Plan Your Trip to Granada: Best of Granada Tourism
Granada, Spain
Essential Granada
Things to do
Food & drink
How to do Granada in 2 days
Where to find the best views in Granada
- The Alhambra43,934For the most sweeping views of Granada, you need to take a trip up to the Alhambra. First of all, its mix of Islamic and Christian architecture makes it one of the most distinctive structures in Spain. But its sky-high location means you’ll get the most incredible view of Granada’s Albayzin neighbourhood. From the walls of the fortress you’ll look down at the white-washed carmens (rustic homes) standing in neat rows.
- Mirador de San Nicolas13,032With its narrow and twisting streets, you won’t want to miss a stroll around the Albayzin. This neighbourhood has a number of miradors that give you great views across to the Alhambra. Personally, I loved the view from Mirador de San Nicolás. Standing here, you begin to understand the massive scale of the Alhambra. I walked up the hill, but you can also take a bus or taxi. Join the crowds for the sunset views!
- Palacio de Santa Ines2,205Close to Carrera del Darro, one of Granada’s oldest streets, Hotel Palacio de Santa Ines has an unbeatable location. Combining two buildings from the 16th century, it blends many of the city’s cultural influences. Rooms have tiled floors, beamed ceilings, and wooden windows that open to catch the breeze. The lobby is in what would have been one of the central courtyards, and you can look up through the glass roof to see the Alhambra.
- Mirador San Miguel Alto115About a 20-minute walk from the Albayzin, Mirador San Miguel Alto is the highest point in all of Granada. It sits so high up that you’ll see over the Alhambra to the more modern parts of the city on the other side. While a bus or taxi can get you close to the viewpoint, you still have to scramble up a steep dirt path. Stay after sunset so you can watch the lights of the city begin to glow.
- Restaurante Carmen El Agua1,233If you’re looking for a special night out, book a table at Carmen El Agua. Located in the Albayzin, this restaurant revs up the romance with tables for two scattered about the open-air terrace. The view, of course, is the Alhambra. The menu, featuring dishes like octopus carpaccio with bits of pistachios, definitely has a wow-factor. It gets busy most evenings, so if you can’t secure a dinner booking, drop by for lunch.
- Hotel Arabeluj465If you don’t mind being a little outside Granada, the Moorish-style Hotel Arabeluj is the perfect place to stay. There are only 12 rooms, but each of them has views overlooking the Sierra Madre mountains and reddish roofs of the city. There’s even a small bar whose views are hard to beat. Parking is hit or miss in the area, so you may want to look into a car park.
- B·Heaven Granada227In the Barceló Carmen Granada, this rooftop bar has views extending in every direction. If you happen to be staying at the hotel, you can take advantage of those views while swimming in the infinity pool. Even if you’re not, it’s worth swinging by this trendy spot for the bar menu full of cocktail and mocktail options, many of them using lush fruits and botanicals. For seats along the rail, book in advance of time.
Browse collections
Granada travel advice
Guided Tour Availability
According to forum posts, the official Alhambra website does not offer bookings for guided human tours but provides options for renting audioguides. Travelers interested in human-guided tours must book through third-party providers.
Third-Party Tour Options
Some travelers have recommended various third-party websites where guided tours can be booked. These tours vary in language offerings, including English, and the quality tends to be consistent regardless of price. Notably, some tours include entry tickets to certain sections of the Alhambra, which can be a convenient package for visitors.
Audio Guide Information
For those preferring self-guided tours, renting an audioguide or downloading a digital guide prior to the visit has been a popular choice. This allows visitors to explore at their own pace and revisit the audio content even after leaving the site.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?City Buses and Trams
According to forum posts, Granada offers a variety of city bus services, detailed at websites like lovegranada.com and movilidadgranada.com. There is also a single tram line, which may not be as useful for tourists exploring the central city areas but can be beneficial for longer city journeys.
Tourist Mini Buses
Travelers have called out the utility of small tourist buses, particularly routes C30, C31, and C32, which facilitate access to popular sites such as the Alhambra and Albaicín. These buses start at Plaza Nueva and are frequent, easing travel to steep or elevated locations.
Inter-city Bus and Train Services
For many users, inter-city connections via bus are preferred, with services like ALSA providing routes to other major cities like Seville and Málaga. Trains are available but less frequent, with the main train station located approximately a mile north of Granada's center.
Airport Transfers
Some travelers mentioned that local buses and dedicated airport coaches (operated by ALSA) provide connectivity between Granada city center and the airport, supporting convenient transfers for air travelers.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Official Website and Alternative Tickets
According to forum posts, the primary method to purchase Alhambra tickets is through the official website (tickets.alhambra-patronato.es). However, tickets often sell out months in advance due to high demand. For those who find tickets sold out, alternative options include purchasing a Granada Card, which includes an Alhambra ticket, or booking a guided tour that includes entrance.
Hotel Allocations and Last-Minute Purchases
Some travelers mentioned that Alhambra tickets are also allocated to hotels for their guests. If you have already booked a hotel in Granada, it is advisable to inquire directly with the hotel about the availability of tickets. Additionally, a few tickets might be released at midnight on the official website for same-day visits, though these are typically snapped up quickly.
Guided Tours
For many users, guided tours have provided a reliable backup option. These tours not only secure entry when tickets are scarce but also offer added educational value through professional guides. Websites like granadainfo.com and alhambra.org were mentioned as resources for booking these tours.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Entry Times Overview
According to forum posts, the Nasrid Palace at the Alhambra has specific timed entry slots. These times are regulated to manage the flow of visitors and ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
Specific Time Slots
Some travelers mentioned entry times at 8:30 am, 9:00 am, 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm. Each time slot allows a 30-minute window for entry, after which late arrivals may not be allowed in.
Night Visits
For those interested in night visits, the available entry time mentioned was 10:00 pm. This option offers a different experience as the palace is explored under atmospheric lighting.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Guide Availability and Recommendations
Some travelers recommended using the official Alhambra website to book tickets, as third-party resellers might include unnecessary add-ons like audio guides. The official site allows booking the Alhambra General ticket, which covers all normal visit areas.
Alternative Tour Options
For those looking for guided tours, a few users suggested checking out granadainfo.com/alhambra_ticket_search.htm for a variety of guided tour options. Additionally, the app Paseo was mentioned for its Spanish and English audio-guided tours, which might be beneficial for those preferring self-paced tours.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Non-Ski Activities
Some travelers have suggested non-ski activities in Sierra Nevada such as sledding and playing in the snow near the albergue universitaria and the Virgen de las Nieves Shrine. Additionally, the Mirlo Blanco area offers fun winter activities as mentioned by a forum user.
Hiking Options
For hiking enthusiasts, there are moderate to strenuous hikes available near Granada, such as in Monachil, which is accessible from the city. Other recommended hiking trails can be found through resources like Trek Sierra Nevada, which includes trails that start within Granada or are a short bus ride away.
Guided Tours
Several users have discussed guided tours, including a 4WD Sierra Nevada safari, which can be an adventurous way to explore the mountains without skiing. There are also options for half-day hikes or 4WD tours for those interested in shorter excursions.
Group Activities
For young adults or groups, there are suggestions about using Facebook groups to find peers interested in skiing or other mountain activities, indicating a social aspect to exploring Sierra Nevada.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Entry Times and Duration
According to forum posts, the Nasrid Palaces have a strict timed entry system. Once you enter within your 30-minute window, you can stay as long as you like, typically around 60 minutes. It's advised to arrive slightly before your entry time to minimize waiting.
Booking Advice
Some travelers mentioned that it's crucial to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak times, as slots for the Nasrid Palaces fill up quickly. Evening slots tend to be less crowded and offer a different experience.
Visit Planning
Travelers have suggested visiting other parts of the Alhambra complex before your Nasrid Palaces slot. This allows you to explore at a leisurely pace without worrying about missing your timed entry.
General Tips
It’s recommended to download the official audio guide on your smartphone for a more enriching experience. Dress warmly for early morning or late evening visits as it can get chilly.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?