Alhambra Day Trip

Description:

Order the delicious thick hot chocolate and fried dough-fritters (churros) for breakfast, especially if you've just spent the night on the town. The restaurants terrace is right on the attractive Bib-Rambla Square, full of stalls selling colourful arrangements of flowers and plants. Lots of tourists come here because of the atmosphere and because it's close to the cathedral. For lunch or dinner, try the tasty pizzas or tender lamb chops, accompanied by a decent wine from the ample wine list.

Description:

This masterpiece of Moorish architecture is simply the most wonderful and inspiring set of buildings in Spain. It's consequently the country's most visited historic sight. The complex is made up of three parts: a fortress (Alcazaba), royal palaces (Alhambra) and a summer palace with luxuriant gardens (Generalife). The buildings date mainly from the 13th and 14th Centuries, after the Arabic Nasrid prince, Ibn al-Ahmar, made Granada an independent Moorish state. Each succeeding Nasrid ruler continued to beautify the royal palaces, combining wood, plaster, marble, brick and ceramic tiles with water, light and Arabic calligraphy. A limited number of tickets are available per day and entry is timed. Tickets tend to sell out far in advance so reserving tickets is your best bet for actually getting to see this magnificent complex.

Description:

El Generalife gardens are the image of a Muslim paradise: cool, shady and tranquil with abundant running water. That's what the architects wanted for the Nasrid Sultan in the 13th century, to complement his summer residence, since Granada is ferociously hot and dry in summer. Trees, hedges, bushes, plants and flowers were planted on the Alhambra hill and the river Darro was diverted upstream to provide a constant source of water to the complex. It's still the sort of place where you can spend a relaxing day, appreciating the patios, enclosed gardens, walkways, fountains and pools as well as the views over the Albayzín. Call ahead to know more.

Description:

This centrally located mesón (inn) is a family-owned restaurant that's popular with the locals for its lunch menus. If you're looking for an alternative to tapas, you'll find savory traditional granadino favorites and a cozy environment at this nook that you may have otherwise overlooked. Albahaca is the Spanish word for "basil," a basic cooking ingredient, and in appearance, Albahaca does seem rather simple, with a small number of tables and a homey interior. However, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the flavorful homemade entrecot en salsa roquefort (filet in roquefort sauce) and the house specialty, pastel de verduras (layered vegetables). The waitstaff is friendly and will welcome you as though you were family. Considering the quality and quantity of the food, the lunch menu for 15€ is more than reasonably priced. Save room for their homemade desserts!

Description:

You'll see Granada's finest medieval Moorish mansions, or cármenes, in this attractive hillside district. The spacious whitewashed buildings all have one special feature: a central, walled courtyard filled with fountains and flowers. There are great views from Mirador de San Nicolás over to the Alhambra complex on the opposite hill and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance. This district was populated by an influx of Moors from the town of Baeza in 1227 and historians maintain that Christians, Jews and Muslims lived in relative harmony here for many years.

Description:

After climbing up cobblestone hills through a maze of ancient Moorish houses in the Albayzín, you'll find the Mirador de San Nicolas. From this lookout point, you can see most of the city, including Granada Cathedral and, most prominently, the Alhambra. When planning your visit, take the time and weather forecast into consideration-it's a bit of a walk in the summer heat, and you'll have to decide whether you want to take pictures during the day, at sunset, or with the illuminated Alhambra at night. Because of all the tourists, there are also a number of people selling jewelry and other crafts. If you see something you can't pass up, don't hesitate to bargain, but be wary-the quality doesn't usually compare to what you can find in more legitimate stores at the foot of the Albayzín. Take a bus or walk from Plaza Nueva. It's recommended to take a taxi at night. Feature Image: comcinco/Flickr

Our Local Expert Says:

While this restaurant may attract tourists, it’s not your typical “trap”—the bill adds up to the experience.

Description:

Even if it weren't for the exceptional views of the Alhambra from the dining rooms and terrace of San Nicolas, this restaurant would still be well-known for its exceptional service, food quality, and overall elegance.This former Carmen Granadino, a beautiful Moorish house dating back to the 16th century, features a garden, fountains in the entryway, and corridors adorned with Moorish decorations that echo the Alhambra's interior. In addition to a long list of tapas, San Nicolas has a tasting menu, over 200 wines, and a long list of desserts. The a la carte menu features traditional granadino cuisine with a creative twist. Favorites include the lomos de bacalao confitado sobre vichyssoise con almejas de carril y crujiente de setas (confit cod filets over vichyssoise and clams with a mushroom crust) . The overall ambience is intimate and sophisticated, yet comfortable-perfect for a romantic dinner. Mains 36-50 €

Description:

Can't squeeze in a trip to Marrakech? Arrayanes serves some of the best Moroccan cuisine in Granada. It's no surprise that this little piece of Northern Africa can be found at the foot of Granada's Albayzín (old Moorish district). Step into another world as you walk into a dining room decorated with azulejo (ceramic tiles), beautiful tapestries, and warm, romantic lighting. All food is halal, and the chef uses exotic spices from the Maghrebi regions of Northern Africa and the best ingredients from local markets. Specialties include tajines (braised, slow-cooked Moroccan stew with tender meats and flavorful sauces), pastelas (pastries filled with chicken or fish), and tender veal served over cous cous. There are also plenty of vegetarian options, but no alcohol (it's not halal). If you have any questions about the menu, manager Mustafá Bourgrine and his waitstaff can assist you-they speak Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, and Arabic.

Description:

This is a fantastic bar where you can listen to flamenco music. Open every night, Le Chien Andalou has many things to offer its visitors. There are various shows at affordable prices, delicious drinks and a wonderful ambiance. If you are in Granada, you must visit this bar!