- 19 March 2023
Granada, one of the cities we visited during our 2-week road trip through the south of Spain – Andalusia. I was really looking forward to this specific destination for a couple of reasons. Spoiler alert: no disappointments there. Chances are great you’ve heard from the Alhambra before heading to Granada, as it is Granada’s main sight. However, something you might not know, is that the surroundings are stunning as well, as Granada is located next to the Sierra Nevada, where you can even go skiing when you like. This accounts for snowy mountains in the background of an already stunning view on the famous Alhambra. No doubt that place is included in this Granada City Guide.
As you might know, when reading other articles. I’m a big food and drinks fan. I was delighted when I learned that every drink in Granada comes with a small bite of tapas. Not too bad right. Are you ready for my favorite places to go, eat, drink and stay?
Alhambra should definitely be on top of this list as, described previously, this is the main attraction to visit in Granada. We went in the early morning, right after opening hours. We did buy tickets beforehand, which allows you to skip the lines that might be there, even early in the morning. Visiting the Alhambra is €14, where you get access to the different buildings belonging to the property (including the most famous Nasrid Palaces). It is also possible to just visit the Generalife, Alcazaba and Gardens for €7. I however would definitely recommend the €14 option, as you do not want to miss the most famous views while you are there. When you are not looking for a guided tour, the easiest way to buy tickets is through this link. Tickets can sell out well in advance, especially in busy periods, so please keep this in mind. Definitely schedule some time for visiting this beautiful place. I would say you need around 4 hours to take it all in and enjoy the area. As pictures tell you more than a thousand words, below you’ll find a visual overview of the Alhambra, Alcazaba and Generalife.
Something that in my opinion was almost more impressive than the Alhambra from the insight, was the Alhambra from the San Nicolas Viewpoint. You an find the San Nicolas Viewpoint in the Albaicin neighbourhood and you’ll definitely run in into a great vibe. It is not that off the beaten track unfortunately, but when we were there, there were also local people just enjoying the views and definitely not just tourists.
Albaicin is the old Arabic neighbourhood in Granada and definitely the neighbourhood with most atmosphere. You’ll find a mix of Spanish but predominantly Moorish influences. It is recognizable by white houses, small streets and cute little restaurants and bars with only a couple of tables out on the streets. The San Nicolas viewpoint is located in the same neighbourhood. The best way to discover the neighbourhood is definitely by food, and actually you don’t really have another option. Just stroll around and you’ll be amazed at every corner. There are also quite some terraces and restaurants that reward you with a great view on the Alhambra.
The Alcaiceria is the area located Calle Calderia. You’ll find a lot of Arabic shops and Arabic teahouses. We, of course, visited on of them for some tea combined with Shisha. Around 1 year after Granada, we visited Marrakech. Quite funny to see the similarities and the differences between the two places.
As said before, definitely take some time to settle down and enjoy the amazing privilege of ordering a drink and being rewarded with a piece of tapas. Looking for a street where you’ll find many tapas restaurants located close to each other? Calle Elvira (Elvira Street) is a great place to go on a tapas crawl.
A drink we discovered in Granada is a drink called Tinto de Verano. It is simple: red wine mixed with Fanta Lemon. However, I loved it and I haven’t seen it at many other place. I ran into it a couple of other times in Spain, but I still relate this summerish drink to Granada.
What is a bigger city without a cathedral? I have to admit we didn’t visit the cathedral from the inside and just had a quick peak at it from the outside. Visiting the cathedral also bring you to a new part of Granada.
Sacromonte is the gypsy and cave neighbourhood in Granada. Unfortunately we didn’t make the time to visit this neighbourhood. The neighbourhood is also famous for the flamenco shows that take place in the caves. You can either take bus 34 from the city or prepare for a slightly longer and heavier walk as you will have to climb the steep streets. Bar Pibe is a cute little bar at the street of Sacromonte – so settle down to feel the Spanish vibes.
We ran into Rollo when we walked towards the cathedral. Are you also paying a visit to the cathedral and you are looking for a place to settle down with a drink or some tapas? Rollo is definitely the place to go!
Los Diamantos is one of the most famous tapas bar among the locals. Don’t expect a romantic dinner, as Los Diamantos is a snackbar like tapas place with bright LED lightning. However, the food is amazing and you don’t want to miss out on one of the best tapas places in town.
In Granada, you might feel slightly overwhelmed with the crazy amount of tapas bars in the city. The ones named here are just a short overview of some popular once located in town.
Churros are a thing in Andalusia. Have them with some chocolate (you can dip your churro in a chocolate substance that compares to chocolate milk but is thicker. The picture on the right is taken at Plaza de la Romanilla where you’ll find El Aguador. We had some churros at Cafeteria Alhambra in the city center.
This place might be on top of the most interesting bars I’ve ever visited. It is tiny, cute and you might call it slightly creepy. From top to bottom, this place is dress with Catholic artifacts. Apparently it is featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain, which we didn’t know when visiting.
When you are on your way through Albaicin, chances are high you’ll pass Paseo de Los Tristes. A sunny street with a view on the Alhambra. Restaurants and bars weren’t the best I’ve visited but the rays of sunshine you’ll definitely receive on one of the terraces makes it worth mentioning.
Located in the middle of the city centre, next to some bars and one of the most famous tapas restaurants, you’ll find Hotel Navas. The hotel costs you around €55 a night (for 2 persons) and is neat and clean. The hotel isn’t special, but definitely recommended because of the value for money and great location.
You can book your stay here.
Seville, the largest city in Andalusia and one that is definitely worth a couple of days of your time. Discover the great Plaza de Espana, quirky neighbourhoods and good food.
