Top 10 Things to do in Granada, Spain

By I, Wela49- Wikimedia

Top 10 Things to do in Granada, Spain

Granada is a city that is found on the southern side of Spain’s Andalusia region. It is right at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The city is famous for its medieval architecture dating back to the Moorish occupation.

The city’s famous landmark, Alhambra, is made up of royal palaces, tranquil patios and reflecting pools that were used during the reign of the Nasrid dynasty. It is well known for its fountains, orchards and the Generalife gardens.

Walking through this heritage, you will get to see how the Moorish lived as it remains unchanged. There are historic caves and gipsy neighbourhoods well known for its flamenco shows.

There is so much to see and experience in this city; from the historic sites to tasting delicious tapas. Here are the top 10 things to do in Granada.

1. Alhambra Palace

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We start with the gem of the city, Alhambra, the most magnificent sight that no words can truly describe it. This is a palace and a retreat area, a world in its definition, an enchanting place to visit.

It was built between the 1200s and 1300s for the Nasrid dynasty. They ruled the Emirate of Granada during the Muslim control in Andalucia.

After the Muslims exited, the palace became the royal court of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand II.

When planning to visit this palace, book in advance and get to enjoy some activities and spending quality time at the royal chambers, serene courtyards and divine renaissance and Moorish palaces.

2. Nasrid Palaces

This is part of the Alhambra fort. One thing to look out for is the Lion courtyard. Strolling through the courtyard you will get to see some intricate designs.

The palaces here are made up of a series of buildings and courtyards resembling a flowing garden. It is the most popular part of La Alhambra making it restrict the number of visitors per day.

Get your ticket in advance to enjoy Oratory and the pond of the Arrayanes Courtyard.

3. The Gardens at Generalife

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Not far from the Al Alhambra palace is another attraction known as the Gardens of Generalife. It is a perfect place for relaxation and leisure that was once used by the Royalties of Granada.

This is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens in the world. It was famously known as the Garden of Architects. It is set on a hilltop overlooking the city and Dorros river, such a magnificent view.

The best part of the gardens is the Patio de la Acequia, the water garden courtyard, with its long pool and fountains. It is a big garden you may not see it all in a day.

4.  Attend a flamenco show

Granada is said to be the birthplace of flamenco; It is, therefore, the best place to attend such an artful performance in its traditional form known as the Zambra.

Most of the performances happen at the Sacromonte neighbourhood, you can catch more at Cuevas where it’s done in halls. The performances are more than an hour-long and are done in traditional troglodyte houses.

You can also enjoy the show in a bar while enjoying your favourite drink in the evening. The shows are spread out throughout the week, pick your perfect time and place and enjoy the show.

5. Albayzín, the Arab quarter

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You will find this place up the hill north of Plaza Nueva which is also part of Granada’s UNESCO site. It was home to the Moorish people who remained in Granada after the Muslim regime ended.

One thing that you will be quick to notice is the captivating architecture that tells a lot about the former occupants. The Mosques here were turned into churches.

There are cobblestoned streets, narrow alleys lined with tall townhouses all painted white. The tiles on the walls of these buildings are hand-painted and deserving of your attention.

Walk to the charming plazas, quaint courtyards and take time and check out their historic sites. You will find great restaurants, shops and entertainment spots here.

6. Tour the Historical Centre

If you love historical places then there is more for you to see here. The Historical centre is adorned with beautiful architecture and rich history.

It is close to Albaicín and features several attractions such as churches, monasteries, palaces, traditional homes and cultural centres.

The crown jewel of the historical centre is the Basilica de San Juan de Dios, the Royal Chapel and Saint Jerome Monastery.

Basilica de San Juan de Dios is an important Baroque temple in Spain, hence is home to an urn of Saint John of the Gods. The interior of the church will leave you awestruck.

7. Check out Granada Cathedral

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The Cathedral was built on top of Granada’s mosque at the beginning of the 16th century. Well not literally, built on the site of the former great mosque. It is the second-largest cathedral in Spain.

It showcases two different styles; the foundation was laid in the 16^th century during the Gothic era. Its interiors, on the other hand, are from the Renaissance period. This was finished in the 18^th century.

This was achieved through the talented and skilful Diego de Siloe who was commended by many for his amazing work.

Check out the main chapel that has beautiful stained-glass windows, sculptures and paintings.

8. Granada Science Park

Here is an activity that will be fun for the entire family. The Science park in Granada is located a short walking distance from the city centre.

It is the most visited museum in Andalucia and has all you can think of about planet earth and the human body. Young children will have a great time learning interactively while having fun.

The museum occupies 70,000 square metres of space. You will find a botanical garden, a planetarium, a butterfly greenhouse and an observation tower facing the terraces.

9. See the ancient Arab baths

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Granada is rich with history and every place you look, something is fascinating to discover. One such thing is the Arab baths.

This was once the meeting place for the Arabs that lived in Granada. They would conduct all their important Islamic rituals and traditions at this place.

The water here was used as a symbol of purity where one would cleanse themselves physically and spiritually. They had large boilers to heat the water.

The bathhouses have three sections: the changing room, the tepid room for massages, and the hot room with big baths.

The last standing Arab bath in Granada is the El Bañuelo that is believed to be from the 11th century. It is one of the last in Spain.

After Christians took over, they changed the bathhouses into bakeries and other religious establishments.

10. Plaza de San Nicolás

Located in the Albayzin district is the church of Saint Nicholas that has great views of the Alhambra palaces. To get to this church, you will have to take a short moderate climb up the hill.

There are benches along the way for breaks from the climb. While seated here you will enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Once at the top, enjoy vistas of the rolling hills in the distant and traditional clay-tiled rooftops. Many people enjoy the incredible views of the historic site and it is even more breath-taking at night.