What to see in Granada: 10 essential things to see and do

Looking for the best things to see in Granada during your trip to Andalusia?

From Visitanddo.com we want to help you plan your trip and we have prepared this list of 10 must-sees with the best things to visit and do in Granada.

Granada is more than just the famous Alhambra, there are many places to visit! It is located in the south-east of Andalusia, about an hour's drive from Cordoba and MalagaIts proximity makes it a very accessible way to combine a day of culture with a day at the beach.

Add it to your list of things to do in Andalusia!

What to see in Granada in one day?

Here our Top 10 things to do and visit in Granada in one day.

1. The Alhambra in Granada and the Generalife

Going to Granada and not seeing the most visited monument in Granada and Spainis not to have been in Granada.

This monument of Nasrid origin has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984built in the 9th century and known as "La Roja" because of the earthen colour used in its construction.

Its construction was begun by Muhammad I with the construction of the Torre de la Vela, the Torre del Homenaje and the Acequia Real, while Muhammad II consolidated his dynasty with the construction of the Palacio del Generalife. After several changes of dynasties, it was not until the arrival of Muhammad V that the famous Lions' Courtyard.

The entire complex covers more than 140,000 square metres and contains 3 must-see sites:

• The Nasrid Palaces where the Patio de los Leones and the Palacio de Comares are located.

• The Generalife where the sultans' summer residence was located and you can stroll through the beautiful flower-filled gardens.

• The AlcazabaThis is the oldest part of the Alhambra, a military fortress from the 11th century, from where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the city of Granada with panoramic views from its towers.

From Visitanddo.com we recommend you get your tickets in advance as they sell out very easily, we advise you to take the option that includes the visit with the Nasrid Palaces, but in case they are sold out there is always the option to visit the Alhambra without including the Nasrid Palaces. If you want to visit Granada you should not miss this beautiful monument.

2. The Albaicín quarter

It is the oldest quarter of Granada and also one of the most beautiful ones.. One of the peculiarities of this beautiful neighbourhood is getting lost in its narrow streets and dead ends.

At the end of the steep climb you will find one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Granada, the Mirador de San Nicolás, where you can enjoy incredible views of the Alhambra.

This neighbourhood was also included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites thanks to its Hispano-Muslim architecture with numerous cisterns among Arab and Moorish houses.

3. The Sacromonte quarter

A characteristic neighbourhood of Granada famous for its cave houses dug into the mountain which have been used by gypsies for many years.

Together with the Albaicín neighbourhood, the Sacromonte neighbourhood is one of the oldest in Granada, as it is one of the oldest in the city. cradle of gypsy culture and immerse yourself in the magic of flamenco. Don't miss the opportunity to enter one of the cave houses or visit the Cuevas del Sacromonte Museum to learn about the history and way of life.

We recommend watching a sunset from this neighbourhood, You will fall in love with the views of the Alhambra and the Darro River Valley.

4. Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel

The Cathedral of Granada is a work of the Spanish Renaissance was built in 1505 and symbolises the representation of the Catholic Monarchs with the unification of Spain after the conquest of the Nasrid kingdom in 1492.

Inside are the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, that is, Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, as well as their daughter Juana and her husband Felipe. You can see it in the Royal Chapel with a private collection of different objects belonging to Queen Elizabeth, such as her crowns, paintings, ceremonial dresses and personal belongings.

5. Viewpoint of San Nicolás

This is the most famous viewpoint in Granada and the best known of all. It offers one of the best views of the Alhambra in Granada and the Sierra Nevada, possibly one of the best views of the Alhambra. the most photographed corner of the city of Granadais located at the top of the Albaicín quarter in the Plaza San Nicolás.

Its uphill and downhill slopes, cobbled streets and unique places to try the famous Tapas de Granada, make this place one of the favourites of those who visit it.

6. Calle Elvira and the tea shops of Granada

Getting lost in Calle Elvira from Plaza Nueva and starting the ascent (or descent) to the Albaicín neighbourhood is something you should definitely add to your list of things to do in Granada.

Walking through its streets will be like going back to the Moorish era, known as the the teashop district and the most popular ones are located in Calle Calderería.

If you go to the end of the street you will find the Puerta de Elvira which gave access to the old entrance to the city towards the Albaicín and the Alhambra. It is one of the oldest monuments in the city with a memory of the Islamic past of the city of Granada.

7. The walk of the sad

Have you heard about one of the most romantic streets in the centre of Granada? Parallel to the river Darro from Plaza Nueva to the foot of the Alhambra and the Albaicín next to the imposing sculpture of the dancer Mario Maya, passing the bridges of the Chirimías and the Aljibillo.

With a bohemian atmosphereOfficially its name comes from the Paseo del Padre Manjón, its origin dates back to the 19th century, it was the road to the cemetery of San José which was accessed from the Cuesta de los Chinos.

The funeral procession would pass along the Paseo de Padre Manjón and people would say goodbye to the deceased before going up the slope to the Sabica where the cemetery was located.

8. The Carthusian Monastery

After the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs in 1942, Granada went from being the city of a thousand mosques to the city of a thousand churches. One of the most important was the Cartuja Monastery. It took three centuries to complete the building, which is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

It is located 20 minutes by city bus outside the centre of Granada, but it is well worth a visit.

9. Granada Science Park

It is the first interactive science museum in Andalusia with 70,000 square metres, and since its inauguration in 1995 it has been the first interactive science museum in Andalusia. one of the most visited museums in Andalusia and thanks to its popularity it is part of the network of European science museums.

It is divided into various rooms and exhibitions where you can put your scientific knowledge to the test. The highlights are the curious Butterfly Farm, the exhibition of the journey into the human body, the Cultural Gallery and the the Digital Planetarium Outside you will also find the Astronomy Garden with a giant chessboard, a labyrinth and solar calendars.

You can get previously the tickets from here.

10. Sierra Nevada

Only 32 kilometres from the centre of Granada is the Sierra Nevada, a Biosphere Reserve, National Park and Natural Park with one of its highest peaks, the Mulhacén (3482m).making it the highest mountain range in Western Europe, second only to the Alps.

One of the star activities in this area is skiing thanks to its ski resort, as well as different mountain activities in the area.

If you also want to know the city of the tapa and the Nasrid charm, you should not miss Grenada.