Granada is a city in Granada Province in the Andalucia region of Spain. Rich in history and culture, Granada is a very worthwhile city in Spain for a tourist. In addition to a rich multicultural history, the Alhambra and other monuments, a student-driven nightlife, and skiing and trekking in the nearby Sierra Nevada, Granada offers a break from the summer heat of other Andalusian cities such as Córdoba or Seville. Spring and Fall are also both excellent times to visit.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Granada has been continuously inhabited by humans for at least 2500 years, originating as an Ibero-Celtic settlement prior to the establishment of a Greek colony in the area. Under Ancient Roman rule Granada developed as an economic center of Roman Hispania, with the construction of aqueducts, roads, and other infrastructure. With the fall of the Roman Empire the city was ruled by the Visigoths before being reconquered by the Byzantine Empire, all the time being maintained as a strategic military and economic center for the region. The Moorish conquest of 711 CE brought Islamic rule to the Iberian Peninsula and Granada was quickly established as a center of Al-Andalus, the Muslim name for th…
Most places of interest are with walking distance of central Granada. Plaza Isabel La Catolica is just a block west of Plaza Nueva and marks the intersection of Gran Via de Colon (the main drag heading north) and Calle Reyes Catolicos (the main drag heading southwest to Puerta Real, where it splits into Calle Recogidas and Acera Del Darro, heading west and south respectively). The cathedral and royal chapel are just to the northwest of this square.
If you intend on visiting many major tourist attractions within a short timeframe, the city's Granadacard may be a good investment [1]. Valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours, it provides direct entry to the cathedral, Capilla Real, Alhambra & Generalife, Monastery of La Cartuja, Monastery of San Jerónimo, Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park) and provides a 25% discount for non-EU citizens who visit the Fine Arts and Archaeological Museum. It also includes 9 urban bus journeys (to the bus station, science park etc.) and 1 ride on the tourist bus (normally €6.80).
Aquaola, C/ García Lorca, 53 (in Cenes de la Vega) (take the SN1 bus and at la Plaza de Villacantoria, there is a free shuttle bus every 15 minutes), ☏ +34 958 48 61 89. 15:00-20:00. A local water park with man-made wave pool, slides and large floats. €7.50. 1 Hammam Arab Baths (Gran Hammam Baños Arabes), C/ Santa Ana, 16 (near Plaza Nueva, behind Iglesia de Santa Ana), ☏ +34 958 229 978. 10:00-24:00. A modern spa reconstructing the ambiance and decorations of the ancient Muslim baths in Granada. €35 for bath only, from €49 for bath and massage. Football: Granada CF were relegated in 2024 and play soccer in Segunda División, the second tier.
Granada is notable as most of its bars will serve free tapas with each drink, which makes eating out in Granada inexpensive: a blessing for the local student population. Lunch is generally from 13:00 to 16:00 and dinner from around 20:00 till late (though even at 20:00 most tapas bars will be deserted, as locals eat dinner very late). There are many popular restaurant areas where you are sure to find something good. Just about every plaza in the city has at least one outdoor restaurant. Calle Elvira and the adjacent streets north of Plaza Nueva have perhaps the largest concentration of tapas bars in the city.
If you want to try a local wine ask for "un costa", the quality is extremely variable and it is more like sherry (but not fortified) than a table wine. Another option is "tinto de verano", or "summer wine", which is red wine and lemon Fanta. Delicious and refreshing. The local beer is Cerveza Alhambra, an excellent lager from a local craft brewery which you can get just about anywhere in Granada.
Violent crime is not usually an issue. However, be very careful about your belongings: As in any city, there are many thieves & pickpockets in Granada (especially in tourist areas and around the cathedral). Sometimes thieves use distractions and work in teams. Police officers generally do not speak English. If you are robbed, they will probably direct you to the police station and find an interpreter. You will need a police report to claim the value of the items stolen for your travel insurance. Beware of women, particularly around the cathedral (though you may find them in other tourist spots), who "offer" you sprigs of rosemary.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €29 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Granada typically sees ~36°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-22. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy