Description:
If you think you have enough energy to hit up the main sights in Granada and still enjoy the best of its nightlife, this is the guide for you. There’s a lot to see in Granada, and fortunately, it is possible to fit the main attractions and a lot of fun into a two-day trip.
Arrive early on Friday and get situated in Hostel Atenas, an affordable, centrally located base with a helpful staff. Get your map at the front desk and walk toward the center of the city to Manolo, where you’ll start the day with traditional dishes from Granada and Andalusia. Nearby is the Granada Cathedral, a beautiful example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, which is rich with political and religious history. Around the cathedral, there are a number of vendors selling fresh spices and teas that make for exotic souvenirs.
Balance the time you spend in the Cathedral and your next destination wisely, as there is a wealth of uniquely Moorish architecture to be seen in Albaizín. As you begin walking up this hilly district, you’ll encounter a number of shops that have a counterculture vibe, selling scarves, pottery, jewelry, and quality leather goods. Walk to the Mirador de San Nicolas, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the city, Granada Cathedral, and the surrounding sierra (mountainous landscape)—but most of all, it is a spectacular spot to appreciate the beauty of the Alhambra.
Satisfy your hunger and relax at El Huerto de Juan Ranas, located on the Mirador de San Nicolas. El Huerto de Juan Ranas, in addition to its exceptional views of the Alhambra, offers a romantic ambience and a delicious menu featuring a fusion of Spanish, Moroccan, and mediterranean cuisines as well as an extensive wine list.
Once you’ve had a chance to relax, you can explore deeper into Albaizín, where you’ll find hidden treasures of well-preserved original Moorish homes. It is truly a unique neighborhood unlike any other in Spain. If it’s getting late, it is advisable to take a taxi from the Mirador back to the Hostel, as the dark streets of Albaizín can be a risky area at night. If you feel like taking a nap, don’t hesitate—it’s Andalusian tradition.
Within walking distance from Hotel Atenas is La Riviera, a laid-back tapas bar where you can fill your stomach and start out the night with a few drinks. The walk to El Camborio along the Darro River is long but beautiful, with dimly lit cobblestone streets and the Alhambra situated to the right. If you’re not up for the walk, it would be best to take a taxi. El Camborio has numerous dance floors including four indoor “caves,” a glass-enclosed rooftop terrace, and an elegant outdoor patio that features—you guessed it—magnificent views of the Alhambra, illuminated at night.
On your second day, don’t hesitate to hit the snooze button—remember, you’re in Spain, and everything around you is moving at a relaxed pace. For breakfast, order a typical Spanish tostada (toast) with your choice of toppings: jamón (ham), tomate (tomato), mantequilla (butter), mermalada (marmalade), or simply, aciete (olive oil—a Spanish favorite). Café Fútbol has a large outdoor patio and other Spanish breakfast and lunch staples such as churros con chocolate (fried breakfast pastry with warm chocolate sauce) and various bocadillos (sandwiches), if you’re a little hungrier. After a warm Moroccan tea or a café con leche, you’ll surely be rejuvenated and ready to explore the Alhambra.
After drooling over the Alhambra from afar for an entire day, you’ll be more than giddy about finally visiting this legendary fortress. It’s best to buy your ticket for the Alhambra online, ahead of time, rather than trying to squeeze a trip to the ticket office into your plans and risking ticket unavailability. The Alhambra, originally constructed for what would become the last Muslim rulers in Andalusia, is Spain’s most prevalent site in regards to Islamic architecture. Peruse the endless rooms of this elaborate palace—no matter how much time you spend in the Alhambra, it may never seem enough.
Later in the day, stop by La Bella y La Bestia at the corner of Calle Cárcel Baja and Calle de Elvira—a short walk from Atenas. There is a decent amount of seating to rest your legs both inside and on the patio. La Bella y La Bestia is a well-known chain in Granada, and this location has an extremely relaxed atmosphere, serving large, delicious tapas that are sure to please your taste buds. If you’re craving even more of Granada and think you have the stamina, go out with a bang at Granada 10. It’s one of the most popular discotecas (clubs) in the city, featuring numerous dance floors—each with unique music varying from salsa to house.
This exhilarating two-day visit to Granada will give you a keen feel for the city and a preview of the culture you’ll encounter throughout Andalusia. Having gotten a taste for its one-of-a-kind neighborhoods, main attractions, tapas, and nightlife, you’ll find yourself wanting to return again and again.
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Manolo
Contact:
- +34 958 554 1504
Location:
- Plaza de Bib-Rambla 16
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Map
Description:
Try this restaurant for some authentic local dishes that you won't find elsewhere in Spain. The tortilla sacromonte is only made in Granada. It's not everyone's idea of a delicacy, but if you've got a strong constitution you'll survive. The omelette is made of eggs, brains, bull's testicles and vegetables. You might even enjoy it and you can brag to your friends. The other local dishes worth trying are habas con jamón (broad beans with cured ham) and tortilla de bacalao (cod omelette). The atmosphere and the decor are authentic, too. That means that the decor is minimal - just a plain wood interior - and the clientele are noisy and good-humored. You'll find it on one of the corners of the attractive Bib-Rambla Square, not far from some good shopping in the Alcaicería and close to the massive cathedral.
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Catedral and Capilla Real
Contact:
- 95-822-29-59
Location:
- Gran Vía de Colón 5
- Plaza de la Lonja
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Map
Description:
This richly ornate Renaissance cathedral with its spectacular altar is one of the country's architectural highlights, acclaimed for its beautiful facade and gold-and-white interior. It was begun in 1521 and completed in 1714.
Enrique de Egas created the original Gothic-style plans, but it was Renaissance maestro Diego de Siloé who designed the facade and the chief attraction inside the cathedral, the Capilla Mayor, a rotunda circled by an ambulatory. Capilla Mayor is surmounted by a 45m (150-ft.) dome. The graceful rotunda has two architectural layers, the upper one adorned by art by Alonso Cano depicting the life of the Madonna along with stunning stained glass that dates from the 1500s. At the entrance to the rotunda is a pair of panels, one depicting Ferdinand and Isabella in prayer, the other by Alonso Cano depicting Adam and Eve.
Several glittering side chapels also decorate the cathedral, and one is especially extravagant, the carved and gilded Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, also known as the Capilla Dorada, on the north wall. Before leaving the area, and once outside, note the Puerta del Perdón, a notably elaborate side entrance facing north on Calle de la Cárcel.
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Albayzín (El)
Contact:
- +34 958 247 146
- visit website
Location:
- Albayzín
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Map
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.
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La Riviera
Contact:
- 958 227 969
Location:
- C/ Cetti Meriem, 7
- Granada,Granada
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Map
Description:
La Riviera's simple wooden interior and dim lighting give this tapas bar a warm energy that is inviting to granadino locals and visitors alike. A life-size knight statue guards a couple of animated bartenders whose jovial personalities fuel a fun, casual atmosphere. These guys are typical andaluces (Andalusians): always talking and joking around with guests and each other, they somehow find time to serve everyone at a reasonable pace and, impressively, remember which tapa you'll be enjoying next. At La Riviera, the kitchen determines the menu and serves a new tapa that corresponds with the round of drinks you order. While not exactly gourmet, the food is delicious, filling, and exemplary of traditional Andalusian favorites such as carne con tomate (stewed beef in a savory tomato sauce). Portions are generous, and you'll be fully satisfied after a few rounds. However, you'll want to keep 'em coming when you see the people next to you munching on those calamares (calamari) they got with their next round. La Riviera's low prices, authentic atmosphere, and location at the foot of historical Albaicín make it an ideal spot to begin the night and fill up on on tapas that the locals crave.
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Camborio
Contact:
- 95-822-12-15
Location:
- Camino del Sacromonte 48
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Map
Description:
A 20-minute walk uphill from Plaza Nueva, this is a particularly popular address with students. Many of these young people stand on the rooftop terraces for a panoramic view of the Alhambra at sunrise, one of the most striking vistas in all of Andalusia. Each of the four bars plays different music. A 10€ ($16) cover charge is imposed only on Friday and Saturday nights. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11pm to 7am.
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Fútbol
Contact:
- +34 958 22 6662
Location:
- 6 Plaza de Mariana Pineda
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Map
Description:
It is worth coming here on two special occasions; the first is early on New Year's Day morning to line your stomach with some deliciously thick hot chocolate and churros (dough fritters) before or after celebrating the great event. The second is during the Aniversario de Mariana Pineda celebrations to get a prime spot from which to see the events. During the summer, you'll find lots of shade whilst sitting on the terrace under the huge chestnut trees. Try one of the flavours from their wide range of homemade ice creams. The interior is pretty ordinary, so you're best off taking advantage of the terrace.
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Alhambra
Contact:
- +34 958 027 971
- visit website
Location:
- Calle de Real de Alhambra
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Map
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.
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Bodega La Bella y La Bestia
Contact:
- +34 958 22 3413
- visit website
Location:
- Carrera del Darro 37
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Map
Description:
Surrounded by pretty buildings perched atop is the popular Bodega La Bella y La Bestia. This restaurant is a pretty sight. The stone walls, wooden bar stools and interesting curios make this place very appealing. Tapas served with a variety of drinks and cocktails never tasted better. Exotic food and relevant services are available for hosting private functions too. There are two other eateries at different locations in Granada. Once you step out of this restaurant, a lovely scene awaits you. So dining at Bodega La Bella y La Bestia will be an experience like none other. Contact them for the restaurant's open hours.
- Destination(s): Granada
- Type: Best of...,Cool and Hip,First time visit
- 2 DAYS
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