48 Hours in Granada

48 hours in Granada

48 Hours in Granada.

There are 3 “must see” destinations in Andalusia (in our opinion): Seville, Cordoba…and Granada.

Of those Granada has what is disputably the most famous attraction in Spain: The Alhambra.

But there’s more to see in Granada than the Alhambra and I’ll cover that in this post. As the title suggests, give yourself at least 48 hours to explore Granada. There’s lot to see.

I also include hotel and restaurant recommendations.

Accommodation: The Best Hotels in Granada (for all budgets)

48 hours in Granada

Day 1 in Granada

Visit the Alhambra

The Alhambra was the last stronghold of a Great Muslim empire that at one point included most of Spain and Portugal. Like other Moorish sites (such the Real Alcazar in Seville and the Mezquita in Cordoba) it is characterized by lavish architecture and sumptuous gardens. In 1492 the Moorish sultan surrendered the city to the Catholic monarchs (Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile) who took up residence here. It was in the Alhambra’s Hall of the Ambassadors that Christopher Colombus signed a contract with the monarchs (in April of 1492) that would lead him to his discovery of the Americas.

Alhambra in Granada — Palace of the Lions

If you plan it properly, count on spending most of the day at the Alhambra. It is a large site with lots to see. The highlights: the Nasrid palaces (the palaces where the Moorish kings held meetings and where their families lived), the Alcazaba (the huge fortress part of the Alhambra that looms over the city), and the Generalife gardens (the summer palace of the Moorish rulers).

Alcazaba at the Alhambra in Granada — Views of Granada from the Alcazaba

I have a detailed post on the Alhambra here. Plan ahead and book your tickets in advance…you don’t want to miss the Alhambra when in Granada.

Note: book using the official website. Googling “Alhambra tickets” I’ve seen other websites come up featuring much higher prices. So use the official website.

If you prefer to take a guided tour.

The Alhambra is not just a fantastic site just by itself: it also gives you incredible and unique views of Granada from almost every part of the complex and well as from the Generalife gardens. Spectacular.

48 hours in Granada — Views from the Generalife Gardens

Highlights of the Center

You can walk from the Alhambra and be in the center of Granada within 15 minutes. It is an attractive area with lots of pretty squares and buildings as well as spectacular churches. You might not able to see all of the below on what’s left of your day 1 itinerary but they’ll be some time left on day 2 to knock them off your list.

Plaza Bib Rambla – located in the heart of central Granada, highlighted by a fountain at its center. Beautiful square.
Catedral de Granada – The city’s main Cathedral, built in 1518 over the mosque of the previous Moorish rulers. It took 200 years to build and is an architectural mix of renaissance, baroque and Gothic style (which reminded us of Malaga Cathedral). Usually open until 6:15 pm.
Royal Chapel of Granada – the chapel was built in the early 1500’s and is the burial place of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand (referred to as “the Catholic Monarchs”, the most famous of Spanish monarchs). Gorgeous architecture (but no photos allowed).
Plaza de la Romanilla – a pretty plaza lined with palm trees within steps of the cathedral. A good place for a drink and snack
Basilica of San Juan de Dios – the most gorgeous religious building in Granada in my opinion. Its beauty will smack you in the face. The thing is that most people have never heard of this basilica so you may find yourself there by yourself. More on the Basilica of San Juan de Dios.
Alcaiceria – it’s a watered-down version of a Moroccan souk. But for many it’s a good place to pick up typical Moroccan souvenirs: leather, lamps, tiles, clothes, oils. You can even have Moroccan tea or food.

What to see in Granada — Plaza de la Romanilla

Day 2 in Granada

Explore the Albaicin

This neighbourhood was where the Moorish population lived. Built up on a hill, it is a labyrinth of whitewashed buildings, steep steps, pretty plazas and amazing viewpoints. The neighbourhood was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located among the little plazas are lots of little tapas places. One of them is Placeta de San Miguel Bajo, one of our favorite little squares for tapas.

I mentioned viewpoints: the most famous is Mirador de San Nicolas. It’s a happening place with lots of people singing and playing with tambourins. Continue further up to the Mirador de San Miguel Alto.

Explore the Sacromonte

Sacromonte is another popular area for visitors. It is known for its Roma community, for flamenco, caves houses (troglodyte houses) and for various miradors with amazing views.

While the Albaicin is a large, sprawling neighbourhood, the Sacromonte is compact and steep with most houses being built into the walls of a cliff. The main street is Camino del Sacromonte while is full of caves and restaurants. Higher up is the Cave museum of Sacromonte which is a museum with 11 cave houses (very much recommended…and it has a great viewpoint).

Note: a great walk (about 20 minutes) is from the Albaicin to Sacromonte along a lane called Vereda de Enmedio. Fantastic views of the Alhambra the whole way.

Sacromonte is the place to go for a flamenco show which are held in zabras (“gypsy” or “Roma” caves). A few recommendations: Cueva la Rocio, Zambra Maria la Canastera and Cuevas Los Tarantos.

Viewpoints: Mirador de Sacromonte, the views at the Cave Museum, Mirador de San Miguel Alto (the highest point in Granada)

A guided tour of the best viewpoints in the Albaicin & Sacromonte

A couple of other highlights if you still have some time remaining…

The La Cartuja Monastery

This beautiful monastery is known for it’s fabulous Baroque architecture. It’s located a bit out of the center but you can easily get there by bus (#8 bus stops right next to it). If you pre-plan your visit, you can get a free visit (on Thursday afternoons…but you have to plan weeks in advance). I wrote about the Cartuja Monastery and on how to see it for free here. Otherwise it’s 6.50 Euros/pp. Official website.

There’s lots to see in Granada but the above are the highlights I would recommend. See our Mapping Spain blog for lots more things to see and do in Granada.

Practical Information

How to get to Granada

You can get to Granada by bus or train – the train is the most comfortable way, buses less expensive. If coming from Malaga, both will take about 1 hr and 20 minutes. See schedules on the Renfe website (Renfe is the Spanish rail operator). If taking the bus, look at the Alsa website.

Where to Stay

We really recommend staying in the Center for a short stay.

See this post: The Best Hotels in Granada (for all budgets). I give you lots of different options in all price ranges.

Where to Eat

Some centrally located recommendations:

$ d’Sano. Inexpensive café/restaurant with excellent breakfasts.

$$ Bistro Del Mundo Granada. Good breakfast/brunch options. Near Basilica of San Juan de Dios.

$$ La Cuchara de Carmela. Traditional dishes, cozy. Near the center.

$$ Restaurante Vegano Hicuri. Excellent vegan food in the center.

Higher end restaurants with great views

$$$ Restaurante Mirador de Morayma. Not far from Mirador de San Nicolas. Incredible views, excellent food. Reserve ahead and book a table with a view.

$$$$ Carmen de San Miguel. Closet to the above with similar great views and good food.

$$$$ Carmen de San Miguel. Upmarket, another restaurant with incredible views. Located just below the Alhambra.