9 Things You Should See & Do in Granada

If you’ve been following my travels for a while, you’ll know that Spain is one of my favorite countries in Europe.

View of Granada Gift Shop; December 2023

Mountainous, cheap delicious tapas, sunshine, and vivacious people: this country always has me coming back to discover new cities, and this time – I went to Granada.

Located in the Andalusia region of Spain, Granada and Seville felt similar as in they are both smaller than cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

However, Granada is a little gritter and less colorful than Seville – focusing more on tiles, arts and crafts, and scenic views.

If you’re looking for the must-see things in Granada, look no further – here are 9 things you should see and do while in Granada.

Granada Cathedral

You’re bound to walk by this at some point while wondering the streets of Granada, but this isn’t one you want to miss.

Standing below Granada Cathedral; December 2023

However, I recommend while in Granda (while it’s difficult) to see as much on foot as you can. This city is not as walk-able as other European cities, with many of the sights being spaced out and further away from one another – but some of the spots I stumbled upon while walking were worthwhile.

Break for Tapas

While I’ve had better tapas in Madrid and Seville, when in Spain – you should still seek out Tapas.

Arroz in Granada at El Piano; December 2023

If you’re looking for a vegan tapas spot in Granada, I can recommend El Piano. The service is slow, but it’s true home-cooked Spanish food at its finest tucked away in a quiet and quaint setting.

2. Plaza Isabel La Católica

Peaceful with surrounding restaurants, this is a quieter area of Granada still central – worthy of a stop for its architecture.

View of Plaza Isabel La Católica in Granada; December 2023

3. Bib-Rambla Square

Located just before the Alcaiceria Market, this is the spot to see during Christmas time in Granada.

View of Bib-Rambla Square in Granada during Christmas time; December 2023

4. Alcaiceria Market

Beware, this isn’t a food market – but a market for arts, hand-made bowls, tea candle lights, and other goods of this nature. You’ll also find a “turron” shop here – which is an Andalusia-native treat.

Inside view of Alcaiceria Market in Granada; December 2023

Hand painted bowls in Granada; December 2023

Inside the Alcaiceria Market in Granada; December 2023

Tea candle holders in Granada; December 2023

5. El Sacromente Neighborhood

Reminiscent of Greek cities like Santorini and Mykonos with white houses and blue trim, this neighbor is tiny and doesn’t have much to offer besides a museum and a couple of local restaurants – but it is worth it the trek alone for the view of the Alahambra.

El Sacromente Neighborhood in Granada; December 2023

I ended up sitting here soaking in the sunshine with some snacks, knowing this view and sunshine was momentary.

View of the Alahambra from El Sacromente; December 2023

6. Alahambra

This goes without saying, but the Alahambra is the must-see attraction while in Granada. This should be your number one priority while visiting Granada.

Keep in mind, it is best to purchase tickets online before hand – and you’ll need to bring the ID you used to purchase the ticket with you, or you won’t be granted entry. In fact, they scanned my passport – that’s how seriously they take it!

Waiting in line for the Alahambra; December 2023

Please don’t forget to bring your passport or ID with you to the Alahambra.

View of Granada from the Alahambra; December 2023

Truth me told, I had never seen such intricate detailing in any palace I had ever traveled to before – and I have been to many, especially across Europe!

The intricate detail inside the Alahambra; December 2023

7. Mirador de San Nicolas

Flooded on a Saturday, this is the happening place to be – it seems for tourists and locals alike.

View from Mirador de San Nicolas in Granada; December 2023

Clearly, it makes sense – the views were breathtaking and was the better “mirador” or “viewpoint” I saw while in Granada.

View of the Alahambra in Granada on a side street near Mirador de San Nicolas; December 2023

If you only have time to visit one mirador while in Granada, it should be definitely be Mirador de San Nicolas.

8. Albacin Neighborhood

Also lively and nearby Mirador de San Nicolas, this seems to be where all of the locals go for a drink on a Saturday – and is worth checking out if you like to get the local’s perspective of the city you’re visiting.

Nearby the Albacin Quarter in Granada; December 2023

The colorful streets of the Albacin Quarter in Granada; December 2023

View from the Albacin Quarter in Granada with Mountains in the background; December 203

9. Mirador de San Cristóbal

A much quieter, less-known or tourist-ridden mirador – this spot is good if you want to avoid crows and get a similar view of Granada.

View from Mirador San Cristóbal in Granada; December 2023

Overall, Granada is a unique Spanish city worth visiting – mainly for the Alahambra and it’s breathtaking views everywhere you turn.

Want to see my trip to Granada in action?

Watch my YouTube video below to see all of the things mentioned in this blog post!

Still looking for things to do in Spain?

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Granada Cathedral

Break for Tapas