Things to do in Granada: Alhambra, Albaicín and practical tips

More Granada guides

• Granada in one dayA one-day route through Granada: the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces in the morning, the Albaicín and San Nicolás viewpoint at sunset, with times and tips.
• Granada in 2 daysA 2-day Granada itinerary: day 1 the Alhambra and Generalife, day 2 the Albaicín, Sacromonte and centre. With times, tickets and booking tips.

Granada's must-sees

Granada comes in three layers: the Nasrid palace-city of the Alhambra, the Moorish Albaicín quarter, and the Christian centre with the cathedral and Royal Chapel. Pick from these and leave time to wander.

1. 1

   Sabika hill

   Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces

   A 13th–14th century palace-city. The general ticket includes the Nasrid Palaces (fixed time slot), the Alcazaba, the Generalife and the gardens. Charles V's Palace and the Alcazaba can be seen at your own pace. Allow 3 to 4 hours.

2. 2

   Alhambra

   Generalife

   The Nasrid kings' summer retreat, with courtyards, channels and orchards. A calm end to the visit.

3. 3

   Old quarter

   Albaicín

   A maze of white lanes and walled gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Alhambra. The San Nicolás viewpoint gives the classic view of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada behind.

4. 4

   Sacromonte hill

   Sacromonte

   The Roma quarter of cave homes and flamenco venues. A walk uphill with a viewpoint over the Darro valley.

5. 5

   Centre

   Cathedral and Royal Chapel

   Diego de Siloé's Renaissance cathedral and, beside it, the Royal Chapel where the Catholic Monarchs are buried. Check current hours and prices on their official sites.

6. 6

   Carrera del Darro

   Paseo de los Tristes and the Darro

   The prettiest walk below the Alhambra, with cafes and views of the palace walls.

Neighbourhoods to explore

• Albaicín: cobbled lanes, walled gardens and viewpoints. Best on foot with comfortable shoes.
• Realejo: the former Jewish quarter, quieter, with tapas and street art.
• Centre (Plaza Nueva and Bib-Rambla): shops, the Alcaicería and tapas life.
• Sacromonte: caves and flamenco at dusk.
• Carrera del Darro: a shaded street at the foot of the Alhambra.

Tapas, art and culture

In Granada many bars serve a free tapa with each drink, a local tradition worth trying. Between visits, point the AnyArt camera at a capital, an inscription or a dome in the Alhambra and hear its story without a label or a rented audio guide. The Alhambra Museum, inside Charles V's Palace, holds Nasrid pieces.

Tickets, transport and when to go

• Buy the Alhambra only on the official Patronato site. Tickets sell out weeks, sometimes months, ahead.
• Bring your ID and the card used for the purchase; you need both to collect tickets.
• Arrive with time to spare for your Nasrid Palaces slot; entry outside it is not allowed.
• Night visits to the Nasrid Palaces cost €12.73 and feel different, with fewer people.
• The Albaicín has steep hills; carry water and save your energy.
• Winter Alhambra hours apply from 15 October.