Hi everyone and welkome back. Are you ready for a new adventure or are your heads still in Seville? We hope they aren’t because today we have to visit another beautiful city in Spain… Granada. Let’s go!
Granada is the state capital of the Andalusian province, located in the eastern part of Sierra Nevada. It is crossed by two rivers: Darro and Genil and the closest airport are Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. So many and very characteristic are its neighborhoods (Sacromonte, Albayzín…) but the most important is definitely the citadel Alhambra. Granada is known for being a city full of students due to its famous University of Granada. A cultural peculiarity of Granada, which will also be found in the culinary world, is the pomegranate. You have understood well, this fruit is the symbol of Granada (it is from it that comes the name of the city, in Spanish pomegranate is Granada) as it is represented in the official coat of arms of the city. Its introduction marked the Spanish domination. With this gem we are sure you will be curious to know even more about Granada and you are right… So let’s sart our journey!
To know more (where to eat, what to eat, where to have fun, what to visit…) continue to read.
We officially started the tour in Granada. We are going to know its cultural aspect.
PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS…)
Alhambra
- Capilla Real de Granada: is a structure located close to the cathedral and is a great attraction for tourists for its great value and its majesty that you can see outside and inside of it.
- Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo de Granada: it is a renaissance monastery, famous for its architecture, it is composed of two cloisters surrounded by a garden. A very impressive place!
- Alhambra: this is a complex of palaces, or better a citadel (a small town in the big city!) which represents the top of the Andalusian art. Just think that it has been chosen as a finalist to be indicated as one of the seven wonders of the world; with this we said all but anyway we want to tell you the most important parts of the citadel, just to make you stay more and more astonished at every step you make! Among the palaces there are: Palacio de Carlos V former residence of the emperor in Renaissance style. Its circular courtyard is surrounded by columns. Today, the palace is home to the Alhambra Museum and Bellas Artes Museum (an important gallery with various collections that go the 15th from the 20th centuries). Palacio de Generalife was the summer residence of the rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The palace overlooks the Patio de la Acequia, a garden formed by a long and narrow fountain flanked by flowers and various plants (it reminds a little of the complexes we have seen in Seville, do you remember them?). Patio de los Leones is a courtyard located in the heart of Alhambra, in the center there is a fountain supported by lions statues. The columns that surround the square have a great artistic effect. One of the reasons for such beauty is that this place must represent the materialization of Paradise (we think it would be useless to add something else about it!). Torre de la Vela, a tall tower from which you can see the city, Sacromonte and Albaicín. Palacios Nazaries is another palace complex that includes the following rooms: Mexuar, Patio del Mexuar o del Cuarto Dorado, Sala de la Barca, Patio de la Alberca o de los Arrayanes, Sala de los Reyes but there are many more, one nicer than other. These are the principal places of the Alhambra, anyway it includes other places that if you have time it’s nice to visit. Everything that has been seen so far is part of UNESCO’s heritage.
- Parque de las Ciencias: is the park of sciences, a fully interactive museum that houses several pavilions (Pabellón Viaje Cuerpo Humano, Pabellón Al-Andalus y la Ciencia, Pabellón Tecno-Foro, Observatory Astronómic….), a library, Cultural galleries, temporary exhibitions, workshops. A mix of astronomy, chemistry, mechanics, physics… All very interesting.
- Cuevas del Sacromonte Museum: the museum is located in Sacromonte district and owns a stunning view of the Alhambra. The museum recreates the history of the city, but also the ancient daily habits. How? Visiting a cave, a real rock house furnished with antique collections.
- José Guerrero Centro: is an art gallery that houses the works of painter José Guerrero. The headquarters is in Crafts (not far from Granada’s cathedral ). In addition are held conferences, conventions and concerts (undeline the Contemporary Music Center José Guerrero).
- Casa de los Pisa: the structure is famous for hosting the San Juan de Dios Museum, a precious piece of history as it contains paintings, jewels and so on. It has several rooms and a small and quiet courtyard.
Some theaters that we can find in Granada are: Teatro Municipal Isabel La Católica, Teatro Alhambra, Sala El Apeadero, Teatro José Tamayo. There are several other ones and all of them are close to the other so it’s up to you the choice!
Cuevas del Sacromonte Museum
ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)
Carrera del Darro
We continue our tour through the streets, squares and parks of Granada. Let’s go, we still have a lot to discover!
- Paseo de los Tristes: anyone who visit this place is enchanted and for this reason is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Parallel to the Darro River and with a majestic view of the Alhambra. Going along the narrow streets you have two possibilities: going through Cuesta del Rey Chico hill or through Albayzín or Sacromonte districts. Whatever is your choice you will not be disappointed!
- Carrera del Darro: this place is also one of the most popular tourist destinations as a wonderful place. This time the road crosses the Darro river and it is crossed by two brick and stone bridges (Cabrera and Espinosa) in the Churra district. In the Carrera del Darro there are some typical old houses.
- Mirador de S. Nicolás: it is a belvedere with a small square inside where there is the homonymous church. The view offers a spectacular view of the Alhambra.
- El Carmen de los Martires: situated on the Maurorhill is one of the most beautiful and romantic gardens in the city, even here can’t miss the typical style that distinguishes Granda from the rest, especially for its beautiful palace.
- Plaza de Bib-Rambla: is a small square in Granada, where in the center there is a fountain and it is surrounded by limes (a variety of trees). Around there are many bars and restaurants and some roads that will lead you to some typical shopping streets.
- Puerta de las Granadas: Granada’s most popular historical gate. This marks the entrance in the Alhambra forest. You can reach it through the main square, the Plaza Nueva then follow the street to Cuesta de Gomérez and everything else will come by itself!
- Puerta Elvira: is another historic gateway in Granada that marks the entrance to the Elvira street, full of restaurants, pizzerias and various shops. Continuing on the road you will reach Alhambra or Paseo de los Tristes streets.
- Puerta Real: is one of Granada’s most beautiful squares, including the streets of Recogidas St, Reyes Católicos St e Carrera de la Virgen and Genil Avenue. The end of the road marks the place where the River Genil and the river Darro meet each other.
- Calle Navas e Fuente de las Batallas: not far from each other; the first street is perfetc for a great evening in some of the typical and old Granada restaurant or bar. The second one is a meeting point where you can rest on a bench and admire the fountain in front of them but it is also great to have a nice walk. Think that this is where football fans of Granada go to celebrate the victories.
- Park Federico García Lorca: is a park located in the modern part of Granada. There is a wide variety of trees, flowers and a long water course that accompanies part of the park. Surely what we have noticed in the park is its modern look that makes it different, but not for this less beauitful, from the typical parks in the oldest part.
- Albayzín: maybe it would be useless to include this neighborhood as a destination because it is a must see stop for anyone visiting Granada. It is located on the hill in front of the Alhambra, where the river Darro flows and where the famous Plaza Larga is located. This place has managed to keep its medieval aspect intact and this aspect is so important that it has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do we add more? No beacause we don’t want to ruin you the exploration by anticipating the many beauties of the neighborhood but we can suggest two more district that worth a visit: Realejo and Sacromonte.
- We suggest you something different from the typical tours that take place in the city, it is the Electric Bike Tour Granada, a very interesting and fun experience.
Granada’s nightlife is considered one of the best in Andalusia. All we have to do is to look into that to be prepared on this front.
Since Granda is a city with a large number of students the fun is around every corner. The most lively spots are: Pedro Antonio de Alarcon, Plaza Nueva, Calle Elvira, Sacromonte and Albayzín (all the place that we mentioned before). One thing is for sure, if you love music this is the perfect place for you, every street and place is full of it.
Here are some locals in Granada
- Boom Boom Room Granada: disco
- Six Colours: longue bar
- Efecto Club: night club
- Plantabaja: night club
- Paripe: night club
- Granada Jazz Club
Puerta Real
TYPICAL FOODS
Tortilla de Sacromonte
Like every traditional trip, let’s enjoy the typical dishes of Granada.
- Let’s start with the ever present Tapas. Granada offers a great variety of tapas and the specialty that differentiates it from all other Andalusian cities is that here they are free!
- Tortilla de Sacromonte: it’s a typical dish of the homonymous neighborhood. It is an omelet of eggs, marrow, veal entrails, nuts and various vegetables (peppers, peas). Don’t judge, try it and then let us know!
- Plato Alpujarreño: this is Granada’s dish par excellence, it is very substantial and consists of: french potatoes, eggs, bacon and three types of meat (morcilla, lomo de orza, longaniza).
- Remojón Granaino: a lighter and very interesting dish, it is potatoes salad, salted codfish, black olives, onion, tomato or eggs and the special ingredient: the orange. Yum!
- Arroz con leche: a very famous dessert in Granada, known for its goodness. The ingredients are: rice with milk, cinnamon and orange.
- Pionono: a sweet in honor of Pope Pius IX. It is prepared with eggs, sugar, milk, lemon, cinnamon and rum. About this latter ingredient, Granada has its own rum production, that is Ron Palido. Another drink produced in Granada, the children will love it, is the puleva de chocolate (chocolate milk).
Arroz con leche
WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..)
You thought it was the time of the famous siesta isn’t it? Well, yes but before it we have to look for some restaurants and then we can conclude our tour with a quiet siesta.
- Negro Carbón: steakhouse with Spanish, contemporary cuisine.
- El Mercader: International, Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine.
- ¡Viva Maria !: Italian, Mediterranean, vegetarian cuisine.
- Entrebrasas: steakhouse / bar with Mediterranean cuisine.
- El Quinteto: Mediterranean, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine
- Jardines de Zoraya: Mediterranean, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine.
- La Bella Fonda: Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine.
- Avila II Bar Tapas: bar with Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- Mimimi: bar with Mediterranean cuisine.
- Bar Poe: bar/pub with Spanish cuisine.
- Bar Avila: bar with Mediterranean, European cuisine.
Our tour in Granada is over. Now it’s time for our fantastic siesta but after this we all want you ready to face another amazing adventure in Spain.
Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.
A big kiss to everyone.
Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Granada.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=GRX&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 accommodation near the airport Federico García Lorca.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-384328&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 accommodation in the city.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=1234&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation Centro.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?landmark=1951&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation next to Granada station.
Ciao Amalia e Paolo! Granada sembra stupenda e un pò quello che mi manca: una città con cultura e strade dove passeggiare. Io/noi viviamo nelle isole canarie, si a primo impatto è sicuramente un WOW, però credimi ci sono anche qui i pro e contro e vedere una città come da un pò che non ne vedo….beh mi ha fatto venire voglia di farci un giro. Quindi grazie per la vostra documentazione! 🙂
Ciao Rocio, è un piacere ricevere un tuo commento! Effettivamente un WOW per le isole canarie ci sta tutto ed anche un po’ di invidia ahahah
Siamo sempre contenti quando riusciamo ad ispirare i viaggiatori/turisti a provare i nostri itinerari!!
I always find a dozen of interesting pieces of information about various places you have visited. And I always enjoy reading about the new places I may visit sometime in the future. There are really great places in Granada, and the city is excellent for all the culture and history lovers. I would definitely visit Alhambra as the main tourist attraction of the city, but the rest of my time in Granada would be used to research little alleys that have soul and where I can meet interesting locals to talk to about the city.
Thank you for your support Irma!! Granada has different cute alleys and we are of the same opinion, we love spending our time getting lost in their beauty!
This is the kind of city in which your camera will be full of pics 🙂
Oh my goodness, there’s SO MUCH to do in Grenada! I would definitely love to check out the Cuevas del Sacromonte Museum and eat some arroz con leche! And of course, after the arroz con leche, I’d be all over taking a siesta! My friend lived in Spain for a while and she made me a tortilla once…it was amazing!
You have planned everything, this is great!! The only thing you have to do now is to get a ticket and put into practice what you have thought 😉
Fantastic list of places to see, party and eat! We visited Granada in June but unfortunately didn’t enter the Palacio de Carlos V, also didn’t go out to experience the nightlife but hoping to revisit one day!
There is always a second chance for everything! You have also the right motivation to come back here 🙂
What a complete list of places and the food looks incredible, especially the Tortilla de Sacromonte! While I love the landmarks, I really appreciate the list of local spots and nightlife locations to check out. More reviews should include those! Happy Travels!
Nightlife is part of the travel. If you really want to know better a place, you have to live it 24h/24h (without considering that it can be one of the funniest moments 😀 )
Una delle tante città della Spagna che mi mancano e che spero di visitare presto!
Ciao Fabio, ti auguriamo di realizzare questo tuo desiderio. Sarà un viaggio meraviglioso!!
I didn’t realise there was so much to see in Granada! I may have to add it to my bucket list. Did you happen to see if there were any vegan options at those restaurants? My guess is that some of those places with the Mediterranian dishes/vegetarian would possibly have something!
We haven’t tried all the restaurants in the city but the ones we tried offer also a vegan option. The menu takes all sorts!
Museums, art galleries, park of science..and then it all topped with scenic surroundings. Granada sounds like just the kind of place that I like to visit. I would love to visit here. The food info will really help me decide where to head when hungry. Not many include this info while describing a place
When you travel you have to recharge your batteries and what’s better than food? We can add that eating local foods is a great way to get in touch with traditions and culture of a place 🙂
Thanks for this amazing overview of Granada! I’ve wanted to visit the region for some time but now I feel like I absolutely must make that happen!!
Hi Bruce, it’s nice to read your comment 🙂 Yes, you should! You should transform your desire in reality!!
Spain has been on my list forever, next time I go on a Europe tour Spain is number one! This is a great guide – I’ll be sure to save it. Alhambra is magnificent and looks like a great trip vibe setter 🙂
You have a great motivation and we really love it! Of course if you will do a Europe tour you can’t miss Spain.
Stay tuned because our travel here is just start 🙂
I love Spain! Dying to go back ! That Arroz Con Leche looked amazing! Spain isn’t as famous as France or Italy for their food, but I actually prefer Spanish cuisine!
We are Italian and we are very proud of our culinary tradition! Spanish food is famous especially in latin countries and in the ex colonies of spanish empire.
My head was still in Seville but your lovely photographs of Granada reeled me in. Thank you for bringing it so vividly!
You are welcome, it’s our work! Happy to have inspired you to travel here 🙂
I would LOVE to travel and see all of these places and nooks! Thank you for the list. 🙂
Thank you for your time Shelby! Granada is calling your name hahaha
I’m heading to Spain in November so def appreciating this post!
Really?! This is great 🙂
If you need other info we are here, just contact us in our online form. Enjoy your travel!!
Granada looks like a cool place to visit! I’ve never considered it on my travel list (since there’s just so many!) but I’m very impressed with what it has to offer. Alhambra looks very impressive but also took a look at some of the other architectural structures and was equally impressed by its beauty! Hopefully, one day I’ll get to make a visit there
We have to say that it was a pleasant surprise for us too! Differently from the other important spanish cities it is less know outside Europe but like you have read Granada has everything to be considered a must see when you visit Spain.
This is very informative guide! I haven’t been to Spain yet, but Seville is on my top todo list for Spain. Now I’ll add Granada too, didn’t know it had soo many things to do.
This is an amazing news, we have reviewed both cities and will add more spanish travel guides. Save them on your bookmarks 😉
I’ve never been to Spain before but I hear a lot of great things about it. For dinner, I would probably go to the Negro Carbón. Since I love steak!
You will love this country so much, we are more than sure 🙂
Enjoy your travel!
Se tutto va bene parto per la Spagna a settembre, è un paese che mi ha sempre affascinata e terrò a mente quest’articolo per poter visitare tutti i posti più interessanti!
Grazie mille!
Ciao Giulia, ti auguriamo un buon viaggio! Continueremo ad aggiornare la categoria Spagna con altre guide di altrettante città, perciò resta sintonizzata 😉
I love the looks of the Cuevas del Sacromonte Museum. I would love to visit. I really like it how the museum recreates the history of the city. That’s so interesting to see. It seems like there’s a lot to do in Granada and lots to eat :). Mainly I love how history there is! I’m always glad to visit historical cities.
Dear Carola, we understand your love for history because we love it too! Granada is an ancient city so there is lots to explore, it matches well with your interests. Every buildings in the city has its history 🙂
Quite informative I must say. I haven’t heard much about this place but after reading this, I can say that I am definitely gonna visit some day. The Arroz con leche, in particular, looks so delicious!
Hi, we are very happy to have motivated you to give a chance to Granada!! You will love your stay here, for sure!
Fantastica questa città, piena di colori ed allegria proprio come l’intera nazione!
Già, dici bene! La Spagna è davvero una nazione piena di sfumature… Impossibile da resistere 🙂
Oh my god I would love to get to Granada again!! Last time I was there was 2009… holy shit has the time really passed. Oh my god ALL those tapas styles look/sound absolutely delicious! I need some in my life. Thanks for the great city guide 🙂
You are right Tom, time flies… What remains is the delight of the tapas, they are always so yummy hahaha!!