Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain, Granada is a city that whispers stories of sultans and saints, poets and conquerors. It’s a place where history drips from the walls of ancient palaces and the aroma of jasmine lingers in the air long after sunset. Whether you’re chasing Moorish architecture, flamenco rhythms, or quiet hillside views, Granada delivers beauty in layers.
If you’re planning a visit and wondering what to see in Granada, here’s travelphant.com guide to Granada’s must-see gems, saving the best until last.
1. Albaicín – A Moorish Time Capsule
Across from the Alhambra lies the ancient neighbourhood of Albaicín, a maze of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and hidden patios. It feels like stepping back in time. The Albaicín isn’t just about views, it’s about ambience. Come for the vistas, stay for the atmosphere. Wander through –
- Calle Elvira – A vibrant street full of tapas bars and teahouses.
- Mirador de San Nicolás – Offers the most famous panoramic view of the Alhambra, especially magical at sunset.
- Arab baths (El Bañuelo) – Historic ruins where locals once gathered to bathe, gossip, and relax.
2. Sacromonte – Flamenco and Caves
Just up the hill from Albaicín is Sacromonte, known for its cave houses and as the heart of Granada’s flamenco culture.
- Explore the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte, where you can walk through preserved cave dwellings.
- At night, catch a live Zambra flamenco show in a candle-lit cave. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply Andalusian.
3. Granada Cathedral & Royal Chapel
In the heart of the city center, the Granada Cathedral rises in stunning Renaissance and Baroque style. While it doesn’t get the same attention as the Alhambra, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
Next door is the Royal Chapel, where the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand, the same ones who sponsored Columbus are buried. The chapel is both ornate and historically significant.
This area also offers great shopping and vibrant local life, especially around Plaza Bib-Rambla and Alcaicería, the old silk market.
4. Carmen de los Mártires – Granada’s Secret Garden
Tucked near the Alhambra, the Carmen de los Mártires gardens are often overlooked but they shouldn’t be. If you’re looking for a quiet escape that still delivers beauty and history, this is your place. This peaceful spot offers –
- Romantic gardens with fountains, peacocks, and a small lake.
- A 19th-century mansion with views of both the city and the Sierra Nevada.
- A perfect break from the crowds.
5. Tapas Culture in Realejo & Beyond
Granada has one of Spain’s best-kept culinary secrets: free tapas with every drink. You heard that right, order a glass of wine or beer, and out comes a small plate of food on the house.
The Realejo neighborhood, once the Jewish quarter, is now a hotspot for trendy tapas bars and local haunts.
Top places to try –
- Bodegas Castañeda – Old-school charm, generous pours.
- Bar Los Diamantes – Known for its seafood tapas.
- Taberna La Tana – A cozy wine bar with local flair.
6. Sierra Nevada Day Trips
Just 45 minutes away is the Sierra Nevada National Park, home to the highest mountain range in mainland Spain.
In winter: Hit the slopes. Granada is one of the few cities in the world where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon.
In summer: Go hiking, biking, or just take in the alpine views. The crisp air and dramatic peaks are a refreshing change from the city’s heat.
And saving the best until last, no trip to Granada is complete without visiting the Alhambra…
7. The Alhambra: Granada’s Timeless Crown
The Alhambra, the city’s most iconic monument, and rightly so. Perched atop Sabika Hill, the Alhambra is a sprawling fortress‑palace complex that remains one of the most exquisite works of medieval Islamic art in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a palace; it’s a medieval masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture, with delicate stucco work, geometric patterns, and trickling fountains creating a sense of serene grandeur.
A Walk Through Glory
- Alcazaba: The oldest core of the complex, this fortress offers commanding panorama, forged through defensive ramparts and towers. Climb the Torre de la Vela (Watchtower) for sweeping views over Granada, its valleys, and the snow-dappled Sierra Nevada beyond.
- Nasrid Palaces: Enter sacred spaces of Moorish royalty where intricate stuccowork, ornate carvings, and reflective water features shimmer in the warm light. Don’t miss the Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles) with its narrow waterway lined in greenery, and the Salón de los Embajadores, a throne room adorned with breathtaking vaulted decoration.
- Court of the Lions: Nestled in the heart of the complex, this courtyard enthrones twelve sculpted lions around a central fountain, masterworks of Nasrid architectural innovation.
- Partal Gardens: Quaint, quieter, and majestically reflective, these gardens mingle lush foliage, delicate pools, and remnants of ancient palace structure, photographer’s heaven.
- Palace of Charles V: A dramatic contrast, a Renaissance ring of columns and airy courtyard injected by a conquering emperor, now housing the Alhambra Museum and the Granada Fine Arts Museum.
📌 Tip: Book tickets early through the official Alhambra website as it sells out, especially in high season.
Generalife
Just uphill lies the Generalife, the Nasrid summer palace and its flower‑perfumed gardens. Pavilions, terraces, fountains, and water channels create a sensory oasis amid the Andalusian heat, originally nurtured by the ingeniously engineered Acequia Real.
Recommended itinerary
- Sunrise at Mirador de San Nicolás, sip tea in Albaicín’s teterías.
- Explore Albaicín’s alleyways, soaking up historic texture.
- Mid-morning at the Alhambra — either book a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace in Granada or explore by yourself starting with Alcazaba, delve into Nasrid Palaces, wander the Court of Lions, Comares Palace, Partal Gardens, then on to Generalife.
- Lunch in the Cathedral district, tapas-hopping as you go.
- Afternoon dip in Arab baths, wash away the journey.
- Sacromonte by sunset, cave tour or flamenco Zambra.
- Evening photo from Torre de la Vela, city lights dancing below.
- Dinner and wine in Realejo, uncovering modern Andalusian flavors.
Final Thoughts: What Makes Granada Unmissable?
Granada is a city of contrasts, Moorish palaces beside Renaissance cathedrals, fiery flamenco near tranquil gardens, mountaintop fortresses overlooking cobbled bazaars.
Here the past isn’t just preserved, it’s alive. Whether you’re watching the sun set over the Alhambra or getting lost in the backstreets of Albaicín, Granada seduces slowly and deeply.
So when someone asks, “What should I see in Granada?” — tell them: See it all. Feel it all. And stay as long as you can, but make sure you visit The Alhambra.
Pack your walking shoes, your camera and your sense of wonder. Granada awaits.
