicin is one of the most popular areas to discover thanks to its historic and cultural appeal. 

The attractive San Nicolas Plaza is a top spot in the city for anyone seeking impressive views over the Alhambra. – Get a guided tour with sunset views of Alhambra.

Bear in mind that this is a tourist hotspot, so at the busiest periods, and especially at sunset, you may find that it’s very crowded. 

However, this is the time when you’re likely to have the most exciting experience thanks to guitarists and flamenco dancers who come to perform in the evening. 

Although the Mirador is always open, the best time to experience its amazing views is at sunset. 

6. Get some convent cookies at Convento de Santa Isabel la Real

Once the site of the Palace Dar al-Horra, the Convent of Santa Isabel la Real was established by Queen Isabella and remains home to a cloistered order of nuns who avoid interacting with the world outside its walls. 

Nevertheless, this peaceful spot is where you can have a truly unique experience. 

Just head to the wooden hatch in a wall in the corner of the courtyard. There, you’ll find a bell. Ring it and wait before opening the hatch. 

A menu will be spun around by an unseen hand, allowing you to make your choice and tell the invisible nun what you’d like to sample. 

Simply pop your coins or notes onto the Lazy Susan and your cakes will be there in a second! It’s a fascinating insight into the Catholic culture of this region. 

7. Sacromonte with Flamenco shows and the Abadía del Sacromonte

The hill of Sacromonte rises up behind the district of Albaicin and is well-known for its colorful caves, many of which are now restored and used for intimate flamenco performances.

ill retaining the feel of a peaceful Andalusian village, this neighborhood once belonged to the gypsies of Granada.  – Check the guided tour here.

The Abaida, or Abbey at Sacromonte is the spot where the Lead Books were discovered during the 1600s. 

Beneath the church, you’ll find the catacombs where the first bishop of Granada, and now its patron saint, St Caecilius, was martyred. 

You should certainly include a visit here in your 2 days in Granada itinerary. 

In the evening, a flamenco show is a must-do. Even if you aren’t a fan of music and dance, you’re sure to be impressed by the passionate performances of the guitarists and dancers. 

You’ll find the abbey open between 10am and 1pm and 5pm until 7:30pm on Mondays to Saturdays and between 11am and 1pm and 5pm to 7:30pm on Sundays during the summer months.

During the winter, the evening hours each day change to 4pm until 6pm. 

8. Dinner in Granada

After a long day of discovery and adventure, you’re sure to be wondering what to eat in Granada and where to eat it! 

Fortunately, there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants where you can indulge in some traditional cuisine. 

If you asked the locals what food is Granada famous for, they’d probably all give you a different response. 

While some would say tapas, others would say hearty traditional stews like Olla de San Anton. Some of the local specialties that you should try include the tortilla de Sacromonte, Habas con Jamon, and pippirana recipe salad. 

On the other hand, if you’re wondering where to eat in Granada if you’re looking for a more fine dining experience, you could head to one of the city’s Michelin-starred establishments. 

Farala ’s tasting menu is legendary, while Alvaro Arriaga enjoys a spectacular location at the top of the Centro Cultural Caja Granada Memoria de Andalucía building, commanding amazing views and serving fantastic food.

2 Days in Granada – Day 2

9. a good day starts with a spanish breakfast and coffee.

When you’re trying to see everything in Granada in 2 days, you’re going to need a hearty breakfast. 

The best place to head to is the Café 4 Gatos which is open from 8:30am until 4pm seven days a week.  

Located at 6 Placeta Cruz Verde, its terrace looks out onto the Alhambra, ensuring beautiful vistas while you select your favorites from the delicious menu. 

Tostadas are the traditional breakfast food here, and you can choose from a wealth of toppings ranging from jam to salmon. 

Every breakfast comes with a free glass of local freshly-squeezed orange juice too, ensuring even better value for money. 

What to look for in terms of Spanish breakfast:

• Spanish Tomato Toast
• Tortilla de Patatas
• Huevos a la Flamenca

10. Alhambra Palace and Generalife

Quite often, if you ask anyone around the world what to see in Granada, they’ll tell you it’s the Alhambra Palace. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most famous landmark in the city and it’s certainly a spectacular attraction to visit. – Check the guided tour here.

Overlooking the city, this stunning palace dates back to the 14 th Century and its Moorish architecture is truly impressive. 

It’s crucial to book your tickets in advance if you want to visit the Alhambra, since the number of people who can visit each day is limited. 

t’s often best to take a guided tour, since that’s the best way to ensure you get the most out of the experience. 

For an unique way to discover the palace, you could take a night tour. Quiet and tranquil, it’s a completely different experience to a daytime tour, but no less amazing. 

The Alhambra is open during the winter and autumn seasons between 8:30am and 6pm, and between 8:30am and 8pm during the summer and spring. 

11. The Nasrid Palaces

The Nasrid Palaces are part of the larger Alhambra complex, and many tourists choose to simply visit this part of the site as part of a night visit. – Check out the guided tour here.

Quiet and tranquil, these evening visits are a completely different experience to a daytime tour, but no less amazing. 

Originally built for the Islamic rulers, these palaces have intricate stucco walls, bright and colorful tiles, and antique wood ceilings that make them eye-catching and splendid. 

There are multiple venues within the palaces including the Lion’s Palace, the Palace of Comares, and the Golden Room Courtyard. 

Only a limited number of visitors can enter at any one time, so you will need to pay close attention to the time slot given to you so that you don’t miss your visit. 

Between April and October, night visits run from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 10pm and 11:30pm. During the winter season, they operate between 8pm and 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays only. 

12. Casas del Chapiz

One of Granada’s hidden beauties, the Casas del Chapiz were once two mansions belonging to two Arab families who decided to become Christian after Granada was conquered. 

Today, they house the School of Arab Studies and their orange tree-lined gardens boast spectacular panoramas over the Alhambra. Admission is completely free. 

The Casas del Chapiz are open between 10am and 5pm daily.

13. Enjoy tapas in Granada

Tapas are a crucial part of the lifestyle in Granada and there are countless tapas bars in the city offering an authentic taste of Andalucia to locals and tourists alike. 

One of the best ways to experience this local cuisine is to take a tapas crawl. Start your adventure at around 9pm, beginning at the Carrera del Darro and heading into the streets behind the cathedral above the Plaza Nueva. 

You’ll find countless tapas bars to explore where you can sip a drink and order a couple of dishes before moving on to your next nightspot. 

The Bodegas Castaneda and Los Diamantes are just two eateries that are well worth a visit in the evening for some genuine local delicacies.

Some of the best local tapas offerings include berenjenas con miel , pork cheeks in plum and sherry sauce, and Spanish fried anchovies .

Alternatively, if you’d rather have some local insight into the best places to eat, take a guided tapas tour. 

Where to stay when spending 2 days in Granada

When you’re spending 2 days in Granada, you’re going to need to know the best places to stay in Granada, Spain. 

After all, getting a good night’s sleep is vital if you’re eager to see as much as possible of the city! 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Granada, we’ve got three suggestions for you that will suit any budget. 

1. Seda Club Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels ***** – Luxury

If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Granada , you won’t be disappointed by the Seda Club Hotel .

Located in the heart of the action in the Plaza de Trinadad, it offers an exclusive vantage point from which to discover the best of the city. 

The rooms are elegant, tranquil and artistically decorated, while the rooftop terrace boasts amazing views. There’s no better place to sip and drink and enjoy a spot of people-watching. 

The onsite spa offers a luxurious jet pool along with massages and other treatments. Afterward, indulge in a delicious meal in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant. 

2. Hotel Macià Real de la Alhambra **** – Mid-Range

The best place to stay in Granada, Spain for anyone on an average budget, the Hotel Macia Real de la Alhambra enjoys an excellent location on the doorstep of the world-famous Alhambra. 

Modern and accessible this pleasant hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a lounge bar as well as an onsite restaurant. 

With 6 junior suites and 179 bedrooms, this well-appointed property is comfortable and guarantees an excellent rest for guests who wish to relax in style after enjoying their day of sightseeing. 

3. Shine Albayzín *** – Budget

If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Granada so you can spend more on entertainment and food during your trip, the Shine Albayzin is the perfect choice. 

Affordable, yet no less authentic, this property is found inside a 16th-century palace house in the Carrera del Darro, right in the heart of the Albaicin and within easy reach of all the best tapas bars.

Cozy and comfortable, this hotel has an onsite café and offers free Wi-Fi to its guests. It also offers a beautiful courtyard where you can relax with a drink and a slice of cake in the afternoons. 

Getting Around Granada

Granada is a small and compact city, which makes it easy to explore on foot. However, there are public transport options available if you’re heading a little further afield. 

Public buses, operating by ALSA, are available to the areas outside the heart of the city, or you could take a taxi to your chosen destination. 

A more unusual way to discover the city is to use the hop-on-hop-off-train which visits the key tourist sites. – Get a ticket here.

There are three different ticket options, with single journey, all day, and 2 day tickets. If you’re spending 2 days in Granada, the two-day ticket is ideal.

If you’re a keen cyclist, you may wish to hire an ebike or regular bicycle and enjoy an eco-friendly way to travel around the city. 

Alternatively, you could even take a segway guided tour by day or by night. This fun mode of transport is an attraction in its own right and is sure to keep you entertained while you discover the sights. – Check out tickets here.

If you’re keen to take day trips from Granada to some of the surrounding cities and attractions, you’ll also find several companies offering sightseeing excursions. 

If you’re only spending 2 days in Granada, you probably won’t have time for any day trips, but if you’re staying longer, these could be a great idea. 

Short FAQ about the best 2 days in Granada

Is 2 days enough for granada.

2 days in Granada is enough to see the primary attractions of the city and to get a taste of its culture and lifestyle.

However, a longer trip will give you more opportunities to soak up the unique atmosphere of this region.

How to spend two days in Granada?

If you’re spending 2 days in Granada, you will certainly want to visit the Alhambra.

You should also try some local tapas, see a flamenco show and visit the Albaicin.

Is Granada a walkable city?

Granada is a very compact city, so it’s easy to explore on foot. It is quite hilly, though, so if you struggle with mobility you may need to use public transport.

Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.

Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!

2 Days in Granada, Spain: Tasty Tapas, Historic Neighbourhoods and the Amazing Alhambra (2024)

Got 2 days in Granada, Spain, and wondering how you should spend them? My guide plots out a day-to-day itinerary with helpful travel tips!

An essential stop on any visit to Spain is Granada, located in the beautiful region of Andalucía in the south of the country.

While most people are drawn to the city to view the incredible Alhambra, there are many more things to do in Granada and reasons to stay a little longer. Here, I’m sharing my itinerary for 2 days in Granada to help you plan a trip to see the best that the city has to offer.

Granada was the first stop on our incredible road trip through Andalucía in southern Spain.

It didn’t take long to become smitten with this gorgeous historic city. I loved wandering its winding, cobblestoned streets and stepping into tapas bars that were filled with boisterous crowds. And of course, Granada’s crown jewel, the Alhambra , really did stop me in my tracks with its spellbinding beauty.

So, let’s explore more of Granada in Spain in this guide to how to spend 2 days here. I’ve also got useful info about when to visit, how to get around and where to stay in Granada.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

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How many days do you need in Granada?

Many people assume (falsely) that the only reason to visit Granada is for the Alhambra, but there is actually so much more to do in Granada. I think 2 days in Granada is the minimum time you should allocate to your Spain itinerary. After all, you need at least half a day just for the Alhambra alone.

While I highly recommend at least 48 hours in Granada – and that’s what this Granada itinerary outlines – I’ve also included an itinerary for one day in Granada if that’s all your schedule allows.

If you’ve got more time, I have ideas for 3+ days in Granada at the end of this article.

Granada in 2 days

Map of what to do in granada.

Everything I’ve included on this 2-day Granada itinerary can be seen on this map of Granada, so you have an idea of the layout of the city.

With two days in Granada, start your first day with a traditional Spanish breakfast of eggs, pan con tomate y jamón , fresh orange juice, coffee and pastries.

Granada is a city full of history – the area has been populated since at least around 5500 BC, after all – so join a free walking tour of Granada with Walk in Granada . Tours leave Plaza Nueva at 11am every day and over 2.5 hours you’ll explore the city’s elegant churches, old souk and Islamic architecture.

The tour ends at Plaza San Nicolás which has a spectacular view of the Alhambra . Don’t forget to tip your guide. I also recommend booking a spot online – although you can also be flexible and walk up to the tour on the day.

Have a late lunch at La Vinoteca (Calle Almireceros, 5) which serves up fresh tapas and larger plates in a bright, airy space.

In the afternoon, spend some time ducking down the streets of the Albaicín , Granada’s charming cobblestoned neighbourhood.

Stop by the Monasterio Santa Isabel la Real to buy some sweets from the nuns. You’ll never see them, though, as these cloistered nuns avoid direct contact with the public.

Ring the buzzer and give your order, then place your money on the lazy Susan that’s in the wall and it will turn around with your purchase on it. It’s one of the most unique things to see in Granada!

Walk further to Sacromonte to explore this unique neighbourhood. The area is dotted with cave homes , many of which are rented out for accommodation, or serve as shops or bars. Stop by one of the cave bars for an afternoon drink.

Don’t miss the Sacromonte Abbey which overlooks the valley. This area is a little further out, but should definitely be included on any Granada itinerary.

If you’d like some history or useful information as you wander the Albaicín or Sacromonte, then this guided walking tour comes highly recommended.

Satisfy your afternoon sugar craving with a plate of Spanish churros dipped into a mug of hot chocolate. I made it my mission to try as many churros as possible while in Spain, and the best churros in Granada can be devoured at:

• Alhambra Churrería (Plaza Bib-Rambla, 27)
• Café Fútbol (Plaza de Mariana Pineda, 6)
• Torres Bermejas (Plaza Nueva, 6)

Exploring the food scene is one of the best things to do in Granada. In the evening, let someone else decide what you’ll eat for dinner by joining a food tour .

We spent three hours with our Spain Food Sherpas guide, Molly. She showed us around local produce stores, shared the history of the city with us, and then stuffed us full of delicious food from tapas bars and historic restaurants around the city. You can book your own food tour with Spain Food Sherpas online here .

Here’s another  Granada food tour  that I found that’s similarly priced and also has good reviews.

If you’re not ready for the night to end, then hunt down a flamenco show . Flamenco has its origins in Andalucía and a must-do is seeing an authentic flamenco show in Granada. Recommended flamenco shows include those at:

• El Tabanco (Cuesta de San Gregorio, 24)
• Peña La Platería (Placeta de Toqueros, 7)

The Alhambra is Granada’s biggest draw card and cannot be missed. You MUST book your tickets for the Alhambra well in advance – I’m talking 2-4 months in advance.

I have a whole guide on how to book tickets for the Alhambra , including what you can do if you leave it too late (like we did, oops!) and they’re sold out.

You can read my guide or just go ahead and book a skip-the-line tour online . You don’t want to miss one of the most important places to visit in Granada just because you didn’t plan ahead!

Before you head up to the Alhambra, begin with a good breakfast – you’ve got a lot of walking ahead of you so you’ll need sustenance. Grab a seat on the terrace at Café 4 Gatos (Placeta Cruz Verde, 6) for a healthy start to the day.

To get to the Alhambra, take the C30 bus and get off at the Puerta de la Justícia.

Alternatively, you can walk up to the Alhambra through the forest. Start at Plaza Nueva and follow the street signs. It’s a fairly steep, 800-metre walk,but it’s a lovely way to arrive at such a historic site.

Taxis also regularly go up and back.

Spend two to three hours at the Alhambra . I know it eats into a lot of your two days in Granada, but it’s that deserving of your time.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra site has three distinct parts:

• The Nasrid Palaces are the main attraction of the Alhambra. Here you can wander through many of the palaces and courtyards full of fountains, arches and stunning ceiling ornaments. Tickets for this section are timed, so don’t miss your allotted time!
• The oldest part of the Alhambra, the Alcazaba was once a fortified military enclosure. You can see where the soldiers used to live. There are also great views of Granada from the various towers.
• The Generalife is the gardens that were used by the Sultans of Granada as their summer residence. The gardens are extensive and a wonderful place to relax as you wander around the Alhambra.

Depart the Alhambra via the Puerta del Arrabal and make your way back to town along the Rio Darro and the Paseo de los Tristes .

There’s a great plaza along the way with many options for lunch. Grab dessert at one of the many ice cream shops – there’s seemingly one on every corner doling out creamy scoops of helado .

In the afternoon, revive those weary legs with a visit to Hammam Al Ándalus (Calle Santa Ana, 16) . Indulge in one of the many luxurious services on offer (you can book online) before dipping into the warm waters of the baths. Bathing suit required.

For the best sunset view in Granada, you’ll find a lively vibe at the Mirador de San Nicolás . You can even eat dinner as you watch the sun go down over the Alhambra at El Huerto de Juan Ranas (Calle Atarazana Vieja, 6) .

For a quieter sunset view, hike up to San Miguel Alto , the highest viewpoint in Granada. Fewer tourists make the steep climb up to this local secret spot .

Granada is one of the last places in Andalucía where tapas are served for free with a drink (although this isn’t the case in every bar), so make the most of it on your last night in Granada. Go bar-hopping and after two or three bars, you’ll find yourself satiated – and all for very cheap.

Choosing where to eat in Granada can be challenging – there are so many good places. We found some of the best places just by wandering around. While I’m someone who generally avoids crowds whenever possible, if I saw a group of boisterous Spaniards in a tapas bar, that was my signal that it was a good one!

Some of the best tapas in Granada are at:

• Bodegas Castañeda (Calle Almireceros, 1-3) – chaotic and a great place to people watch
• Los Manueles (Calle Reyes Católicos, 61) – there are two restaurants called Los Manueles and they’re just across the road from each other, so choose this one with the outdoor terrace
• Los Diamantes (Calle Navas, 28) – teeny tiny tapas place that’s always packed
• La Milagrosa Irreverente  (Calle Jáudenes 1, corner of Plaza de la Alhóndiga) –  bright space serving modern tapas

More Granada itinerary ideas

One day in granada.

If you’ve only got one day in Granada then prepare to hit the ground running – there’s a lot to see and do!

You’ll need to start early in the morning at the Alhambra. Remember, you must book your Alhambra tickets to the Nasrid Palaces months in advance to get an early morning time slot. Check out my Alhambra tickets guide if you didn’t read it earlier.

Afterwards, head over to explore the Albaicín and Sacromonte. Because you’re limited on time, a walking tour like this one might be the best way to see these historic areas.

Catch the sunset at the Mirador de San Nicolás before heading down into El Centro for bar-hopping around the tapas bars in Granada.

End the night at a flamenco show and then throw yourself into bed – you’ll need some sleep after just 1 day in Granada!

How to spend 3 days in Granada (or longer)

If you’ve got more than two days in Granada (lucky you!), there are plenty more things to do in Granada to fill your days:

• Spend more time exploring the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel of Granada – the free walking tour I mentioned earlier takes you past these historic buildings, but not inside
• Go shopping for souvenirs from Granada in the Alcaiceria bazaar . While it’s not as big as the original Arab market that once stood on this site, it’s still easy to get lost in the maze of stalls. Vendors know that tourists visit the market, so prepare to haggle!
• If you’ve got three days in Granada , then do the itinerary I’ve suggested above, and spend the third day hiking in the nearby Las Alpujarras or visit the white villages (pueblos blancos ) of this area
• Hike through the Los Cahorros Gorge , known for its hanging bridges and canyons
• Take a day trip to the Sierra Nevada National Park , Spain’s largest national park, for spectacular hiking, horse riding or mountain biking ( this 4WD Sierra Nevada safari looks like a fun day trip!)
• Visit the 11 th century Arab bathhouse, El Bañuelo (Carrera del Darro, 31) . These Arab baths are similar to those found in Ronda , another town I recommend visiting in the Andalusia region
• Learn the passion of flamenco (both dance and guitar) at Escuela Carmen de las Cuevas

Granada travel guide

When to visit granada.

The best time to visit Granada are the months on either side of summer: May, June, September and October . Temperatures are cooler, crowds are fewer and the city’s event calendar is full of fun things to do. I visited in June and the weather was perfect – sunny days without sweating.

The hottest months to visit are July and August. This is also when crowds swarm upon Granada, so if you’re crowd-averse like me, these are the months to avoid.

While it’s very cold in winter (you’re looking at an average of 6-10 degrees Celsius / 43-50 Fahrenheit) it does mean fewer visitors and cheaper accommodation prices – and the chance to hit up the snow fields in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains.

How to get to Granada

Granada does have an airport that receives some international flights (from Paris, for example), but if you’re arriving from overseas it’s more likely that you’ll fly into Granada via Barcelona or Madrid. The next closest airport is in Málaga, 125 kilometres away, so another option is to fly into that airport and then take a bus or rent a car to get to Granada.

>> CHECK FLIGHTS TO GRANADA ONLINE HERE <<

Getting around Granada

Getting around Granada is easy – we walked around most of the city. Although there are plenty of steep streets that had us huffing and puffing!

While we loved walking, it’s worth noting that there are cobblestoned streets that aren’t great for those with mobility issues.

There are buses that will take you to the Albaicín (C31), Sacramonte (C34) or Alhambra (C30) for €1,40 from the centre of the city.

The Hop On Hop Off Train (which isn’t really a train, more like a cute mini-bus with carriages) hits the main Granada tourist sights, including going up to Sacromonte and the Alhambra.

The trains run every 30-35 minutes and there’s an option for an audioguide. Tickets cost US$10.90 for one day and US$15.30 for two days. Buy tickets online here .

There’s also a metro (more like a tram/light rail network) that runs across the city, but I neither saw nor had any need to use this form of public transport when in Granada.

If you’ve rented a car – as we did because we were on a southern Spain road trip – then park it somewhere and forget about it for your weekend in Granada. The streets are tiny, many are one-way or not accessible to cars at all, and parking is a nightmare!

After driving around aimlessly and almost getting stuck in streets as we desperately tried to reach our Airbnb (yes, the streets are really that narrow, even for small cars!) we gave up and left it in a parking garage in the city centre, paying about €19 a day.

Where to stay in Granada

The best area to stay in Granada is the Albaicín , the city’s historical neighbourhood. Here you’ll find charming cobblestoned streets and architecture that dates back to Moorish times. It’s also close to all the main Granada tourist attractions.

This area is paved with cobblestones that can be quite slippery and there are several hills and steps. We saw a few people take a tumble climbing up and down.

Our favourite hotel in the Albaicín area is Santa Isabel la Real , a boutique hotel that was a former 16th century home (Calle Santa Isabel la Real, 19) . Check availability online on Booking.com or Expedia .

Another popular option is the historic city centre, El Centro . Here you’ll have endless options for tapas restaurants and be close to all the main city sights.

If you’re after a boutique hotel, Hotel Casa 1800 is a lovely option  (Calle Benalua, 11) . Book online here .

For something really unique, you can even stay near the Alhambra , right inside the grounds! Parador de Granada is a former 15th century convent that’s now a beautiful hotel (Calle Real de la Alhambra) . Check availability on Booking.com or Expedia .

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

I hope this 2 days in Granada itinerary has helped you decide what to do in Granada. If you’ve got any more questions, comments or suggestions, leave them below!

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these Andalucia travel guides:

• Southern Spain Itinerary: The Best of Andalucía in 7 Days
• Buying Tickets for the Alhambra: Everything you Need to Know (Including What to Do if They’re Sold Out!)
• 2 Days in Seville: 10 Things You Must Add to Your Seville Itinerary
• Where to Find the Best Tapas in Seville: 7 Must-Visit Tapas Bars
• 13 Things To Do in Ronda, Spain: The Prettiest Town in Andalucía

SPAIN TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book flights to and around Spain online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in Spain. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• For train travel, Omio should be your starting point for checking routes and booking tickets.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Spain on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Spain will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

GRANADA 2 DAY ITINERARY: PIN IT FOR LATER

Save this Granada itinerary to Pinterest so you can plan your Spain trip later!

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

4 thoughts on “2 Days in Granada, Spain: Tasty Tapas, Historic Neighbourhoods and the Amazing Alhambra (2024)”

Loved this itinerary! Truly one of the treasures of Andalusia! Have shared with a friend who is wanting to visit – you’ve got some great tips on what to do besides the Alhambra.

Awesome, I’m glad it can help someone. And I couldn’t have done this trip without all your advice!!

Great itinerary! I’m hoping to go back to Spain and hopefully will make it to Granada as well. Thanks for the awesome ideas!

It’s so beautiful!! I hope you get back to Spain soon!

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2 Days in Granada: A Complete Guide to an Unforgettable 48 Hours in Granada

Have just 2 days in Granada, Spain? Plan an unforgettable visit with our itinerary and experience the city's wonders in just 48 hours!

The Alhambra

If you're searching for the ultimate 2-day Granada itinerary, look no further! This guide is designed to ensure you experience the essence of Granada, blending its rich history with vibrant contemporary culture, all in just 48 hours.

Along the way, you'll discover practical tips to enhance your visit, from navigating the city's charming quarters to selecting the perfect spot for a flamenco show. Designed for travellers who want to make the most of their time and based on our personal experience, this ultimate guide to spending 2 days in Granada promises a comprehensive snapshot of Granada's best offerings.

Prepare to immerse yourself in a city that captivates with its beauty, history, and the warmth of its people. Let's dive into your unforgettable journey through Granada!

Is 2 Days in Granada Enough?

So, you're wondering if two days is enough to really see Granada? The short answer is yes, but with a small caveat.

Granada is a city that's brimming with culture, history, and activities that could easily fill up a week's itinerary. However, if you're tight on time but big on curiosity, you can still catch the highlights and get a real feel for the city's charm in just 48 hours.

In two days, you can definitely hit up the big-ticket items: marvel at the Alhambra, meander through the Albaicín's historic streets, dive into the local dining scene with a tapas tour, and even enjoy a flamenco show in the gypsy caves of Sacromonte.

This quickfire visit will give you a taste of Granada's essential sights and sounds, all without feeling like you're rushing through them.

Sure, with extra time, you could take a deeper dive into the city's museums, unwind in ancient baths, or venture out to the stunning Sierra Nevada. But if you're looking to blend Granada into a larger trip around Andalucia or just want to make the most out of a weekend getaway, two days will give you a memorable and enriching experience of what makes this city truly special.

And who knows? It might just leave you wanting to come back for more.

2 Days in Granada: The Ultimate Itinerary

Our 2-day Granada itinerary is based on two full days in the city and we’ve designed it to be walkable (because walking is our favourite way of seeing a city!).

In 2 days in Granada, you’ll be able to see the city’s top sights and most interesting neighbourhoods without feeling rushed and we’ve laid it all out for you below. Feel free to adjust as needed, if you have less time or prefer a slower pace.

Get ready for two fun-filled days in Granada!

Day 1 in Granada: Exploring the the Heart of the City

Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra

Marvel at the Alhambra

Get ready to start your Granada journey with a bang, because we're heading straight to the crown jewel of the city: the Alhambra. Trust me, this place is every bit as magical as you've heard, and then some.

The Alhambra stands as a testament to the sophisticated culture and artistic heritage of the Moorish period in Spain. Built primarily in the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as a palace, fortress, and a symbol of Islamic art's elegance and complexity.

Visiting the Alhambra offers a unique glimpse into a time when Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived together in relative harmony, contributing to a flourishing of the arts and sciences.

The Alhambra is a superstar attraction, and its audience numbers match its fame. To avoid missing out, buy your tickets online well in advance . Opt for early morning entry if you can; it's cooler and less crowded, giving you a more intimate experience with the palace's stunning details.

Comfortable shoes are your best friends here, as there's a lot of ground to cover. Whether you choose to bus (C32 is the bus you want), taxi, or walk up the hill to the entrance, each option offers its own charm and views of Granada.

What Not to Miss:

• Nasrid Palaces: The intricate mosaics, delicate stucco work, and architectural ingenuity here are unrivalled. Entry is timed, so keep an eye on your slot.
• Alcazaba: Offering panoramic views of the city, this military fortress is a reminder of the Alhambra's strategic importance.
• Generalife Gardens: These gardens are an oasis of calm, with their lush vegetation, tranquil water features, and fragrant flowers. It's a perfect spot to reflect on the beauty you've witnessed.

Many people visit the Alhambra on their own; I did the same on my first visit to the Alhambra. If you do, be sure to allocate anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to fully explore this palace complex. Read our guide to visiting the Alhambra for our suggested route and more tips on visiting this beautiful monument.

A common question we get is whether to visit the Alhambra on your own or to do a tour .

Honestly, it comes down to personal preference. Some people love taking their time, wandering around, and discovering a place on their own.

But going on a guided tour of the Alhambra is certainly well worth it. These typically last about 3 hours and they’re a wonderful way to learn more about this fascinating monument. I certainly found that having a guide share historical facts, anecdotes, and architectural highlights elevated my experience at the Alhambra.

And after the tour, you can continue exploring at your leisure so you get the best of both worlds.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s essential that you secure your Alhambra visit as soon as possible! I cannot stress this enough; the Alhambra is immensely popular and it’s impossible to just roll up and get a ticket at the door. So before you go, input your visit dates below to check the ticket availability for the Alhambra.

Note: Don’t forget to bring your passport/ID with you as the Alhambra staff does an ID check when you’re entering the palace.

Albaicin neighbourhood

Wander Through the Albaicín and Admire the Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás

After immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Alhambra all morning, it's time to transition to the charming streets of the Albaicín, Granada's old Moorish quarter. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a delightful maze of narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, and hidden courtyards, all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.

If you haven’t had lunch yet, Albaicín is dotted with quaint cafes and restaurants offering a mix of traditional Andalusian dishes and international cuisine. Look for places with terrazas for a meal with a view. Try some local specialties like tortilla sspañola, gazpacho, or anything that comes with a side of Granada's famous cured ham.

Walking through Albaicín is like stepping back in time. Half the joy of discovering this neighbourhood is just wandering through its winding streets but if you want some guidance, check out our self-guided walking tour of Granada which includes the Albaicin.

Pay attention to the architecture around you—the district is famous for its Moorish influences, with elements that remind us of Granada's Islamic past. Don't miss the chance to visit some of the centuries-old churches that were once mosques, like the Church of San Salvador, built on the site of a former mosque.

As you stroll through this historic neighbourhood, you'll find plenty of shops selling everything from handmade ceramics and crafts to exotic spices. The Albaicín is also great for snacking—try some local sweets like piononos or grab a cup of Moroccan tea from one of the tea shops scattered throughout the district.

No visit to the Albaicín is complete without stopping at the Mirador de San Nicolás, the famous lookout point that offers stunning views of the Alhambra against the Sierra Nevada. The best time to go is in the late afternoon, as the setting sun casts a golden light over the palace. It’s a popular spot, so expect some company, but the view is absolutely worth it.

Take a Granada Tapas Tour

After a day of historical exploration and scenic views, it's time to indulge in one of Granada's most enjoyable traditions: tapas hopping.

Granada is renowned for its vibrant tapas culture, where every drink comes with a free tapa—a perfect way to sample the local cuisine. This evening, consider joining a food tour in Granada to truly immerse yourself in this culinary adventure.

Embarking on a food tour, especially for first-timers in Granada, offers several advantages. You'll be guided by a local expert who knows the best bars and hidden gems, ensuring you taste the finest tapas the city has to offer. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share the experience.

This highly-rated food tour promises an authentic dive into Granada's food scene, visiting several top tapas bars and sampling a variety of dishes.

From classic Spanish ham and cheese to more innovative and modern tapas, each stop introduces you to the rich diversity of Andalucian cuisine. The tour not only feeds you but also educates you about the culinary history of Granada, making the dishes even more memorable.

One of the best parts of joining a small-group tour is the chance to connect with people from all over the world. Sharing food is a universal way to make friends, and you'll find yourself bonding over shared plates and stories.

Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be some walking involved between bars. Bring a light jacket if the evening gets cool, and definitely come hungry—the variety and quantity of food will surprise you!

The tour will leave you pleasantly full and more knowledgeable about Granada's culinary landscape. If you're up for it, end your night with a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, enjoying the city's lively streets after dark. Granada's nightlife is as varied and vibrant as its food scene, so feel free to explore further if you're not ready to call it a night.

Day 2 in Granada: Culture and Leisure

Granada Cathedral

Visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel

Good morning! After yesterday's feast for the senses, today offers a deep dive into Granada's rich religious and royal history.

Your morning will begin at two of the city's most revered sites: the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Both are not only architectural marvels but also key to understanding Granada's complex past.

Begin your day at the stunning Granada Cathedral, a Renaissance beauty which stands on the site of the city's former main mosque—a symbol of the Christian conquest of Granada. Construction began in the early 16th century but took nearly 200 years to complete, resulting in a blend of styles that primarily showcase the grandeur of the Spanish Renaissance.

The cathedral's imposing interior, with its grand columns and intricate ceiling, creates an atmosphere of awe and tranquillity. Don't miss the main chapel, where the art and the detailed work on the altar are simply breathtaking.

Just around the corner from the cathedral, the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) is your next stop.

This mausoleum houses the remains of Catholic Monarchs Queen Isabel I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, whose marriage and reign were pivotal in the unification of Spain and the conquest of Granada.

The chapel is a masterpiece of Isabelline Gothic architecture, with a façade that invites you in to explore its richly decorated interior, featuring Flemish paintings and intricate sculptures. The personal effects of the monarchs, including Isabel's crown and sceptre, are also on display, offering a personal glimpse into their reigns.

Aim to get to the cathedral when it opens to enjoy the space with fewer visitors. This allows you to appreciate its beauty in a more serene setting.

You can purchase tickets for each site separately, but consider a combined ticket as it often provides better value and a more streamlined experience.

If you’re interested in the historical and architectural significance of these sites, then I recommend joining a guided tour of the cathedral and Royal Chapel . A guided tour will offer insights and anecdotes that you might miss when exploring on your own.

After your visits, take a moment to reflect and relax at one of the nearby cafes. Enjoy a café con leche and maybe a sweet treat like a churro or tostada con aceite. It's a chance to ponder the morning's experiences and energise yourself for the adventures ahead.

Originally established as a thriving silk market during the Nasrid dynasty, this area was once the epicenter of trade in Granada, bustling with merchants and artisans.

Today, the Alcaicería retains its historical charm with narrow, winding alleys that evoke the feel of a traditional Arabic bazaar. You can find an array of goods, from vibrant textiles and intricately designed ceramics to handmade jewellery and exotic spices - it’s fun just to browse the storefronts!

The market's atmosphere is reminiscent of the past, with each stall and shopfront adding to the richness of Granada's cultural heritage and offering a tangible connection to the city's Moorish roots.

Explore the Realejo Neighbourhood

With the morning spent soaking in the historical grandeur of Granada's religious monuments, your afternoon promises a change of pace. It's time to explore Realejo, Granada's old Jewish quarter, now a vibrant neighbourhood brimming with street art, cosy cafes, and hidden gardens.

This area, once the Jewish quarter of Granada, is a colourful blend of historical charm and contemporary vibrancy. Spending your afternoon in Realejo not only introduces you to Granada's vibrant day-to-day life but also allows you to connect with the city's Jewish heritage and artistic soul.

Keep an eye out for the street art that adorns many of the walls here, especially the works by local artist Raúl Ruiz, also known as El Niño de las Pinturas. His murals bring the walls to life with images that tell stories of the neighbourhood's past and present.

In the heart of Realejo is Campo del Príncipe, a spacious square that comes alive in the afternoon with locals and visitors alike. It's a great spot to grab lunch or a coffee and watch the world go by. The square is also home to a statue of Cristo de los Favores, and on Good Friday, it becomes a focal point for local celebrations.

You may also want to visit the Casa de los Tiros Museum. This 16th-century house-turned-museum offers a glimpse into Granada's history and culture, with exhibits that include historical artefacts, art, and photography. The museum's name, which translates to "House of Shots," comes from the muskets that adorn its façade, hinting at its defensive role in the past.

A short walk from the heart of Realejo, the Carmen de los Mártires Gardens are a hidden gem, offering a tranquil escape with stunning views of the Alhambra. The term "carmen" refers to a traditional Granadan house surrounded by gardens, and Carmen de los Mártires is one of the most beautiful examples. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a moment of peace amidst your busy itinerary.

If you need a bite, Realejo is dotted with a variety of dining options, from traditional tapas bars to modern international restaurants. For an authentic Granadan experience, look for places offering local dishes like habas con jamón (broad beans with ham) or remojón granadino (a salad with oranges, onions, and olives).

Fancy a spot of shopping? The neighbourhood's boutique shops and artisan stalls are ideal for picking up unique souvenirs. Whether it's handmade jewellery, local ceramics, or a piece of street art, you're sure to find something special to remember your trip by.

Revel in the Passion of Flamenco

Your Granada adventure wouldn't be complete without immersing yourself in the passionate world of flamenco.

As the sun sets, head to the historic Sacromonte district, renowned for its cave dwellings and as the heart of Granada's flamenco culture. Here, against a backdrop of rugged hills and with the Alhambra looming in the distance, you'll find some of the most soul-stirring flamenco shows in the city.

Even if you decide to watch a flamenco show elsewhere, it’s worth visiting Sacromonte to see its unique cave houses and awesome views of the Alhambra.

Below are recommended places in Sacromonte where you can witness the passionate performances of flamenco dancers, singers, and guitarists:

• Cueva de La Rocío : This renowned flamenco venue offers an unforgettable experience in one of Sacromonte's traditional caves. Known for its vibrant performances and intimate atmosphere, Cueva de La Rocío captures the essence of flamenco.
• Zambra María La Canastera : Immerse yourself in the history and passion of flamenco at Zambra María La Canastera, named after the famous flamenco dancer. The performances here are deeply rooted in the gypsy tradition, offering a powerful and emotional experience.
• Cuevas Los Tarantos : Set in the historic Sacromonte caves of Granada, you’ll feel the passion of traditional dance and music in a unique, intimate venue for an unforgettable evening.

Of course, beyond Sacromonte, there are other awesome flamenco venues in Granada! Here are some options, if you prefer to stay closer to town:

• Tablao Flamenco La Alboreá : For those staying closer to the city centre, Tablao Flamenco La Alboreá brings the spirit of Sacromonte to Granada's heart. This venue is praised for its talented performers and authentic shows. You can opt between show-only or show with dinner.
• Casa del Arte Flamenco : Situated in the Albaicín district, Casa del Arte Flamenco offers a more central alternative without sacrificing authenticity. The intimate setting and passionate performances make for a memorable evening.
• El Templo del Flamenco : Located in a large cave in the Albaicín, El Templo del Flamenco offers a unique setting for experiencing flamenco. The acoustics of the cave paired with the emotional intensity of the performances make for an unforgettable night.

Remember to book your flamenco show tickets in advance, as these intimate venues fill up quickly, especially in peak tourist seasons. Arriving a bit early is also recommended, as it gives you a chance to choose a good seat and perhaps enjoy a pre-show drink.

After the show, take a moment to stroll through the illuminated streets of Granada or find a quiet spot to reflect on your two-day journey through this enchanting city. Your evening of flamenco will undoubtedly be a highlight, leaving you with lasting memories of Granada's vibrant culture and artistic soul.

2 Days in Granada: Recommended Activities & Tours

• Book your Alhambra tickets in advance (seriously… book them right now!)
• Book a guided tour of the Alhambra
• Go on a Granada tapas tour
• Book a guided tour of the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel
• Flamenco show at Cueva de La Rocío (Sacromonte)
• Flamenco show at Zambra María La Canastera (Sacromonte)
• Flamenco show at Cuevas Los Tarantos (Sacromonte)
• Tablao Flamenco La Alboreá (Albaicin)
• Casa del Arte Flamenco (Albaicin)
• El Templo del Flamenco (Albaicin)

Getting to Granada: Practical Information

View of Albaicin

Granada is accessible from various parts of Andalucia and beyond. Whether you're arriving by air, rail, or road, here's what you need to know to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) serves as the main gateway for flights to Granada. Located about 24 kilometres (15 miles) west of Granada, the airport serves both domestic and international flights, perfect for those wanting a weekend break in Granada.

Travel time to the city centre is approximately 30 minutes. Taxi services are available, with a standard fare of around €25-€30. Alternatively, the airport bus service runs every 45 minutes, costing about €3 per person and stopping at key points in Granada.

Granada's train station connects the city with major Spanish destinations including Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, making it the best way to get to Granada from within the country.

Here are some approximate travel times and costs:

• Madrid to Granada: High-speed trains complete the journey in about 3.5 hours, with tickets starting at €35 when booked in advance.
• Barcelona to Granada: A longer journey of approximately 6.5 hours, with advance fares from €55.
• Seville to Granada: Around 3 hours, with tickets from €25.
• Malaga to Granada: Typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and prices generally start from around €20 to €30.

I love travelling by train in Andalucia as it’s fuss-free, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive. I recommend buying your train tickets in advance to get the best prices and to avoid any hassle at the train station.

Once you arrive in Granada, you can take Buses 25 and 33 to get to the Gran Via and the historic centre (10-15 minutes). If you have a lot of luggage or want to arrive directly to your hotel, hop into a taxi (€8-10) and it’s a 10-minute drive to the centre.

For budget travellers, buses offer an economical way to reach Granada. The city's bus station has services from across Spain.

• Madrid to Granada: About 5 hours, with tickets around €18-€35.
• Malaga to Granada: Roughly 2 hours, with fares starting at €12.
• Seville to Granada: About 3 to 4 hours, with prices starting €22 to €35

The bus is also a good option if you’re coming from a smaller town/city in Andalucia.

From the Granada bus station, take Bus 33 to get to the city centre (20-25 minutes). A taxi is faster and will cost about €12-15.

If you’re getting to Granada via public transportation, I suggest using a platform like Omio where you can compare travel times, schedules, and costs to find the best way to get there.

Simply input your travel dates below to get started.

If you have a car, driving to Granada will offer the chance to enjoy Andalucia's scenic routes.

• From Malaga: The A-92 motorway connects Malaga to Granada in about 1.5 hours.
• From Seville: Driving takes 2.5 to 3 hours via the A-92 motorway.
• From Madrid: The journey takes around 4.5 hours via the A-4 and A-44 motorways.

Driving and parking in the city can be tricky due to narrow streets, pedestrian zones, and limited parking spaces. If you're staying in the city centre, it's often more convenient to walk or use public transport.

There is the “Zona Azul” (Blue Zone), paid street parking available throughout the city, but there is a maximum stay of 2 hours during the day. Always check the signs for restrictions and payment instructions.

My advice is to keep your car parked during your Granada stay and explore the city by walking or with public transportation. Consider parking on the outskirts and using public transport or opting for accommodation with parking facilities. Granada's historic centre is largely pedestrianised and subject to traffic restrictions. If you're staying in the centre, check with your accommodation about the best way to arrive and whether they provide access codes for restricted areas.

Getting Around Granada

Navigating Granada is part of the adventure, with various options to suit different preferences and itineraries. Here’s a practical guide to help you explore the city with ease.

Granada's historic centre is best explored on foot. Many of the city's attractions, including the Alhambra, the Cathedral, and the Albaicín, are located within walking distance of each other. Walking allows you to appreciate the city's vibrant street life, discover hidden alleys, and stumble upon charming plazas that you might miss otherwise.

Our 2-day Granada itinerary above is doable completely on foot, assuming that you’re staying somewhere in the city centre.

Be warned that there are many hilly areas in Granada so expect some uphill/downhill walking. Wear your most comfortable shoes if you’re planning to explore on foot.

If you have mobility issues, then opt for a taxi or public transportation when needed.

Public Transportation in Granada

Granada's urban bus network is extensive, covering the city and its outskirts, including direct routes to the Alhambra and other major sites. Single tickets cost around €1.40, but if you plan to use the bus frequently, consider purchasing a Credibús card, which reduces the fare per trip and can be shared among multiple riders.

For navigating the narrow streets of the Albaicín and reaching the Sacromonte area, the city operates smaller, mini buses. These routes offer a convenient way to explore these historic districts without the uphill walk.

To get to the Alhambra, you’ll need the C32 bus.

Taxis in Granada are a convenient, albeit more expensive, way to get around, especially at night when public transport services are less frequent. Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up at designated stands. Starting fares are around €2.50, with additional charges based on distance and time.

For those looking to cover more ground while still enjoying the outdoors, renting a bicycle or an electric scooter can be a great option. Several shops in the city offer rentals, and there are dedicated bike lanes on many streets.

Remember, the historic centre's cobbled streets and some steep hills can make cycling challenging in certain areas.

2 Days in Granada: Where to Stay

With only 2 days in Granada, my recommendation is to stay within the historic centre so that you’ll be in the heart of the city and close to everything you’ll visit on this itinerary.

Here are 3 recommended hotels in the centre of Granada:

• Budget: Hotel Carlos V offers a comfortable and convenient stay, with modern amenities in a friendly atmosphere. Plus, you can enjoy the communal terrace with panoramic views of Granada.
• Mid-range: Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century building, Hotel Casa 1800 Granada offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comforts, including a delightful courtyard, complimentary afternoon tea, and stylish rooms.
• Luxury: If you’re up for a splurge, Parador de Granada offers an unforgettable stay within the Alhambra grounds.

Read our in-depth guide on Where to Stay in Granada for our neighbourhood guide and more hotel recommendations.

Alternatively, check out the latest deals in Granada below.

2-Day Granada Itinerary: Last Thoughts

I hope our 2-day Granada itinerary has shown you how much there is to love about Granada: its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beauty.

From the majestic Alhambra to the winding streets of the Albaicín and beyond, there are so many beautiful corners of this city waiting to be discovered. Whether you're indulging in the spectacle of a flamenco show, savouring the flavours of Andalucian cuisine, or simply wandering through its historical quarters, I just know that Granada will captivate you with its charm and diversity.

So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and let Granada reveal its secrets to you.

Buen viaje!

More on Granada

• Historical Guide to Granada City
• Visitors Guide to Granada City
• Top Things to Do in Granada
• Self-Guided Walking Tour of Granada
• Granada 1-Day Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Granada
• Visiting the Alhambra
• Generalife and Alhambra Gardens
• The Royal Chapel
• Granada Archaeological Museum
• Alhambra Museum
• Palacio Dar al-Horra
• Granada Science Park

Recommended Spain Travel Resources

Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are our favourite travel resources.

We usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!

To research transportation options around Spain, we like using Omio . It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, we recommend using Trainline .

Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)

For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK .

Looking for things to do? Viator has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. We also love Get Your Guide !

Guruwalk is our favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.

For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is our favorite borderless banking service (we love their debit card that's without fees!).

Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. Get a quote from SafetyWing here.

For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Airalo. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!

More about Granada

Places to go in Granada

Museums and Galleries in Granada

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Granada Itinerary

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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Planning a Granada itinerary is one of the highlights of a trip through Spain’s Andalucía region. Unfortunately, many potential visitors have only one thing in mind: The Alhambra. As one of the most visited attractions in Spain, many tourists who set foot in this southern Spanish city come only for that and fail to see what more Granada has to offer. Spending 2 or 3 days in Granada is one of the best ways to see what else this incredible city has to offer beyond this imposing Moorish palace.

With an incredible history, beautiful architecture, and one of the best gastronomic scenes in all of Spain, making time to include Granada as a stop on your Andalucía itinerary is worth every minute you spend there. So if you’re wondering what to do in Granada for a few days, follow this guide.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Granada?

Far too many people assume that Granada’s only merit is the Alhambra and therefore think that there isn’t much to do in the city beyond that. However, that is certainly not the case.

While the Alhambra is 100% worth visiting, there are so many other things that make Granada worth visiting that you need to spend at least 2 full days in the city to really do it justice. While you can spend one day in Granada and see a lot (for instance, if you’re visiting on a day trip from Málaga ), it’s much better if you can visit for at least 2 days.

With 2 days in Granada, you can assure that you can visit the Alhambra and give it the proper amount of time (you need at least 3 hours to be able to see everything there!), but also be able to visit great historical sites like the Granada Cathedral and explore the neighbourhoods of Albaicín and Sacromonte. You will also be able to experience what is arguably the best tapas scene in all of Andalucía.

So, if you can, try to spend at least 2 days here. However, if you have longer to devote to your time in Southern Spain, you can enjoy the city far more if you spend 3 days. This way you can dig deeper, see more sites, and explore some areas and neighbourhoods further.

Spending more than 2 or 3 days is also highly recommended if you can budget the time for it. The city makes a great base for a number of fantastic hikes in the Sierra Nevada and day trips to nearby towns and cities. It would also give you more time to experience the laid-back nature and good vibes of Granada.

Getting To & Around Granada

Granada is one of the biggest cities in Andalucía and, therefore, is well-connected to other major metropolitan areas within the region. There are frequent bus and train connections with cities like Seville , Málaga and Córdoba and other, smaller cities as well. Click here to check schedules and prices for your trip.

The bus and train station is located about three kilometres outside of the city centre and it is necessary to take a bus or taxi into the city. Buses are frequent and you can buy a ticket directly from the driver.

If you’re visiting Granada as a stand-alone trip, there is an international airport located close to the city centre that serves European cities like London , Berlin , and Milan along with some destinations within Spain. If you need to get into the city centre from the airport, there is also a frequent bus that will take you directly to the Gran Vía.

Once you’re in Granada, you will find that most everything of interest to tourists is within easy walking distance of each other and it is unlikely that you will need to use public transport or taxis at all.

If you have rented a car to get around in Spain, it is advisable to keep it in a car park during your time in Granada, as the streets can be incredibly narrow (especially in the Albaicín) and it is altogether very difficult to drive in the city.

2 or 3-Day Granada Itinerary

As stated earlier , the best way to get to see and do everything that the city of Granada has to offer is to spend two or three days there. If you only have 2 days in the city, then follow the first two days of this itinerary, as the third day is added on to build upon the first two.

Day 1 – Historic Centre & Albaicín

The first day sees you exploring some of the monuments of the city that don’t include the Alhambra. Today is the day you will take the time to learn about Granada’s history, get lost in its Arab quarter, and learn what it means to tapear .

Explore the Historical Centre

The first stop on your first day in Granada should be in the city’s historical centre. This is where all of Granada’s biggest sites besides the Alhambra lie and there is a lot to learn about the city here.

If you’re interested in getting your bearings and learning about Granada away from a website or guidebook, then we suggest going on a free walking tour with Walk in Granada .

Their essential Granada tour meets every day at 11 AM in the Plaza Nueva and will take you past all of the city centre’s top monuments and briefly into the Albaicín neighbourhood as well.

You will also be able to get some historical context on the places you’ll be visiting during your time in Granada as well as great local recommendations.

After the walking tour, take the time to venture off and explore areas of the historical centre on your own.

Highlights include the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel, where you can see the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella — the Catholic monarchs who reconquered Granada commissioned the Columbus expedition in 1492. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of these sites, it is also possible to book a guided tour.

Nearby the Cathedral is a series of winding streets that act as something of a bazaar, full of Middle Eastern-themed souvenirs and Spanish tiles. Though there are shops like this selling the same things along many streets in Granada, these streets can still be fun to wander through.

If you are looking for a quieter and more off-beat attraction in Granada’s centre, then consider visiting the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, which is only about a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral. It is also a great example of a religious building that was once a mosque, turned into a church as is common throughout the region.

Wander Through the Albaicín

After exploring the centre of Granada, it’s time to venture a bit further north in the city and explore the historic Arab quarter of the Albaicín. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Albaicín is famous for its whitewashed buildings and narrow cobbled streets.

Though you could easily get lost in the winding streets of the quarter for hours on end, it can be worth it to take a tour of the neighbourhood in order to get a better historical context of the area.

The tour will take you all over the Albaicín and cover how the neighbourhood has changed during its centuries-long history, including the challenges it is facing today.

For instance, the Albaicín — which used to be one of the worst neighbourhoods in Granada — is now considered to be the most expensive and highly sought-after in the city. This has resulted in skyrocketing housing prices and many locals have been edged out of the neighbourhood because of that.

However, the Albaicín wasn’t always a tourist hotspot. It was once the Arab quarter of Granada and there is a ton of history throughout its beautiful, winding lanes. If you are curious about what a traditional Albaicín house would have looked like, you can visit the Casa de Zafra museum.

This is a converted house of a once-nobleman that has been restored and opened to the public. It will give you a great idea of how the wealthy used to live in the quarter centuries ago.

Enjoy Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolas

After spending a couple of hours wandering around the peaceful Albaicín, it is time to head to one of the most iconic viewpoints in Granada, Mirador de San Nicolas.

This viewpoint is famous throughout Granada as the spot where then-US president Bill Clinton said in 1997 that he saw the “best sunset in the world.” Though you can’t see the actual sunset from the viewpoint, the views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada are absolutely stunning, especially as the sun is sinking below the horizon.

Keep in mind, however, that the St Nicholas viewpoint is probably the most popular of its kind in Granada and you are likely to have to fight for a good view through a myriad of camera-wielding tourists.

This doesn’t necessarily take away from the view in any sense but don’t plan to have a romantic view all to yourself when visiting this iconic spot.

Experience Granada’s Tapas Culture

After all of the sightseeing on the first day, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Luckily for you, Granada has some of the best and most unique tapas culture in all of Andalucía and no visit to the city is complete without sampling it at least once.

So in the evening of your first day, forgo trying to find a table at one restaurant for dinner and opt to go on a tapas crawl instead as this is one of the best things to do in Granada.

While it is almost certain that you have been to a Spanish restaurant or tapas bar in your home country, it is time to throw everything that you think you know about tapas out the window! The culture here is completely different from what you’re used to at home.

First things first, in Granada, tapas are included with a drink order. If you order a beer, glass of wine, or even a soft drink at a bar in Granada, you will get a small plate of food along with it. With each subsequent drink you order, you get another plate of food.

While there are some places in Granada where you can choose which tapa you would like from the menu, it is more likely that you will just be given a plate of food by the waiter without any choice whatsoever. There is also not usually an option to order multiple plates of food, like you might do elsewhere in Spain or at a tapas restaurant at home.

What you can do if you want more to eat is to order a half or full portion ( media ración or ración in Spanish respectively) of a house speciality. However, it is just as acceptable to either order another drink or to move onto another bar.

Another thing to keep in mind when you are going out for tapas ( tapear in Spanish) is not to be intimidated if the bar is very busy and loud. Most bars might have a handful of stools, however, if they’re good and popular, it is likely they will be standing room only as they fill up.

Assert yourself, push your way through the crowd, and get used to standing while eating if you want to have a truly local experience.

If you want some great tapas recommendations, please check out the “Where to eat” section below. You can also book a food tour if you prefer to go with a guide.

Day 2 – Alhambra & Sacromonte

The second day of this itinerary will see you exploring the most iconic attraction in the city: The Alhambra. The entire complex is massive and will most likely take up the majority of the day, however, no visit to Granada is complete without it.

On day 2 , it is time to climb up the hill and visit the Alhambra. This incredible monument consists of many different sites including the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Alcazaba, and a fine arts museum. Each section takes some time to visit so make sure you plan your days accordingly.

Before we talk about what to see at the Alhambra, let’s talk about getting your tickets to visit this amazing Moorish palace and fortress.

As one of the most popular attractions to visit in all of Spain (more than 2 million people visit every year), you need to make sure that you book your tickets well in advance, especially if it’s not in your Spain travel budget to spring for a guided tour.

There are two different tiers of tickets you can purchase for the Alhambra if you want to visit on your own without a guide.

If you are on a tight budget, you can only purchase tickets for entry into the gardens, Generalife, and Alcazaba. These places are all very worth visiting and you also won’t have a timeslot for entry, so you can arrive whenever you would like. You can buy skip-the-line tickets here.

The second tier is for entry into all of the aforementioned areas along with the Nasrid Palace, which is the most iconic area of the Alhambra and what you probably picture when you think of it.

I would highly recommend spending the extra cash to visit the palaces if you can as it is very much worth it. You can buy skip-the-line tickets here.

If you have a general admission ticket (which includes the Nasrid Palace, Generalife, and Alcazaba), then you will have an admission time on it.

However, this admission time is only for the Nasrid Palaces, where they only allow people to enter in 30-minute intervals. This means that you don’t need to arrive at the entire Alhambra complex at the time printed on your ticket, only the Nasrid Palaces, and therefore you can arrive at whatever time you please on the date to see everything else.

All in all, we would recommend planning to spend, at the very least, three hours at the Alhambra in order to try and see everything. It is truly worth it and it is one of the most fascinating a beautiful monuments of its kind in the world. And after visiting the interior of the complex, take the time to stroll on the pathway on the Alhambra’s base, known as the Paseo de los Tristes.

If you don’t happen to be able to get tickets to the Alhambra on the dates you plan on visiting Granada, it is possible to visit the monument via guided tour – click here to check availability .

This will cost significantly more than going on your own, however, you do get the added benefit of having a certified guide explain everything that you’re seeing.

After you’ve spent your morning exploring the amazing complex that is the Alhambra, it’s time to explore another area that makes Granada a unique location to visit in Spain: Sacromonte.

Sacromonte was traditionally the Roma neighbourhood of Granada and still, today, is home to those who live a more alternative lifestyle. Nestled in the hills to the northeast of the Albaicín, Sacromonte is perhaps best known for its cave houses.

Because of the intense heat that Granada experiences in the summer months and also due to the fact that the neighbourhood has traditionally been much lower-income than the rest of the city, most of the dwellings in Sacromonte are partially or completely part of a cave dug into the mountain.

The vast majority of the houses in Sacromonte today, however, are just that: houses. Though most of the house is still dug into the mountain, the front of it looks just like any other house in that area of Granada. There are also some shops and restaurants where you can see just what a cave house looks like inside.

While most people in Sacromonte live in proper houses, there are still very much some cave dwellings where people actually live higher up in the hills. These caves do not have running water or electricity and the people who live there must get water from a communal tap near the dwellings.

It is possible to take a free tour of the Sacromonte neighbourhood with Walk in Granada if you want to find out more and also go for an easy hike up to some of the highest points in the city. The tours leave every day in the late afternoon or evening, depending on the season, and it is well worth it. If the schedule doesn’t suit you, then you can also organise a paid tour of the area.

San Miguel Alto Viewpoint

If the Mirador de San Nicolas was too crowded for you, then you are sure to love the San Miguel Alto viewpoint. As one of the highest points in the city, this isn’t a viewpoint that many tourists choose to visit as it can be a bit strenuous to reach it, especially on foot.

The hike to the viewpoint is well worth it, however, as it offers some of the best views of Granada below and the lovely Sierra Nevada surrounding the city. It also attracts a much more local crowd, looking for a chilled-out place to hang out with their friends and to drink a couple of beers.

Compared to San Nicolas, San Miguel Alto isn’t nearly as well-maintained, but the views are even more impressive, making it an excellent place to head.

If you’re wondering about a great way to end day two, then it would be to head to a flamenco show.

Granada claims to be the birthplace of flamenco (as do Seville, Jerez and Cádiz , so you need to take that with a grain of salt), but the traditional flamenco you will see here is different from what you will find in other cities in Andalucía.

Flamenco in Granada does not typically take place in a bar or tablao , it takes place in a cave in Sacromonte. While there are certainly theatres where you can see a flamenco show in Granada’s city centre, these tend not to be the intimate experience that flamenco should be.

While the act is almost exclusively for tourists in Granada these days, that does not mean you shouldn’t go to a show. Tourism keeps the art alive.

If you want to have the best value and most authentic experience, see a flamenco show with Zambra María la Canastera . This place puts on traditional Granada flamenco in a converted cave in Sacromonte. The ticket price includes a drink as well.

Day 3 – Street Art & Convent Cookies

If you are able to spend more than 2 days in Granada, then this third day is the perfect way to end your time in the city. It sees you heading to some areas outside of the typical tourist trail, taking part in one of Granada’s age-old traditions, and spending more time in your favourite areas.

Check out Granada’s Street Art

Granada isn’t all Arab quarters, cave dwellings, and Moorish palaces. There is also a thriving street art scene in some great areas of the city.

There is a great walk you can do from the Plaza Nueva along Calle de Molinos straight to Plaza Joe Strummer (yes, it is named after The Clash guitarist — he used to be a Granada resident!) where you can see works of art from Granada’s own El Niño de las Pinturas .

There are many incredible murals decorating the streets of Granada, but one of the best streets to see is Cuesta de Caidero. Going on a street art walk is an excellent way to spend some of your time in Granada and helps you to see the creative side of the city, away from the bigger tourist attractions.

Buy Some Unique Sweets

Another fantastic thing to do during your time in Granada is to take part in one of the best traditions that the city has to offer: buying cookies from cloistered nuns.

Though you can find this in many cities throughout Spain and Andalucía in particular, there are numerous convents where you can purchase delicious homemade sweets from cloistered nuns in Granada.

The concept is simple: because the nuns are cloistered, they avoid direct contact with the outside world. Therefore, the entire interaction takes place without ever actually seeing anyone. Basically, you walk up to a window where there will usually be a sign telling you what they have and the prices.

You ring a bell and the nun will open the window to reveal a lazy Susan-like turntable. You place your order, put your cash on the turntable, and the nun will turn it around with your cookies and your change.

This is a fascinating experience and not that well-known amongst tourists, but it is something that we became slightly obsessed with during our time in Granada and sought out a number of convents to buy cookies from.

This is how the nuns earn their livelihoods and pay their rent, and it is also likely not going to be a tradition for much longer, as fewer and fewer women are opting to join convents at all, let alone become cloistered.

Some of the best places to buy sweets are the Convento de Zafra, the Convento de Santa Isabel Real, and the Real Monasterio de la Encarnación.

Explore More of Albaicín/Sacromonte

After you’ve seen the street art and bought some cookies, it is time to head back to either the Albaicín or Sacromonte neighbourhoods and allow yourself to get truly lost. While you may have gone on a walking tour the past couple of days, spend today exploring on your own and seeing where your feet take you.

It doesn’t take long to venture away from the tourist crowds in the lower Albaicín and for you to experience the peace and tranquillity of these centuries-old neighbourhoods.

Final Tapas Crawl

The last stop on your Granada itinerary should be one final tapas bar. There are so many amazing places to eat in Granada, that you need to spend more than just one night out to experience it. Follow some of our suggestions below, but trust your gut if something looks good to pop into.

A great tip for finding a fantastic bar is to see just how crowded it is: if it’s standing-room-only and loud with people’s voices, then chances are it’s a great find and you need to shove your way in!

Have More T ime ?

If you have more than 3 days to spend in Granada, then it is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some of the great day trips available from the city.

If you are interested in hiking and nature, it is incredibly easy to get to the Sierra Nevada and embark on a day hike. If you happen to be visiting in winter , you can also go skiing in the mountain near Granada.

If you’re more interested in seeing some other cities and towns in Andalucía, then there are numerous options that are within easy reach of Granada.

If it is a larger city you’re after, Málaga can make a great day trip if you’re after some sunshine and culture. Jaén to the north of Granada is a far more off-the-beaten-path option, but it does produce the majority of Spain’s olive oil and has a fantastic tapas culture.

Other fantastic options for day trips from Granada include Pampaniera in the Alpujarras and Monachil, which is accessible by Granada city bus or by guided tour if you don’t have a car.

Where to Eat in Granada

There are a seemingly endless amount of tapas bars in Granada that it can be overwhelming to figure out which are the best to visit. To help you out, we did extensive research (read: ate A LOT) and found some great spots for you to check out on your trip to Granada. These are our top suggestions:

Bodegas Castañeda — If you’re looking for a great place to eat in the busiest part of the Albaicín, then this bar is the place for you. It does get incredibly busy, however, that just means that its food is fantastic. They have both a sit-down restaurant and a bar, but keep in mind that you cannot order tapas off the menu if you sit at a table — you need to stand at the bar for that! Regardless, you do get a free tapa with a drink regardless of where you find yourself and the food quality is fantastic.

Bar Provincias — Another great place to eat in the historical centre, this bar is more popular around lunchtime, where it can get incredibly busy. They are well known for their seafood and give a generous tapa with each drink order. Try to get here early if you want to avoid having to stand while eating.

Los Manueles — This is one of the most popular tapas bars in Granada and for good reason, it is delicious. Though it is featured in many touristy write-ups and guidebooks, it retains its authenticity and is an excellent option for a bite to eat in the city centre. You get a generous free tapa with a drink order and they have an extensive menu of 1/2 and full portions available as well.

Los Diamantes — This popular tapas bar, serving excellent seafood, has two locations in Granada and both are within easy walking distance of the main tourist sites. They have a range of delicious seafood available and always have daily specials. It gets very busy here, so it is most likely that you will have to stand and eat, however, the food is worth it!

Restaurante Oliver — This is a popular restaurant and bar located close to the Cathedral, making it an excellent place for a drink or a bite to eat while exploring the historical centre. They specialise in seafood, however, they have a varied menu of tapas and raciones that are both affordable and tasty.

Bar Ávila II — This is a more modern tapas bar located a bit further away from the historic centre of the city. They have a lot of traditional food available and you get to choose the tapa you want with your drink, rather than just being given what they have. It also gets very busy at peak times.

Bar Poë — Another modern tapas bar, this place serves traditional tapas with an interesting international twist. Located a bit south of Granada’s city centre, this is another place where you choose your tapa from a small menu rather than it just being handed to you. They also have vegetarian options, which is a rare occurrence in this city.

Mesón Rincón de Rodri — Though this tapas bar is located a bit further out than most of the others on this list, it is incredibly worth venturing out to as it was one of our favourite places we ate in all of Spain, not just Granada. This seafood bar offers delicious freshly caught tapas and raciones at affordable prices. They also give you an incredibly generous portion for your included tapa. If you like seafood, then you absolutely cannot miss this place in Granada.

La Tana — This wine bar was made popular by a visit from none other than Anthony Bourdain. Despite its notoriety, however, it has not depleted in quality or atmosphere. They give a tapa with a drink order and also have some of the best vermouth we’ve had in all of Spain.

Bar Las Rejas — Another traditional, family-run spot, this place is a great stop on any tapas crawl in Granada. They give generous tapas and even have plenty of dedicated vegetarian options. You also have the choice to order extra tapa-sized portions for a €2 – something rare in Granada.

Where to Stay in Granada

Hotel Rosa D’oro – This hotel, located in the heart of Granada along the tranquil River Darro is an excellent place to base yourself in the city. They are located within easy walking distance of all of Granada’s main attractions, have a range of comfortable rooms available, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

Hotel Los Tilos – Centrally located close to everything Granada has to offer, this hotel is a great place to rest your head in the city. They have numerous rooms available, a rooftop terrace with excellent views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and breakfast is included each morning.

El Granado Hostel – If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, then this hostel is a fantastic accommodation in Granada. Centrally located, they have a range of dorm and private rooms available, numerous common areas, and they organise social events each evening. They also have a great breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Granada hotels!

Visiting Granada is sure to be the highlight of any trip through Andalucía. With a broad and dynamic history, a thriving gastronomic scene, and many interesting things to do, Granada makes one of the best places to visit in Spain.

Are you planning to visit Granada? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

What about Cordoba! In March

Hi David, you can find our Córdoba itinerary here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/seville-to-cordoba-day-trip/

Thanks so much for this! Making my first trip to Granada this week and your comprehensive article helped me with 90% of my plans.

I’m so happy you found this guide helpful, Gary!

I am looking for an itinerary which makes the best value out of the Granada Card? i will be there for a Monday to Friday in May and will purchase the Granada Card, what can i do to make the best value.

I’ve been reading about Granada for a couple weeks now and this was the best write-up I’ve found yet, it was a huge help! Thank you so much for sharing this!!

Thanks so much for your comment, Alex. I am so happy you’ve found this article helpful and hope you have a great time in Granada!

What a terrific resource for Granada newbies. My notes are extensive; and thank you for helping me plan our holiday.

So glad you found the article helpful, Kathryn! Hope you have a fantastic trip 🙂

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2 Days in Granada: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

How to spend 2 days in granada: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 2 days in Granada and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you the perfect 2-day itinerary in Granada.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city such as the Alhambra, Granada Cathedral, the Albaicin District and a lot more!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Granada in 2 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Granada City Pass: Granada City Pass

2. the andalusia pass, 2 days in granada: must-see attractions, one last tip for a perfect 2-day stay in granada, a. the alhambra of granada, b. sacromonte, c. the albaicin district, d. san nicolas viewpoint, e. flamenco evening in granada, a. the basilica of san juan de dios, b. granada cathedral and the royal chapel, c. bib rambla square / alcaiceria market, d. arab baths, e. hammam al andalus, f. san cristobal viewpoint, where to stay in granada, visiting granada in 2 days with family, more things to do and see in granada in 2 days, map of your 2-day itinerary in granada, traveling to granada for 2 days: flight prices, you’re traveling to andalusia these articles will help you, my tips to avoid queuing in granada.

Granada is among the most touristic cities in Spain , just like Seville , Madrid , Barcelona , or Malaga .

In this beautiful Andalusian city, you will find the famous Alhambra , the attraction that everyone wants to visit in Granada.

And if you have planned a 2-day visit to Granada during your itinerary in Andalusia , it’s probably also to visit this fabulous palace! And you can well imagine that you won’t be the only one who had this idea…

This unfortunately means that there are always very long waiting lines to get in . And by very long, I mean several hours!

Hopefully, you can avoid this with a bit of planning!

Yes, by purchasing one of the city passes or skip-the-line tickets, you’ll get priority access and will be able to optimize your weekend in Granada. It would be a shame to waste hours waiting instead of visiting, right?

So, here are the best way to save time (and money!) in Granada:

The first solution to save a lot of time during your 2-day trip in Granada and enjoy entry to the Alhambra is to buy the Granada City Pass.

If I’m suggesting it, it’s because it’s simply the best pass for visiting Granada in 2 days.

With your Granada Card, you get:

• Skip-the-line ticket to visit the entire Alhambra complex: the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife
• Access to the hop-on hop-off tourist train: convenient for easily discovering all the city’s points of interest!
• An audio guide of Granada , to learn all about one of Spain’s most beautiful cities
• A 10% discount on all other attractions and activities in Granada

Purchase your Granada pass now for your 2-day stay in Granada by clicking the green button below:

And if you also want to visit the Granada Cathedral , I recommend opting for the combined ticket for the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces + Granada Cathedral by clicking here.

If you’re planning a trip to Andalusia and before or after your 2-day visit to Granada , you want to see Seville and Cordoba , the Andalusia Pass can be a great deal.

It includes:

• A skip-the-line entry ticket for the Alhambra in Granada and the Nasrid Palaces
• Priority access ticket for the Alcazar of Seville
• A guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
• An audio guide for Granada and Seville.

This pass is 100% digital , meaning that once you have booked it by clicking the button below , you will receive all your tickets by email directly .

All you will need to do is present them on your smartphone at the entrance to all 3 sites.

You need to book your Andalusia pass by clicking here:

If you’re interested in this pass, you should also check out my itinerary for visiting Andalusia :

• Itinerary: 4-5 Days in Andalusia
• Itinerary: One Week in Andalusia
• Itinerary: 10 Days in Andalusia
• Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Andalusia

3. Skip-The-Line Tickets for Granada’s Tourist Attractions

You don’t want to get a pass for your 48-hour visit to Granada?

No worries, you always have the option to book skip-the-line tickets individually for the sites that match your interests.

In addition to the entrance tickets for the main attractions, you will also be able to book guided tours and activities for your 2 days in Granada, such as a flamenco show or a food your showcasing authentic Spanish products!

To check the prices and to book, just  click   on the links below  (you’ll also find them throughout the article):

• Skip-the-line Ticket for the Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces + the Generalife + the Alcazaba
• Guided Tour of the Alhambra Complex
• Guided Tour of Albaicin and Sacromonte
• Ticket for “Cuevas del Sacromonte” Museum
• Guided Tour of the Cathedral and Royal Chapel
• Flamenco Show at Jardines de Zoraya
• Flamenco Show at La Alborea
• Flamenco Show at Casa del Arte Flamenco
• Massage and Hammam at Hammam Al Andalus
• Guided Gourmet Tour of Granada .

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Granada is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Granada by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in Granada.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Granada, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Visiting Granada in 2 Days: The Best Itinerary

Let’s now start to plan your 2-day itinerary in Granada!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in Granada for 2 full days and that you will be using a City Pass ( Granada City Pass / Andalusia Pass ) or have purchased Skip-the-Line tickets . It’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this 2-day itinerary in Granada (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

Day 1 of your Itinerary in Granada – The Must-Visits

Visits for Day 1:

A. The Alhambra of Granada B. Sacromonte C. Albaicin D. San Nicolas Viewpoint E. Flamenco Show

There is no better way to start your 2-day itinerary in Granada than by visiting the Alhambra, one of the most famous tourist sites in Spain.

I must stress that this visit is only possible if you have booked your tickets in advance . There’s a daily quota for visitors allowed and slots are often sold out weeks ahead.

Even if you go at the opening time, you have a 99.9% chance of not getting tickets without prior reservation.

In order to visit the Alhambra during your weekend in Granada , you’ll need to have booked one of the following tickets:

• The Granada City Pass that I’ve already talked about
• The Andalusia Pass which I’ve also mentioned before
• A skip-the-line Alhambra ticket with a visit to the Nasrid Palaces included – Available here!
• A guided tour of the Alhambra (click here!) . The best way to learn more about this fantastic palace!

Any of the options above will give you the opportunity to discover this magnificent palace complex now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The visit includes:

• The famous Nasrid Palaces consisting of the Mexuar , the Comares Palace , and the Lions Palace where you can visit several rooms and courtyards.
• The Alcazaba: this military fortress is the oldest part of the Alhambra
• The Generalife with its magnificent gardens adorned with fountains.

You should then continue your visit of Granada with a stroll in the Sacromonte district, to see the cave houses of this former gypsy neighborhood.

Some of these “cuevas” as they are called in Spanish, are now used as venues for flamenco shows (an activity planned for the evening!).

If you want to learn more about the history of the neighborhood and discover its traditions, you should visit:

• The “Cuevas del Sacromonte” Museum. (You need to get your ticket here)
• The Sacromonte Abbey and its catacombs.

To make the most of your visit, you should book a guided tour of Sacromonte and Albaicin neighborhoods . It needs to be booked by clicking on the button below:

Right next to Sacromonte, there is another district you must visit during your 2-day trip to Granada: the Albaicin.

With its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets , I found it to be very authentic and picturesque.

And since Albaicin was Granada’s old Moorish quarter , you’ll also find numerous little shops selling dry fruits or spices, in a manner reminiscent of a souk.

If you appreciate history, the guided tour of Sacromonte I mentioned above also includes the visit to the Albaicin neighborhood.

You simply can’t visit Granada in 2 days without stopping at least once at one of the city’s viewpoints!

Since you are in the Albaicin district, you should head to the San Nicolas viewpoint.

Located on plaza de San Nicolas , it offers a magnificent view of Granada and the Alhambra. If the weather is clear, you can even catch a glimpse of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

To take the best photos, try to be there around sunset time.

You have discovered some of the best places to visit in Granada today (pretty cool first day for your 2-day stay in Granada, right? 😎).

And that’s not all, as the evening promises to be very typical too!

You will attend a flamenco show , an art that’s quintessentially Spanish and said to have originated in Granada.

I especially recommend 2 places:

• La Alborea, for a traditional one-hour show in the purest Andalusian tradition:
• Les Jardines de Zoraya , where in addition to the show, you can enjoy a delicious three-course meal:

Day 2 of the weekend in Granada – What to do and see?

Visits for Day 2:

A. Basilica of San Juan de Dios B. Cathedral of Granada and Royal Chapel C. Bib-Rambla Square / Alcaiceria Market D. Arabic Baths E. Hammam Al Andalus F. San Cristobal Viewpoint

Today, you’ll continue your two-day itinerary in Granada and start by visiting the Basilica of San Juan de Dios.

Don’t be fooled by its rather plain exterior, the baroque-style interior is richly decorated with numerous sculptures and paintings. I was really impressed by the abundant use of gold that covers many of the pillars, walls and ceilings.

Moreover, you can admire the magnificent altar and large organ.

It may be surprising and admittedly a bit “overdone”, but it’s an absolute must-see during your 48 hours in Granada!

To illuminate the interior of the Basilica and enjoy the play of light on the gilding, you can insert €1 in the box located next to the altar (if someone hasn’t done it before you).

While there, you can also visit the Monastery of San Jeronimo, which is located right next to the basilica.

Staying within the realm of the religious, let’s continue your 2-day itinerary in Granada with a visit to Granada Cathedral .

It’s located less than 10 minutes on foot from the basilica, and entrance is included in the combined Alhambra + Cathedral ticket .

Built from the 16th century and finished 200 years later, it’s dedicated to the Virgin of the Incarnation . Featuring a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles , inside you’ll be able to explore the chapels and see the organs.

Next to the cathedral, you should also visit the Royal Chapel, the burial place of some of the Spanish monarchs.

The Granada Pass also includes access to the Royal Chapel.

An audio guide is available for the visit, but if you want to learn everything about the place, including some interesting ancdotes, you should rather opt for a combined guided tour of the cathedral + chapel. You need to book your guided tour by clicking here!

Next on your your 2-day Granada itinerary, head to Bib Rambla Square for a bit of shopping.

You will for sure love wandering in the bustling alleyways lined with shops surrounding the square. There are also many cafes for a short break.

If you’re looking to bring back some souvenirs from your trip to Andalusia, you should also visit Alcaiceria market , which is actually Granada’s grand bazaar.

There, you’ll find the typical items: magnets, keychains, t-shirts, as well as beautiful ceramics or colored glass lamps (which might be a bit more complicated to transport back home, I admit!).

If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Arab baths or “El Banuelo.” This complex, comprising 3 rooms, is the best preserved in all of Andalusia.

Dating from the 11th century, they are also the oldest . Very few Arab baths remain, as most were considered places of debauchery and were destroyed when the Christians regained power.

The visit only takes about ten minutes.

After visiting the ancient Arab baths, perhaps you’re now in the mood for some modern relaxation and downtime !

In that case, you should head to Hammam Al Andalus , which is conveniently just a 2-minute walk from El Banuelo.

There, you can relax in the hot and cold baths as well as the steam room. Switch off with short interludes in the relaxation room where delicious mint tea is served (included in the price).

You need to book your Hammam session by clicking on the button below (it also includes a massage!) :

It’s definitely a great activity idea if you’ve decided to spend 2 days in Granada as a couple.

To enjoy one last beautiful view of Granada, end your day at San Cristobal Viewpoint before heading out to dinner.

And there you have it, all my tips for visiting Granada in 2 days! Spend one last night at the hotel before catching your return flight the next day.

And speaking of your hotel, it’s really important to know where you’ll be staying during your 48 hours in Granada.

Now that you know how to visit Granada in 2 days, I will give you my selection of the best hotels , ranging from hostels to 5-star hotels. I have handpicked for you the ones that offer the best value for money depending on your budget!

To check the exact rates for your travel dates, you simply have to click on the hotel names (in orange) just below.

Since the best hotels get booked up quickly, you should book your hotel room as soon as possible!

So, where to stay for a weekend in Granada?

• Toc Hostel Granada: Youth hostel located in the center of Granada. Dormitory bed from 20€ per night, breakfast at 7€. Strong points: the location, the really friendly staff, the modernity of the place. An excellent choice for budget-friendly accommodation in Granada!
• Hotel Universal: Located 400 meters from the cathedral and 700 meters from the Albaicin district. Comfortable and clean double room from 65€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the welcoming staff, the downtown location, close to shops and restaurants. Great value for money at this Granada hotel!
• Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites: Located on Gran Via Avenue, 200 meters from the cathedral. Designer and modern room from 100€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop pool, the room design, the hearty breakfast.
• Alhambra Palace: This 5-star hotel is located a 10-minute walk from the Alhambra or the Albaicin, next to Carmen de los Martires garden. Spacious and cozy room from 200€, breakfast at 19€. Strong points: the hotel’s Moorish-inspired decoration, the superb view of the Alhambra from the terrace, the comfort. My choice for a romantic weekend in Granada.
• Parador de Granada: This luxury hotel is located within the Alhambra itself! The rooms feature a blend of modern and ancient elements, from 420€, breakfast at 21€. Strong points: the exceptional location, the setting, the staff availability, the restaurant with a view of the Generalife. My recommendation for a luxury stay in Granada!

Is this 2-day itinerary in Granada suitable for a family trip?

Yes, there’s no problem in following this itinerary in Granada with children.

If you want to add a visit just for them, you should take your kids to the Science Park, a huge museum with a planetarium, observatory, and even a botanical garden.

If you want more idea of things to do during your 2-day itinerary in Granada, you can also read my dedicated article about the best places to visit in the city.

You’ll find other fun activities such as a Granada food tour or day trips.

A great way to enhance your 2-day trip in Granada!

To read it, just click on the following link: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Granada.

To help you visualize your routes during these 2 days in Granada, I’ve created a map listing the places to visit day by day . You can display the legend of the map by clicking on the button at the top left with a little arrow.

This will allow you to view the routes for each day.

The price of flights to Granada varies a lot, so it’s a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the way to ensure you get the best fare.

Now you know how to visit Granada in 2 days!

If you need help organizing your 2-day itinerary in Granada, feel free to ask me your questions in the comments.

Andalusia travel Guides

• Buy the DK Eyewitness Andalusia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Lonely Planet Andalusia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Snapshot Andalusia guide on Amazon.com

Discover all my articles about Spain : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Spain are listed there.

The 20 Best Things to Do in Andalucia : The ultimate bucket list!

• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Andalucia – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Andalucia !
• Itinerary: 1 week in Andalucia – With all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Andalucia – Discover how to visit Andalucia in 10 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Andalucia – The best itinerary to visit Andalucia in 14-15 days
• Cadiz: The 12 things you must-see in town!
• Cordoba: Top 15 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Malaga: The 15 best places to visit
• Ronda: The 10 best things to do
• Seville: Top 15 best things to do and places to visit

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2 Days in Granada: A Guide to Spain’s Most Fascinating City

Planning a trip to Granada and looking to make the most of your time in one of Spain’s most fascinating cities? After spending a few days in Granada, we came away with a much deeper understanding of the impact of the Muslim period – which spanned nearly eight centuries – in Andalucía and on Spain as a whole. There are aspects of Spanish culture – Flamenco, for example – language, and food that are examples of the blending of cultures that happened in southern Spain, particularly in Granada.

Most people spend a day in Granada and call it good – sometimes only a part of a day – but we’re going to use this guide to try to convince you that you should spend at least 2 days in Granada if you can spare the time.

We arrived in Granada on a train from Madrid , and as you get further south towards Granada, you start to get a taste of Andalucía. The Sierra Nevada mountains in the background, hilltop towns with white facades in the foreground, and olive trees as far as the eye can see. 

Granada was the last Muslim territory on the Iberian Peninsula, lasting into the late 15 th Century before being surrendered to the Christian Monarchs in 1492. While the Muslim population is no longer as prominent in Granada as it was in the 1400’s, the impact of seven centuries of Muslim control of the region is evident. Which makes it a unique place to visit, especially if you’re interested in understanding that period and the impact on Spain more broadly. 

The most emblematic piece of that history is undoubtedly the Alhambra , the treasure of Granada that is perched on a hill above the city in a perfect defensive position. It’s part fort, part palace, and it’s spectacular. 

Granada, though, is so much more than the Alhambra, which oscillates between the first and second most visited site in Spain (trading spots with the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona ). It’s spectacular – the architecture, the gardens, the views, the story – but it’s certainly not the only thing worth seeing in Granada. 

P.S.: Planning a trip to Spain? We have a detailed Spain itinerary plus guides to Barcelona , Madrid , and Seville to help you plan an amazing trip!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days in Granada

Granada is home to the Alhambra, which is going to take most of a day to really see properly. So that’s one day in Granada. 

However, we also think there is more to see in Granada beyond the Alhambra, which is why we’ve chosen to write this guide as a 2 day Granada itinerary. 

Granada is a lovely city to spend time in, and one day doesn’t quite do it justice, especially when most of that day will be spent at the Alhambra. There are interesting neighborhoods to explore, a couple of important sights in Spanish History, lots of good Flamenco to be seen in the neighborhood of Sacromonte, and tea houses with roots in the Arab world. 

We’d absolutely recommend devoting 2 days to Granada . Though, we understand that not everyone has an extra day, so we’ve also included our perspective on how to spend a single day in Granada below the detailed itinerary. 

If you have the time, it’s worth a second day in Granada, which will allow you to get deeper into the complex history and the relationship between Muslims and Christians that is a huge part of Granada’s story. 

2 Days in Granada: How to Plan Your Granada Itinerary

We’ve split the 2 day Granada itinerary into two parts. On the first day, you’ll soak up the cultural and historical significance of Granada with a walk through the historic Muslim Quarter and a trip to the Royal Chapel, where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella are buried. That important context will set you up perfectly for your second day, where you’ll focus all of your time and energy on the Alhambra, one of the most spectacular and important pieces of Islamic architecture in Granada, and all of Spain. 

Keep in mind, these days are interchangeable. You can totally swap the two days around (and the morning/afternoon setup too) depending on when you’re able to do the Alhambra, which is likely to be what you shape your itinerary around.

Day 1: The Albaicín, Tea, and Royals

On your first day in Granada, spend the day getting the proper context you need around Granada’s history – both as the last Muslim territory on the Iberian Peninsula, and as a favorite city of the Christian Monarchs after it’s conquest – which will set you up nicely for a deeper understanding of the Alhambra, which is on day 2. 

The Albaicín

The Albaicín is the most romantic and charming part of Granada, at least in our view. The former Muslim quarter of Granada sprawls up the hill, which used to be the home of the ruling family’s palace before it was moved to the Alhambra under a new ruling family. You can still find it today – it’s called the Palacio de Dar al-Horra . The charming neighborhood around the former palace is full of narrow streets and open plazas, some of which have spectacular views of the Alhambra across the valley. 

We’d recommend wandering, not following any particular route, but it’s also one of our pet peeves to see writers say something to the effect of “just get lost!” So here’s our route that we’d recommend , though you should feel more than comfortable to go off-script. 

We’d also recommend investing in a guided tour of this part of the city, which is rich in history and culture that you need a trained eye to recognize. We did this walking tour of the Albaicín , which we loved and would recommend to everyone. 

We love a good teahouse – especially Alysha, who isn’t a coffee drinker but is a voracious tea drinker at home, when Matt makes her chai extra spicy on mornings where she’s assuming her role as editor of Wheatless Wanderlust. 

One of the unique things you’ll find in Granada (and other parts of Andalucía, though not nearly as prominently as in Granada), are tea houses, which are a clear example of the influence of the seven centuries of Muslim rule in Granada. 

We had a favorite that we went to multiple times over our time in Granada. The reason? The quiet outdoor patio area with a nice view of some of the Alhambra’s towers. It’s called La Tetería del Bañuelo ( here on Google Maps), and they have a wide variety of different tea blends, from chai and other teas made with milk, to Moroccan-style green tea with mint and sugar. We liked the teas that incorporated orange into the blend for a nice hit of citrus!

They also have a nice selection of pastries from the Middle East – I asked about one that looked like it was a ball of string wrapped around some chocolate, and the server mentioned that it was a Jordanian treat (though my subsequent Googling found only Greek recipes – like this one ).

Anyways, it’s a really nice place to spend a sunny afternoon, and you’ll likely be joined by one or many cats who descend on the patio as a prime sunbathing spot. 

The Royal Chapel and Cathedral of Granada

The Royal Chapel is part of the complex where you’ll find the Granada Cathedral, and after seeing plenty of spectacular churches on the other parts of our journey AND hearing from our local guide that the Royal Chapel was far more impressive and interesting, we opted to visit the Royal Chapel instead. 

The Royal Chapel was built by Ferdinand and Isabella, the first Catholic Monarchs of Spain and the people responsible for consolidating the Spanish Empire as we know it today by bringing together the kingdoms of Aragon and Castille under the same crown. They recognized the importance of Granada in their legacy, and decided they wanted to be buried there. So, a royal chapel was built in the early 16th Century. 

The Royal Chapel and Cathedral of Granada both cost 5 Euros each, and include an audioguide – though it’s an app that you have to download via the wifi, and bring headphones to listen to. No pictures allowed inside the Royal Chapel, either. 

Inside the Royal Chapel, the first Catholic monarchs of Spain (Isabella and Ferdinand) are buried, along with their children (Joana and Phillip). You can walk down into the crypt to see where they’re buried beneath the ornamental mausoleums in the center of the Chapel. 

There were two things that stood out to us about the design. Since there are no pictures allowed inside, our words will have to do. 

The first thing that was unique is the grills – or gates? – inside the chapel. They’re ornamental and meticulously detailed with all sorts of symbology. For example, you’ll find scenes from Christ’s life, scenes from the lives of the royal family, and the crests of Isabella and Ferdinand, all crafted out of metal. 

The second thing is the massive altar with the scenes from the life of Christ, including a depiction of the beheading of St. John the Baptist that appears to be anatomically correct.

Before exiting, there’s a mini museum with pieces of the Royal Family’s collection of art, including some impressive Flemish paintings (our favorite part of the Prado Museum in Madrid). 

Day 2: The Alhambra

On your second day in Granada, tackle the most popular tourist attraction in the city – the Alhambra – where you’ll learn about the Nasrid family that ruled Granada for centuries and is responsible for building the Alhambra. 

Breakfast and Coffee at Noat Coffee

Before heading up to the Alhambra, head over to Noat Coffee for the best coffee in Granada. 

Noat is just off of the main street running through Granada, and is about a six minute walk from Plaza Nueva. 

Inside are friendly baristas serving coffee from Right Side Roasters , which is just outside of Barcelona. They also have a selection of pastries or sandwiches, which is a nice breakfast before the climb up to the Alhambra. 

From there, you can head straight up to the Alhambra – you’ll want to go here to start your tour. 

Visiting the Alhambra

The Alhambra is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain, and rotates between the most and second-most visited with the Sagrada Familia, depending on the year. Ask anyone visiting Granada what their number one priority is while they’re in town, and it’s bound to be the Alhambra. 

It’s the most important example of architecture from the Muslim period in Andalusia, and despite being abandoned for two centuries, is in relatively good condition. 

I get the idea that the Christian monarchs saw the beautiful fort/palace on the hill and said “hm, yeah, let’s keep that” when they arrived in Granada, and you can see that they did their best to make it their own once you’re inside. More often than not, the changes they made stick out like a sore thumb (like the crowns added to the tilework in one of the palaces), and are a detraction from the experience and take you out of the moment more than anything else. 

The Alhambra is basically split into three parts :

• The Generalife: the summer palace and gardens
• The Alcazaba : the castle or fort
• The Nasrid Palaces : the coolest part of the visit, with unique architecture, colorful tilework, and intricate plaster patterns decorating the walls.

All three are well worth visiting, and you should do your best to fit them all into your Granada itinerary. 

You’ll get a specific entry time for the Nasrid palaces, which is what you’ll need to structure your visit around. You can enter the other parts of the complex – the Generalife and the Alcazaba – at any time on the day of your visit, but you can only enter the Nasrid Palaces at a specific time. 

The Alhambra is going to take most of the day, and there’s really no “best time” to see it. Because of its popularity, tickets in high season are essentially sold out all day long. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, the only recommendation we have is to avoid the heat of the day. Try to visit before 12:00 pm or after 3:00 pm, if you can. 

Visiting Independently

Again, it’s worth saying one more time that the Alhambra is one of the most-visited attractions in Spain, which means tickets are insanely competitive. Especially in the summer and in December around the holidays. 

You should definitely book your tickets in advance if you want to see the Alhambra . Even in shoulder season, the ticket office line gets long, and you can easily skip that line with a little advance planning. 

Tickets are available on the official website of the Alhambra . 

There are a couple of different ticket types available – let’s go through the main options one by one to help you decide which to pick. 

• Alhambra General (14 Euros): This is the basic ticket that includes access to all three parts of the Alhambra during the day. 
• Gardens, Generalife and Alcazaba (7 Euros): This ticket ONLY covers the Generalife (and Gardens) and Alcazaba – it DOES NOT include the Nasrid Palaces, which is why it’s cheaper.
• Night Visit to Nasrid Palaces (8 Euros): See the Nasrid Palaces without all the people. It’s a completely different experience, according to our guide. However, it will be harder to take photos without the light. 
• Night Visit to Gardens and Generalife (5 Euros): Exactly what it sounds like – a nighttime visit to the Generalife and Gardens. 
• The Alhambra Experience (14 Euros) : Nighttime visit to the Nasrid Palaces, plus a daytime visit to the Generalife and Alcazaba the next day. 

Important note : You will need to provide passport / identity card information, which must match your tickets to get into the Alhambra. Bring your passport with you for your visit – they will check it!

Joining a Guided Tour

Like most cultural sights, the Alhambra is at its best when you have the cultural and historical context and stories to go along with the beauty of the complex itself. Which is why we decided to take a guided tour of the Alhambra when we were in Granada. 

In our experiences visiting sites like the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome with and without a guide, the two experiences are going to be vastly different. The independent visit is a lot of ooooh-ing and aaaaah-ing at the beauty, without the deep understanding of what you’re looking at and its significance that comes with a guided tour with someone who actually knows what they’re talking about.

Guided tours almost always lead to a deeper, more meaningful experience, which is why we both do them as often as possible, and recommend them to everyone we can. 

We did this guided tour of the Alhmabra , which was three hours long, included skip-the-line tickets, and visited all three parts of the Alhambra complex. All with a guide who was able to tell stories, point out details, and answer questions that gave us a deeper understanding of why the Alhambra is an important site, and why it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

This tour was also on our list, but wasn’t available on the days we were in Granada. 

Sunset Back in the Albaicín

End your day back in the Albaicín for one of the more spectacular sunset locations in Spain. There are a variety of options to choose from, some more popular than others. 

The Mirador de San Nicolás ( here on Google Maps) is definitely the most popular, with crowds of tourists arriving hours before sunset to snag a perfect spot along the wall with an unobstructed view of the Alhambra across the valley. 

We preferred walking a bit further over into Sacromonte to get away from the crowds and get an equally spectacular view of the palace complex. The Mirador de la Vereda de Enmedio ( here on Google Maps) is where we ended up, and there were only a small handful of people around as the golden light washed over the Alhambra. 

What to Do with One Day in Granada

If you only have one day in Granada, we’d recommend splitting the day between the Alhambra and the Albaicín, which are our two favorite parts of the city and two of the most emblematic of the story of Granada since the 8 th Century. 

For half of the day, explore the Alhambra either on your own or as part of a guided tour. Make sure to see the gardens and the Generalife, the Alcazaba, and the Nasrid Palaces (there are three of them, and they’re super unique). 

For the other half of the day, head over to the Albaicín and explore the old Muslim quarter of Granada. Narrow streets, plenty of flowers, and “carmens” with their private gardens are the things you’re likely to encounter here. Plus, plenty of mosques-turned-churches.

We did a guided walking tour and enjoyed the history and context that our guide Jaime, born and raised in Granada, was able to bring to the experience. This walking tour at sunset is an alternative. 

Where to Stay in Granada

Granada is a relatively compact city, but you’ll still want to stay central to maximize your time. In this case, “central” means within about a five to ten minute walk of Plaza Nueva. 

We stayed at limehome on Calle Santa Ana , a set of really nice apartments just behind the church near Plaza Nueva, and it might have been our favorite place we stayed in all of Spain. Specifically, we chose the Superior Apartment, which happened to be on the top floor with views of the Alhambra from our little patio outside. The apartments are spacious, have heat and A/C, and are equipped with a full kitchen. 

The most impressive part was that every detail was covered – which was not the case everywhere we stayed – from oil/vinegar and every utensil we needed in the kitchen, to a Nespresso machine with plenty of pods, to an HDMI cord to connect our laptop to the TV. We really enjoyed this place, and think it’s a great home base for 2 days in Granada. Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability . 

There are some other good options in Granada that made our shortlist before we decided on the apartment we did. They are: 

Eco Hostel Granada : A nice, clean hostel near the train station. Location is a little further away from the main sites than we’d like, but the facilities are great. 

TOC Hostel Granada : We stayed at a TOC Hostel in Barcelona , and it’s essentially a boutique hotel with a few dorm rooms, a far cry from other hostels with a more party-oriented crowd that we’ve stayed in (in a good way). 

Casa Bombo : A bed and breakfast with a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool whose rooms have views of the Alhambra? Sounds like an unforgettable stay to us. It’s located in the heart of the Albaicín.

Hotel Casa Morisca : Beautiful hotel, rooms have views of the Alhambra, and its rooms are fairly spacious. 

How to Get to Granada

Getting to Granada is a little tricky, because it’s really not that close to many of Spain’s main cities and there’s a major mountain range just south of the city. 

Granada does have an airport, with a small selection of flights coming in from Europe. It’s called Federico García Lorca Granada Airport , and it’s 20 km west of the city. There’s a bus that will take you directly from the airport to Plaza Nueva, in the center of Granada, but it takes a full hour to complete the journey. It’s operated by ALSA .

High speed trains are another option if you’re coming from within Spain, though journey times can be long. From Madrid’s Puerta Atocha station, it’s a 3.5 hour train ride on high speed trains (there are direct trains), and from Seville’s Santa Justa station it’s 2.5 hours (there are also direct trains). 

Check train timetables and prices on Omio , which is what we used in Spain because it’s way more user-friendly and doesn’t have issues with processing certain cards at random times. You will pay a small upcharge in the form of a service fee of a couple of Euros, but we think it’s worth it to be able to pull up tickets offline on their app, and not have to worry about whether your card is going to work on the Renfe site.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Amazing Trip to Spain!

We’ve got plenty of other detailed guides for our favorite places in Spain – from Barcelona, to Madrid and Andalusia – that we wrote to help you plan an incredible trip.

P.S.: If the link isn’t there, it means we’re still working on it and the guide will be up shortly. It takes a lot of time and effort to put together these detailed guides! Bear with us.

• Two Weeks in Spain: How to Plan an Amazing 14 Day Spain Itinerary
• 4 Days in Barcelona: How to Plan the Perfect Barcelona Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Barcelona: A Complete Guide to 5 Great Areas
• Gluten Free Barcelona: A Complete Guide for Celiacs
• Exactly How to Take an Amazing Day Trip to Girona From Barcelona
• 2 Days in Madrid: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Madrid Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Madrid: A Complete Guide to 5 Great Areas
• Gluten Free Madrid: A Complete Guide for Celiacs (Restaurants + Bakeries)
• Taking A Day Trip to Toledo From Madrid: A Complete Guide
• 2 Days in Granada: A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Granada
• 2 Days in Seville: A Complete Guide to Planning a Seville Itinerary

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Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

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A perfect 2 days in granada: itinerary for first-timers.

Visitors flock to Granada to step foot in the Alhambra Palace, the most sensual and romantic of all European monuments. But there is so much more to this city than its Moorish palace, as near-perfect as it may be.

To immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture, you should spend at least two days in Granada. But what are the best things to do in this captivating city?

As a two-time visitor, this is where I can help. Make every minute count by following my 2-day Granada itinerary, a guide to the best things to see in one of southern Spain’s gems .

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Alhambra Palace
• Explore Granada’s history in the Albaicín
• Explore the cave dwellings of Sacromonte
• Discover the Renaissance splendour of Granada Cathedral
• Catch a flamenco performance

DAY 1: Alhambra Palace, Albaicín, Tapas crawl

DAY 2: Granada Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Casas del Chapiz, Sacromonte, Flamenco show

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND GRANADA: On foot

BEST TIME TO VISIT GRANADA: Spring & Autumn

WHERE TO STAY

• Casa Morisca
• Aurea Cathedral by Eurostars
• Room Mate Leo

IN THIS ARTICLE

How Many Days Do You Need in Granada?

I recommend that you spend at least two days in Granada.

You will need the best part of a day to do the Alhambra justice and there’s so much more to the city than this magnificent palace complex. My 2-day Granada itinerary allows you to dive into the city’s rich history in the Albacín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods, experience its tea houses and catch a flamenco show.   Spend 3 days in Granada if you want a greater understanding of its history and culture. I have included further suggestions for what to do in Granada later in this guide.

Above all, try to steer clear of visiting Granada as a day trip. Not only will this feel rushed but you will also miss out on some of the best things that the city offers.

However, life isn’t always perfect and if a day is all you have, I have included tips to maximise your time.

2-Day Granada Itinerary in a Nutshell

No trip to Granada is complete without visiting the Alhambra . Much of your first day in the city will be devoted to exploring this magnificent Moorish Palace before diving further into the city’s Arab heritage in the Albaicín .

Your Granada itinerary continues with visiting the gipsy quarter of Sacromonte and the city’s monumental cathedral . There will be opportunities to graze on tapas , for which Granada is famous, and to catch a dazzling flamenco performance.

Granada Itinerary Day 1

Breakfast at oteiza.

Choose from an extensive breakfast menu at this modern café housed in former stables. The quality of the coffee is only trumped by the café’s friendly service.

Address: Carrera del Darro, 25

ALHAMBRA PALACE

The Alhambra Palace has kept watch over Granada for the best part of nine centuries.  

It was in this palace-fortress of the Nasrid dynasty that the rulers of the final Spanish Muslim kingdom and Moorish art and architecture reached their spectacular zenith. Light, space, water and decoration are used in a way that is nothing short of magical.

This UNESCO-listed site is not one building but a vast palace complex. The main components of this complex are the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba and the Generalife Gardens.

I love it so much that I have visited the Alhambra three times.

Buy your ticket for the Alhambra as soon as you have booked your visit to Granada. These are available up to one year in advance and sell like proverbial hotcakes. To avoid the worst of the crowds, I recommend booking the first entry slot of the day.

There are two main types of Alhambra tickets .

• General Alhambra – this allows you to enter the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and the Alcazaba and is the most popular type of Alhambra ticket.
• Gardens, Generalife and Alcazaba – this ticket includes admission to the Generalife and the Alcazaba but not the Nasrid Palaces.

Tickets for night visits are also available.

The cheapest way to buy the tickets is through the Palace’s official website . If tickets aren’t available here, try a ticket reseller such as GetYourGuide .

At a bare minimum, you should allow half a day to visit the Alhambra Palace complex. I easily spent four hours there and it was a return visit.

STOP FOR LUNCH AT ONE OF THE ALBAICÍN’S TEA HOUSES

The excellent tea shops in the Albaicín are an enduring legacy of the influx of North Africans to Granada. My favourite was La Teteria de Bañuelo , which has a lovely outdoor patio with an Alhambra view and a resident cat.

Address: C. Bañuelo, 5

STROLL AROUND THE ALBAICÍN

The Albaicín (Albayzín) is the site of the city’s first fortress and stretches over a fist-shaped area facing the Alhambra. Its narrow cobblestoned streets are lined with whitewashed buildings and elegant private villas ( cármenes ) that guard their secrets behind stone walls.

Although its 30 mosques were converted to Baroque churches almost 900 years ago, its Moorish roots are hidden in plain sight.

A good way to explore the Albaicín is to join one of the free walking tours operated by Walk in Granada . As these walking tours are based on tips, the guides usually go out of their way to offer a first-rate experience.

During the walking tour, our guide gleefully shared his experience of sighting his first pair of breasts in the Albaicín. Before the 1990s, this was a down-at-heel neighbourhood and a lady working in one of the district’s brothels gave his school group a free show from her window. 

BUY CONVENT COOKIES AT SANTA ISABEL LA REAL

For melt-in-the-mouth macaroons, head to Convento de Santa Isabel la Real.

Founded by Queen Isabella of Castile on the site of the Moorish Palace Dar al-Horra (more about that later), this convent is home to an order of cloistered nuns. An important part of their calling is the avoidance of interaction with the outside world.

Make your way to the corner of the courtyard where you’ll find a wooden hatch in the wall. Ring the bell and wait for a response. Then, open the hatch, and an unseen hand spins a Lazy Susan to reveal a menu of sweet goodies.

Speak your choice to the faceless nun on the other side of the wall and place your euros on the shelf. She will spin the Lazy Susan a final time to reveal your cakes.

Cake and sweet-making is a burgeoning cottage industry amongst cloistered nuns in Spain. Not only do you get a box of delicious sweets in exchange for a modest sum, but this interaction offers a small window into a part of the spiritual landscape of the country.

TAKE IN THE CLASSIC ALHAMBRA VIEW FROM MIRADOR SAN NICOLAS

This handsome plaza at the heart of the Albaicín is the most popular place in Granada for classic Alhambra views.

However, it’s not exactly a well-kept secret. At busy times of day, and especially around sunset, you will be bumping elbows with other visitors to capture that perfect Alhambra vista.

I preferred the view from the garden of the Grand Mosque of Granada , the city’s sole surviving mosque. This tranquil and welcoming spot is next door to San Nicolas Church and also sells sweets and tea.

Alternatively, take in the view from Placeta Cavajales . This is a little-known viewpoint in the lower part of the Albaicín, close to the teahouses.

GO ON A TAPAS CRAWL

After a busy day in Granada, you should have worked up quite an appetite and will be hunting for somewhere to eat and drink.

Granada has one of the best tapas scenes in the whole of Andalusia. It is also one of the last cities where, for the most part,  tapas are served for free  with a drink.  

This is how it works.

When you order a drink at a bar in Granada, you will get a small plate of food along with it. With each subsequent drink, you will get another plate of food.

The choice of food is usually random, which is part of the fun. That said, there are a handful of places in Granada where you can select your choice of tapa from a menu.

But tapas bars in Granada are not for the faint-hearted. They are boisterous and loud and may have limited places to sit. Good bars fill up quickly and it will be standing room only.

You are likely to find your favourite tapas bar just by wandering around, but here are some to try:

Los Manueles 

This is a Granada city centre institution. Although it’s a guidebook favourite, it is also authentic. 

Address: C Reyes Católicos, 61

Bodegas Castañeda 

One of the city’s oldest bars, Bodegas Castañeda has a sit-down restaurant and a bar.

Address: C Almireceros, 1-3

Los Diamantes  

This popular tapa joint, known for its seafood, is at three central locations in Granada

Address: C Navas, 28; C Rosario, 12; Pl

Granada Itinerary Day 2

Breakfast at café 4 gatos.

Set yourself up for your second day in Granada with a breakfast special at this café in the heart of the Albaicín. All of the breakfast specials at Café 4 Gatos are served with freshly squeezed orange juice & a coffee or tea.

Get there early to bag a table on the café’s outside terrace.

Address: Placeta Cruz Verde, 6

VISIT GRANADA CATHEDRAL

I came close to sacrificing Granada Cathedral to the altar of time. I’m so glad that I didn’t yield to that temptation.

Built on the site of the city’s main mosque, this is one of Andalusia’s most important Renaissance cathedrals.

Like many cathedrals in Spain – take a bow La Sagrada Família and Málaga Cathedral – this outward display of the power of the Catholic monarchs took many years to build. Construction of the Cathedral of Granada started in 1523 and finished in 1704.

Granada Cathedral has many side chapels of different styles, reflecting its staggering 181-year genesis. Renaissance meets Gothic with a touch of Baroque thrown in for good measure.

This soaring space, supported by immense Corinthian columns, brings to mind a Roman temple. These whitewashed columns add to the sense of space and light and serve as blank canvases for shafts of kaleidoscopic light streaming through the cathedral’s stained glass windows.

PAY YOUR RESPECTS TO ISABEL & FERDINAND AT THE ROYAL CHAPEL

The Royal Chapel ( Capilla Real ) is next to the Cathedral.

This flamboyant Gothic building was intended to be the final resting place of Los Reyes Católicas, Granada’s liberators. Their ornate mausoleums, sculpted from Carrara marble, take centre stage in the chapel’s transept.

The monarchs’ actual tombs are housed in a simple underground crypt and are kept company by those of their daughter, Joana “the Mad”, and her Habsburg husband, Felipe “the Handsome.”

From the portraits of Philip I of Castile that I’ve seen, I beg to differ.

WHAT ABOUT THE SILK MARKET?

The Silk Market is close to Granada Cathedral and Capilla Real and features in many “best things to see in Granada” lists. Unless you are passing through, I say don’t bother.

Rebuilt on the site of a 14th-century silk market, the shops lining its narrow alleyways are filled with the type of tourist tatt you find the world over.

There are better ways to spend your precious 2 days in Granada.

TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM CASAS DEL CHAPIZ

Casas del Chapiz is one of Granada’s hidden gems.

Formerly two mansions that belonged to two Arab families who converted to Christianity when the city was conquered, Casas del Chapiz now houses the School of Arab Studies. From the orange tree-filled garden there are wonderful views of the Alhambra.

EXPLORE SACROMONTE

Covered in prickly pear cacti, Sacromonte Hill rises behind the Albaicín. Once the domain of Granada’s gipsies, this neighbourhood is like a tranquil Andalusian village.

Sacromonte is famous for the colourful caves ( cuevas ) riddling its hillside, many of which have been carefully restored. If you are looking for an intimate, and interactive, flamenco performance, this is the place to come. 

CATCH A FLAMENCO SHOW

There can be few better ways to end your 48 hours in Granada than to catch a flamenco show.

Even though flamenco is one of the things for which Spain is most famous , I confess that I was on the fence about it. I was picturing a kitsch show, all frills and castanets.

Boy, was I wrong.

Flamenco perfectly encapsulates the soul of Andalusia. I was blown away by the sheer passion and yearning in the performance, from the beating rhythms to the expressive guitar playing.

Granada is one of the best places in Spain to catch a flamenco performance. There are a number of venues in the city, but here are two that I can recommend.

I caught a flamenco performance at this intimate theatre in the heart of Granada. It was first-rate and the location just off Plaza de Santa Ana is unbeatable.

Cuevas Los Tarantos

For a more intimate flamenco experience, head to Sacromonte’s Cuevas los Tarantos.

Other Granada Itineraries

One day in granada.

But what should you do in Granada if you only have a day there? Don’t worry. With an early start and a can-do attitude, you   can pack a lot in 24 hours.

Arrive at the Alhambra as soon as its doors open in the morning. Remember to book your Alhambra ticket in advance to get this early morning time slot.

When you have finished exploring the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, make your way to the Albaicín and Sacromonte . To make the most of your afternoon, consider joining one of the free walking tours run by Walk in Granada or this sunset walking tour of Albaicín and Sacromonte.

Take in that classic sunset view of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás, Grand Mosque of Granada or Placeta Cavajales, before a tapas bar crawl .

Just make sure that you leave enough time to catch a flamenco show.

3 days in Granada

There are lots more to do if you have more than two days in Granada. I recommend a deeper dive into Granada’s Moorish heritage through its other World Heritage sites .

Entry to all of these sites is free every Sunday. They are open daily from 10 am until 5 pm.

El Bañuelo dates from the 11 th Century, making it the oldest public building in Granada. One of 21 baths that were once scattered across the city, this comprises three rooms – cold, hot and warm – that were built using recycled Roman, Visigoth and Caliphate elements.

CASA HORNO DEL ORO

Casa Horno del Oro, or House of the Golden Oven, was built towards the end of the 15 th Century and extended following the Castilian conquest.

PALACIO DAR AL-HORRA

This grand palace was home to Aixa, wife of Sultan Muhammed XI. It is built around a central patio and features exquisite plasterwork with inscriptions from the Nasrid era on the upper floor.

CORRAL DEL CARBÓN

Founded by Muhammed V, Corral del Carbón was used as a shelter and goods warehouse for traders and merchants

TAKE A day trip from Granada .

The Sierra Nevada National Park is Spain’s largest national park. For example; this ebike tour is highly rated and looks tremendous fun.

Another top pick is the white villages of La Alpujarra . This day excursion covers the best of the bunch.

What is the Best Time to Visit Granada?

To avoid its chilly winters and hot summers, visit Granada in the spring and autumn.   I visited Granada for the first time in early September and it was uncomfortably hot. Learn from my mistake.   When I visited Granada in February, it was cold in the morning and at night. However, the afternoons were pleasantly warm. Just pack layers.   A bonus of visiting Granada in the winter is that crowds are fewer

How to Get to Granada

Granada is well served by train, bus and air.

Getting to Granada by plane

Granada has an airport that receives some international flights, including from the UK. The region’s largest airport is at Málaga , just over 80 miles to the southwest. There are excellent bus and train connections to Granada from Málaga .

Getting to Granada by train

Thanks to Spain’s trains, arriving in Granada by rail is a breeze.

Spain’s AVE high-speed trains run to Granada from Málaga (1 hr 10 minutes), Madrid (3 hr 20 minutes), Seville 2 hr 30 minutes), Valencia (5 hrs 30 minutes) and Barcelona (6 hrs 20 minutes). Book in advance for the best fares. 

Book your train ticket through Renfe , the national rail operator, for the best prices. However, if the Renfe website doesn’t play nice –  on more than one occasion it refused to recognise major destinations for me – make your reservation via Omio . You will pay a small booking fee but it’s a clear booking engine and hassle-free.

Getting to Granada by bus

Travelling by bus in Spain is sometimes a better option than taking a train. Granada Bus Station is on the Carretera de Jaen, about 3km north of the city centre.

I travelled from Málaga to Granada by bus. Not only was this service far more frequent than that of the train but it was also cheaper.

You can check the times of bus services and book a ticket on Alsa’s website .

Driving to Granada

The first time I visited Granada we were touring Andalusia by car. Whilst this provided maximum flexibility, parking was sometimes challenging.

This is certainly the case in Granada.

You will only be able to enter the historic centre by car if you are staying at one of the hotels inside the restricted area. Also, factor in the cost of parking and manoeuvring your car along those narrow streets.

How to Get Around Granada

Granada is a walkable city, albeit one with steep streets. The only times that you are likely to need public transport are to travel to and from the bus station, and if you decide to take the bus up the hill to the Alhambra.

Number 33 bus will take you from the bus station to Granada city centre . Buses leave every 15 minutes and the journey takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

Minibuses number 30 and 32 climb the hill to the Alhambra from Plaza Nueva approximately every ten minutes.

Where to Stay in Granada

I recommend that you base yourself around the Albaicín or in the city centre (El Centro).  

T he Albaicín is a charming neighbourhood in its own right and is also close to Granada’s tourist attractions. The downside of this area is there are several inclines and it is paved with cobblestones. This is fine for light backpacks but not so good for wheeled luggage.

Whilst not as characterful, El Centro is a very convenient base as it is close to the city’s main sights and there are lots of bars and restaurants.  

Splurge – Casa Morisca

I stayed at this wonderful hotel at the foot of the Albaicín. From my tiny balcony, there were views of the Alhambra.

Mid-range hotel –  Aurea Catedral by Eurostars

This 4-star hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms in a central location close to Granada Cathedral

Budget hotel – Room Mate Leo

This 3-star hotel offers modern rooms in a traditional building close to the cathedral.

Ready to Spend Two Days in Granada?

Granada will capture your heart.   Poised below the magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it has one of the most dramatic locations in Spain. Granada is stuffed with traditional tapas bars and is one of the best places in the country to catch a flamenco performance.   Its treasure trove of attractions doesn’t end with the Alhambra. There are whispers of Granada’s rich history throughout the city, from its other UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its steep and winding streets.

If you would like more help with planning your 48 hours in Granada, take a look at my comprehensive guide to visiting the Alhambra . For transport arrangements, here’s how to get from Malaga to Granada or from Seville to Granada by train, bus and car .

For journeys around Southern Spain, here are some of my other guides:

• A Perfect Weekend in Málaga, Spain: 2-Day Itinerary & Best Things to Do
• One Day in Málaga: A Free Self-Guided Walking Tour
• One Day in Seville, Spain: The Best Itinerary for 2023
• A Perfect 3 Days in Seville, Spain: Itinerary & Best Things to Do
• Top 10 Things to Do in Córdoba in One Day: Spain’s Historic Jewel
• 15 Fabulous Reasons for Visiting Valencia, Spain

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Granada in 2 days: Ultimate Itinerary & Top Tips

• Isabelle Hoyne
• February 15, 2024

** Disclosure: some of the links on this site are affiliate links and should you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!**

Discover how to experience the best of Granada in 2 days with our expertly-crafted itinerary. From the stunning Alhambra to hidden tapas gems, this guide lays out a foolproof plan for an unforgettable visit.

Picture Granada as a spellbinding canvas, splashed with the vibrant hues of Islamic, Jewish and Christian histories that coalesce into a single, intricate masterpiece that is quite unlike any other.

As you wander its labyrinthine streets, it’s as though the very cobblestones speak of the many cultures that have left their indelible marks here. Verdant gardens burst into bloom beside venerable Moorish fortresses; aged churches give way to bustling Arab souks, each architectural layer contributing to the city’s unique cultural mosaic.

In the embrace of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada oscillates between two remarkably different moods.

Come winter, a crisp coolness pervades the air, and the surrounding peaks put on their milky-white caps, offering an ethereal contrast to the earthy tones of the Alhambra’s ancient walls.

Summer, on the other hand, drapes the city in a warm, golden glow; sunsets here are not merely an end to the day but a celestial spectacle that transforms the sky into a living artwork.

Why does Granada exert such a magnetic pull? It’s not just the grandeur of the Alhambra or the haunting notes of a Flamenco guitar that reverberate through the ancient Sacromonte caves.

It’s also the allure of delving into a city where time itself feels labyrinthine, where history and the present are enmeshed in a complicated but enchanting dance.

Trust me; if you’re crafting an Andalucia itinerary , bypassing Granada would be like leaving the cinema before your movie has even reached its climax. 

And while Granada has layers upon layers to unpeel, you’ll be astonished at how much of it you can uncover in just two days.

I’ve had the luck of exploring Granada’s history-soaked alleys several times and in this guide, I’ve distilled my explorations into an itinerary that lets you taste the quintessence of Granada, all in 48 enchanting hours.

Read on to discover how to make the most of your time in this wonderful Andalusian city in this comprehensive 2 days in Granada itinerary. 

Essential links for booking your granada trip

Logistics : car rental // train tickets // bus tickets

Resources for the Alhambra: ✧ Skip-the-line Alhambra & Nasrid Palace tickets ✧ Small-group Alhambra tour **top pick** Other top-rated tours & experiences: ✦ Sunset walking tour in Albaicín & Sacromonte ✦ Ultimate Hammam experience ✦ Intimate Flamenco & dinner experience ✦ Granada Tapas & Wine Small Tour Cultured Voyages accommodation picks : I’ve stayed at Hotel Casa 1800 and Villa Oniria when visiting Granada – both are fabulous.

Table of Contents

Before you spend 2 days in granada: an overview, suggested 2 day granada itinerary, granada in 2 days on the map, logistics: getting to and around granada, where to stay for your two days in granada, granada 2 days itinerary: common questions answered.

Before you embark on your exploration of Granada, and peel back its layers, there are a few things that you should take into consideration, each of which I will go through briefly below. 

A little about Granada’s history: context for your visit

Moorish roots & cultural enlightenment.

As you wander through the city, you’re stepping on ground that has been a cultural nexus for centuries.

Granada’s heyday blossomed under the Nasrid Dynasty , which ruled from 1230 to 1492. The dynasty’s crowning achievement is, of course, the Alhambra—a monumental complex that’s an architectural chronicle of Islamic Spain.

Built primarily in the mid-13th century, this palace-fortress is an exquisite blend of intricate tilework, calligraphy, and innovative hydraulic systems, many of which are still functional today.

Beyond the Alhambra, you’ll discover the Albayzín, the ancient Muslim quarter dating back to the 11th century. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Alhambra, this labyrinthine district captures the essence of its North African origins.

Granada’s period under Moorish rule is often hailed as a golden era of religious and cultural tolerance, a time when Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexisted in relative harmony. 

Under the Moors, Granada was a hub of intellectual activity and a centre for the study of sciences, arts, and philosophy. Libraries and universities flourished, drawing scholars from various religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Many classic works from Greek and Roman antiquity were translated into Arabic and later into Latin, effectively preserving them for future European generations.

This climate of tolerance and scholarly pursuit did much to enrich not just Granada or Al-Andalus but Europe as a whole, providing a foundation for the Renaissance.

The confluence of cultures and ideas during this period has left an indelible imprint on the city’s architecture, art, and overall ethos—an enduring legacy that adds another layer of intrigue to Granada’s already complex history.

Christian Reconquista

In 1492, Granada witnessed a tectonic shift that forever altered its cultural landscape when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, successfully captured the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula.

This event marked the end of nearly 800 years of Islamic rule and the culmination of the Reconquista —a prolonged period of Christian military campaigns aimed at reclaiming territories controlled by Muslims.

While the Royal Chapel and Granada Cathedral were erected as monumental affirmations of the newly established Christian dominion, the transition wasn’t merely a religious replacement. Rather, it brought an end to a golden era of religious and intellectual coexistence.

Ferdinand and Isabella instituted policies that led to the forced conversion or expulsion of Jews and Muslims, dramatically altering the harmonious interfaith dynamics that had previously flourished.

This wave of religious intolerance drastically reshaped the social and intellectual fabric of the city, although not without weaving in its own Christian thread to the existing multicultural tapestry.

Today’s Granada is a palimpsest, layered with vestiges of its Islamic past and Christian transformation. The Reconquista didn’t just pave over the city’s rich Moorish heritage; it combined with it to create a uniquely complex cultural identity.

This blend of traditions encapsulates Granada’s enthralling narrative, making it the multifaceted gem it is today.

What to prioritise seeing

While Granada offers an absolute banquet of cultural delights, some parts are simply too good to miss – here are my must-see picks.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra is a masterstroke of Moorish artistry, where intricate tilework and lush gardens merge. It offers sweeping vistas that blend history and horizon, making it an unmissable chapter in Granada’s tale. It’s Granada’s most emblematic talisman and the most unmissable thing to do while visiting. 

RELATED READING | How to visit the Alhambra from Seville

The Albaicín

Meandering through Albaicín’s cobblestone alleys is like tracing Granada’s intimate secrets. Time-stamped cafes and Moorish arches enrich your visit, telling tales of a city layered in nostalgia.

Sacromonte & Flamenco shows

Sacromonte pulses with the rhythm of Flamenco. In its gypsy caves, the dance feels less like a performance and more like an intimate glimpse into the city’s soul.

In Granada, tapas aren’t just food; they’re a social emblem. And here’s the charm: order a drink and receive a tapas for free. Think of it as Granada’s generous way to share its culinary offerings.

Granada Cathedral & downtown

The Cathedral stands as a testament to Christian grandeur, while downtown blends medieval charm with modern pulse. Together, they showcase a Granada thriving in contrasts and most definitely one that is firmly rooted in the 21st century today. 

Alcaicería Markets

Once a Moorish silk bazaar, today’s Alcaicería bursts with vivid spices and fabrics. It’s a quick but evocative jaunt through Granada’s trading history.

How many days do you need in Granada?

In the enchanting world that is Granada, two days can offer up a rich platter of experiences, capturing the essence of both its historical grandeur and modern verve. It’s a succinct window, perfect for first-time visitors to delve into the city’s glowing highlights.

However, Granada definitely does have a way of whispering for you to stay just a bit longer – I always wish that I have another day there when visiting.

If you’re teetering on the edge of indecision, a third day wouldn’t go amiss. It allows for leisurely exploration or even a spontaneous adventure to the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains.

RELATED READING | how many days do you need in granada

Evening of your arrival (where possible)

Stepping into Granada feels like entering a vivid dream, and if you’re fortunate to arrive the night before your 2-day itinerary kicks off, I wholeheartedly recommend an evening walking tour to elevate your entire experience.

On my most recent visit, we embarked on a sunset walking tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte areas , an excursion that defied all expectations, especially when considering what great value it was, at €15 per person.

For two enthralling hours, our animated guide Juanita steered us through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and hidden vistas, each spot more breathtaking than the last. Her storytelling brought Granada’s enigmatic spirit to life, with lots of interesting stories and facts that gave a window into the richness of the city’s multifaceted history.

This twilight tour sett the tone for a further 2 days in Granada brimming with exploration and provided great context when making our way around the city on our subsequent days. 

Day 1: The Alhambra, the Alcaicería Market and Flamenco

Kickstart your adventure at noat.

Before delving into the historical grandeur of the Alhambra, start your morning with a trendy embrace of flavours at Noat, a charming speciality coffee shop café run by two friendly sisters.

Opening their doors at 9am, this gem serves up delectable brunch dishes alongside some rather irresistible cakes. Their speciality coffee, rich and aromatic, serves as the perfect elixir to awaken your senses for the day ahead.

If your entry to the Nasrid Palaces is slated for 10 or 10:30am (or later), you’ll have just the right window to luxuriate in Noat’s inviting atmosphere before kicking off your Ahambra visit.

Keep in mind that they close at 2pm, and given the expansive beauty of the Alhambra, it’s unlikely you’ll make it back in time for a lunchtime reprieve. 

Dedicate at least half a day to the Alhambra

Practical considerations for visiting the alhambra .

Visiting the Alhambra requires some forethought.

Tickets often sell out weeks in advance, especially for the highly sought-after Nasrid Palaces. Booking online, in advance, is by far your best bet. When you do, make sure your ticket specifies that it includes entry to the Nasrid Palaces and note the time slot you’re given.

It’s crucial to arrive well ahead of this time to get your bearings and join the queue; if you miss your slot, there’s nothing you can do.

Ticket tips :

• Check for Nasrid Palaces entry on your ticket.
• Be mindful of the time slot you’re given for the Nasrid Palaces.
• Plan to arrive well ahead of your entry time to get your bearings and queue.
• Bring your passport for entry to the Nasrid Palaces – formal ID is required. 

Visit options :

• If you are a first-time visitor to the Alhambra, then I’d recommend that you take a guided tour . These often include guaranteed Nasrid Palace entry.
• If you prefer to explore at your own pace, then I highly recommend that you pick up an audioguide for €6 from the kiosk that you’ll find outside the entrance to the Nasrid Palaces. It will enrich your experience significantly.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE ALHAMBRA

Opening hours

Alhambra of Granada:

From 15 October to 31 March

• Monday to Sunday: 08:30 to 18:00 h.

From 1 April to 14 October

• Monday to Sunday: 08:30 to 20:00 h.

Note that the Museum of the Alhambra is closed on Mondays.

Nocturnal Schedule (1 May to 30 September):

• Fridays: 21:30 to 23:30 h.

Closed on 1 January and 25 December.

Useful Links : BOOK TICKETS TO ALHAMBRA & NASRID PALACES HERE BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF THE ALHAMBRA HERE

What to see at the Alhambra

Once you’ve navigated the ticketing process, the real adventure begins. The Alhambra is a complex site with multiple areas of interest, and how you approach them can affect your overall experience. It’s so large, that many come to the Alhambra from Seville for a day – and don’t even get to see the rest of Granada!

Here’s what to see while there.

Nasrid Palaces: The Nasrid Palaces are the crown jewel of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was home to the Muslim kings of Granada and their court, built in the mid-14th century.

The Palacio de Comares houses the Hall of the Ambassadors, where you’ll feel like a monarch yourself as you’re enveloped by intricate Islamic art and calligraphy. The Palacio de los Leones, with its famous lion fountain, is poetry in architectural form.

I would say to start here, but to be honest it probably doesn’t make too much of a difference. I actually think a visit to the museum in advance of the Palaces will stand to you more, as having seen the collection inside, it’s easier to imagine what the Palaces would have been like when both fully furnished and occupied. 

Alcazaba: The Alcazaba, or military fortress, is one of the oldest parts of the Alhambra, dating back to the 9th century. Its Torre de la Vela watchtower offers panoramic views stretching from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the meandering streets of the Albaicín.

Consider this your bird’s-eye primer on the city’s layout. It’s usually less crowded than the Nasrid Palaces, giving you room to breathe and snap unobstructed photos.

Generalife: The Generalife is a complete oasis of calm and I love how far removed it seems from the main complex. While only around a kilometre away from the Nasrid Palaces, the distance from the main palace and Alcazaba often dissuades other tourists from making the trek – and is all the better for it.

Originally a leisure area for the Nasrid rulers, these gardens are an intricate blend of water features, greenery, and Islamic design. The Patio de la Acequia provides a tranquil setting with its long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, and pavilions.

Meanwhile, the Patio de los Cipreses oozes romance, being the rumoured meeting place of sultans and their lovers. 

Palace of Charles V: This Renaissance building is a stark contrast to the surrounding Islamic architecture. Commissioned by Charles V in the 16th century, it was meant to establish a Christian footprint in the Alhambra.

While it’s often overlooked, the museums inside, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Alhambra Museum, offer a deep dive into the broader history of this iconic site.

Don’t skip it if you’re a history buff or art lover, and I’d recommend using the audio guide to fully appreciate what it is you’re looking at.

As mentioned above, a visit to the museums is a great prelude to visiting the Nasrid Palaces, will only take around 20-30 minutes, and is conveniently located adjacent to the Nasrid Palaces too. 

Time Crunch? If you’re pressed for time, prioritise the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, and Generalife.

These encapsulate the essence of the Alhambra and can be covered in around 3 hours if planned well. However, the time of day, the crowd, and your personal pace are factors that could extend this. 

As a guide, if you want to do the complex in full, expect to be kept occupied for 4-6 hours. 

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Walk through the Gates of Justice

As you exit the Alhambra, don’t just dash out the nearest exit—walk through the Gates of Justice (if you didn’t enter by them on your way up).

More than a mere exit, these towering doors were once symbolic of Islamic justice. Once you’ve passed through them, then your downhill exit is a serene amble through a forested pathway. The scent of pine and cypress offer a final, fragrant farewell from the Alhambra.

Once the tree-lined vista opens into the bustling city below, it’s a signal that your Alhambra journey has concluded, but the day isn’t over.

If you’re feeling peckish, then grab a late-lunch at one of the city’s many tapas bars before moving on to your next stop on this 2-day Granada itinerary.

Visit the Alcaicería Market

Fresh from your Alhambra escapade, lose yourself in the labyrinthine charm of the Alcaicería Market. Once the grand Moorish silk bazaar, today’s Alcaicería is a scintillating array of colour, scent, and sound – albeit a bit of a touristy one. As you navigate its narrow, zigzagging corridors, your senses are bombarded: the sweet aroma of incense, the chinking of glass lanterns, and the murmur of eager haggling.

Glimmering textiles beckon from stalls; here, a sumptuous pashmina; there, ornate Andalusian tiles. Temptation comes in many forms: silver trinkets, hand-painted ceramics, and the indescribable allure of exotic spices packed in humble sacks. 

While a small enough area, it’s definitely worth taking a gander for the experience. 

Rejuvenate at a hammam

After soaking up centuries of history and culture at the Alhambra, your feet might be screaming for a rest – and if you’re anything like me, your head could well be spinning from taking everything in too.

Well, what better way to pause than by indulging in the steamy embrace of Hammam Al Ándalus? This isn’t just a visit to a regular spa; it’s an echo of Granada’s rich Arabian heritage, nestled conveniently near the Alhambra and the Church of Santa Ana.

A 1.5-hour session will transport you into a realm of hushed tranquillity, cushioned by thermal waters and a blend of hot, cold, and warm steam rooms. Navigate between these soothing chambers as Andalusian melodies float in the background. Feeling peckish for a pause? The relaxation room beckons, where endless cups of mint tea await.

The experience comes complete with lush towels, essential toiletries, and lockers for your convenience. Elevate the indulgence by adding a 15 or 30-minute massage to your session.

A culinary finale at Bodegas Castañeda

After a day of luxuriating in history and culture, there’s no more fitting end than an immersive dive into Granada’s vibrant tapas scene at the iconic Bodegas Castañeda. Here, the atmosphere is as intoxicating as the wine — a symphony of chatter, clinking glasses, and the robust aroma of local cuisine.

In Granada, tapas aren’t just a culinary delight; they’re an institution. For every drink you order, you’ll be gifted a plate of scrumptious food, absolutely free.

Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky: To ensure you capture the true experience of Granada tapas, sidestep the restaurant section and head straight to the bustling bar area. It’s a hive of activity where wine barrels stack like building blocks and waiters shout orders like town criers. 

Pro tip: Don’t be timid when seeking out a spot at the bar. While living in Andalucia, I mastered the ‘hover’ technique. Spot a table nearing the end of its revelry, orbit it gently, and shoot a friendly smile. They’ll usually give you the nod when they’re set to vacate and the table is then yours to enjoy!

Day 2: The Albaicín, historical centre & Sacromonte

Start at plaza nueva.

Begin your day with a jolt of caffeine at Plaza Nueva, the oldest square in Granada. Pull up a chair at one of the ambient cafes, or if you didn’t make it there the day before, Noat Coffee, is just a few hundred metres away.

Originating from the Nasrid period, this square is not just ancient but exudes a tranquil aura, sprinkled with the chatter of locals as they go about their day. It’s an excellent spot for people-watching or merely soaking in the atmosphere of Granada.

Carrera del Darro

Once caffeinated, make your way to Carrera del Darro, a scenic street adjacent to Plaza Nueva that whispers tales of Granada’s rich history. Meandering alongside the Darro River, the cobblestone pathway is flanked by medieval buildings that hark back to Moorish times.

Famed for its rustic beauty, this stretch serves as a magnet for artists, historians, and romantics alike. So, don your walking shoes, and let this street transport you back in time.

San Nicolas Mirador

Even if you’ve caught a sunset from this grand vantage point on the sunset walking tour that I recommended above, return for a gentler, softer perspective of the Alhambra in the early daylight.

San Nicolas Mirador buzzes with the energy of life: musicians strumming away on their guitars, artisans hawking handmade treasures, and tourists with cameras in hand. The panoramic view has its own story to tell at this hour, with the Alhambra glowing ethereally against the backdrop of the morning sun.

Go for a ramble through the streets of the Albaicín

Now that you’ve had your dose of panoramic marvels, it’s time to dive deep into the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín.

This district is a living canvas, a patchwork of whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, and cobblestone pathways that transport you to Granada’s Moorish past. Don’t just stick to a planned route; the magic is in the detours. Veer off into serendipitous alleyways and stumble upon concealed courtyards, overflowing flower pots, and secret squares.

Your camera will thank you; every corner is a frame begging to be captured. I ambled through these streets solo one morning and found the experience near-meditative: the tranquility broken only by the distant toll of church bells and the soft hum of waking life.

As you cap off your meandering journey through the Albaicín, don’t miss the chance to visit El Bañuelo.

This 11th-century Arabic bathhouse stands as one of the oldest and best-preserved in Spain, surviving even the Christian Reconquista, when many Islamic structures faced demolition. Unlike the opulent Hammam Al Ándalus, El Bañuelo serves as a living museum rather than a spa retreat, offering you an authentic glimpse into Granada’s Islamic heritage.

Architecturally, the space features iconic elements of ancient Islamic design, including horseshoe arches and slender columns made of brick and stone.

The floor is remarkably well-preserved, despite the wear and tear of centuries. It’s not hard to imagine how these baths served as social hubs where Granada’s Moorish residents gathered not just for cleansing rituals but also for intellectual and social engagement.

While you’re here, take a moment to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, which exudes a quiet, almost sacred serenity. Anticipate spending about 30-45 minutes, time enough to truly absorb the architectural details, learn about the bath’s historical significance, and perhaps contemplate the layers of history that make Granada so endlessly compelling. 

PLAN YOUR VISIT | From September 15 to April 30, it’s open daily from 10:00-17:00. From May 1 to September 14, it’s open 09:00-14:30 and 17:00-20:30. Entrance is free on Sundays; otherwise, tickets are 7.42 euros  here . You can also  get Andalusi Monuments tickets , including in El Bañuelo.

Head for lunch at Restaurante Oliver

By now, you’ll surely be ravenous! Perfect timing, then, for a midday indulgence at Restaurante Oliver .

Situated conveniently for those emerging from the labyrinth of Albaicín, this eatery is a haven for both traditionalists and adventurers. Boasting a sun-dappled terrace, it’s an invitation you can’t refuse.

In true Granada fashion, your meal can centre around tapas — an array of mouth-watering options from regional chorizo to sumptuous gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).

But make no mistake, this isn’t just a tapas joint. The menu unfurls like a love letter to Andalusian gastronomy. Picture dishes imbued with the region’s offerings, from Andalucian rice, meat that’s a carnivore’s dream, and fresh seafood offerings. 

Visit Granada Cathedral

Replete from your gastronomic adventure, set your sights on the towering grandeur of Granada Cathedral, a Renaissance marvel that stands as a living testament to the city’s rich religious history.

Conceived by Queen Isabella, this colossal edifice broke ground in 1523 under the supervision of the eminent architect Enrique Egas. The result? A sublime blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that captures the aesthetic zeitgeist of its era.

The ethereal light filtering through the stained glass should do well to enrapture you, while the opulent chapels bordering the nave offer a kaleidoscope of art and devotion. Make sure to tal€k in the awe-inducing main chapel.

Audio guides are available for an immersive experience, so you can delve into the nuanced stories behind the marble and gold.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Open from 10:00 to 19:00 (Mondays to Saturdays) and 15:00 to 19:00 on Sundays. Regular tickets cost €5 and €3.5 for students  here . Explore the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel with  a skip the line ticket and tour .

Head to the Royal Chapel

Situated adjacent to the cathedral, don’t overlook the Royal Chapel, or Capilla Real.

Commissioned by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, the construction of this hallowed space began in 1505. It wasn’t just designed to dazzle; it was conceived as a spiritual symbol of Spain’s Christian unification, serving as the final resting place of the monarchs themselves. Upon entering, you’re not just stepping into a religious site, but into a vital chapter of Spanish history.

During my first visit, I stepped into the chapel without many preconceptions, yet found myself utterly captivated. The intricate altarpiece, the Renaissance artworks, and the elaborately carved tombs of the Catholic Monarchs create a profound atmosphere. Each artwork, each sculpture, seems like a page from a history book, revealing the visions and values of a monarchy that shaped a nation (whether or not you agreed with their policies).

For a truly immersive experience, I highly recommend picking up an audio guide. This chapel is far more than a side note to the cathedral; it’s a must-see cornerstone of Granada’s historical and spiritual landscape.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Open from 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 (Monday to Saturday), and 11:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 on Sundays and liturgical holidays. Holiday timings vary. Tickets are €5 for individuals and €3.5 for students  here .  Join a guided tour with skip the line tickets  for La Madraza and the Royal Chapel.

Grab a coffee from Sur Coffee Corner:

At this point, you’ll likely be ready for a caffeine boost. Navigate your way to Sur Coffee Corner .

Snuggled in a cosy nook adjacent to the Cathedral, this petite café is a speciality coffee enthusiast’s paradise. The aroma of freshly ground beans wafts through the air, beckoning you to step in.

Despite its compact size, the warmth of the service expands to fill the space, making it a comforting haven to enjoy a superb flat white. Friendly baristas, robust coffee, and an unbeatable location—it’s the perfect interlude in a day brimming with exploration.

Museum of the Caves

Located in the scenic Barranco de los Negros within the Sacromonte district, the Sacromonte Caves Museum is an eye-opener into a unique way of life. Just a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO-listed Albaicín district, the museum offers panoramic views of the Alhambra and the Darro Valley.

Here, ten caves have been meticulously recreated to represent life as it was a century ago.

The caves showcase traditional crafts like ceramics, basketwork, and weaving, offering a tangible link to history. Before the Roma community made these caves their home, Arabs had carved them out for shelter, and later they inspired 19th-century Romantic Movement artists and poets like Lorca and De Falla.

The museum also highlights the natural surroundings through an exhibit on local flora, fauna, and agriculture.

A nature trail provides breathtaking views of the Darro Valley and Alhambra. Cultural activities, such as guided tours and live flamenco shows, occur throughout the year. Admission is €5, and you can get it online . the museum is accessible by bus C34 or a short walk from the ‘Peso de la Harina’ bus stop.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Open from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs (15 March – 14 October) and 10:00 to 18:00 hrs (15 October – 14 March).

Abbey of Sacromonte

For your next stop, aim high—literally.

Nestled on Valparaiso Hill is the 17th-century Abbey of Sacromonte, celebrated not just for its architectural splendour but also for the unparalleled views it offers of Granada.

To reach it, you can take a bus, taxi, or even hike if you’re up for a bit of a climb. A small entry fee is charged, but the views alone are worth every penny. Anticipate spending about an hour or two here, immersed in the sacral tranquility and soaking up the vistas.

The abbey itself is steeped in history.

Built on the supposed site of the relics of Saint Caecilius, it holds a significant place in local lore and religious tradition. From the devotional artefacts to the intricate frescoes, the Abbey offers visitors a rich tapestry of religious art and history to ponder.

PLAN YOUR VISIT | Visit between 10:30h to 14:00h and 16:00h to 17:30h (Monday to Sunday). Buy tickets at € 5 .

Attend a Flamenco show & have dinner at a cave restaurant

If there’s one experience that captures the spirit and sensuality of Andalusian culture, it’s Flamenco.

The pulsating rhythm, the intricate guitar work, the intense emotion—it’s a full-bodied experience, to say the least.

Granada offers a unique flamenco perspective, incorporating Roma and Moorish influences that distinguish it from other regions. The venue itself is equally atmospheric, often set in a cave restaurant that harks back to Granada’s Roma cave-dwelling history.

What makes Flamenco in Granada distinctive is that many venues also offer dinner. During such an experience, you you’ll be savouring traditional Andalusian fare as you’re swept away by a display of passion and artistry. It’s not just a performance; it’s a feast for all senses. 

To me, a Flamenco and dinner experience captures the very essence of Granada—its history, its diversity, its emotional richness. It’s a fitting crescendo to your Granada in 2 days adventure, a heady mix of sight, sound, and taste that lingers long after the final applause.

How to get to Granada

Getting to Granada is a breeze, especially if you’re travelling from other popular cities in the south of Spain, such as Málaga, Seville , or Córdoba.

Trains are a fantastic option; they’re reliable and let you savour the scenic Andalusian landscapes of olive groves and rolling hills as you whizz past. The train station is about 2km from the city centre, so you can easily grab a taxi or a local bus to bring you into the heart of Granada.

If you’re more of a free spirit who enjoys the independence of driving, you can rent a car for your time in Andalusia.

The roads linking major cities in Andalusia are well-maintained, and I have found driving between them is usually a smooth experience. Just a heads-up about parking in Granada: make sure to know where you are going to park in advance, or risk having to pay a steep price.

Your best bet is to contact your accommodation provider in advance, who will be able to direct you to the nearest carpark (if they don’t have their own – many won’t), where they’ll likely have some kind of discounted rate. Daily parking rates seem to be around the €25 mark per day on average, as a guide. 

Getting around the city for this Granada 2-day itinerary

The best way to explore Granada’s maze-like streets is undoubtedly on foot, so pack some comfy shoes; you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

That said, if you’d rather save some energy for the sights during this Granada 2 day itinerary, local buses are also a solid choice. Special tourist buses run to top attractions like the Alhambra, which is especially helpful.

For a quicker, door-to-door experience, taxis are readily available and not too expensive. But if you’re exploring the Albaicín or other historic areas, note that many streets are narrow and closed to non-residential vehicles.

Public transportation

Granada’s bus system is extensive, running a number of city and regional lines. Tourist-specific options are also available, aimed at shuttling visitors to major attractions. Tickets are fairly priced, and buses run at frequent intervals. 

Those that will be of most use to visitors to Granada will be any of those with a ‘C’ in front of them.

Here’s a general idea of where these buses go:

• C30 : This bus line typically goes from Plaza Isabel La Católica to the Alhambra. It is one of the most used routes for tourists heading to Granada’s most famous landmark.
• C31 : This bus takes you through the Albaicín, Granada’s old Muslim quarter. It starts from Plaza Isabel La Católica in the centre and goes up to the Albaicín, reaching all the way to the Mirador de San Nicolas, which offers a famous view of the Alhambra.
• C32 : This line also serves the Albaicín area but usually takes a slightly different route, linking this historic area with another one of import; the Alhambra. 
• C34 : This bus line goes to the Sacromonte area from Plaza Isabel La Católica. It’s the best way to reach the cave houses and the Sacromonte Abbey, as well as the Sacromonte Caves Museum.

Given its relatively compact size, Granada is an excellent city to explore on foot. You’ll stumble upon hidden gems while meandering through its labyrinthine streets, from charming cafés to intricate carvings on historical buildings. It’s the best way to feel the city’s pulse and discover its many secrets.

Hotel Casa 1800 Granada

This is a truly unique, historical hotel set just off the Darro River at the foot of both the Albaicín area and the Alhambra. I cannot say enough good things about my stay here. It’s so historic, that guided tours even stop outside to look at the building, which demonstrates some exquisite Moorish Architecture.

Set around a courtyard equipped with trickling fountain, opt for one of its superior rooms or suites from some gorgeous views of the Alhambra. Not your average hotel and a really lovely, special place to stay in Granada. 

Hotel Villa Oniria

I loved staying at this hotel in Granada! Situated in the city centre, Villa Oniria is an elegant 4 star hotel situated in a 19th century manor house. Set around a beautiful Andalusian courtyard, it has a plush, yet relaxed atmosphere. The location is great for exploring all the main sights of Granada. There is also a fantastic restaurant located onsite.

Alhambra Palace

If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel in Granada, I would draw your attention to the Alhambra Palace. It’s probably a toss up for me between here and the Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula (where the entry level rooms may be a tad more modern than those of the Alhambra Palace’s equivalent), but it’s the location outside the walls of the Alhambra and the expansive views of the city that clinch this for me – I’ll take a Junior Suite with city views, please.

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Is 2 days enough for Granada? Two days will certainly give you a whirlwind tour of Granada’s most iconic sites, like the awe-inspiring Alhambra, the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín, and the seductive scents and sounds of the Alcaicería Market.

But, to be frank, two days in Granada is just scratching the surface. The city’s complex tapestry of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences beckons for a deeper exploration. If you’re based in Europe, then you’ll likely come back to visit again if you enjoy Granada, so 2 days in perfect at a time.

If you’re visiting from further afield, then if you have the luxury of time, consider extending your stay to truly immerse yourself in the city’s layered history and culture (especially if history and culture float your boat). I think 3 days would be a nice number to aim for. 

Is Seville or Granada better? Ah, the Andalusian dilemma. Seville thrives on its grandiosity; think of the colossal cathedral, the opulent Alcázar, and its fervent flamenco culture. Granada, on the other hand, is a bit like a mystical poem written on the Sierra Nevada’s foothills, complete with intricate Alhambra verses and cobblestone alleyway stanzas.

Your choice depends entirely on your travel palate: for architectural grandeur, go to Seville; for an intimate journey through Moorish history, choose Granada.

Do you need more time in Seville or Granada? Seville’s size and plethora of attractions—ranging from flamenco tablaos to river cruises—may necessitate a longer stay. The city demands time if you aim to capture its full essence, from the Barrio Santa Cruz to the Metropol Parasol.

Granada, though smaller, also beckons visitors to linger. Each additional day lets you uncover another layer of its rich history and allows for deeper dives into its local culinary scene.

If you have more days to spend in one of the cities, however, I would allocate the extra time to exploring Seville. 

Is Granada a walkable city? Granada offers the perfect setting for urban explorers with a penchant for walking. Yes, it’s compact, but its streets are far from monotonous. Between the Moorish architecture, fragrant tea shops, and unexpected panoramic views, you’ll be surprised at how much ground you can cover—and how rewarding it is. However, bring sturdy walking shoes; those cobblestone streets and hilly areas are unforgiving on flimsy footwear.

Can you do Granada in 1 day? You could rush through Granada’s highlights in a day, but let’s be honest—you’ll wish you had longer to spend.

The Alhambra alone can consume the better part of a day, especially if you wish to absorb its architectural complexity and historical significance (and if you want to do this, read my related guide about visiting the Alhambra as a day trip from Seville ).

The tapas culture, the views from the San Nicolas Mirador, and the soothing allure of the hammams all require time, and rushing through would mean bypassing a lot of these things.

RELATED READING | granada in one day

How many days do you need in Seville and Granada? To truly appreciate both cities, plan for at least 3-4 days in Seville and 2-3 days in Granada.

This will not only allow for leisurely sightseeing but also provide enough time to delve into the local food scenes, participate in some traditional experiences (like a hammam bath in Granada or a flamenco show in Seville), and maybe even take a day trip to a nearby village.

Do I need a car in Granada, Spain? If your plan solely involves the city centre and the major tourist sites, a car is not only unnecessary but could be a hindrance due to limited parking and narrow streets. However, a car becomes advantageous if you plan to venture into the Sierra Nevada mountains or wish to explore Andalusia’s other captivating cities.

What is the best month to visit Granada? If you’re seeking a balanced blend of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The city is less swarmed than in the stifling summer months, and you’ll experience Granada when it’s dressed in either blooming flowers or autumnal hues. Winter can be charming but brings colder temperatures.

That being said, I’ve now twice visited the city in the winter months of January and February. While cold, it’s nice not to overheat when sightseeing in a region that’s renowned for its scorching summer temperatures. It’s also by no means devoid of atmosphere, with plenty of other visitors opting to visit at these times too. 

You’ll also get some fantastic rates at some of Granada’s excellent hotels, so I’d definitely consider a visit in winter. 

Related reading for Granada & Andalucia

• Alhambra Day Trip | Day Trip to Alhambra from Seville: How to Pull off a Flawless Visit
• 2 days in Granada | Granada in 2 days: Ultimate Itinerary & Top Tips
• Alhambra travel guide | Visiting the Alhambra – Ultimate Guide + Insider Alhambra Tips
• One day in Granada | Best of Granada in One Day: Where to Go, Eat & Stay
• Where to stay in Granada | Where to Stay in Granada, Spain [2024] – Top Areas & Accommodation
• How long in Granada? | How Many Days in Granada Do You Really Need?
• Andalucia itinerary | The Perfect Andalucia Itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 Days

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• Itineraries

Hi there! I'm Isabelle, aficionado of immersive travel experiences and unique, luxurious hotels. You'll most likely find me camera in hand, or nerding out on research in advance of my next trip. A major foodie, history and scenery lover, nothing makes me happier than soaking in the atmosphere and culture of the destination I'm visiting.

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Perfect 2 Days In Granada Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Mar 19, 2023 | Europe , Spain , Travel Tips

Wondering what 2 days in Granada would look like?

The Andalusian city of Granada at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains is home to The Alhambra, one of the most popular attractions in Spain.

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But this beautiful destination has so much more to offer its visitors.

Rooted in the Moorish culture, it has a captivating history and exquisite architecture, with charming narrow streets and hidden gardens. The atmosphere is vibrant, with crowded pavement cafes, lively tapas bars, and a genuinely excellent culinary scene.

If you plan a short visit to the region, you may wonder what to do in Granada in 2 days. So we’ve done all the work for you and put together this handy and comprehensive itinerary.

In this Granada itinerary, you’ll find our suggestions for the very best things to do on each morning and afternoon of your visit.

We’ve also shared our recommendations for some of our favorite places in Granada to eat and stay, with ideas suitable for every budget.

On the first of your 2 days in Granada, you will visit its famous Alhambra and then explore more historic gems in the city’s center.

Start your day with breakfast at Oteiza Coffee, Carrera del Darro 25. The setting is beautiful, the menu imaginative, and the coffee outstanding!

Coffee in Granada is often served in a glass instead of a cup.

Some of the most popular choices here are café solo (black coffee), cafe con leche (a 50-50 mixture of milk and coffee), manchada (milky with less coffee), or cortado (more coffee with less milk).

Just a 20-minute walk from here will take you to the Alhambra, the jewel of the city and its most famous monument. It is so popular, in fact, that you will need to book your ticket well in advance – several months before your visit if possible.

You can either explore this fascinating site alone or book a tour .

Many visitors find that a guided tour is the best way to experience this attraction as it allows you to understand better what you are seeing.

Once a walled citadel, the Alhambra became the seat of the Nasrid emirs of Granada. Much of what you will see dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, although its origins are believed to be much older.

There are two museums inside the palace – the Museo de la Alhambra, filled with Moorish artifacts, and the Museo de Bellas Artes, which contains artworks from the 15th- to 20th-century.

Among its many features, you can also see the remains of the site’s original citadel, the Alcazaba, and the Palacios Nazaríes at the center of the complex.

Connected to the Alhambra is Generalife, the summer estate of the Nasrid rulers. The gardens are simply gorgeous, with glorious flowers, patios, pools, pathways, and fountains.

Although the palace has undergone multiple changes throughout the years, the gardens maintain their original design and are some of the oldest in Andalusia.

After a full morning exploring this historic site (and working up an appetite!), why not try one of the many local Arabic restaurants for lunch?

Offering everything from Lebanese felafels to Moroccan tagines, they tend to be very reasonably priced and an excellent way to experience the Moorish culture of the city.

Either book a walking tour or go it alone to see some of the other highlights in the city.

One of the main attractions is the Cathedral. If you’re expecting a typical dark and gloomy European cathedral, Granada’s version – with its beautiful, bright white interior – will surprise you!

Built early in the 16th century in Renaissance and Baroque styles, it is the second largest cathedral in Spain.

Another ‘must see’ during your weekend in Granada is the Royal Chapel, next door to the cathedral.

Here you can see the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, the Catholic monarchs who commissioned the famous expedition of Columbus.

After leaving the Chapel, take time to explore The Alcaiceria nearby. This labyrinth of winding streets has a Moorish feel and was originally the Grand Bazaar.

It’s now a great place to buy some middle eastern-themed souvenirs of your trip!

Next, head to the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, just a short walk from the Cathedral. The first monastery to be built in Granada after the conquest by the Christians, it has a stunning Baroque sacristy and a beautiful altar.

To complete your afternoon, head north to the Arab quarter of the Albaicín.

This UNESCO World Heritage site has charming cobbled streets lined with distinctive whitewashed buildings and is now one of Granada’’s most sought-after districts.

Visit the Casa de Zafra museum to see what a traditional Albaicín house would have looked like then walk to the Mirador de San Nicolás.

Granada’s most famous viewpoint, it overlooks the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Alhambra, and the Generalife Gardens.

Granada is famous for its unique tapas, and one of the best ways to experience it is on a tapas crawl!

This involves ordering a drink at a bar – which will include your tapas – then moving on to another bar for the next!

Some establishments will give you a tapas menu to choose from, whereas in others, you will simply be served whatever is on offer that day. The surprise is all part of the fun!

Be prepared to stand as you eat – this is typical of the tapas experience, as many bars are extremely crowded and tables are in demand!

The second of your two days in Granada will be spent seeing – and experiencing – traditional Arabic baths. You’ll also be exploring the small neighborhoods of Realejo-San Matias and Sacromonte.

Start the day at the El Bañuelo beside the Darro River in the Albaicín.

Dating back to the 11th century, these historic Arab baths may now lie in ruins but are still fascinating to visit, with many of the porticoes still intact.

They represent the culture of hammam (public baths) which were integral to Arab life – not just somewhere to bathe, but somewhere to meet friends and socialize too.

It’s now time to experience an Arabic bath for yourself at Hammam Al Ándalus. Filled with arches and ornate tiling, it keeps to a traditional design and is gently illuminated by candles and lanterns.

There are various areas for relaxing with mint tea, along with a series of hot and cold pools, and steam rooms.

To complete your morning, take the 10-minute stroll to the old Jewish neighborhood of Realejo-San Matías. Here you’ll see some fascinating street art painted by the graffiti artist ‘El Niño de las Pinturas’ (Raul Ruiz).

It’s pretty cool to observe the contrast between his edgy paintings and the ancient, dilapidated buildings.

This is a very unique section of the city, home to Granada’s gypsy community and featuring incredible cave homes built into the side of the cliff.

Sacromonte’s origins lie in the 16th century, when many of the citizens of Granada were forced from inside the city walls by the Spanish Inquisition.

For a small fee, you can visit some of these cave homes. While some enjoy modern conveniences like electricity and running water, those higher in the hills rely on a communal water supply.

But it’s interesting to see how these cave structures naturally enjoy a pleasant atmosphere – warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Visit the Cave Museum of Sacromonte to learn more about the Roma cave-dwelling tradition and view locally produced crafts.

Sacromonte also has a very lively main street – Camino del Sacromonte – lined with bustling tapas bars.

If you are feeling energetic, it’s worth taking the hike up to Vereda de Enmedio. This street runs parallel to the main street below but is less touristy and has an authentic feel.

Stay in Sacromonte for dinner and to attend an authentic flamenco show. The region has its own distinct form of dance, known as Zambra and created by Granada’s Roma community.

The most popular places in which to see Zambra performed are Maria la Canastera and Cueva de la Rocio. These are both traditional cave houses, making the whole experience that bit more special!

Are 2 Days In Granada Enough?

So is it really possible to see the best of Granada in 2 days?

Using this itinerary, you can definitely see Granada’s highlights in 2 days. You’ll also find it just the right amount of time to soak up some of the city’s atmosphere and get a real feel for its culture.

But do remember that this itinerary is based on 2 full days in Granada.

We recommend adding an extra night if you arrive in the city late on your first day or need to leave early on your last.

How Many Days In Granada Is Enough?

If you think 2 days in Granada is not enough, we recommend you make a list of the things you wish to do during your trip.

Then, consider the time of arrival and departure, as well as the distances between your accommodation and attractions.

Keeping in mind meals and transportation, you should be able to come up with a realistic itinerary. By the end of this exercise, you’ll know exactly how many days in Granada is enough.

Where To Stay In Granada

There is no shortage of excellent accommodation in Granada. Here are some of the best places to stay in Granada.

Best Budget Accommodation

The Granada Old Town Hostel enjoys a great location just 5 minutes from the Cathedral and offers a mixture of shared accommodation and private rooms.

The roof terrace and solarium are great places to sit and chat with other travelers, while the rooms are brightly decorated and air-conditioned.

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Best Mid-Range Accommodation

Located in a fully restored XVI century historical building, the charming Hotel Casa 1800 Granada is situated in the Albaicin district.

It is intimate and comfortable and offers a small selection of single rooms, double rooms, and suites.

Despite its central location, it has a calm and tranquil atmosphere and offers buffet-style or American breakfasts.

Best Luxury Accommodation

If you want to treat yourself to a bit of luxury for your two days in Granada, then look no further than the stunning Hotel Hospes Palacio de Los Patos .

Just a short walk from Granada Cathedral, the hotel is located inside a UNESCO-protected 19th-century palace.

While the building retains its historic charm, the comfortable rooms are decorated in contemporary style.

At the end of a busy day’s sightseeing, you can relax in the hotel’s sauna, Turkish bath, or whirlpool, perhaps enjoying one of the massage or beauty treatments available.

Final Thoughts On Two Days In Granada

This Andalusian city is one of the most beautiful parts of Spain to visit, whether your interest is in history or architecture, gastronomy or culture.

We hope that this guide for seeing the best of Granada in 2 days has helped you plan your stay and that you have a wonderful trip.

Traveling to Spain soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Bilbao itinerary
• Backpacking Spain
• 2 days in Seville

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Granada Province

2 days in granada itinerary – how to spend a perfect weekend in granada.

Granada is one of the most visited cities in Andalucia, and one of the most beautiful. With a rich history and deep roots in the Moorish culture, you can experience so many different things during a weekend in Granada. In 2 days in Granada you can get a taste of what this fantastic city has to offer: history, culture, fun and good food.

Located at the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains , Granada is famous for the mighty Alhambra, the intricate palace built by the Nasrid kings in the 13 th century. But Granada has so much more to offer than just the Alhambra. During 2 days in Granada you can get a taste of the city’s atmosphere: young crowds enjoying drinks and tapas outdoors, hidden gardens, narrow streets filled with pink flowers climbing on white walls, impromptu flamenco performances in the middle of the street. Granada is a charming city that will steal your heart! 

How to Get to Granada

By plane : Getting to Granada couldn’t be easier, the city having its own airport which operates flights from all over Europe.

Whilst it is cheaper to fly to Malaga, there are buses connecting the airport, as well as the main bus station in town, to Granada. A one-way ticket from Malaga to Granada usually costs around 12-15 euros. You can book a ticket on the Alsa website .

By train : Granada is also on the high-speed train route, connecting the city to Madrid and Barcelona. The cheapest ticket from Madrid costs 35 euros, from Barcelona it costs 60 euros. You can book tickets directly on the Renfe website.

By bus : Being such a popular destination, Granada is also connected by bus to all other major destinations in Spain. The ticket prices are much cheaper than the train, but the travel times are considerably longer.

By car : If you are touring Andalucia, renting a car is a good idea for moving around. Keep in mind though, that driving in the historic centre of Granada is forbidden, and you are only allowed enter by by car if you stay at one of the hotels inside the restricted area. Many of the hotels offer underground parking, but at a high price of at least 15 euros extra a day.

How to Get Around Granada

Even if it’s quite a big city and the touristic attractions are spread all around it, Granada is still a walkable city. Keep in mind that the city is quite hilly.

Visitors with reduced mobility should know that the city has an excellent public transport system, with buses going all the way up to the Alhambra. Remember to buy your ticket before you board the bus, as not all of them allow making payments to the driver. There are ticket machines at each bus stop. 

Taxis are very cheap in Granada and I do recommend using them if you have luggage, or if you need to go to a different part of town fast. I have never paid more than 10 euros for a taxi in Granada.

Highlights of a perfect 2 days in Granada:

Visit the alhambra.

Explore the Arabic roots of the city

Enjoy the tapas culture

Discover what flamenco is all about

Map of the Best Things to Do in Granada in 2 Days:

Breakfast at Mummo

Mummo is one of those tiny, local cafes, where the staff seems to know half of the clientele. The interior of the café is very small, with seats at the bar and a couple of tables in the back. They also have a few tables outside, which get occupied quickly after they open.

Mummo doesn’t have a menu, they serve the classic Spanish breakfast in any combination you want. I highly recommend the tostada with cheese and jamon, together with a cup of freshly made coffee. You can’t get a better start to the day than this.

I highly recommend booking the first available slot to visit the Alhambra, which is 08:30AM. That is when you will encounter the least amount of tourists, and you can enjoy a more peaceful visit to this outstanding palace. Alhambra is Spain’s most visited monument, with 8,500 people from all over the world coming here every day. As a general rule, you must book your ticket to the Alhambra at least 4 months in advance, that’s how popular it is. Click here to book your ticket ahead of time.

Visiting the Alhambra will take at least half a day, so be prepared with comfy shoes and a spare battery for your camera. Booking a guide is highly recommended because the interior of the palace was destroyed during the times the Alhambra was left in ruins, in the 18 th century, and it would be much easier for you to understand the surroundings.

Stroll Along the Stunning Generalife Gardens

Generalife is part of the Alhambra and it’s much easier to visit. Whilst the ticket to the Alhambra also gives you access to Generalife, you can always buy a pass for the day even if you don’t manage to book a visit to the Alhambra beforehand.

Generalife, connected to the Alhambra, used to be the summer palace residence of the Nasrid rules of the Emirate of Granada, back in the 13 th century. Whilst the palace has been renovated over and over, the layout and the gardens still remain in their original form, which makes Generalife one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens in Andalucia. You can see some other amazing similar gardens in the small towns on Costa Tropical, such as Velez de Benaudalla, which is the home of the “Little Generalife”.

Generalife is divided into two courtyards. The Water Garden Courtyard has a long pool framed by flower beds, columns covered with plants, fountains, and pavilions. The Courtyard of the Cypress is the best-preserved style of a medieval Persian garden.

Have Lunch at One of the Arabic Restaurants in Albayzín

On the streets beyond Plaza Nueva you will find plenty of Arabic restaurants which offer delicious exotic menus, for as little as 10 euros/3 courses. You will find here delicious Moroccan tagines, Lebanese falafels with hummus, or Syrian maqluba, all to wash down with hot mint tea.

Explore Albayzín on a Free Walking Tour

Albayzín is the oldest centre of Muslim culture in Granada, a World Heritage Site since 1984. It maintains its traditional medieval narrow cobbled streets among white “carmen” houses hiding lush gardens behind their tall walls.

Joining one of the free walking tours leaving from Plaza Nueva every afternoon, you will learn more about the history of the neighbourhood and discover its hidden corners, that you probably won’t find on your own. Albayzín is like a labyrinth going uphill, with a maze of tiny streets opening up in plazas shaded by orange trees.

A free walking tour is a fantastic way to explore the city and its history. Plus, the guides are always happy to give you free tips on where to find the best tapas or authentic flamenco performances. The free walking tours are actually based on tips, which is why the guides are going above and beyond to offer a great experience. I can recommend Walk in Granada tours, which have taken me on a fantastic tour of Albayzín.

Enjoy the View of Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolas

Mirador San Nicolas is probably one of the most touristy places in Granada, but it’s worth visiting because of it’s never ending buzz. Besides the tourists who are eager to take that perfect Instagram shot with the Alhambra in the background, you will find here flamenco performances and local artists selling their crafts. The view is breathtaking: Alhambra, the city of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains with their snowy peaks.

What is interesting about this square as well, is that next to each other you will find the San Nicolas church and the Grand Mosque of Granada.

For a quieter but more expensive experience, just below the viewpoint you will find Restaurante Huerto de Juan Ranas, which has the same amazing view. Beware though that the prices here are much more expensive than downtown Granada, with a beer and a coke costing almost 10 euros. For a cheaper experience, try the restaurants behind the San Nicolas square, El Mirador and Kiki, they both have outdoor terraces, but much reasonable prices. 

Go for Tapas at La Fontana

La Fontana is a popular tapas bar among the locals, with a fresh and innovative menu. Their tapas are served on slices of bread and are bursting with flavour. I highly recommend the artichoke hearts with garlic, and the cheese with sundried tomatoes, some fantastic vegetarian Spanish tapas .

The outdoors terrace overlooks river Darro and it’s a great place to people-watch in the evening.

If you want to learn more about the local cuisine, consider joining the food tour in Granada which I reviewed here .

Enjoy an Authentic Flamenco Show

One of the must to do things during your two days in Granada trip is to attend a flamenco show. There are plenty of options that you can book, some more touristy than others. The most popular flamenco shows in Granada are in the Sacromonte neighbourhoods, inside caves. A ticket usually also includes transport from the centre of Granada.

One of the most popular choices is Jardines de Zoraya, which combines dinner with a flamenco show. They have two shows daily, with five artists performing traditional flamenco styles for one hour. The further you book in advance, the more chances you get for a front row table.  

Cueva de la Rocio is run by a family which has deep roots in the flamenco art. The shows are held inside a cave, with the attendees sitting on each side of the stage. You can’t get a closer experience than this. The show starts with a representation of a “Gitano wedding”, whilst the second embraces a more modern interpretation of the art of flamenco.

For an off the beaten track experience, try the flamenco performance from the Palacio de los Olvidados , in the heart of Albayzín. Palacio de los Olvidados is a 16 th century building: museum during the day, which transforms into an intimate performance area by night.

You can check below some options for different types of flamenco experiences in Granada:

End Your Night with Rooftop Drinks at BHeaven

BHeaven is a rooftop bar located on top of the Barcelo Carmen hotel, offering beautiful views over the city and the Alhambra. They have an extensive cocktail menu based mostly on fruits and botanical flavours, as well as local beer and wine. During the evening the place becomes very lively, with live music and special happy hour offers.  

Breakfast at Café Lisboa

Café Lisboa is a small coffee shop with an outdoors terrace, serving traditional Spanish breakfast, lunch, and tapas. They specialise in speciality Arabica coffee sourced from all over the world and is roasted in house. They have a large selection of breakfasts available, from eggs benedict to tostadas, from pastries to pancakes, from bacon and eggs to sausages and hash browns.

Visit the Cathedral

The Cathedral of Granada was built on the site of an old mosque on Queen Isabella’s orders in 1523, after conquering the Emirate of Granada, ending the Nasrid dynasty.

It is the 4 th largest Cathedral in the world and a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance architecture. The entrance ticket to visit the Cathedral costs 5 euros and includes an audio guide. 

Shop for Spices and Tea in the Old Silk Market of Granada

The Alcaicería of Granada is an Arabic style bazaar with narrow alleys filled with shops presenting their merchandise outside. Besides tea and spices, you will find plenty of scarfs, dresses, shoes, purses, jewellery, Moroccan lamps, and souvenirs.

Some of the spices that you can buy here are Spanish saffron, spicy or sweet pimentón (Spanish paprika), the traditional pinchitos marinade containing over 20 different herbs, paella mix, turmeric and cumin. You will know when you are near a spice shop because of the alluring aromas filling the air. 

Enjoy an Authentic Kessa Treatment at Hammam Al Andalus

After all that walking around the city, you deserve a relaxing experience at the end of your two days in Granada. Hammam Al Andalus is a traditional Moorish bath offering a luxurious relaxation experience in an authentic environment. The baths were built following the Arabic architecture, designed to resemble the old public baths of the Alhambra Palace.

A session at Hammam Al Andalus lasts for two hours and, depending on which package you choose, includes a kessa treatment: a delicate foam scrub and a relaxing massage on a hot stone bed. You can book a session at Hammam Al Andalus by clicking here .

Have Lunch at an Outdoor Café

Granada is such an open, beautiful city, with so many outdoor cafes where locals love to have lunch, tapas or drinks in the evening. As a general rule, for a local experience avoid the cafes and restaurants in the main squares. Remember that in Granada, every time you order a drink, you will receive a free tapa. The more drinks you order, the better the tapas are. 

Join a Tour of Sacromonte Neighbourhood

Sacromote is a very special part of Granada because the houses here have been built inside caves. You can visit this neighbourhood on your own, or join a tour to find out more information about how this place was born, back in the 16 th century, when the Spanish Inquisition had forced some of Granada’s inhabitants out of the city walls.

There are many people who still choose to live inside the caves rather than an apartment block in the city. For a 1-euro fee you can visit some of these caves. It’s interesting to see how people here are living a normal life, have electricity and don’t need to worry about heating or air conditioning, because the temperature inside the caves is constant year-round.

Walk in Granada organises tours in Sacromote but not every day, so if you want to join, you’ll need to check their schedule here.

Watch the Panorama of the City from Mirador San Miguel

When returning to Granada on the upper streets of Sacromonte, you must stop by Mirador San Miguel. This is a very popular spot among the young adults of Granada, who come here to watch the sunset with their loved ones. The panorama of the city is so much better than the one from Mirador San Nicolas, without the crowds.

There are no shops here, just a church, so if you want a drink you must bring it with you. 

Enjoy a Gourmet Dinner at Faralá

Faralá is one of those must go to restaurants for an exquisite gourmet experience. This is a place where you go for a special occasion, as the prices are on the higher side, but the quality of the food and the experience is outstanding. Faralá takes the classic dishes from Granada and reinvents them in a unique way, using only local ingredients. I recommend the tasting menu with the wine pairing.

Have a Night Cap at Mirador de Morayma

A nice way to end the evening is at the wonderful Mirador de Morayma restaurant, located in Albayzín. The restaurant has a gorgeous garden covered in grapevines, with breathtaking views over the Alhambra, especially at night when it’s lit.

They have quite a large selection of wines, including their own, produced at their own finca in the Alpujarra region. I have only been here for wine, but visitors rave on Tripadvisor about their fantastic food too. 

Where to Stay in Granada

Granada is not an expensive city, not even when it comes to accommodation. You can enjoy a four star hotel for less than 100 euros a night, even in high season. I have been to Granada many times and I have stayed in different types of hotels, from Airbnbs shared with friends to five stars hotels. Here are some personal recommendations:

Budget : Granada Old Town is a hostel in the historical centre of Granada, run by very welcoming staff. The hostel offers shared accommodation but also private rooms. It has a lovely patio where solo travellers can meet new friends. You can check their reviews on Tripadvisor or click here to book directly on Booking.com

Mid-range : Hotel Saray is a great choice, just outside the city centre, with some of the rooms overlooking the Sierra Nevada mountains. The hotel’s main areas are decorated in an Arabic style, with keyhole shaped doors and windows and mosaic designs. Guests can enjoy an outdoors pool – I didn’t because I stayed here in winter. They do have a great deal for hotel + parking, when you book directly on Booking.com. You can check their reviews on Tripadvisor or click here to book directly on Booking.com

Luxury : Barcelo Carmen is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Granada, with spacious, modern rooms, some which have balconies. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a small pool, and benefits of underground parking with a valet. If you have driven in Spain before you probably know how small the roads are and how narrow the underground car parkings are. You can check their reviews on Tripadvisor or click here to book directly on Booking.com

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I am Joanna, the writer of this blog. I have been calling Andalucia home for the past few years, time in which I have explored extensively this beautiful land. This blog’s aim is to help you discover everything that Andalucia has to offer, from beautiful beaches to stunning mountains, from hidden white villages to off the beaten path experiences, from culinary adventures to fantastic road trips.

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2 Days in Granada Itinerary

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Are you looking for the best Granada itinerary to get ideas for your trip?

Located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of the most popular cities in Andalusia, and for good reason.

Tourists love to visit because it offers a variety of experiences and it has a rich history, which is deeply rooted in Moorish culture.

Below, we’ll share some of the best spots to visit during any 2 days in Granada! That way, you can be sure your precious time is well spent.

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2 Days in Granada itinerary

No matter what the purpose of your trip is, we understand that your plans for traveling to Granada may change before or during your trip.

However, we’re confident our itinerary will inspire you to travel soon.

Is Granada Worth Visiting?

With its hidden gardens, narrow streets, and gastronomy, Granada has a way to surprise visitors, so there are many reasons why it’s worth a visit.

Here are a few of the most compelling ones:

• Sublime Moorish architecture: Moorish culture is one of Granada’s defining characteristics. As such, there are plenty of amazing examples of Moorish architecture, including the Alhambra.
• Locals are friendly: People in Granada are super welcoming and it’s not uncommon for them to treat strangers like family. Don’t be surprised if you get a bit of special treatment.
• Plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy: Granada is the kind of place where you can go to the beach and then go skiing on the same day. You can visit hot springs, lakes, go hiking, and much more.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Granada?

Based on our Andalusia itinerary (7 days), which takes you through several incredible cities, we suggest spending at least 2 days in Granada.

Today’s itinerary will show you how much you can do in that timeframe.

You will be able to enjoy your time in the city and though there’s a lot to do, this itinerary is a great starting point for you to make plans.

Things to Do in Granada

As we said before, Granada is full of surprises, which is probably why so many people choose it as their destination.

Whether you spend 3 weeks or 2 days in Granada, you simply can’t miss these places that we suggest below! Let’s start with the most popular:

The Alhambra

The first thing you should do in Granada is visit the Alhambra Palace. We recommend you book well in advance and try to get the first available slot to avoid crowds.

This is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and one of the best examples of Moorish architecture. It’s truly incredible, so don’t miss it.

If you can’t get to the Alhambra, Generalife is a good alternative and it’s easier to book a visit. It’s connected to the palace and it’s also beautiful!

Puerta de Elvira

Also known as “Arco de Elvira”, this used to be the main access gate to the city back when it was Muslim-dominated. It was built in the 11th century and it has gone through many transformations in its long history.

In 1896, the Puerta de Elvira was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument. Though there’s not much to see, it’s an important landmark to visit. You’ll have great picture opportunities!

The Albaicín is one of the most romantic areas in the city. This used to be a Muslim quarter and it’s where the ruling family used to live before the Alhambra was built.

You can visit the Palacio de Dar al-Horra , their home, which is still standing. Overall, you’ll enjoy walking through the narrow streets and exploring the open plazas.

If you want a truly relaxing experience, you should make a stop at the Hammam Al Andalus. This is a traditional Moorish bath that provides an authentic experience.

You will be able to relax like never before! The baths are inspired by Arabic architecture and they are designed to resemble the old public baths of the Alhambra.

There are different treatments you can choose from, such as relaxing hot stone massages, delicate foam scrubs, and more.

Sacromonte Neighborhood

The Sacromonte neighborhood is north of the Alhambra and it’s one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

It has a dark history, though, because it’s where the gypsies settled when they weren’t allowed in the city. The neighborhood is quite small but the main street is vibrant!

You’ll have fun walking around and if you want to learn more about the history, you can head to the museum.

The Royal Chapel and Cathedral

The Royal Chapel is a part of the complex where the Granada Cathedral is located. The Cathedral was built on Queen Isabella’s orders in 1523.

You can visit both places and tickets only cost €5 each. The Royal Chapel is a church and funerary chapel built in Isabelline style.

The Granada Cathedral is where the Great Mosque used to be after 600 years of Muslim domination. The construction lasted 181 years and it’s an exquisite building, so it’s definitely worth visiting.

Granada Travel Tips

Granada is one of the most charming cities in Andalusia and there are a few things you shouldn’t miss.

⤵️ Below are some helpful travel tips for a more fulfilling experience:

• Catch a flamenco show in the Sacromonte neighborhood. They’re traditionally performed by Romani people, so it’s a mix of flamenco and Moorish dance.
• You need to try tapas while you’re in Granada! Many bars around the city offer free tapas with any drink you purchase, so you must take advantage of that deal.
• If you decide to rent a car in Andalusia you’ll find it easier to travel outside of the city and visit other towns in Andalusia.
• If you love beer, why not bathe in it? The Beer Spa makes for a great story. You’ll be able to get into a giant beer barrel while tasting Alhambra beer. You can also get other treatments!
• Try to carry cash and items of value with you at all time in a front or inside pocket, you’ll find Pacsafe make some great bags/backpacks for traveling around with valuables.
• Finding the best souvenirs is super easy in Alcaicería. It offers a recreation of the original main bazaar of the city, which was destroyed by fire in 1843.
• Remember to get your FREE travel insurance quote from SafetyWing to receive fully comprehensive support when it comes to unforeseen travel complications.
• Go to a nice teahouse. Voracious tea drinkers will enjoy Granada’s teahouses and they’re charming spots to take a break during the day.

Though there are many more things to do in Granada (and see), this is designed to whet your appetite and give you a great starting point!

Granada Itinerary (2 days)

Our Granada itinerary is the perfect way to get to know the city and make the most of your time there.

As a part of our Andalusia itinerary, it offers a complete experience!

This is one of the most fascinating places you’ll ever visit and the things on our list are just the start. Meaning, you’ll definitely want to visit again!

All we ask is that you aim to follow some of our sustainable travel tips to ensure that your trip has a positive impact on the local environment.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase or sign up for a program, we may earn a commission. This is at no additional cost to you.

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2 Days in Granada: Full Itinerary Beyond the Alhambra

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While travel gets better when you slow down, if you only have 2 days in Granada, I will share how to maximize the heckity-heck out of your time.

What stood out to me about Granada was the heavy Arab and Moorish influence in the architecture , the big tapa culture, the obsession with tea, and a bigger emphasis on traditional baths (hammams) compared to other parts of Europe or Spain. I was also surprised at the deep roots the Gypsy community had in Granada, especially in the Spanish guitar and flamenco space.

 👉 Fun Fact: Only in Granada are tapas served for free if you buy a drink—while you don’t get to pick what you get, as long as you keep drinking, they’ll bring you different little snacks! The bigger the crowd in the street, the better you can bet the tapas will be.

High level, taking on Granada in 2 days doesn’t have to be a tourist checklist, or only about the Alhambra. I spent a few days in the city on a couple of occasions, and here’s how I recommend you approach two days:

• Day 1 : UNESCO Albaicín & Sacromonte Neighborhoods (souvenir shopping) – Tapas Hopping – Flamenco Show – Hookah & Cave Bars
• Day 2 : Alhambra Guided Tour – Traditional Hammam Bath – Tapas Food Crawl – Mirador San Nicolas for sunset – Fancy Granada Dinner & Drinks

Beyond the quick 2-day highlight reel itinerary, the city has a lot to offer, and I got a very artsy, young backpacker vibe . It’s a rockier, more hilly city, so walking around the cobblestoned uphills is a workout and not great for folks with mobility issues—and Lord help you if it’s rainy because it gets slippery! 🙈

My friend Victoria and I went in May and loved the weather – although you do need a light sweater at night because Granada is in the mountains, and it gets chilly. I hear June, September, and October are ideal for visiting Granada .

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How many days do you need in Granada?

I personally think two days in Granada is the minimum amount of time you should dedicate to the city. If you can push it to three days, that is even better . I know folks come here to see the Alhambra, which is an amazing almost full-day activity with a history-savy guide, but Granada is pretty eclectic and bigger than I thought, thus my push for a bit more time to properly savor it.

As a hiker, lover of eating my way through a city, cultural deep dives into history, and pretty views with a glass of wine in hand, I’ve included a detailed 2-day itinerary of Granada of my favorite spots, as well as a 1-day and 3-day guide below that , just in case.

PRO TIP: I always combine a trip to Granada with a few days in Sevilla since the cities are quite close together. I think you could easily do justice to both Sevilla and Granada in a week.

FULL Itinerary: 2 Days In Granada

In this post, I’ll talk about the delicious things to eat and drink in Granada, where I thought was cute and chic, why you should experience a traditional hammam bathhouse (and get professionally bathed), where to grab cocktails and hookah at night, where to see an authentic Spanish Gypsy Flamenco show, as well as how you can get tickets to all the iconic things – like the Alhambra.

This is not a packed itinerary, but it is a full 2 days , so it’s assuming you arrive the night before and leave the morning after the second day.

Day 1: Granada History, Flamenco & Hookah Night

• Morning: Walking History Tour: Cathedral, Royal Chapel of Granada (2 hrs)
• Lunch: Granada Tapas-Hopping Tour – starts around lunch (3.5 hrs)
• Afternoon: Sacromonte & Albaicin Neighborhood (2 hrs)
• Flamenco Show (1 hr – early show)
• Dinner: El Trillo Restaurante Granada or Maria de La O
• Night Out: Cave Bars & Hookah at

We started every morning here with a traditional carb-heavy Spanish breakfast, which is not eggs and bacon, but rather toasted bread with tomato on it ( pan con tomate ), a pastry, freshly squeezed orange juice (obsessed with Spanish oranges, even though the Portugues oranges hold my heart) and a cup of coffee.

While we didn’t do the guided walking tours, if I were to have another go at it, I absolutely would, especially as the tour I recommend is split into two sections , and you get to see the Sacromonte and Albaicin neighborhoods at sunset , which is the best time.

Fun Local Tip: In Albaicin, stop by the  Monasterio Santa Isabel la Real . Ring the bell and wait. You will be shown a menu of the various treats—put your order & money down, and then you get your treats from the nuns. Cocos and Magdalenas were absolutely delicious!

Hands down, my favorite part of the day was the Flamenco show in the Albaicin Neighborhood . Most of the tickets include a drink and a meal, but we went early to catch the show—and wow! This is full-on Gypsy music magic, and what I love the most about flamenco is that it showcases the strength and passion of a Spanish Gypsy woman—something I admire.

After the show, we went to an amazing tapas dinner and went out on the town—which, to our surprise, was mostly cocktail and hookah bars. This was a throwback for both Victoria and me to our days in Austin, smoking hookah in little gardens in our home city!

DID YOU KNOW: I’m pretty sure this doesn’t happen anywhere else, but in Granada, if you pop into a local tapas bar, you don’t pay for the tapas (they just bring random tapas to you) when you buy the beer!

Day 2: Alhambra, Hammam Baths, & Tapas

• Morning: Alhambra Skip the Line Tickets & Guided Tour (3 hrs)
• Lunch: La Vinoteca Tapas Bar or Bar La Fragua
• Afternoon: Traditional Hammam Bath & Massage (1.5 hrs)
• Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset
• Tapas & Dinner: Bar Los Diamantes or La Tabernilla del Darro for tapas, and then Faralá (fancy) later in the night.

I cannot stress this enough – GET TICKETS EARLY to visit the Alhambra palace grounds and gardens. It’s a beautiful property with lots of history, which our guide explained in fun detail.

What I thought was pretty cool is that water flows everywhere – it symbolizes life, purity, and the transient nature of existence, reflecting the Islamic influence on the palace’s design.

Highlights of the Alhambra tour that we loved include:

• Nasrid Palaces : The heart of the Alhambra is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture. Each room and courtyard is more breathtaking than the last, with intricate tile work and flowing Arabic inscriptions.
• Alcazaba : The oldest part of the Alhambra, this military fortress offers incredible views of Granada. Let’s not forget that while it is pretty to visit, it sits strategically on a hill to protect Granada from invasions.
• Palace of Charles V : An impressive Renaissance building within the Nasrid complex. The story goes that there is a tomb for King Charles V, but no body—he chose to be buried somewhere else.
• Generalife : The sultans’ summer palace is set in beautiful gardens. It’s a place of tranquility and contemplation, with flowing water and lush greenery. It was my favorite part of the Alhambra.

A hammam is an Arabic bath , and you could say it’s how we would think of a spa here in the US. The hammam in the afternoon was a quick little interesting experience, and if you haven’t been to one before, the gist is this – there is a massage, and then you go into a sauna, where professional ladies will bathe you with a little scruby mitten and soap.

The goal is exfoliation, at which point, in the end, you will be dried off and sent on your way with mint tea. I did quite a few hammam experiences in Turkey as well, and what stands out to me is how beautiful these bathhouses are inside!

For sunset, we walked up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for a view of the Alhambra. The super cool part was that there was a group of Spanish guitar players doing their thing, which I thought made it all the more magical (heads up – it will be busy, because sunset hits differently in Granada!)

We ended the night tapas bar hopping in Albaicin.

➡️ If You Have 3 Days In Granada

If you have a third day in Granada, I would add a hiking day. I absolutely adore that Granada is close to the Sierra Nevada mountains . A half-day to a full day of hiking, 4-wheeling, and biking is refreshing in the south of Spain – especially in Los Cahorros Gorge

➡️ If You Have 1 Day In Granada

If you have only a day in Granada, I would prioritize the Alhambra and walking around the Sacromonte and Albaicin neighborhoods, with a traditional Flamenco show to end the night and a tapas dinner in the old town.

• Tapas Lunch & Explore Old Town on your own (Cathedral & Royal Chapel)
• Traditional Hammam Bath & Massage (1.5 hrs)
• Sunset Neighborhood Tour: Sacromonte & Albaicin (2.5 hrs)
• Late Night: Flamenco Show (1 hr)

5 Best Things To Do & See In Granada

Here is what I thought was great and unique to Granada. While I loved meandering the streets on my own and being a lazy tourist, if you’re maximizing your time, it’s best you hop on a tour – especially the food ones and the neighborhood walking tours because they are loaded with information & cool history.

✔️ Visit the Alhambra

I cannot stress this enough – GET TICKETS EARLY to visit the Alhambra palace grounds and gardens. It’s a beautiful property with lots of history, and probably the main reason we went to Granada.

What I thought was pretty cool is that there is water flowing everywhere – it symbolizes life, purity, and the transient nature of existence, reflecting the Islamic influence on the palace’s design.

✅ Pro Tip: Book your tickets early and go for the local guided tour – there is tons of history here you don’t want to miss, plus a few fun facts! ⏰ Average Time: 3 hours 📍 Location : Google Map ➡️ Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 8 pm

➡️ Get Alhambra Tickets & Guide ahead of time here. ⬅️

✔️ See A Flamenco & Spanish Guitar Show

This is full-on Gypsy music magic, and what I love the most about flamenco is that it showcases the strength and passion of a Spanish Gypsy woman.

Here’s what you can expect: There are usually two women dancers and one guy dancing, plus a Spanish guitarist and one other person drumming along on a wooden box (no joke, it’s a thing). You can expect a few dances telling stories about falling in love, longing, betrayal, etc. all in a Gypsy dialect of Spanish.

Most of the shows are in cave theaters built a long time ago, with great acoustics, and don’t get me started on the beautiful Flamenco dresses and shawls!

✅ Pro Tip: Most show tickets include a drink and an option for dinner service if you opt for it. I would go to multiple shows at different locations because each show is different! ⏰ Average Time: 1 hour 📍 Location : Best in Albaicín neighborhood

➡️ Get Tickets to a Spanish Guitar & Flamenco show here! ⬅️

✔️ Explore the Sacromonte & Albaicín Neighborhoods

Albaicín is an ancient Moorish neighborhood and a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is iconic for its narrow, cobblestone streets that have remained largely unchanged since the Nasrid dynasty.

It is a melting pot of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences, which you can see in its architecture, shops, and little restaurants. This is also where you’ll find the Mirador de San Nicolás , where you have some amazing views of the Alhambra against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains—perfect for that sunset photo!

Sacromonte is the traditional home of Granada’s Romani (Gypsy) community . It has a deep history of flamenco beyond the commercialized shows you can get in places like Barcelona and Sevilla, and you’re usually attending a small performance in a whitewashed cave carved out of the hillside. With fewer tourists than Granada’s more central areas, Sacromonte felt like a more authentic and calm experience to us.

✅ Pro Tip: In Albaicín, stop by the  Monasterio Santa Isabel la Real . Ring the bell and wait. You will be shown a menu of the various treats – put your order & money down, and then you get your treats from the nuns. ⏰ Average Time: 2.5 hours

➡️ Get Tickets to this Fantastic Sunset Walking Tour in Albaicín & Sacromonte ! ⬅️

✔️ Get Scrubbed in a Traditional Hammam Bath

A hammam is an Arabic bath , and you could say it’s how we would think of a spa here in the US. Many hammams in Granada are set in beautifully restored buildings that reflect the city’s Moorish past, with beautiful tile work, soothing lighting, and tranquil water features – think reflective pools, little fountains, and saunas.

Fun Fact : The ritual of the hammam is deeply ingrained in Andalusian culture, a legacy of the region’s Islamic past. This was basically the daily life and traditions of the Moors who once lived in this part of Spain.

Hammams typically feature several rooms with different temperatures—cold, warm, and hot. You’re encouraged to move between these rooms to stimulate circulation and detoxify the body.

Like a Turkish bath, the steam room is a central part of the experience, helping to open your pores and relax your muscles. And like a Turkish hammam, there’s an option to include a traditional kessa glove scrub, where a lady gently (or aggressively) exfoliates your skin, removing dead cells and leaving your skin feeling baby-soft. Often, there’s an option to add a relaxing massage with essential oils, which I recommend!

✅ Pro Tip: You should wear your bathing suit, as it’s not a nude spa. The boys go on one side, while the girls go on the other. And remember to come and stay hydrated! ⏰ Average Time: 1.5 hours 📍 Location : Google Map ➡️ Opening Hours: 10 am to Midnight

➡️ Book a Hammam Appointment at Al Ándalus Bathhouse! ⬅️

✔️ Go Tapas-Hopping

Granada is famous for its tapas scene, where you get a free tapa with each drink you order. This tradition is a point of pride for locals and was a delightful surprise for us. Tapas hopping is a big deal – locals and tourists alike crowd into bars, often spilling onto the streets, being loud and eating their way through the night.

Fun Fact: Some say the tapa tradition began when bartenders placed a slice of bread over the glass to keep flies out, eventually evolving into little add ons to the bread – and voila, tapas in Granada are free with a purchase of beer!

These are some of the local tapas we tried that I thought were yummy and unique:

• Tortilla de Sacromonte : Unique to Granada, this is a variation of the Spanish omelet made with brains and veal testicles. It’s much tastier than it sounds and is a true local delicacy.
• Habas con Jamón : A simple yet delicious tapa featuring broad beans cooked with ham, a common ingredient in south Spanish food.
• Churros con Chocolate: I thought this was just a Mexican thing!
• Remojón Granadino : A refreshing salad made with oranges, onions, olives, and cod.

To get the full experience, move from bar to bar, enjoying a drink and tapa at each place – it’s how we rolled both nights.

✅ Pro Tip: Remember that Spaniards usually start their evenings late. To blend in, we went out for tapas around 9 pm or later . ⏰ Average Time: 3 hours

➡️ This is a great Tapas-Hopping Food Tour – highly recommend! ⬅️

Getting To Granada

There are a few ways to get to Granada. I’ve always combined my trip to Granada with a few days in Sevilla first (where it’s sometimes cheaper to fly into), and so from Sevilla, I just take the bus or the train to Granada, and used public transportation to get around in the city.

✈️ By Plane

Granada Airport (Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport) is located about 15 miles west of the city. It’s a smaller airport, with more domestic flights, but some inter-Europe connections fly here too.

Once you land, you can take a bus, Uber, or rent a car to reach the city center. If you’re just staying a couple of days, I recommend taking an Uber into city center and walking around from there.

Granada is connected to major Spanish cities like Sevilla, Madrid and Barcelona via Spain’s rail network, Renfe. I use OMIO to book trains around major cities in Europe. As an example, the high-speed AVE trains can get you from Madrid to Granada in approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Here are the most popular routes & price averages:

• Sevilla (Santa Justa) – Granada: 2.5 hrs [$55 by train]
• Madrid (Puerta de Atocha) – Granada : 3.5 hrs [$50 by train]
• Barcelona (Sants) – Madrid (Puerta de Atocha) – Granada : 6.5 hrs [$130]

Pro Tip on Busses : Granada’s bus station is located a bit outside the city center, but you can grab a taxi/Uber to get into the city. Buses can be a cost-effective way to travel (about $20-30 on Omio for a ticket), but the journey might take longer compared to trains or flights. From experience, FlixBus is a great company to ride with, and they have a bathroom on board the bus.

If you’re aready on a road trip, driving to Granada is super nice, and it gives you the chance to enjoy the beautiful Andalusian countryside at your own pace.

The city is well-connected by major highways, including the A-92, which links Granada to Seville and Malaga.

Keep in mind that parking in Granada is tough, especially in the city center, where cars are not allowed. If you end up renting a car, check if your lodging offers parking or use designated parking areas on the outskirts of city center. I use the EasyPark app in Spain to automatically pay for parking & top it off remotely if I need to.

Getting Around Granada

Is Granada a walkable city? Yes, it is, and we walked a lot during our stay. The good news is that almost everything you want to see is about a 20-30 minute walk.

The city is not ideal for folks with mobility issues because it’s full of hills and steps. And be extra careful if it rains because the cobblestoned streets become slippery – I almost busted my butt a couple of times walking downhill after a summer afternoon rain shower.

The bottom line is that I used public transport (Uber or taxi) or walked to explore Granada. Many of the city’s attractions are in pedestrian-friendly areas, and the neighborhood alleys and historic districts are best explored on foot.

Where To Stay In Granada

I was surprised that Granada actually had pretty budget-friendly options for how nice the places were. Both times, I was coming from Sevilla, which is more pricey, and it was a nice surprise not to be breaking the bank for a more luxurious lodging situation.

The best neighborhoods to stay in because of their proximity to everything (and cuteness) is Albaicín, the Old Town Centro, Realejo, and Sacromonte.

Centro de Granada

The center of Granada is super convenient, with easy access to shops, restaurants, hammams, and historic sites like the Cathedral and Royal Chapel. It’s a bit noisy on the weekends when everyone is out tapa-hopping in the streets, so if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room off the main street.

📍 Luxury: Casa Naranjos – I stayed here with my friends, and it was super well decorated; there were 3 big bedrooms, good light, and right next to a fantastic little cafe for breakfast and afternoon coffee. Cannot recommend it enough! 📍 Mid-Range: NH Collection Victoria Hotel – In the city center but off the main road, so it’s not so noisy. Close to a tapas bar just down the road, super comfy beds, and great breakfast!

Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional whitewashed houses, gives off a truly historic vibe. You’re close to the Mirador de San Nicolás for the amazing Alhambra views, and the area’s upbeat plazas are perfect for sunset cocktails and tapas.

The only thing that sucks about staying in Albaicín is that the cobblestone streets can be steep and tough to navigate, especially with luggage.

📍 Luxury: Shine Albayzín – A super beautiful property with views of the Alhambra. A real gem hotel, wow! 📍 Mid-Range: Casas del Albaicín – A cozy, chic apartment, also with great views of the Alhambra, but an added perk of a kitchen. Honestly, I would move in here if I could!

Best Time to Visit Granada

I think the best months to visit Granada are May and June before the summer heat, and September and October in the fall from a perspective of weather and fun festivals.

The last time we visited was in May, and it was so nice and sunny during the day – we only needed a light jacket at night when it got a bit chilly. Before that, I visited in late November, and it was no-joke cold. I had boots and a coat on, a scarf, and light gloves for warmth.

The weather is mild and pleasant in May and June, and the flowers are in full bloom, everything is green, and there’s no rain. Some of the events I keep my eye out for are:

• The Granada International Festival of Music and Dance (Festival Internacional de Música y Danza) : Usually starting in late June and running into July, this prestigious event features classical music, ballet, and flamenco performances
• Feria del Corpus Christi : A religious festival in late May and early June. It includes carnival style rides, food stalls, and flamenco shows.
• The Cruces de Mayo : Held at the beginning of May, this festival sees Granada’s neighborhoods competing to create the most beautiful flower cross. And on May 3rd, Granada celebrates the Day of the Cross with elaborate cross displays, flamenco dancing, and street parties.

The weather in September and October is similar to spring , not too hot, not too cold. The fun part about visiting Granada in the fall is the festivals:

• Granada Sound: Indie and alternative music festival in September.
• Fiesta de San Miguel : Celebrated in late September in the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods, this festival honors the patron saint of Granada with traditional music, dance, and giant community meals.
• International Jazz Festival of Granada : Technically, this event will be held in November, and it is one of the oldest and most esteemed jazz festivals in Europe. If you’re in Granada in late October, you might catch some of the early performances.

The summer months of July and August is super hot in Granada (90s F), and crowded. While winter is not that bad compared to the rest of Europe, November through April is chilly, and the Sierra Nevada mountains have snow on them – good for skiing – but definitely not ideal Spanish weather.

Is Granada Worth Visiting without the Alhambra?

I’m going to have to say no. Even if you show up the day unprepared without a ticket, there are tons of tours that operate to see the Alhambra – last ditch effort, you do one of the self-guided audio tours like I did when I came here in college.

The Alhambra is for Granada the Sagrada Familia is for Barcelona , and The Eiffel Tower is for Paris. Sure you can see it from the outside, but the charm of it lies in the interior.

Which is better to visit, Sevilla or Granada?

I appreciated a certain humble pride in the locals I met in Granada — after all, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella chose to live here and sent Christopher Columbus sailing the ocean blue from this exact city. Dare I say locals in Spain prefer Granada for it’s low-key authenticity compared to Sevilla, it’s more popular Andalucian sister-city.

Conclusion: Granada in 2 Days

In conclusion, beyond seeing the Alhambra in all its glory, here are a few other things I loved when visiting Granada this past May. I stayed for 4 days, but I think if you’re savvy, you can squish a few of these things into 2 days.

✅ Visit a traditional Arab bathhouse ( hammam ) , which is similar to the ones you find in Turkey . Basically, it’s a massage and sauna situation, where they professionally wash you…. plus tea! My favorite hammam is Al Ándalus (wear a bathing suit.)

✅ Flamenco & Spanish guitar is different in every region of Spain, and so catching a show in Granada in a little tablau restaurant (local tavern with music) is just one of those things. I love flamenco so much, I went to 3 different shows, my favorite being in Albaycín in the Sacromonte neighborhood.

✅ Go get tapas & book a food tour . If you have to choose the type of guided tour you hit up, absolutely do the food tour over the walking tour. Tapas are fun and unique at the local bars in Granada – it’s a super cheap and local thing to do.

✅ Explore different viewpoints in Granada – my favorite was Mirador de San Nicolas – and spend more time going into the churches and musuems you explored on the walking tour from outside.

If you have a bit more time, like a third day, I absolutely adore that Granada is close to the Sierra Nevada mountains . A half-day to a full day of hiking, 4-wheeling, and biking is refreshing in the south of Spain – especially in Los Cahorros Gorge .

So what are you waiting for, get after it and start booking your trip!

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

48 Hours in Granada: A 2 Day Itinerary

You may have not heard of Granada, Spain, but if you are travelling to Spain a stop in Granada is a must. Even though two days is a short time to explore such a wonderful city.

We will guide you through the best way to spend your 48 hours in Granada, indulging in local tapas, getting lost in the historic neighbourhoods of Albaicin and Sacromonte, taking in a flamenco show and visiting the star of the city, the Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens.

Granada is an ancient Muslim stronghold, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Andalucía, Southern Spain. It was a Muslim stronghold for 800 years until the reconquest of Spain when it was reclaimed by the Catholics in 1492. The city bears the influence of its Islamic past with its narrow streets, Moorish doorways and tranquil gardens with fountains and water features.

More than 2.5 million tourists from around the world visit Granada yearly to see the star attraction, the Alhambra Palace, described by Moorish poets of the time as “a pearl set in emeralds”, this is a reference to the colour of the buildings and the vivid green of the surrounding gardens lush with roses, oranges, flowers and myrtle.

If you’re wondering how many days in Granada is ideal or how many days do you need in Granada? well it all depends on what your plans are? You could easily spend 2 weeks in Granada or 2 months and still not see or do everything.

Below is a great guide on what to do in Granada for 2 days because sometimes 2 days in Granada is all you have, especially if you’re going over on a cruise or you’re short on time and want to be able to tour some of the other areas within Granada.

The enchanting fusion of Moorish and Spanish architecture and the charm of the narrow city streets will be sure to leave you wanting more and planning your next trip to Granada.

This guide is perfect for those who only have 48 Hours in Granada – A 2 Day Itinerary. We will show you what to do in Granada, where to stay, what to eat and how to get around, whether its a weekend in Granada Spain or just a quick trip.

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Table of Contents

The Best Time to visit Granada

The best time to visit Granada is in May and June or September and October. Here you will find milder weather as the summer can be sweltering in the city and very humid. July and August are some of the busiest months and it is best to avoid them.

By coming in Spring or Autumn you will encounter fewer crowds (though Granada has tourism all year around) and excellent weather around 25 degrees celsius, accommodation prices will also be lower and you can save up to 40% of what tourists pay in July and August by going out of season!

If you travel in the second week of June, you can experience the authentic vibes of the annual feria celebrations in Granada, this alcohol-fueled, week long party takes place at a fairground just outside the city.

Here you can see women dressed in the traditional flamenco dresses, dancing and playing music all day long and try the local feria drink of rebujito , a mix of Manzanilla sherry and lemonade. It is a party to remember, as long as you don’t drink too many rebujitos !

How to get around Granada

Granada has its own international airport so it is possible to arrive by plane, the airport is situated 28 minutes by car to the city centre so you the quickest way to the centre is by taxi.

There is a TALGO slow train from Madrid to Granada that takes around 5 and half hours. Most people choose to take the bus as it takes less time and is cheaper.

You can take buses from Malaga to Granada and it costs around €11.43 for the 90 minute journey. There is an international airport in Malaga or alternatively you can travel to Malaga by high-speed train from Madrid or other cities.

It is easy to get around Granada on foot, however, the walk to Sacromonte and Albaicin can be a bit of an uphill hike, if the walk is not for you there is always the option of red minibuses. If you prefer to walk a map or GPS will be handy, as the streets do not follow straight paths.

Alternatively, there is a Hop On Hop Off Tourist Train that can take you all the way up to Alhambra Granada and Sacramonte. It starts running at 9:30 am and the last train is at 19:30 pm, with trains passing through the centre every 20 minutes. The cost for one day is €8 and €12 for two days.

Things to do in Granada Spain in 2 days

There are a lot of unmissable things to do in Granada and here is our list:

Go souvenir shopping in Alcaiceria

Once upon a time, it was the location for Granada’s Islamic bazaar where merchants would call out to attract buyers to view their wares in the network of small streets, selling silks and spices from afar.

Today, there remains a single passageway full of souvenir shops selling tourist souvenirs and Moorish hand-painted earthenware or Fajalauza ceramics.

You can also pick up beautifully handcrafted wooden décor is inlaid with intricate patterns, emblematic of the Islamic past of the city.

Take a stroll in the historic village of Sacromonte

Sacromonte is the home of Granada’s gypsy community; it is situated on the steep slopes of Valparaiso and the houses were hewn out of the rock face of the slopes of the hill in the 16 th century.

These cave houses are unique in construction and adapt to the difficult terrain of the hillside. If you want to see authentic gypsy flamenco, this is the place.

For one of the best-known flamenco caves in Granada, take a trip to Los Tarantos, Cueva los Tarantos, Camino del Sacromonte 9. This dimly lit cavern which dates back to 1972 is a perfect place to get into the spirit of flamenco, also known as duende .

Here the style of flamenco is Zambra, which is the regional style from Granada, typical of Gypsy weddings. Prices start from €26 per person for the show and a drink.

If you want to see the most spectacular views of the Alhambra from Sacromonte you can stop off at Bar Pibe, Camino del Sacromonte 41, a terrace with a panoramic vista of the city.

Here you can sip on a glass of wine to the chorus of crickets and birds in the surrounding trees and though it is a popular destination , drinks here are as cheap as they are the rest of town.

Sip on a vermouth at Bodegas Castañeda

Near the central square of Plaza Nueva you can find on of the most beloved tapas bars, Bodegas Castañeda, Calle Almireceros 1- 3, which is a household name in Granada.

Here you can enjoy the heady flavours of vermouth, the local drink of choice. Though you may see a few tourists, the majority of patrons are locals and the bar retains its authentic atmosphere of a local tapas bar.

Get free tapas with every drink

Granada is one of the few places in Spain where you get free tapas with every drink you order! In many of the local bars you will find large portions of food given away for free with every beer or drink you order and you may find that you won’t even need to have dinner as you will be so full from all the tapas!

Don’t be deterred by the poky, crowded and noisy local bars, these are the best places to try authentic tapas.

Though you may be tempted to bar-hop, the best thing to do in Granada is to pick a bar and stay there for a while, the free tapas gets better and better with each drink you order, though by the end you may be a little too tipsy to notice!

One of the most popular tapas spots in Plaza Nueva is Los Diamantes, a fried fish place popular with locals and tourists alike.

You can visit the original bar is situated in Calle Navas nearby, which is so small that you normally have to shout your order from the entrance but this is half the charm of the authentic tapas bars of Granada.

Other mythical authentic tapas bars to visit are El Reventaero, situated in Camino de Ronda, which will fill you up with just three tapas or Casa Julio on Calle Hermosa 5.

Take a stroll on Carrera del Darro

Visit Granada’s prettiest street that winds down the Albaicín along the Darro riverbank , here the river passes under the two oldest surviving bridges in Granada and you can transport yourself to the past by walking along the worn stone walls covered in blossoms in spring and summer.

Catch the sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolas

One of the most popular places to see the Alhambra and to watch the sunset , you can visit this viewpoint easily on foot. Be aware that it is quite popular with tourists and tends to be packed at sunset.

Chill out in a Hammam

After a long day of walking around you can relax your tired muscles at the opulent Arabian baths of Hammam Al Andalus .

You can submerge yourself in the soothing warm waters of the thermal baths, relax in the steam room or even indulge in a massage. Prices for the Hammam start from €35 per person for 1.5 hours in the baths.

Places to visit in Granada in 2 days

Alhambra and generalife.

Without a doubt this is the star attraction of Granada, and no visit to the city would be complete without a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The palace was built during the 1200s and 1300s for the Nasrids, the rulers of Granada in the final centuries of the Muslim stronghold and was captured in the “Reconquista” of Spain and the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II established their royal court there.

The Alhambra consists of Moorish palaces, lush gardens and tranquil ponds and you can easily spend three or four hours just in the gardens of the palace.

Remember that you must book your entrance in advance, as tickets are limited and often booked out months in advance. Tickets are divided into two turns, morning and afternoon and that the ticket times cannot be changed.

The Nasrid Palaces are enclosed and therefore it is advisable to arrive 30 minutes to an hour before your entrance time and be prepared for long queues despite having obtained your ticket in advance. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning around 9:30am to avoid the crowds.

The tickets to the Alhambra can be purchased with Generalife entrance included and prices start from €14 for adults, these beautiful gardens full of landscaped rose bushes and views of the palace are well worth visiting, you can also see the Alcazaba and the amphitheatre-like fortifications of Charles V’s palace.

The Cathedral of Granada

The Cathedral of Granada was built on the site of the Great Mosque and the Royal Chapel is the final resting place of the Catholic Kings.

Tickets to the Cathedral can be easily obtained at the entrance and there is no need to advance booking, tickets cost €5 including an audio guide.

Visit the Ba ñ uelo

The Arab baths from the 11 th century are some of the most complete and well-preserved Arab baths in Spain and are situated just at the foot of the Alhambra palace. 

These baths were one of the few establishments saved from the destruction of the Catholic Kings because at the time they had a reputation much like that of brothels.

The baths remained intact because the building on top of it was a private home and they were restored in 1918 and declared a national monument. Entrance is only €2.50.

Where to stay in Granada in 2 days

There are a few excellent hotels at reasonable prices suitable for budget travellers. Here is a selection of the best budget hotels in Granada:

Santa Isabel La Real – Stay in a genuine 16 th century home in the picturesque neighbourhood of Albaicin. The charming hotel is cosy and rooms are decorated in a classic style, the basic rooms look out onto a courtyard and the superior rooms have views of the adjacent Santa Isabel La Real Convent.

Gar-Anat – This contemporary and stylish budget hotel was built upon a 17 th century hostel for pilgrims. There is a central courtyard with a fountain and a modern tinkling wishing tree decoration.

Sercotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada – For a budget luxury hotel with a swimming pool, thermal pool, Turkish bath. The only downside is that it is outside of the historic city centre. It is a short 15 minutes walk from all the tourist spots and is a perfect place to wind down and relax in the modern part of Granada.

Palacio Cabrera Lillo – This hotel constructed in an old palace from the 1820s offers modern apartments overlooking a traditional style courtyard. Little details such as a complimentary bottle of wine as a welcome gift make this place very charming.

Tours to do in Granada

There are various options for tours from Viator

• A Granada Tapas Tour starting from €35.20 per person for 2.5 hours of walking around the city, savouring the local flavours.
• Tropical Coast and Caves of Nerja Tour from €60 per person. A 10 hour trip along the coast and to explore the caves of Nerja, which were inhabited by humans since 25,000 BC.
• Sierra Nevada Day Trip in a Four Wheel Drive from €55 per person for a half day tour around the mountains and villages of Sierra Nevada.

48 Hours in Granada

Day 1 in granada.

Start your day with a visit to Granada Cathedral and people watch in Plaza Bib Rambla and take a stroll the Albaicin neighbourhood, you can also catch the sunset at Mirador de San Nicolas.

Afterwards, join a local tapas tour to see the best that the city has to offer and jostle through the crowds in the tiny local bars, sampling the various Spanish tapas on offer.

If you still have any energy left, take in a flamenco show to experience the flair and passion of this Gypsy traditional dance.

Day 2 in Granada

Wake up early and head to the Alhambra Palace and explore the Generalife gardens and feel transported to another era of history, after relaxing in the gardens its time for lunch and you can stop at Sacromonte to visit the cave houses to have lunch around there.

After having a stroll around the streets of Alcaiceria and picking up some choice souvenirs you can relax your tired and aching legs by dropping into the Hammam for some well-earned relaxation in the warm Arab baths and perhaps enjoy a massage, the perfect way to end your 48 hours in Granada.

I hope you have enjoyed this 2 day Granada itinerary!

Recommend budget tours in Granada

• Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba Private Tour in Granada
• Skip-the-Line Alhambra and Generalife Guided Tour
• Private 3-hour Tour to Alhambra
• Private Tour: Alhambra and Generalife
• Guided Tour of the Alhambra from Malaga
• Small Group Food Tour in Granada
• Authentic Granada Tapas and History Experience with Local Guide
• Las Alpujarras Full-Day Tour from Granada
• Arabian Baths Experience at Granada’s Hammam Al Ándalus
• 1.5 Hour Flamenco Show in a Cave-Restaurant in Granada
• Granada Essential Must-Do Tour
• 4WD Sierra Nevada Safari Tour in Granada
• Tropical Coast and Caves of Nerja Day Trip from Granada

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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2 Days in Granada, an Itinerary for First-Timers

Planning to spend 2 days in Granada, and looking to see as much as possible? There are so many things to see in Granada including the famous Alhambra. This 2-day itinerary will help you make the most out of your stay in Granada. 

Granada, Spain, an Andalusian city famed for its Alhambra Moorish palace and gardens, is a beautiful and historic city that draws in travelers from all over. Its most famous features are the Albaicin, Alhambra, and Generalife.

While the region has been settled since the 5500s BCE, the city itself was founded in or around the 8th century AD by Arabs. It remained under Arab control from centuries, until the Reconquista of the late 15th century, when Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, Catholic monarchs, conquered the city in 1492. Granada was home to Katherine of Aragon before she left for England to marry Arthur, and later Henry VIII. 

Most of the city’s famed Spanish-Islamic art and architecture dates from the Moorish era, namely the Alhambra and Generalife, while the city center itself is predominantly 17th-19th century. Two days in Granada is plenty to experience this lush city at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Here are my recommendations for two days in Granada, Spain.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

A Comprehensive 2 Day Granada Itinerary 

Map of Granada in 2 Days

2 days in Granada: Day One

Catedral de granada.

The Cathedral of Granada is located in the center of the city on the ruins of the Nasrid Empire Great Mosque of Granada. It was built in the early 16th century and is modeled after the Cathedral of Toledo, but the architect changed halfway through, so the early Gothic design was remodeled into a Renaissance project, and yet later given a Baroque facade. 

Royal Chapel of Granada

The Royal Chapel of Granada, located next door to the Cathedral of Granada, is the burial place of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, who died within 15 years of each other in the early 16th century.

Their daughter Joanna of Castile, the Mad Queen, and her husband Philip I of Castile are also buried here. In the crypt is the sarcophagus of Ferdinands and Isabella’s grandson Miguel, son of their daughter Isabella. Like the cathedral, the royal chapel is built on the ruins of the Great Mosque. Because it is still a working chapel, at times it is closed to tourists.

The Alcaiceria

The Alcaiceria is a maze of narrow alleyways with a distinctly Moorish feel. It was formerly the Moorish silk market or the Grand Bazaar, but today has only one remaining street that runs from Calle Reyes Catolicos to the Cathedral.

The original bazaar dated back to the 15th century, but was sadly destroyed by fire in the 18th century and reconstructed into its modern form. They originally sold silks, after Byzantine Emperor Justinian, granted Arabs the exclusive right to manufacture and sell silk, spices, and other luxurious goods.

Carrera del Darro

The Carrera del Darro is the name given to the entire left bank of the river Darro, which runs through Granada. The cobblestoned street runs along the river, between the Alhambra forest and the hills of the Almanzora, and is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

You will see the last remaining arched stone bridges crossing the river along this street. Carrera del Darro dates back to the 17th century and has some of the city’s oldest houses (including some early Arab houses) and interesting architecture.

El Bañuelo, or Bano del Nogal, are remarkably well preserved 11th-century Muslim baths, located underneath a private home in the Carrera del Darro. It is said that they were saved from destruction by the Catholic monarchs because the home was built on top of them as the Reconquista began. It was previously part of a mosque and would have been a regular meeting place for local men and women (at different times). Brides also visited the bath prior to their wedding.

Tourists can buy the Monumentos Andalusíes ticket on the Alhambra webpage, which will allow you to visit the Bañuelo,  the Dar al-Horra Palace (in the Albaicin), the Horno de Oro House, and the Corral del Carbón. This joint ticket costs only 5 euros, but entry to these monuments is free on Sundays.

Horno de Oro

Horno de Oro is one of the best-preserved examples of a Morisco (Catholic Moorish) house in Granada. It is laid out like a traditional Arab house, with an enclosed courtyard offering privacy and protection from the street, and rooms overlooking this courtyard. 

Mirador de San Nicolás

The Mirador de San Nicolás is possibly the most famous – and most picturesque – viewpoint in Granada. Located in the Albaicin, it allows breathtaking views of the Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, Sierra Nevada mountains, and the sunset. The little plaza is surrounded by tapas bars, cafes, houses, and the Church of San Nicolas.

Albaicin District

The Albaicin, or Albayzin, is a Moorish neighborhood across the river from the Alhambra. Much of the neighborhood offers beautiful views across the Darro valley to the Alhambra. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, dating back to the Nasrid Kingdom, the last Moorish Muslim period before the Reconquista.

Some of the most important buildings in the Albaicin include the Dar al-Horra Palace, the 15th-century residence of the last Nasrid queen, and the Banuelos. Because of the Albaicin’s history and early development, the entire neighborhood retains the narrow winding streets that run from the top of the hill at the Church of San Nicolas down to the river. 

Watch a Flamenco Show

Flamenco is the famous dance of southern Spain, characterized by its flamboyant and passionate singers, dancers, and guitar players. Presumed to have been invented by gypsies and immigrants to Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries, flamenco likely arose through a cultural fusion of Roma gypsies, Arabic moors, and others. Flamenco is a must-do while in Andalusia. There are many places to go, but it is important to find an authentic flamenco show, like the one we attended . 

2 Days in Granada: Day Two 

The Alhambra is the most famous building in Granada. Built by Muslims in the 9th century, conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella in the 15th century, partially demolished by Charles V in the 16th century, and abandoned in the 18th century, the Red Castle has certainly been through a lot. 

The palace complex sits atop a strategic hill overlooking the Darro River and the city of Granada, with the Albaicin and Sacromonte on opposite hills. The Alcazaba, or military fortress, already existed in this place by the time the Muslims came, and it was here that they stayed until the Nasrid king Mohammed I established royal residence at the Alhambra.

His successors Mohammed II and III (late 13th century) began reconstruction on the Alcazaba as well as the initial construction of the palaces, public baths, warehouses, and more. However, it is Mohammed III’s successors who built what we know and see today as some of the most glorious features of the palace: the Court of the Lions, Justice Gate, Comares Room, and Hall of the Boat.

The Court of the Lions may be among the most popular stops in the palace. It is known for its marble fountain where twelve lions jet streams of crystal clear water, its surrounding exemplary Moorish arcade, and beautiful marble floor.

The Nasrid Palaces are the early Alhambra, and it was here that Katherine of Aragon lived as a young girl before going to England. Her sister, Joanna, had a son – Charles – who became Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. He ordered the demolition of part of the palace to make room for his new palace, the Renaissance Palace of Charles V, which can still be seen today adjacent to the Nasrid palaces.

The Generalife gardens are also adjacent to the Nasrid Palace and are definitely a must-see. They were a respite for the royal family from the needs of the palace, where they could escape into nature – flowing waterfalls and fountains, lush gardens, fragrant trees, and novelties in every corner. There are minimal buildings here, though there are some because this was also a palace. The Generalife gardens are the best example of Arab gardens in Spain.

Tips for Visiting the Alhambra

It is very important to book tickets in advance! If you can, book your entry time at least a month out from your intended visit. You must specify a specific time when booking your ticket, so make sure you purchase a ticket for when you know you can get there, otherwise, you won’t be allowed in. 

A guided tour is often better at a place like the Alhambra because you have the added benefit of a local guide who can share the history and facts, as well as legends, of the Alhambra and its surroundings. You can choose from a skip the line guided tour to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens . work with a travel advisor on a custom itinerary and have private guides or book your tickets online and explore on your own. I am a fan of guided tours as you get a lot more from your visit

Plan ahead and be patient. The Alhambra gets more than 6,000 visitors per day during high season, so you can expect long lines and crowds at all the popular spots. It is best to set aside a full day for your trip to the Alhambra.

Cars are not permitted at the Alhambra, so you have two ways to get there. You can walk from the city center – a lovely 30 minute walk up a steep hill under beautiful shady trees – or take a bus or taxi, which can drop you off at the Alhambra ticket office.

Sacromonte neighborhood

The Sacromonte neighborhood, north of the Alhambra and east of the Albaicin, is one of Granada’s most picturesque neighborhoods. However, its history is dark, because this was the area in which the gypsies settled when they were not allowed to live in the city itself. It is a small neighborhood, and very compact, mainly due to the fact that when the Roma settled here, they built their homes into the cliff.

These cave houses are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Today, Sacromonte has a vibrant main street filled with tapas bars, and it’s here you should go for tapas. The gitanos, or gypsies, are also credited with the true Andalusian form of flamenco, so you’re sure to find a good if touristy, show in this area. There is also a museum that describes the neighborhood, but not the people, and it is a bit of a walk from the main road. Still, it’s worth seeing if you are interested in the history of Sacromonte.

How to Get to Granada

You have a few ways to get to Granada. There is an airport 12km from the city, but there are few flights into Granada. Most often, it is easier to fly to Malaga (90 minutes from Granada) and take a bus or rent a car to drive to Granada. 

A car is helpful if you are exploring other parts of Spain by car, but once in the city, you will not need it as the city is very walkable. Parking in Granada is expensive as well.

Many people arrive in Granada by bus from another city in Spain. There is a good bus network from Madrid and Seville, as well as Malaga as noted, and others. You may have to change buses depending on where you are traveling from.

The final way to get to Granada is by train. The AVE (Spain’s high-speed train) now links Granada with Madrid and Seville (as of June 2019). You can also take the regional train from Barcelona or other towns across Spain.

Where to stay in Granada

Gar Anat Hotel Boutique : A small, cozy, and very historical hotel. It gives off a vibe of Granada’s architectural spirit but also has calm, cool, and beautiful rooms with a Granada-styled courtyard for your morning cup of coffee. The hotel is also 5 minutes away from Granada Cathedral. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. Hotel Granada Center : One of the most renowned hotels in Granada, the Hotel Granada Center is only 10 minutes away from the old town and has free Wi-Fi, great rooms, and an a la carte restaurant. You’ll also be 10 minutes from the Granada Cathedral! Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Granada, Spain is a must-visit for its long history through various cultures, its incredible culture of flamenco and tapas, and its many neighborhoods in which to get lost. Go for the UNESCO World Heritage combination of the Alhambra, Albaicin, and Generalife, the vibrant “new” city with its many tapas and wine bars, the fabulous shopping, and the mild, temperate climate. This historic city deep in the Sierra Nevada foothills will astound you.

Traveling further in Spain? Then you might be interested in the following posts: How to spend 10 days in Spain One day in Seville Two days in Seville Things to do in Cordoba How to spend one day in Cordoba A 3 day Madrid itinerary How to spend 2 days in Madrid 2 days in Barcelona 2 days in Valencia

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2 Days In Granada: The Perfect Granada Itinerary

Granada is an unprecedented postcard: a monumental Arab fortress, snow-capped mountains, and winding street with whitewashed houses. For starters, the monumental complex of Alhambra and Generalife is the most visited tourist attraction in Spain, which practically says everything.

In the historic neighborhoods of Albayzín and Sacromonte, you’ll find restaurants serving delicacies from the Andalusian region and houses specializing in flamenco music and dance. Meanwhile, you can visit various religious monuments in the historic center, including the place where the Catholic Monarchs are buried.

In Granada, you can also take a walk in the typical markets from southern Spain, with strong Muslim inspiration. Converted into busy streets of shops and tents, they sell almost everything, from handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry to books and spices.

So, do you want to know more about 2 Days In Granada: The Perfect Granada Itinerary? Keep reading!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Please read my  disclosure & privacy policy  for more information.

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Alhambra and Generalife

Brief history of granada.

Granada is located in the foothills of one of Spain’s best-known mountains: the Sierra Nevada. Populated since prehistoric times, this city saw the passage of several native tribes, before being conquered by the Romans.

The new submission to Rome led the emperor Julius Caesar to give the place the name of Municipium Florentinum Iliberitanum. This was integrated into the Roman province of Hispania Ulterior and, later, in Hispania Baetica. As far as is known, “Florentia” (or “Ilíberis”) was quite important between the 1st and 3rd century AD, but it began to decay in the following centuries.

During the 8th century, the Muslims invaded the Iberian Peninsula and, eventually, the area that corresponds to today’s Granada. In fact, it was exactly in 1013 that the Zirids – a people from North Africa – founded the new Medina Garnata.

From that moment, the city of Granada developed over three historical periods, marked by the Zirid, Berber, and Nasrid dynasties. The latter was undoubtedly the most important of all and responsible for the construction of the Alhambra and Generalife complex .

Thus, Granada assumed itself as the capital of the homonymous Nasrid kingdom and was the last Muslim city to surrender to Castile, already in 1492. The Catholic Monarchs (Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon) were the main ones responsible for the extinction of the Muslim domain over Spain.

Visiting Granada

If you decide to spend several days in southern Spain, then you should consider a road trip through Andalusia. After all, Granada is less than 140km away from Malaga and about 250 km away from Seville, which makes it a perfect stop!

However, any of these three destinations is perfectly compatible with public transportation, both buses, and trains. For example, I visited Granada from Madrid and traveled on the AVE , a high-speed train that takes 3:15-3:20 minutes, approximately.

Therefore, the city of Granada is perfectly visitable in two days, but if you can extend your stay, you won’t regret it! There are many places to visit and tapas to taste, plus the Alhambra and Generalife should be enjoyed for an entire day.

Granada Itinerary – Day 1

The Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación de Granada is one of the monuments that best represent the Spanish Renaissance. It was designed by the architect Diego de Siloé, who is also responsible for the design of the Royal Monastery of Saint Jerome of Granada.

Like other Catholic temples in Andalusia, the Granada Cathedral was built on the site of a mosque, after the city was reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs. In spite of everything, the works lasted for 181 years, from 1523 to 1704!

The Cathedral has an imposing facade, with three arches and reliefs of religious figures, made by Alonso Cano at the beginning of the 17th century. Inside, there are fifteen chapels with works by local artists and other treasures from the diocese. But the most important is the Mayor Chapel, of breathtaking beauty!

The Granada Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6:30 pm, and on Sundays and liturgical holidays, from 3 pm to 5:45 pm. In this sense, the monument closes only two days per year: January 1st and December 25th. Normally, admission costs €5 for people over 13 years old (or €3.5 for students), except on Sundays, when it’s free. To do this, you must book a ticket in advance through the website of the Archbishopric of Granada . Audio guides are included, in addition to being available in more than ten different languages.

Royal Chapel

The Capilla Real de Granada is a funerary monument in Gothic style, built between 1505 and 1517 and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. The chapel was built at the request of the Catholic Monarchs, shortly after choosing Granada as their final resting place. Consequently, it’s possible to admire relics donated by the Spanish monarchs in the interior: paintings, tapestries, books, vestments, etc.

The Royal Chapel of Granada operates from Monday to Saturday, from 10:15 am to 6:30 pm, and on Sundays and liturgical holidays, from 11 am to 6 pm. In this sense, the monument closes only three days per year: January 1st, Good Friday, and December 25th. Normally, admission costs €5 for people over 13 years old (or €3.5 for students), except on Wednesdays from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, when it’s free. To do this, you must book a ticket in advance through the website of the Archbishopric of Granada . Audio guides are included, in addition to being available in more than ten different languages.

A few meters from the Cathedral, you’ll find one of the most unique areas of the city: the Alcaicería. This former Arab silk market (souk) is today a labyrinth of narrow streets, albeit full of varied shops.

During the Nasrid period, the Alcaicería was very popular, mainly for the trade of fabrics, gold, sugar, cocoa, and spices. More than 200 stores have kept their activity for several centuries in this tight bazaar. However, a fire at a match shop destroyed the souk in the early 19th century, forcing its total reconstruction.

The place is perfect for buying a souvenir from Andalusia, as typical Arab handicrafts are sold here. Just to illustrate, there are objects worked in wood, leather bags and accessories, colored glass lamps, and the famous Fajalauza pottery.

Royal Monastery of Saint Jerome

The Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo de Granada is a work from the Renaissance period that includes not only a monastery, but also a church. The Christian monastery was founded in the neighboring municipality of Santa Fe, before being transferred to Granada in 1504.

As I mentioned in the description of the Granada Cathedral, the construction of the Royal Monastery of Saint Jerome was in charge of Diego de Saloé. Inside the Church of Saint Jerome, Mayor Chapel has one of the most important altarpieces of the Mannerist period in Spain. In the same place, you’ll still find the tomb of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdova, the famous Gran Capitán.

The Royal Monastery of Saint Jerome is open every day, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 7:30 pm (March to August). During the low season (September to February), only the afternoon schedule changes: from 3 pm to 6:30 pm.

Entry costs €4 and is free for children under 10 years old. There are also guided tours on Sundays for €7 and a daily mass at 9 am (except on Sundays, which is at 10 am). On September 30th – St. Jerome’s Day – a special mass is celebrated at 11 am.

To visit the historic neighborhood of Albayzín, you’ll pass through the Carrera del Darro, one of the most beautiful and pleasant areas in the city. This pedestrian street next to the Darro River has lots of shops and restaurants, Arab-style houses, and tourist buildings like El Bañuelo, an ancient Turkish bath.

Once in Albayzín, you must go to the Mirador de San Nicolás, the most popular in the whole city and with incredible views over the Alhambra. There are also other very interesting buildings in the vicinity, mainly religious temples and other viewpoints.

In my blog post “How To Visit The Alhambra Of Granada” , I explain in detail the beauty of this historic neighborhood, which was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1994 (ten years after the Alhambra and Generalife complex)!

After the reconquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs, the Albayzín neighborhood was practically empty without the Muslim and Jewish populations. Even so, in the first decades of the 16th century, the establishment of gypsies was allowed in the most remote part of the neighborhood.

This area became known as Sacromonte, since people built houses on stones, originating the famous “caves”. In short, a community of humble and bohemian people was formed, whose legacy you can visit at the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte . If you want a wonderful view not only of Sacromonte but also of the Alhambra and Albayzín, visit the Abadía del Sacromonte !

Granada Itinerary – Day 2

For the second day in Granada, nothing better than spending it in the Alhambra , the architectural marvel of the city. Did you know that this monumental complex has some of the best-preserved Islamic constructions in the world?

I wrote a complete blog post about the monument, so you can get to know in detail the Nasrid palaces, the gardens, and the fortress. The Alhambra and Generalife complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and is one of the most unbelievable places I have ever visited!

Map of the Granada Itinerary

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Granada in two days

Typical Granada tapas and a visit to the cathedral

As it will already be an ideal time for lunch, join in on the Granada custom of going from bar to bar to enjoy the variety of tapas (hot or cold appetisers) that are usually served as a courtesy to accompany your drinks. You will discover popular flavors such as 'potato crumbs' with engañifa and egg, tripe, beans with ham, 'poor man's potatoes', pescaíto frito (fried fish) or typical cured meats, sausages and cheeses.  You can go for tapas around the Romanilla and Pescadería squares since they are very close to your next destination: the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel of Granada , where the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs is located. The Renaissance-era dome of the religious monument, its baroque façade and its altarpieces and paintings are a can't-miss. Plus, its uninterrupted visiting hours will allow you to set aside the rest of the afternoon to head along the Carrera del Darro towards one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city.

Sunset in Albaicín

Before getting lost among its narrow cobbled streets, squares and white houses, make a stop at the House of Zafra . It is a Nasrid construction from the 14th century and is currently home to the Albaicín Interpretation Centre. There, through illustrations and interactive panels, you can learn about the history of this neighborhood which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Taking in the panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada, the Generalife and the Alhambra from a viewpoint is a tradition all its own. The most famous and most popular place for a sunset is San Nicolás, but in the Albaicín, you have other options such as the nearby viewpoint in the gardens of the Granada Mosque or the San Cristóbal viewpoint, a few streets further up. You can bid the day farewell by buying some souvenirs and having dinner on Elvira Street, which marks the perimeter of the Albaicín . You will find a curious multicultural blend of dishes, with restaurants mainly serving local cuisine and Arabic cuisine.

To really maximise your second day in Granada, we recommend: getting closer to the creative universe of Lorca and then relaxing in a hammam before you enjoy live flamenco at the Sacromonte. 

Lorca's granada.

You are in the homeland of one of the literary geniuses of the 20th century, so we recommend you start the day with the Lorca route that leads you through the city of Granada. It begins in the Federico García Lorca House Museum in Huerta de San Vicente, the place where he worked on writings such as Yerma , Blood Wedding and Gypsy Ballads . The itinerary also includes the Federico García Lorca Centre, a cultural institution dedicated to the dissemination of Lorca's literary works; the old El Rinconcillo gathering, which today is part of the Chikito restaurant; the Manuel de Falla House Museum, home of the composer and great friend of the poet; and the Plaza de los Aljibes de la Alhambra.

Gastronomic delights and relaxing in a hammam

It's time to eat, and surely you still have yet to try delicious dishes such as zalamandroña , a vegetable and cod salad typical of Granada, eggplants with honey, Sacromonte tortilla and Granada remojón . After a day and a half of pleasant but intense tours of the city, it's likely that your body will need a plan to relax and unwind. Naturally, the mark of Granada's Andalusian past is still alive in one of the healthiest customs of the time, the hammams, or Arab baths.  The Al-Andalus baths, next to the famous Paseo de los Tristes; the Al-Haram baths, in the historic centre; the Elvira baths or the Comares Palace baths are some options where you can book in advance, relax and travel back in time through their exquisite decoration. 

Afternoon-evening of flamenco in Sacromonte

After the baths, you will be in good shape to head towards Sacromonte, another of the essential neighborhoods of Granada. You have the option of walking for about 30 minutes or taking a bus from Plaza Nueva to the Abadía del Sacromonte, a temple from the late 16th century with an interesting permanent exhibition that includes a painting by Goya. The next recommendation is to visit the Sacromonte Visitor Centre , an ethnographic museum that recreates the living conditions and traditional trades of the former inhabitants.  To round it all off, don't hesitate to choose one of the emblematic caves where you can enjoy the duende , or spirit, of live flamenco while you dine. Some of the most authentic shows are the zambras , where a gypsy wedding is staged in a circle, creating an emotional closeness with the audience. It has only been 48 hours, but you surely already 'keep Granada in your heart'.

What to see

Places not to be missed

The Generalife

Royal Chapel

The Alhambra

Granada Cathedral

The Albaicín Neighbourhood

House of Zafra

Sacromonte Visitor Centre

Tips and recommendations

Have you got more time?

If you have the opportunity to extend your stay longer, don't think twice. Granada has cultural spaces you can visit at a leisurely pace, such as the Alhambra Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, both located in the Palace of Charles V. You also have the option of purchasing the 'Monumentos Andalusíes' ticket to visit El Bañuelo (one of the oldest and best-preserved Arab baths in Spain), the Palace of Har al Horra, the Corral del Carbón, the Maristán and the Casa Horno de Oro. Also, if you want to travel on specific dates to see unique shows, take note. Between June and July, you have the Granada International Music and Dance Festival , and between July and August is the Granada Guitar Festival. The performances take place in emblematic locations of the city, from small cármenes – typical houses of Granada – to great icons such as the Palacio de los Córdova or the gardens of the Generalife. Find more information about how to get to and get around the city.

Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.

2 Days in Granada: Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary

2 Days in Granada: what to do and see?

Do you want to go to  Granada for a weekend and  see as many things as possible?

You are in the right place!

To help you  prepare your stay easily , I have organized  an itinerary for you to visit Granada for 2 days.

I will first give you  my tips for not queuing  in front of the tourist sites and I will continue with  my detailed program for two days. 

Finally, I have also selected  the best hotels in Granada  according to your budget.

With my tips, you are sure to  make the most of your weekend in Granada!

So  where to go and what to do in Granada? 

Table of Contents

My tips for not queuing in Granada

Granada is one of  the most touristic cities in  Spain , along with  Seville ,  Madrid ,  Barcelona .

And if there is one  monument in Granada that is taken by storm  as soon as it opens and where the queue can get endlessly long,  it is the Alhambra.

Because it is very likely that if you have planned a  visit to Granada in 2 days  during your  itinerary in Andalusia , it is especially to  visit this fabulous palace!  And you can imagine that you will not be the only one to have had this idea…

Fortunately,  by buying one of the city passes or skip-the-line tickets , you will benefit from  priority access  and will thus be able to  optimize your weekend in Granada.

I explain how to do it below:

1. Le city pass de Grenade: Granada Card

First solution  to save as much time as possible on this  2-day trip to Granada  and enjoy entry to the Alhambra:  buy the Granada pass or Granada Card.

If I suggest it to you, it’s because it’s simply  the best pass to visit Granada in 2 days  since it includes  access to all the most famous sites in the city without waiting!

With your Granada Card you can visit:

• The entire Alhambra complex:  the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba and the Generalife
• The royal chapel
• Sacromonte Abbey
• Cartuja Monastery and San Jeronimo Monastery
• The museums:   the science park museum, the archaeological museum, the museum of fine arts.

And that’s not all, this  Granada city pass also includes:

• A guided tour  of the 2 main areas of the city: the Albaicin and the Sacromonte
• Tickets for local buses.

On the practical side, once you have reserved your Granada pass, you will receive  a confirmation email serving as a voucher.  You will need  to present this email to collect your Granada Card  (the address will be communicated to you in the email).

Buy your Granada pass now  for your  2-day stay in Granada by clicking on the link below: Book my Granada pass now!

2. Andalusia pass

If you are planning to take a  trip to Andalusia  and before or after this  2-day tour of Granada , you want to  see Seville and  Cordoba , the Andalusia pass may also be of interest to you.

It integrates:

• A skip-the-line entrance ticket to the Alhambra   in Granada and the Nasrid Palaces
• A priority access ticket for the Alcazar of Seville
• Guided tour of the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba
• An audio guide  of Granada and Seville.

This  pass is 100% digital , which means that once you have  reserved it by clicking on the link below , you will receive all your tickets directly  by email.

All you have to  do is present them on your smartphone  at the entrance to the 3 sites.

Book your Andalusia pass  by clicking here: Buy my Andalusia Pass now!

If you are interested in this pass, I also recommend that you read my  ideas for itineraries to visit Andalusia  according to the duration right here:

• Itinerary: A week in Andalusia

3. Skip-the-line tickets to Granada tourist attractions

You do not want  to take a pass to visit Granada in 48 hours?

No problem, you always have the option of  reserving skip-the-line tickets on a case-by-case basis , only for the sites that correspond to your centers of interest.

You will also have  the choice between guided tours and several typical activities  to do in 2 days in Granada, such as attending a flamenco show or participating in a tasting of Spanish products.

To  book the right tickets  for your Granada in 2 days tour program and access all the details, you just have to  click on the links in orange below:

• Alhambra Skip-the-Line Ticket Including Nasrid Palaces   + Generalife + Alcazaba
• Guided tour in French of the Alhambra complex
• Albaicin and Sacromonte Guided Tour
• Ticket to the Cuevas del Sacromonte Museum
• Guided tour of the cathedral and the royal chapel
• Flamenco show at Zoraya Garden
• Flamenco show in La Alborea
• Flamenco show at Casa del Arte
• Session at Hammam Al Andalus
• Granada Guided Food Tour

2 days in Granada: the best itinerary

Following these useful tips for organizing your trip, I suggest you continue with  my 2-day itinerary in Granada.

The schedule I have established  is based on 2 full days  and requires at least that you have  taken skip-the-line tickets / a pass  to visit the Alhambra so as not to waste time.

If you need, I remain available to answer your questions or help you plan your stay. Just ask me in the comments section.

So what to visit in Granada?

Day 1: The essentials

The visits of day 1:

A. L’Alhambra de Grenade B. Le Sacromonte C. L’Albaicin D. Le Mirador de San Nicolas E. Flamenco Spectacle

A. L’Alhambra de Grenade

Nothing better to  start your 2-day Granada tour  than  visiting the Alhambra , one of Spain’s most famous tourist sites.

I would like to point out that this visit will only be possible  if you have reserved your tickets in advance . There is a  quota of authorized visitors each day  and the places are often all sold out weeks before.

Even if you go there at the opening, you have a 99.9% chance of not getting tickets without prior reservation.

To be able to  visit the Alhambra during your weekend in Granada , you must therefore  have booked one of the following tickets:

• The Granada Pass / Granada Card  I told you about
• The Andalusia pass  that I have also already mentioned
• An Alhambra skip-the-line ticket with visit to the Nasrid Palaces included
• A guided tour of the Alhambra in French (click here!) . This visit is so good that it is guaranteed satisfaction or your money back!

You will thus have the chance to discover this  sumptuous palatial complex , now listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The visit includes:

• The famous Nasrid palaces  consisting of the  Mexuar , the  palace of Comares  and the  palaces of the lions  where you can visit several rooms and courtyards.
• The Alcazaba:  this military fortress is the oldest part of the Alhambra
• The Generalife  and its magnificent gardens with fountains.

B. The Sacromonte

I then advise you to continue with a  walk in the Sacromonte district  to see  the troglodyte houses of this former gypsy district. 

Some of  these “cuevas”  as they are called in Spanish, are now  used as flamenco performance halls  (activity planned for the end of the day!).

If you want to learn more about  the history of the neighborhood and learn about its traditions,  I recommend you visit:

• The Cuevas del Sacromonte museum. The ticket can be purchased here!
• The Abbey of Sacromonte and its catacombs , entry to which is included in the Granada Card.

For those who have taken  the Granada pass , you also have the right to a  guided tour of the Sacromonte  (and the Albaicin). Reservation information will be sent to you after you have purchased your pass.

If you do  n’t have the pass , you can also  book this guided tour  by clicking directly on the link below: Book my guided tour in Granada now!

C. The Albayzin district

Right next to the Sacromonte is  the other neighborhood to see  on this 2-day trip to Granada,  that of the Albaicin.

With its  whitewashed houses , its  cobbled streets , I found it very  authentic and picturesque.

Not to mention that Albaicin being  the old Arab quarter  of Granada, you will also find many  small shops  selling dried fruits and spices in particular,  like a souk. 

If you like history, the guided tour of Sacromonte also includes the discovery of Albaicin.

D. The viewpoint of San Nicolas

Impossible to  visit Granada in 2 days  without passing at least once by  one of the city’s watchtowers.

Since you are  in the Albaicin district,  I recommend that you go to  the San Nicolas viewpoint.

It is located  in Plaza de San Nicolas  and offers a  magnificent view of Granada and the Alhambra.  If the weather is clear, you can even  see the Sierra Nevada.

The best time to get to the viewpoint and  take the most beautiful photos is at sunset  (check the time depending on the season you have decided to spend 48 hours in Granada).

E. Flamenco evening in Granada

And that’s it for the sites to see on this first day of your  2-day stay in Granada.

But it’s not over since  the evening promises to be very typical  also with  a flamenco show , an art that could not be more Spanish and which would also  originate from Granada.

I particularly recommend  2 places:

• La Alborea  for a  one-hour traditional show in the purest Andalusian tradition: Book my flamenco evening in Granada now!
• Les jardines de Zoraya  where you can, in addition to the show, enjoy a good 3-course meal:

Day 2: What to do and see?

The visits of day 2:

A. Basilica of San Juan de Dios B. Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel C. Bib Rambla Square / Alcaiceria Market D. Arab Baths E. Hammam Al Andalus F. San Cristobal Viewpoint

A. The Basilica of Saint John of God

Today you continue this  two-day itinerary in Granada  starting with a  visit to the Basilica of San Juan de Dios.

Don’t be fooled by its rather sober exterior,  the Baroque-style interior  is  richly decorated  with numerous sculptures and paintings. And above all, many of the  pillars, walls and ceilings are covered in gold.

In addition to all that glitters, you can also  admire a magnificent altar and great organs.

It may come as a surprise and you have to admit that it’s still a bit “busy” but it  ‘s a must see in 48 hours in Granada!

To  light up the interior of the Basilica  and take advantage of the play of light on the gilding, you can  put 1€ in the box  located next to the altar (if someone hasn’t already done so before you).

If you have the Granada Pass, you can then pass through the Monastery of San Jeronimo, located right next to the Basilica. Admission is free with the pass.

B. Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel

We stay in the religious domain by continuing this  2-day visit to Granada by the cathedral  of Granada.

It is  less than a 10-minute walk  from the basilica and  admission is included with the Granada Card. 

Built  from the 16th century  and finished  200 years  later, it is  dedicated to the Virgin of the Incarnation . Presenting a mixture of  Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance style , inside you can  discover the chapels and the organs.

Adjoining the cathedral, you must also  visit the royal chapel  where  the tombs of certain kings are located. 

The Granada Pass also includes access to the Royal Chapel.

You will have an audio guide for the visit but if you want complete information, you can also opt for a combined cathedral + chapel guided tour.  To book by clicking here!

C. The place of Bib Rambla / Le marché Alcaiceria

For the 3rd stage of this itinerary with all the things to see in Granada in 2 days, head  to Bib Rambla square.

It will then be time to indulge in a bit of  shopping in the lively streets  lined with shops surrounding the square. You will also find  many cafes  to take a short break.

If you want to  bring back some souvenirs  from your trip to Andalusia, I also advise you to  go through the Alcaiceria market  which is in fact  the Grand Bazaar of Granada.

You will find all the classic panoply: magnets, keychains, t-shirts, but also beautiful ceramics or colored glass lamps (perhaps a little more complicated to transport, I admit!).

D. Arab baths

If you are interested in history, you can  visit the Arab baths or “El Banuelo” . This set comprising 3 rooms is  the best preserved in Andalusia.

Dating from the  11th century,  they are also  the oldest . There are still very few Arab baths as most, considered places of debauchery, were destroyed when the Christians regained power.

The visit only takes about ten minutes.

E. Hammam El Andalus

After visiting the “old-fashioned” Arab baths, you may have made you want to enjoy a  moment of rest and relaxation , but in a modern version!

So I suggest you go to the  Hammam El Andalus , which is also only  2 minutes walk from El Banuelo.

You can  bask in the hot and cold baths as well as the steam one.  All while alternating with short passages through the rest room where you will be  served (all you can eat!) an excellent mint tea. 

By booking with the link below , you can also  add a massage: Book my session at Hammam Al Andalus now!

I think it’s also a good idea of ​​activity if you have decided to  spend 2 days in Granada as a couple.

F. The viewpoint of San Cristobal

To enjoy a  beautiful view of Granada  one last time , end the day at  the San Cristobal viewpoint  before going to dinner.

And here I gave you all   my advice for visiting Granada in 2 days!   Spend one last night at the hotel before taking your return flight the next day.

Where to sleep in Granada

And since I am talking about your hotel, it is still important to know  where you are going to sleep during these 48 hours in Granada.

Of course it’s useful to find out  how to visit Granada in 2 days,  but it’s even better to also have  advice on the best hotels.

I have therefore prepared a small  selection of establishments for you,  ranging from youth hostels to 5* hotels, which offer  a good price/performance ratio  depending on your budget.

To access the exact rates corresponding to the period of your holiday in Granada, simply  click on the names of the hotels in orange just below.

The best hotels are quickly full, I suggest you  book as soon as possible!

So,  where to sleep for a weekend in Granada?

• Toc Hostel Granada:   Hostel located in the center of Granada. Bed in dormitory from 20€ per night, breakfast at 7€. Most: the situation, the really nice staff, the modernity of the place.  An excellent choice where to sleep cheap in Granada!
• Hotel Universal:   Located 400 meters from the Cathedral and 700 meters from the Albayzin district. Comfortable and clean double room from 65€ per night, breakfast included. Most: the friendly staff, the location in the city center, the proximity of shops and restaurants.  Excellent value for money for this hotel in Granada!
• Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites:   Located on Gran Via Avenue, 200 meters from the Cathedral. Design and modern room from 100€ per night, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool on the roof, the design of the rooms, the hearty breakfast.
• Alhambra Palace:   This 5-star hotel is located 10 minutes walk from the Alhambra or the Albaicin, next to the Carmen de los Martires garden. Spacious and warm room from €200, breakfast at €19. The pluses: the hotel’s Moorish-inspired decoration, the superb view of the Alhambra from the terrace, the comfort.  This is our choice for a romantic weekend in Granada.
• Parador de Granada:   This luxurious hotel is located within the very walls of the Alhambra! Rooms have a mix of modern and old features, from €420, breakfast €21. The pluses: the exceptional location, the setting, the availability of the staff, the restaurant with a view of the Generalife.  This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Granada!

2 days in Granada with the family

Is this   2 day Granada tour   suitable for a   family stay?

Well yes,   no problem   following this   itinerary in Granada with children.

If you want to please them, you can also take them to  visit the Science Park,  a huge space with a planetarium, an observatory but also a botanical garden.

Access to the museum is  included in the Granada Card.

Map of your 2-day Granada itinerary

To help you visualize your   itineraries during these 2 days in Granada,   I made you a map listing the   places to visit day by day . You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow. You will then be able to view the routes for each day.

Need help planning your 2-day Granada itinerary? Do not hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments.

Are you going to Andalusia? Also read

• What to do in Andalusia?  The Top 20 places to see in this region of Spain
• Malaga Itinerary: 2 Days Itinerary With Map
• Cordoba: Top 15 things to do
• Ronda: Top 10 things to see
• Seville: Top 15 Things to Do and See

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The Perfect 2 Days in Granada Itinerary

Home of one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Granada is the perfect destination for a city trip. As a cross-road of cultures, Granada has an amazing Moorish heritage, a vibrating Flamenco culture, and that perfect laid-back Andalusian atmosphere. Although 2 days in Granada could never be sufficient to explore the city properly, you can see the most important attractions and get a glimpse of the rich Andalusian culture. This 2-day itinerary of Granada, will be perfect for you, if you are visiting the city on a weekend or if Granada is a stop on your road trip in Southern Spain.

How many days to spend in Granada?

How to get to and around granada, where to stay in granada, when is the best time to visit granada, day 1 in granada: alhambra, albaicín and flamenco, day 2 in granada: historical centre, granada cathedral, hammam al-andalus, tips for visiting granada for 2 days.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

I’ve visited Granada as a part of a press trip during TBEX 2022 in Marbella, Spain. I spent 2 days in Granada exploring the city and 1 day in Costa Tropical. My stay in Granada was sponsored by the Tourism Board of Andalusia , and included full board and lodging, an entrance to Alhambra, a visit to a Flamenco show, a visit of the Cathedral, a hammam experience, and a walking tour.

This is one of the most difficult questions – how many days to spend at a place. Some will argue that even a lifetime won’t be enough to properly discover a place, but as tourists, we don’t have this luxury.

When visiting Granada, you should spend at least 2 days in this beautiful city. Thus, you will have time to see most of Granada’s highlights, including the stunning Alhambra and the frozen-in-time Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods.

If you want to discover the museums in the city or the surroundings, you will need to plan a longer stay – let’s say between 4 days and a week.

2 days in Granada is the perfect length of stay, if you are city tripping: arriving late on Friday evening, then exploring Granada on Saturday and Sunday, and leaving on late Sunday afternoon. With a full-time job, this is how you can maximize on weekend free time, without taking even any days off work.

Granada is very easy to get to by plane. You can either fly to Granada’s very own international airport, which has limited number of destinations, or to Málaga , which is very well connected internationally. Check for flights to Málaga here . From the airport in Málaga there is a direct bus to Granada and it takes about 2 h 15 min.

Pro tip: Check out on Omio.com for all transportation options (flights, buses or trains) to Granada.

I would strongly advise you against renting a car from Málaga airport and driving to Granada, as you won’t need a car in Granada. Navigating Granada by car is difficult, most of the places are not accessible by car, and finding a parking is almost impossible.

Granada is quite walkable and taxis are pretty much affordable, besides there’s a good public transport network. So, in a nutshell – you won’t need a car in Granada.

If you are like me, doing a ton of research before you choose a place to stay, then finding accommodation in Granada will be overwhelming, especially if you are a first-timer and you don’t know the city.

So, let me help you get on the right track. It all starts with what you want, when you’ll be travelling and what’s your budget.

One of the most popular areas to stay in Granada is the quaint Albaicín . This full of charm neighbourhood in Granada may seem a no-brainer choice, but it comes with a few downsides: slippery cobblestone streets, no door-to-door transportation, as most of the streets are pedestrian only, and lots of climbing involved. Just imagine dragging your 20-kg wheeled suitcase uphill to reach your hotel…

On the other hand, if you travel light, let’s say with just a small backpack, as you are visiting Granada for 2 days, and charm and authenticity is what you are looking for, then staying in Albaicín would be the perfect choice for you! So, go ahead and click on the button below to see the best hotels in Albaicín:

The best place to stay in Granada, however, is the city centre ( El Centro ). All bars and restaurants, as well as tourist attractions, are within a walking distance, but what’s more important, you can easily get to and from your hotel by public transport or a taxi.

When I visited Granada, I stayed at Eurostars Puerta Real , a 4-star hotel, located right in the heart of the city. Besides the perfect location, the rooms were quite spacious and decorated stylishly in the colors of Alhambra. They served a lovely continental breakfast with a touch of Andalusian cuisine at the hotel and offered a late check-out, which was perfect, as I had a late-afternoon flight from Málaga.

Check here the reviews on Tripadvisor for this hotel!

I wouldn’t recommend visiting Granada in the summer, unless you enjoy scorching heat. The best time would be in May or early June, when the spring is in full swing and all the flowers are in bloom. As it never gets too cold in Granada, visiting Granada in the winter can be also a good idea.

I visited Granada in early June and right then the city was struggling with a heat wave. Temperatures were above 40 degrees Celsius / 100 degrees Fahrenheit and you could barely walk outside around 5 o’clock.

How to spend 2 days in Granada?

This 2-day itinerary in Granada will take you along the most famous attractions in Granada. You won’t be able to see everything, but I promise you, these 2 days in Granada will be enough to make you fall in love with the city!

Summary of DAY 1 Morning: The Alhambra , Museum of the Alhambra , The Fine Arts Museum of Granada Lunch: Paseo de los Tristes Afternoon: Albaicín Dinner: Sacromonte Evening: Flamenco Show in Sacromonte

One of the main reasons why people visit Granada is, of course, the majestic Alhambra . This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of tourists each year and for a reason. Alhambra is a complex of forts and palaces and was built in the 13 th -14 th century. In those days Granada was part of Al-Andalus , the Islamic state on the territory of today’s Spain and Portugal, which existed until the end of the 15 th century.

Start the day with exploring this marvel of the Islamic architecture and wander from one palace to the other, discovering the perfect symmetry of the spaces, the mathematical precision of the tile work, the amazing color combinations, the intricate decorations, the elaborate water supply system.

The whole complex consists of the Alcazaba fortress , the Nasrid palaces ( Casa Real Vieja ), and Generalife , which used to be the summer villa of the Nasrids . The gardens of Generalife are a real eye-candy.

I highly recommend visiting Alhambra in the morning. However, as you need to buy tickets in advance with a reserved time slot, it may turn out that there are no tickets available for the morning. Then, you can rearrange your day accordingly, and choose to first visit the museums.

Check here time slots and availability for Alhambra:

After visiting Alhambra, it’s time for the Palace of Charles V . Built on the same Sabika hill as a juxtaposition to the Nasrid palaces, this 16 th -century Renaissance palace houses today the Alhambra Museum and the Fine Arts Museum of Granada . Quite interestingly, the palace of Charles V had never been properly finished until 1967, when the building finally got its roof.

In the Alhambra Museum you can find not only artifacts from the Alhambra palace, but also other objects and furnishings from the Nasrid period. The museum is the perfect place to learn about the Moorish period of Spain and to see beautiful examples of Islamic art.

The Fine Arts Museum of Granada , housed on the upper floor of the Palace of Charles V, on the other hand, focuses on the Christian art originating from Granada in the period 16 th – 20 th century.

For lunch, I suggest that you walk down from Alhambra to Paseo de los Tristes via Puente del Aljibillo . There are numerous cafes along the river where you can enjoy lunch in the foot of Alhambra. For the ultimate experience, don’t rush the lunch. Spend a couple of hours enjoying your meal with a drink and contemplating the beautiful fortress.

Good to know: Lunch in Spain, especially in Southern Spain, is around 2 pm – 3:30 pm and dinner doesn’t start before 8 pm.

After lunch you may want to go back to your hotel to get a rest and to refresh. However, if your hotel is quite far or you don’t feel like you need a siesta, then head back to the city centre following Carrera del Darro along the river with the same name. You are already wandering the streets of Albaicín – the historical neighbourhood of Granada that together with Alhambra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can stop at the lovely Church of St. Peter and St. Paul ( Iglesia de san Pedro y san Pablo ) and El Bañuelo – an 11th-century bathhouse ( hammam ) from the Moorish Period. Then continue to the square Plaza Nueva with the fountain Pilar del Toro and the Church of Santa Ana ( Iglesia de Santa Ana ).

Afterwards get lost in the maze of streets that is Albaicín , heading uphill to Mirador de San Nicolás . Try to be there at sunset for the most stunning views of Alhambra and the city of Granada. This small square is bustling with people and the vibe is amazing, as is the view. Behind the square is the Church of St. Nicholas ( Iglesia de San Nicolás ). For even more spectacular views, you can climb the church tower.

After Albaicín head to Sacromonte , another emblematic neighbourhood in Granada. Sacromonte is known for the troglodyte dwellings , or cave houses, and the flamenco . Sacromonte is the neghbourhood where the gitano subculture developed, mixed with Jewish and Muslim roots. The three ethnicities were marginalized and expelled outside of the city walls and settled on the Valparaíso hillside following the Reconquista of Granada in 1492.

There is no better place to see a flamenco show than in one of the caves in Sacromonte. You can’t get closer to the the roots of flamenco and to what flamenco stands for than witnessing one of these explosions of passion, music and dance.

Fun fact: In 2010 flamenco was added by UNESCO to the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

Most of the caves serve dinner before the flamenco show, and afterwards you can get some drinks. So that’s gonna be the perfect ending of the evening. I’ve visited Cueva de la Rocío and had the most amazing time.

Summary of DAY 2 Morning: Puerta Real, Historical Centre, Alcaicería Lunch: Bib-Rambla Square Afternoon: Granada Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Calderería Nueva Dinner: anywhere in the city Evening: Hammam Al-Andalus

Start the day with a breakfast in one of Granada’s many lovely cafes and get out and about to explore the city. Granada’s city centre is pretty compact and walkable. Check out Fuente della Batallas on Plaza del Campanillo and head to Puerta Real crossing. Stay on the right side of the Reyes Católicos Avenue and wander the streets until you reach Plaza Isabel La Catolica . On the way you’ll pass by the lovely Town Hall with the square in front of it, and the beautiful Corral del Carbón – a 14th-century caravanserai with a tranquil patio.

Now cross the Reyes Católicos Avenue and head to the Alcaicería – the lively bazaar in the style of the North-African souks. Well, this bazaar was actually a silk market which emerged during the Nasrid period (13th – 15th c.). However, the original market burnt down in a fire in 1843. It was rebuilt later and this is how we know it today.

When you get out of the Alcaicería it will be time for lunch. So, head to the lovely Square of Bib-Rambla ( Plaza de Bib Rambla / Bibarrambla ), where you can get lunch at one of the numerous cafes under the shades of the trees.

Plaza de Bib-Rambla is one of the most important squares of Granada. It’s there where the celebrations took place in the past, and it was also used for bull-fighting. In the middle of the square is the Fountain of the Giants ( La Fuente de los Gigantones ). This 17th century fountain travelled around the city to finally find its place at Plaza de Bib-Rambla in 1940.

After lunch it’s time for the Granada Cathedral ( Catedral de Granada ) and the Royal Chapel ( Capilla Real de Granada ). The Cathedral was built in the 16th century on the place of the main mosque of Granada. At the Royal Chapel are the tombs of Isabella I of Castille and her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon , known together as the Catholic Monarchs .

Fun fact: It was Isabella I who sponsored the trip of Christopher Columbus to the East Indies in 1492, that eventually led to discovering the New World.

Next to the Cathedral is another important building in Granada – the Madrasa of Granada ( Palacio de la Madraza ) – a school founded in 1349 by the Yusuf I. And if you are into abstract art, I can highly recommend visiting Centro José Guerrero , where you can admire some of the works of this Spanish expressionist.

Another lovely place in Granada is Calderería Nueva Street ( Calle Calderería Nueva ). Going uphill towards Albaicín , this quaint narrow street lined up with small artisan shops, and the famous tearooms ( teterías ), will play with your senses, making you think you are walking a street somewhere in Morocco. At the end of the street is the lovely Church of San Gregorio .

For dinner there are many options to choose from: from fine dining to tapas, and to Mediterranean cuisine, and anything in between. Just choose a place that attracts you and give it a go. I mostly don’t research restaurants before I go somewhere. Whenever I happen to be at dinner time, I choose a place there. This means less hassle in terms of getting to a restaurant and thus you can discover amazing places all by a chance.

After dinner, you may choose get drinks at a bar, but I think there’s something else that you’d better do. You can’t visit Granada without this one last thing to do – a visit to a hammam . There’s nothing better than the rejuvenating experience of the hammam combined with a massage to end this two days in Granada full of walking along cobbled streets. I can highly recommend Hammam Al Ándalus , located just behind the Church of Santa Ana.

• If you are visiting Granada in the weekend, it’s better to visit the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel in the afternoon of the 2nd day, as the Cathedral is open only after 14:00 hrs for visitors on Sunday. Buy your Granada Cathedral tickets here .
• Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card when visiting Alhambra! Otherwise you won’t be able to enter the complex.
• As visiting the Nasrid Palaces is with a time slot, book your Alhambra tickets way in advance. Don’t rely on popping up there and buying a ticket. Already booked your Granada trip? Buy your Alhambra ticket here !
• When visiting Granada, just don’t rent a car. You have to trust me on this one.
• Research well before you book a hotel. Most important is to check how you can get there by bus or by taxi. See above my recommendations for the best areas to stay in Granada.
• If you are arriving Friday evening and leaving Sunday afternoon, then I suggest that you do the Flamenco show with dinner on the first evening when you arrive and the hammam experience on Saturday evening. For the rest you can follow the 2-day Granada itinerary as suggested.
• getyourguide.com or viator.com – both websites have an amazing selection of experiences in Granada;
• tiqets.com – a one-stop shop for all your tickets to Granada’s museums and attractions;
• toursbylocals.com – a selection of themed tours in Granada led by locals in small groups, one of the best ways to discover Granada;
• tripadvisor.com – read reviews and get extra ideas about what to see and do in Granada in 2 days.

Read more: How to spend one perfect day in Málaga

About Daniela

The Lithuanian Abroad

Blog about travelling Spain and different destinations in Spain + Moving to Spain resources

BLOG , Granada , Travel Spain · January 15, 2023

Granada in 2 days: the best itinerary with insider tips

Granada will always be one of my favorite cities in Spain. This winter, my boyfriend and I decided to visit and explore Granada in 2 days . And I am so happy we had the chance to do that because Granada just never disappoints. The Alhambra, the tapas, the people, I cannot stop thinking about it.

Granada, being a small city, still has such an incredible atmosphere. All in all, the perfect place for an Andalusia weekend trip . Since it was my boyfriend’s first time in Granada , we also did all the essentials and must-do activities in Granada . And you can find them all in the following blog post. I really made sure to include the best activities and the best things you can do in Granada in 2 days. Make sure to check out the map with all the places saved from this blog post.

So let’s go: Everything you have to do when visiting Granada for 2 days.

Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the free content of this blog post. If you purchase from one of the links I may receive a small commission while the price for you stays the same. This helps me cover the costs of The Lithuanian Abroad. Gracias!

Other blog posts about Granada you have to check out: 

Why you should visit Granada in winter: Granada is a great place to visit in Winter. And this blog post includes the best things to do, what to pack, and other things you have to know. 

Self-guided walking tour for visiting Granada: This blog post includes an itinerary for a self-guided walking tour in Granada. It even comes with an interactive map you can download!

Guide for tipping in Spain: This blog post tells you everything you need to know about Spain’s tipping culture. When to tip and how much you have to tip. And is it obligatory to tip in Spain?

The best places for staying in Granada for 2 days

€€€ Eurostars Gran Vía: That is THE place to stay in Granada if you want to spoil yourself. This hotel really has everything you could ever ask for: charming rooms, a SPA center, and a rooftop bar. A true gem!

€€ Hotel Casa 1800 Granada: This gorgeous hotel is located in a mansion from the 17th century. The interior is absolutely stunning and honestly, looks like a fairytale. The location is perfect, right in the Albaycin. The perfect place for a relaxing stay in Granada. 

€ Hostal Rodri: This place is very affordable and charming. The location is very close to the old town which means that you can reach all monuments on foot. That is probably the best value for the price that you can get!

Map with all places mentioned in this 2-day itinerary for Granada

Granada in 2 days: Day 1

Do a free walking tour in granada.

On the first day of my stay in Granada, we did a free walking tour . It really helped us to understand the historical center of Granada so we already knew where the most important places are. That is why I really do recommend doing a free walking tour on your first day if you want to see as much as possible in Granada in 2 days. 

Walking tours are perfect to see the highlights and most important monuments in Granada in only one afternoon. But how do free walking tours work? Free walking tours do not come with a set price, hence they are free. You will spend a couple of hours with your local guide exploring Granada’s famous places and viewpoints. You can leave your local guide a tip at the end of your tour. And how much you want to tip them is entirely up to you. It usually depends on your budget and on how much you actually liked the tour. 

You can find all free walking tours in Granada here.

… Or go on a self-guided walking tour in Granada

If you prefer, you can also walk around Granada by yourself. Check out this self-guided walking tour itinerary I wrote with Granada’s most important monuments and viewpoints. This walking tour is perfect if you would much rather walk around Granada by yourself and go at your own pace. I made sure to include nice tapas and tea places as well. That way you can always do a break whenever you want. 

You can find my itinerary for a self-guided walking tour in Granada here. (+ an interactive map to download!)

Start your Granada trip with some Churros con Chocolate

Churros con Chocolate (Churros with chocolate) is a very famous snack all over Spain, but especially in Granada. Contrary to popular belief, Spanish people don’t have churros as dessert, but instead as a light afternoon snack or brekfast. If you have never tried them before, now is a perfect time! Churros are like long-fried pastries that are usually served with a heavy chocolate liquid.

There are several places in Granada where you can have Churros con Chocolate. The most famous bars are Café Futbol and Gran Cafe-Bib Rambla. But once you walk around Granada you will see many other bars and restaurants that offer Churros. Make sure to try them!

See the impressive Cathedral of Granada

Granada’s Cathedral is absolutely impressive and one of the most important monuments in town. Like many other Cathedrals in Andalusia, the Cathedral of Granada was built on top of the city’s mosque after Granada was conquested by the Spanish. 

The Cathedral was designed by Spanish architect Alonso Cano and is the fourth largest Cathedral in the world! Now bad for such a small city as Granada. If you get the chance, you should have a look at the interior of the Cathedral of Granada as well. The inside has a gorgeous Renaissance structure with colourful tiles and five main naves.

If you have time, make sure to see the Cathedral from inside. The entry costs 5€

Visit the Royal Chapel right next to the Cathedral

I honestly have to say that I think the Royal Chapel of Granada is very underrated. It is much smaller than the Cathedral and once you see that they charge 6€ to enter you probably debate whether it is really worth it. The Royal Chapel was my and my boyfriend’s bad-weather alternative but in the end, we were so glad we checked it out!

The Royal Chapel of Granada is the final resting place of the Catholic monarchs , Queen Isabella, and King Ferdinand. Apart from them, Joanna of Castile, Philip I of Castile, and an infant Royal are also buried there. But their sarcophagus is not the only thing that is worth seeing here. The whole tomb was made out of Marble in the 16th century and is truly a work of art. You can see the fine lines in the marble, which makes the tomb look almost real. In the Royal Chapel are also many artworks from Spanish artists, an impressive altar, and other artifacts. 

The entrance comes with an included audio guide which really helps understand the history of the Chapel better.

Find the famous Alcaicería market in Granada

The Alcaicería market is a famous Arabic bazaar in the small streets close to the Cathedral of Granada. Its history goes way back to the 15th century.  It was the original Moorish silk market and centuries ago, covered the whole neighboring streets. People were able to buy spices here, tea, and other tradable goods. Nowadays, this area of Granada is very touristy. You can find many souvenir shops here selling gifts, jewelry, and other things related to Granada. 

Make sure to walk by the hidden “Placeta de la Seda” for a small square with beautiful tiles. 

Check out Granada’s famous viewpoints

Mirador san nicholas for amazing views of the alhambra.

The viewpoint “Mirador San Nicholas” is probably the most famous viewpoint in Granada. And rightfully so! This incredible place offers the most amazing views of the Alhambra in Granada with the Sierra Nevada behind it. This view was absolutely mindblowing and one of my favorite places we visited when we were in Granada for 2 days. 

But not only that, Mirador San Nicholas usually also has live music by locals, which really makes this place a highlight in Granada. Especially, during sunset, many people come here to enjoy the music and the views. You can also find people selling souvenirs from Granada there. 

My tip: If you have time make sure to check the Main Mosque “Mezquita Mayor” which is right next to the viewpoint. It’s an absolutely gorgeous place. The views from there are very similar, but you will find fewer people there.

Mirador Placeta de Carvajales

Another impressive viewpoint you have to check out is Mirador Placeta de Carvajales . We visited this beautiful viewpoint in the evening. And if you get the chance to see it at night you absolutely should! The Alhambra is lit up beautifully in the evening and you have the perfect view of it from this place. During the evening, you can find many people admiring the Alhambra from here. The views from here are so picturesque and dreamy! Put it on your Granada bucket list!

Visit this view point in the evening to see the Alhambra beautifully lit!

Hungry? The best tapas places you have to visit in Granada

Oh, you will eat incredibly well in Granada! The best thing is the tapas culture in Granada . Usually, when you order a drink in a bar in Granada you get an appetizer “ Tapa ” with your drink. And these tapas can be quite big! We had all kinds of tapas, from meatballs to calamari, small portions of salads to croquetas or whole sandwiches.

The best tapas bars in town are buena vida, los diamantes, bar avila I, los Manueles, Bar Castañeda. 

Another really nice place for dinner in Granada is the restaurant “Chikito” . This is a famous restaurant that used to be the location of Granada’s poetry events. Nowadays, it is a local restaurant with photos of Spanish celebrities on the wall. What do I love about it? The food we had there had amazing quality, and it’s the perfect place to order some local dishes from Granada. For example, make sure to order a “Remojón Granadino” . 

Make sure to watch a Flamenco Show when visiting Granada for 2 days

If you have never watched a Flamenco performance before now is the best time to do so! Flamenco is an emotional dance with origins in the South of Spain. So, you are in the perfect location to go see an authentic Flamenco Show! I took my mom to one of these shows two years ago, and she still talks about it. I can guarantee, this will be a very unique experience on your Granada trip! 

Flamenco is a dance performed by men and women accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Make sure to check out the impressive gowns the performers wear. Absolutely beautiful! You will be able to see the emotions on their faces, and I have not even spoken about the singing yet. It is incredible.

There are locations places in Granada where you can watch a Flamenco Show.  Here is one of the locations close to the center. I absolutely do recommend a Flamenco Show in the Sacromonte neighborhood (To find out more about it, scroll down!)

And that was our first day of our 2-day Granada itinerary. Let’s contunue with day 2!

Granada in 2 days: Day 2

Let’s start our day at the alhambra, granada’s most important monument.

Of course, when visiting Granada for 2 days, you cannot leave without having seen the Alhambra . The Alhambra is an Islamic Palace from the Nasrid Era of Granada. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and the most important monument in Granada. The Alhambra is full of history, incredible architecture and so many places to explore. If you want to see everything of the Alhambra, you should really dedicate at least 4 hours to it. 

My Tips for visiting the Alhambra in Granada: 

• Book your tickets in advance! You really have to book your tickets in advance as every day only a limited number of people are allowed to enter the Alhambra. You can book your tickets here. (These include the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife!)
• Be more than punctual . When visiting the Nasrid Palaces, you have to arrive at the entrance of the Nasrid Palace ( not the Alhambra entrance!) punctually. You can only enter them up to one hour later than the time indicated on your ticket. From the entrance of the Alhambra, it is a 15min walk there. Then, you’ll still have to queue for around 15min. Keep that in mind and make sure to arrive early.
• Make sure to get an audio tour when visiting the Alhambra. You can get one at the entrance for only 6 €.  It helps you understand the history behind Alhambra so much better. Many other travelers recommended guided tours. If you want to ask questions and learn more about the history of the Alhambra, that could be a good choice. You can book a guided tour here.

Relax at the Hammam Andalus in Granada

The Arab baths in Granada are definitely a unique experience you cannot miss. In case you are tired after walking around in the Alhambra, you could come here to relax and warm up a bit. 

The Hammam Andalus in Granada includes hot, cold, and steam rooms that you can visit and alternate between. Then, you can spend time in one of the pools and at the end, lie down in the relaxation room. Feel free to take as many sessions in this place, and maybe you even feel like getting a message, too? 

You can find more information about the Arab baths in Granada and book your tickets here.

Explore Granada’s tea scene: Grab a tea at tetería El Buñuelo

One of my favorite spots in Granada was tetería el buñuelo, a very authentic teahouse with incredible views of the Alhambra. You will find many interesting tea places in Granada as the city is a big Arab influence in its history. The best thing is that the teahouses in Granada offer incredible high-quality tea. Since we visited Granada in December and it was quite cold, we spend a lot of time drinking tea!

My favorite teahouse was el buñuelo, but you can find many others in Granada as well. Tetería Castillo de Aleppo is another famous tea place. Make sure to visit Calle Elvira if you want to check out more tea spots. 

Visit Sacromonte, Granada’s famous neighborhood

This is an absolutely unique neighborhood in Granada that you have to visit. It is located in the east of Granada if you keep walking up the Albaicín neighborhood. This part of Granada was the area of the Granadian Romani, who came to Granada after the Christian conquest in 1492. Sacromonte is especially known for its picturesque white cave houses. Yes, caves! Back in these times, people used to live in Caves in the mountains. 

By the way, nowadays many of these caves were transformed into accommodations for tourist. You can find one of these here!

If you want to see a lot in Granada in 2 days but don’t have much time to spend in the Sacromonte neighborhood, check out the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte. It is a small museum located in a cave. It shows how the conditions were when people lived in one of these caves in Sacromonte . You can walk through a cave complex and have a look at furniture, ceramics, and other artifacts. 

Many of these caves in Sacromonte offer Flamenco Shows! You can find book a Flamenco Show in Sacromonte here.

End your Granada itinerary at Bohemian Jazz Café for some live music!

The Bohemian Jazz Café is the perfect location to end your 2 day Granada trip. So many people recommended this place that I even visited it on my own when my boyfriend was feeling sick. And I am so glad I did! The Bohemian Jazz Café is a hidden bar with an amazing interior design. There are movie posters on the walls, tons of books on shelves, vintage furniture, and other crazy things. 

But the best part: On some nights this bar in Granada even has live music. When I was there I was lucky to find a man playing jazz music on the piano. This place is a true gem. For drinks, they offer many different options from Gin Tonics, and cocktails to alcohol-free hot chocolates. There will be a perfect option for everyone!

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The best self-guided walking tour in Granada + map to download!

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Is Granada, Spain Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to NEED to Visit

G ranada may not be the first city most travelers think of when considering where to visit Spain (such as Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville ), but Granada really can hold its own to any of those cities in beauty, attractions, and overall charm.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain and trying to decide if Granada is worth visiting, then you’re in the right place! I spent several lovely days in this Andalusian city that is chock full of history, sites to see, and neighborhoods to wander. It was the best of times.

The TL;DR is that I truly can’t recommend Granada enough.

10 Reasons Why Granada Is Worth Visiting

Of course, I can’t just leave you with the punch line! The following are 10 reasons to visit Granada. There’s something for just about everyone in this beautiful Spanish destination.

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1. Visit the Absolutely Gorgeous Alhambra …

Alhambra is an old, fortified city that was first constructed as a military fortress in the 800’s AD. In the 1200’s palaces were built and the entire compound was developed into a small city.

Alhambra is not just any old fortified city, oh no no no. The entire complex is massive, incredibly well-preserved, and has one of the most insanely opulent and intricately designed palaces I’ve ever had the privilege of visiting (and I’ve visited Versailles).

When visiting Alhambra, you can visit the military fortress (somewhat in ruins), the medina (the village area where commoners lived), gardens, and several palaces, but without a doubt, the jewel of Alhambra is the Nasrid Palace.

Most of the pictures in this section are from the Nasrid Palace, which is filled with intricately carved stucco arches, ceilings, walls, and windows, as well as courtyards, private chambers, detailed gardens, and more.

Alhambra was a city, built in 1238, that served as a major seat of power for 150 years. The Nasrid family built it, and at its peak in 14th century, more than 2500 lived in this complex.

Alhambra is the second most visited attraction in Spain and for many people, is the entire reason why they visit Granada. And I have to say, I would agree: Granada is worth a visit just to see Alhambra.

A few tips for visiting: First , you absolutely must buy your tickets online in advance . A limited number of tickets are available for each day, and they will sell out. We actually saw people arrive, trying to buy tickets on site, and they were turned away.

Second , this is a spot where I would highly recommend a guided tour . While I’m generally an “explore on your own” type of girl, we decided to go for the guided tour and it definitely added so much to learn the history and backstory to all the spots in Alhambra. (If you book a guided tour, you do not also need separate entrance tickets)

This top-rated Alhambra tour is excellent – check availability here

Third , you MUST have either your driver’s license or passport on your person when you visit Alhambra – it will get scanned regularly as you tour through the complex. (And a picture of your ID will not suffice.)

2 . …And Its Incredible Gardens

But wait! There’s more! Just outside of the walls of Alhambra is the lovely garden oasis of Generalife (pronounced heneral-ee-fay). This extensive garden was designed to be a retreat for the rulers of Alhambra, and there are many different gardens, groves, and beautiful corners to this sprawling greenspace.

I particularly loved the tall cypress trees, and all the hedges that created walls, arches, and little squares in the gardens. Generalife is best done wandering around at your own pace.

3. Historic White Neighborhoods of Albaicin and Sacromonte

Albaicin and Sacromonte are two neighborhoods that sit on a hill on the north side of Granada, and just north of Alhambra. These quarters are filled with charming, historic whitewashed houses, cypress trees, cobblestoned lanes, great viewpoints, and a lot of history.

Albaicin used to be part of the bigger military fortress citadel in Granada that predates Alhambra, and a section of those city walls are still standing in Albaicin. Sacromonte was inhabited by the Roma people, and also some of the Arabs who remained in the city after its fall.

Sacromonte is of particular interest because many of the homes are troglodyte, meaning they look relatively normal from the outside, but the inside are actually caves built into the sides of the hills.

Both of these neighborhoods are quaint and charming to walk through, and have such interesting history behind them. They are definitely one of the things that makes Granada worth visiting!

Tip : Want to learn more the rich and fascinating history of Albaicin and Sacromonte? This top-rated guided walking tour takes you to many points of interest in the neighborhoods while regalling you with interesting facts, history, and stories.

4. Lots of Beautiful Viewpoints and Sunset Spots

Thanks to the hills and mountains that surround Granada, the city has an abundance of beautiful viewpoints, that are particularly fantastic for sunset. Granada’s landscape is quite fun, in that there are hills surrounding the city and a major hill in the city, where Alhambra is located.

This means from Alhambra, you get great views down and over to the historic and charming neighborhood of Albaicin, and you also get a lot of viewpoints from the hills around the outskirts that look over the city and over to Alhambra perched at the top of the hill.

5. Exceptionally Good Food

As a rule, food in Spain is very good, but its worth noting that everything we ate in Granada was absolutely excellent. We ate a variety of different cuisines and foods, and every meal was delicious.

It’s worth mentioning that because Granada was one of the last Spanish cities re-conquered from the Islamic Moors, Granada continues to have more of a North African influence than many other cities in Spain.

Many restaurants in the city serve Moroccan cuisine (tagine, couscous, skewers, hummus, etc). I can highly recommend Arrayanes, where the skewers were served hanging!

Other good restaurants in city include El Laurel Tavern for hot chocolate and churros, Osso Buco Ristorante for Italian, Heladeria Los Italianos for ice cream, and Vino y Rosas for excellent Spanish home cooking.

6. Close Proximity to Many Other Cities

Granada is a city that’s very close to other cities and destinations in southern Spain, making it very easy to arrive here, or even visit for a day trip (though I’d recommend spending more than just a day here!). Conversely, it’s a good point to base yourself out of for day trips to other locations.

To give some context, Malaga is only 1.5 hours away. Cordoba , Marbella, and the Caminito del Rey are all about 2 hours away. Frigiliana and Jaen are both just 1 hour away.

7. Flamenco Shows in a Cave

Flamenco dancing , the traditional, captivating dance of Spain, is believed to have originated in Granada, in the caves of Sacromonte. The few Arab people who remained after Granada was reconquered by the Christians mingled with the Roma in the caves of Sacromonte.

Flamenco started with these Roma groups. It is generally believed that the first flamenco dancing was heavily influenced by the Arab dances, and then transformed into its own unique style.

Today, there are still caves in the Sacromonte neighborhoods where you can see beautiful, mesmerizing Flamenco dancing. It is pretty incredible to be able to watch Flamenco in one of the original birthplaces of the dance!

I can highly recommend this cave Flamenco show in Granada – sitting in the cave watching the incredible dancers was definitely a highlight of my visit!

8. Resting Place of Ferdinand and Isabella

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were monarchs of Spain in the 1400’s, and are some of the most well-known figures in Spanish history. Their marriage created the unification of Spain (which was previously split between their two kingdoms).

Ferdinand and Isabella were the monarchs who re-conquered Granada, the last holdout of the Islamic Moors in Spain. They are most well-known, however, for being the rulers that sanctioned and funded the explorations of Christopher Columbus.

Ferdinand and Isabella are clearly beloved figures in Spanish history, as there are monuments and locations dedicated to them throughout Spain. Their resting place is located in the Capilla Real, or the Royal Chapel, which is just adjacent to the Granada Cathedral.

This chapel is relatively simple, but the tomb is ornate and magnificent. The coffins themselves are located just underneath the floor, and there is a small set of steps that take you down to see into the chamber. The underground chamber is topped by a magnificent and ornate effigy, decorated with gold, intricate details, and sculptures of the people who lay underneath.

9. Tons of Other Attractions and Sites to Visit

While the Alhambra is the most famous and popular attraction in Granada, don’t think there’s nothing else to do in the city! I was actually pleasantly surprised by how many things there are to do in Granada.

For example, you can visit the Granada Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, or the Cartuja Monastery. The Carmen de Los Martires is a beautiful estate with gorgeous gardens you can walk through (pictured above). The Paseo de Los Tristes is a cute street and pathway along a stream in the city.

The Alcaiceria Market is a really fun street market, with dozens of shops opening to narrow streets. And El Banuelo (below), is a beautiful old bathhouse from Moorish times.

And of course, that’s not counting the viewpoints already mentioned or the historic neighborhoods of Albaicin and Sacromonte that you’ll definitely want to explore.

Suffice it to say, you won’t be bored in Granada.

10. You Can Soak in Luxurious Arabian Hamman Baths

One of my favorite memories in Spain is the hour and a half that we spent soaking in the Hamman Al Andalus luxury baths . This hamman features half a dozen different pools that varied in temperature and size, but are all surrounded by the gorgeous Islamic architecture.

You’ll appreciate the tall ceilings, intricately carved archways, detailed mosaics, and gauzy curtains while soaking in the rejuvenating waters followed by enjoying a 15 minute massage. Honestly, this activity by itself almost makes Granada worth visiting in and of itself.

And in case you were worried, this is not like a traditional Islamic hamman, where people are more or less nude – swimsuits are required here.

Make your reservations for the Hamman Luxury Baths here

So Overall, Is Granada Worth a Visit?

Definitely. There are so many great reasons to visit Granada. It absolutely should be a stop on your Spain itinerary, and will certainly be a city you won’t soon forget.

While you technically could do just a day in Granada and have time to see the Alhambra + Generalife complex plus maybe a couple other sites, I would really recommend 2-3 days here to fully see and experience everything that Granada has to offer.

The post Is Granada, Spain Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to NEED to Visit appeared first on The Unknown Enthusiast .

Trump's hush money trial begins Monday. Here's what to expect.

Donald Trump will become the first former president to stand trial in a criminal case next week — and he'll do so against the backdrop of a presidential campaign in which he's the presumptive Republican nominee.

Jury selection begins Monday in New York City, and the trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.

Here's a look at what you need to know and what's expected to happen.

How long is jury selection expected to last?

Jury selection is expected to last one to two weeks. Starting Monday, prosecutors and lawyers for Trump will seek to whittle a pool of potentially hundreds of people to 12 jurors and six alternates. Each juror will answer 42 questions designed to discern whether they can be impartial about the polarizing former president. Questions include inquiries about what news sources they follow and whether they've ever attended any Trump rallies or protests. The jurors will be anonymous, meaning their identities will be withheld from the public because of security concerns.

A criminal trial involving Trump's company before the same judge in 2022 took a week to select 12 jurors and five alternates.

What is Trump charged with?

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of first-degree falsifying business records, a low-level felony. Trump faces a maximum of four years behind bars if he’s convicted.

What is the prosecution alleging?

Prosecutors allege Trump “repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal criminal conduct that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election.”

At the heart of the case are allegations of various sex scandals that prosecutors say Trump tried to suppress with the help of his lawyer Michael Cohen and top executives in charge of the National Enquirer. In the final days of the election, Cohen paid $130,000 to one of the women, adult film star Stormy Daniels, to keep silent about her claim she'd had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump has denied the allegation.

After he was elected, Trump reimbursed Cohen through a series of checks from his trust that were processed through the Trump Organization and labeled as payments "for legal services rendered" — a claim the DA says was false.

What is Trump’s defense?

Trump has maintained he didn’t do anything wrong, and while he has acknowledged reimbursing Cohen, he has said he didn’t know details about what Cohen was doing.

His lawyers are likely to target Cohen on the witness stand by painting him as a liar who loathes the former president and whose testimony shouldn’t be believed. They’re likely to be aggressive with Daniels, as well, and they’re expected to focus on comments she has made mocking Trump in an effort to portray her as biased and untrustworthy.

Who will testify for the prosecution?

Cohen, who says Trump directed him to make the payment to Daniels, is expected to be a key witness, as is Daniels. Trump's attorneys sought to bar both from testifying, but Judge Juan Merchan gave both the green light to take the stand. Daniels' former attorney Keith Davidson is likely to testify about his negotiations over the payment, a source with direct knowledge of the situation said.

Also expected to testify is Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who said she had an affair with Trump, a claim he denies. She received money from the Enquirer to keep quiet about her allegations in what prosecutors said was part of a "catch and kill" scheme designed to keep a lid on potential Trump scandals.

David Pecker, a Trump ally who was the CEO of Enquirer publisher AMI at the time, is also expected to be called, the source said. Dylan Howard, another former AMI executive involved in the discussions with Trump and Cohen, may also testify.

Former White House communications director Hope Hicks — who prosecutors have said was involved in phone calls among Trump, Cohen and AMI — and former Trump assistant Madeleine Westerhout are also likely to take the stand, the source said.

Jurors are also expected to hear from Jeffrey McConney, the former controller for the Trump Organization, and Deborah Tarasoff, a former accounts payable supervisor at the company, the source said.

Who will testify in Trump's defense?

Court filings show Trump plans to call Bradley A. Smith, a former Federal Election Commission chair who will testify about the FEC and its function, laws it's responsible for enforcing and definitions and terms that relate to the case. The judge ruled he won’t be allowed to offer his opinion about whether Trump's actions violated election law, as Trump had hoped he would.

Trump, who is the only person who can directly rebut some of Cohen's claims, said Friday that he would "absolutely" testify in the trial. He is not required to take the stand.

Will Trump have to be in court every day?

Unlike the New York civil fraud and E. Jean Carroll defamation trials, the DA's case is criminal, so Trump is required to be in court every day to participate in his defense. The trial is off on Wednesdays, but Trump will have to be in court for the four other days of the court week. The trial days are expected to last from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Trump has suggested he might do campaign events at night after having attended court during the day.

How many jurors' votes are needed for a conviction or an acquittal?

To reach a verdict, all 12 jurors must agree on whether Trump is guilty or not guilty of a specific charge.

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

Adam Reiss is a reporter and producer for NBC and MSNBC.

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All of o.j. simpson's children involved in final days before death, o.j. simpson all his kids there for final days ... including sydney & justin.

O.J. Simpson was surrounded by family in the final days before his death, and that includes all of his living children -- yes, even the 2 youngest he had with Nicole Brown Simpson .

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... everyone who came to visit O.J. at his home in the days before he passed had to sign NDAs for his privacy -- that went for friends, family and even medical personnel who were coming into contact with him while he was under hospice care.

We're told on Friday, a medical professional checked on O.J. and notified those around him that he was starting to transition -- and that's when everyone came flocking to his bedside.

It's unclear exactly when his 4 children arrived, but by the end ... they were all there as he died peacefully. The family members included his 2 children with Nicole -- Sydney and Justin -- and his 2 older ones with Marguerite Whitley ... Jason and Arnelle .

It might shock some to hear that Justin and Sydney were in the mix ... as their mother was brutally murdered, allegedly by their father.

While Simpson was acquitted of the murder charges, he was later found civilly liable for Nicole's death and Ron Goldman's. In the aftermath of all that, O.J. raised Justin and Sydney.

They've never spoken publicly about the whole saga, so we don't know how they feel about it. Nor is it clear how close of a relationship they maintained with O.J. in their adulthood. Sydney is now 38, and Justin is 35.

Aside from family members ... we're told dozens of friends went to visit Simpson in his final days. As we reported, his remaining close friends flew in to say their goodbyes.

Our sources say somewhere between 30 to 50 people -- consisting of friends and other family -- saw O.J. in person. They all signed the NDAs, and no phones were allowed in the room with him.

Like we told you, he was in very poor health before dying ... and couldn't talk much. Still, these folks got some face time with him and said their farewells.

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10 Days Until NFL Draft: Packers Get Cooper DeJean in Kiper-Yates ESPN Mock

With 10 days until the NFL Draft, here are the players selected by the Green Bay Packers in the latest mock drafts.

• Author: Bill Huber

In this story:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – In a three-round mock draft put together by ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates , the Green Bay Packers selected Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean in the first round.

In making that pick, Kiper said: “Some teams see him as a safety, but I think he can be a No. 1 corner.”

Corner was DeJean’s position at Iowa. He had three pick-sixes among five interceptions in 2022 and added a couple more interceptions in 2023.

The draft hammered most of Green Bay’s big needs.

Offensive tackle? Kiper picked Houston’s Patrick Paul, a three-year starting left tackle who “might be a first-rounder in most other drafts,” at No. 41. Paul was the 10th offensive tackle off the board.

Linebacker? Yates grabbed NC State’s Payton Wilson, the Butkus Award-winning linebacker with “tremendous tape” but a treacherous injury history, at No. 58. Wilson, who had elite production in 2023 and showed elite athleticism at the Scouting Combine, was the second linebacker off the board.

Safety? Yates selected USC’s Calen Bullock. “Bullock has endless range and would pair with Xavier McKinney to form a new-look, turnover-forcing safety duo in Green Bay,” Yates wrote. Bullock has excellent height (6-foot-2) and speed (4.48 in the 40) but is only 188 pounds. Those facts show up with nine career interceptions but too many missed tackles.

Edge? Kiper went with Washington’s Brennan Jackson, a “crafty pass rusher,” to add necessary depth behind Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness. At 6-foot-4 and 264 pounds, he fits the team’s usual big-guy mold. He had 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for losses in 2023.

PFF (2 Rounds): Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

Sam Monson made the secondary the primary need for the Packers.

In the first-round, the choice was Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, a superior blend of size (6-foot-1 3/8), speed (4.28 in the 40) and production (three interceptions and 25 passes defensed his final two seasons).

“He got better every year in college and allowed a 44.4 passer rating when targeted last season, giving up just 176 yards all year,” Monson wrote.

The Packers have a big hole at safety opposite the big free-agent addition, Xavier McKinney. At No. 41 overall, Monson went with Georgia’s Javon Bullard, who is a hybrid slot-safety, as the second safety off the board in the mock. He plays bigger than his 5-foot-10 1/2, 198-pound frame, as demonstrated by his seven tackles for losses in 2022.

“He’s like a little stick of dynamite,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “He’s physical and he’s passionate about playing the game.”

At No. 58, the choice was Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe. He started at right tackle in 2020, left tackle in 2021 and left guard in 2022 and 2023. He was a consensus first-team All-American as a fifth-year senior.

“Beebe, a prototypical guard who played all over the line at Kansas State, provides Green Bay with an immediate starter,” Monson wrote.

CBS Sports: Washington OL Troy Fautanu

Jared Dubin went with Fautanu, the All-American left tackle who might move to guard because he’s only 6-foot-3 3/4.

“Fautanu's versatility makes him a strong fit for Green Bay, which always shows the willingness to move players around to find the ‘best five’ guys on the line,” Dubin explained.

He was the choice over Duke’s Graham Barton, Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton and Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry.

USA Today: Duke OL Graham Barton

Speaking of Barton, he was the pick by Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz for a similar reason as Dubin picked Fautanu.

“Versatility and stability are Barton's calling cards,” he wrote, “after a career in which he flipped from center to starting left tackle. Now, however, he looks set to slide back to the interior, and the Packers should be drawn to him as they seek additional reinforcements up front.”

Wiggins, DeJean and McKinstry were on the board; DeJean went to Detroit.

Chicago Tribune: Missouri edge Darius Robinson

In Bears beat writer Brad Biggs’ mock , the Packers bypasses cornerback and offensive line in favor of throwing another body at the defensive front.

“The Packers could be in the market for a cornerback here but they have a history of being proactive in building depth on the defensive line,” Biggs wrote. “Robinson is a physical performer who has the versatility to play a couple of spots.”

Robinson had 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for losses as a fifth-year senior. At the Combine, he measured 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds and ran his 40 in 4.95 seconds.

Amarius Mims

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Shawn Johnson Details Emergency Room Visit With 2-Year-Old Son Jett After Fall

Shawn johnson shared that her and husband andrew east’s 2-year-old son ended up in the emergency room after hitting his head april 13..

Shawn Johnson is getting real about her toddler's scary accident. 

The Olympic gymnast recently detailed the frightening mishap that landed her and husband Andrew East 's son Jett , 2, in the emergency room. 

"Well—not the night we had envisioned ha but we are doing good," Shawn wrote in an April 13 Instagram Story, per US Weekly . "Going to have a good little scar from our stitches tonight. Got our eyebrow good."

Alongside her caption, four-time medalist—who also shares children Drew , 4, and Barrett , 4 months with Andrew—took a quick video of her middle child to prove he bounced back quickly. 

"How you doing, Jett?" the 32-year-old asked, to which her son replied, "Good."

The next day, Shawn gave her followers more details on her son's sudden spill. 

"Drew went down and I heard Jett crying, like unusually, and I went straight into his room," she explained in another Instagram Story April 14. "When I opened the door I could just see the blood on his face."

Her Story continued, "I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.' I was like, ‘Andrew! Andrew!' I picked Jett up and I was like, ‘You're OK buddy, you're OK, you're OK.' But I knew immediately, I was like, ‘We're going to the ER.'"

Shawn's son had accidentally hit his head on his metal bed frame in the dark, which she saw through her baby monitor. 

"He was a trooper," she added, saying her son related his injury back to Toy Story . "It sounds worse than it was. He was doing really well. He was saying he was getting stitched up like Woody."

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As a mom of three little ones, Shawn has all but mastered the art of remaining calm amid the chaos—even if she grew up as an only child. 

"Seeing the bond that my kids have already is so special and something different than I'll ever experience," she told E! News last month. "It's just really powerful. So it's worth it."

Since his mom is an Olympic gold medalist, it's no wonder Jett handled his ER visit like a champ. Read on for more on this gold medal-worthy fam. 

Welcome Baby Bear

Shawn and Andrew appear with their third baby, son  Bear , in December 2023.

Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East welcomed their third child on Dec. 12, 2023.

Moment With Daddy

The former NFL player already has a sweet connection with baby No. 3.

Sibling Bonding

The newborn shared a hug with big sister Drew , born in 2019, and brother Jett , born in 2021.

Bear-y Cute

The gymnast captioned this cute shot of her thirdborn with the bear emoji.

Family of Four

Shawn and Andrew, who tied the knot in 2016, posed with Drew and Jett. She captioned the 2022 portrait, "Just the Hulk and his family."

A House Divided

For Halloween 2023, the guys chose their fighters as the girls went for magical vibes.

Taking After Dad

"Well… can’t make this up," Shawn wrote in August 2022. "Little dude has a new favorite toy. Giggles, smiles, won’t put it down."

Red, White and Baby Blue

The fam was ready for fireworks on July 4, 2022. 

Shawn and Andrew relaxed with a swim alongside their kids.

Struttin' Her Stuff

Drew modeled her one-piece swimsuit during a family pool day.

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