THE BEST 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN GRANADA

There are cities that simply fall in love, and with Granada it was love at first sight. If you know it, you will surely understand what we are talking about, and if not, today we will take you on a virtual walk through the streets and the most beautiful corners of Granada ... Then we will recommend you 10 things to see and do in Granada.

Let's not spin it, the jewel in the crown is her. And not because we say so: the Alhambra is a world heritage site and the most visited monument in Spain! The monumental complex of the Alhambra, where the Nasrid kings lived with all their court between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, is formed by the Alcazaba (walled military city), the Palaces, the Generalife gardens and an infinity of patios (Los Leones is the prettiest), fountains and impressive examples of Moorish art.

But in its golden age its interior hid mosques, workshops, schools, gardens, fountains, loves, heartbreaks, houses, kittens, businesses, fun and suffering. Centuries have passed since the reconquest ended Arab hegemony, and not even Napoleon could end it: it seems that a Spanish soldier did not want to obey his order to demolish it with explosives. Goodness!

The first time you visit is usually a unique experience: it's easy for your beauty to end up getting drunk. Also, remember that you are stepping on a very large piece of the history of this country. Almost nothing! Since our first time, we have visited it a few more times, and it is always special.

It is essential to walk through all its rooms and outbuildings, see the Patio de los Leones, fall in love with Arabic writing and decoration, rest in the Generalife gardens and above all return!

And one very important thing: book tickets online if you don't want to waste time in the queue. Do it on the official website (price: € 14), or if you want you can join this guided tour that also includes a visit to Albaicin and Sacromonte, two of the most famous neighborhoods in Granada.

The Albaicin is theold arab quarter of Granada. With its steep and cobbled streets and white houses dotted with the colors of bougainvillea, it is the latent heart of the city. Run it even if only to reach the Saint Nicholas' lookout, from where you can enjoy the best views of the Alhambra, accompanied by the fragrance of jasmine and the melodies of street musicians. For us it is a must to see in Granada.

But we must warn you of one thing: it is easier to finish the Rubik's Cube in 3 minutes than to walk through the Albaicin without getting lost. But it is one of the charms that Granada has.

It is probably one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city and famous for its cave-houses. Here the gypsies who accompanied the troops of the Catholic Monarchs when they conquered the city settled. They later joined Bohemians and Flemish artists who enchant everyone in their characteristic shows: zambras.

With the passage of time this area has lost a bit of authenticity, because if before you could be lucky enough to run into improvised performances on the street, now the show will be seen in flamenco tablaos like this, even so the Sacromonte is a of the things to see and do in Granada.

Whenever we go to Granada we don't miss a “pit-stop” in one of the many Arab teapots in the street “New Boilermaking”. Our favorites are mint and jasmine tea, but the offer is very wide. You can also try delicious Arabic cupcakes (pistachio, almond, hazelnut, honey ...) or crepes. And if it's too hot for a tea (look they say it refreshes!) You can try a mint lemonade: I loved it!

It is undoubtedly one of the most charming streets in Granada, and going up and down it is a pleasure for all the senses.

A walk through the old city is essential to get to know Granada. Here you can find the majestic Cathedral and the Royal chapel where the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs are kept, haggling in the Souk of the Alcaicería, try tapas in a bunch of authentic barecitos, wander around alleys and squares like Plaza Nueva and Rib-Rambla, or tour the Darro Race, one of the most beautiful streets in the city. And if you have time, stop by Perfume Courtyard, in this same street, where to learn more about the art of perfume, in an impressive Renaissance palace on that same street. More information.

advice: An excellent idea to know this area of ​​Granada is to do this free tour. It is free although it is always good to leave a tip!

Tired? We have 5 other things to see and do in Granada. Cheer up!

I don't know how, but every time we return from Graná we do it with a few extra kilos ... Well I do know why: TA-PAS! And luck that we beat death beats between steep streets, stairs and slopes ... because if not, instead of kg of more ... we were bending! But take it away, I danced it and ate it!

For a rookie Italian in the Spanish tradition, who visits Andalusia for the first time, it is normal to think that entering a bar, asking for something to drink and being given a generous cover, was an urban legend. Sure ... how not! It would be a dream ... Well, gentlemen, dreams come true: poor potatoes, fried fish, crumbs, croquettes, mini-paellas, stewed snails, meat skewers, cheeses, ham mmm! And above for FREE! Yes, as you have heard: you ask for something to drink and they give you the COVER ... Rest of Spain and the world: to learn!

Advice: Go where the grenadines go. To open your mouth we leave you a guide with some of the tapas bars that you cannot miss.

Not all tourists come to visit the neighborhood of Realejo And it seems like a tremendous mistake: it is one of the most authentic areas of the city, right at the foot of the Alhambra, with a neighborhood atmosphere, far from the tourist center. In the past it was the Jewish quarter of Granada and today it retains a different atmosphere from the rest of the city. We love! When you're there, don't forget to make these stops:

• Prince's Field
• Church of the Virgen de las Angustias.
• Bibataubín Palace.
• Church of Santo Domingo.
• Church of San Cecilio (patron of Granada)
• Museum-House of Shots.
• Father Suarez's house.
• Barefoot Carmelite Convent.
• Church of San Matías.

advice: to know it from a local, sign up for this free tour (don't forget to leave a good tip at the end).

After a day kicking the city from top to bottom, you deserve a reward, so do not hesitate to book your ticket to Hammam Al Ándalus, some Arab baths the sea of ​​handsome men. You will come out as new. You can choose date and time here.

Especially if you travel with children 🙂 The area that generates the most interest is the Planetarium (you know, to infinity and beyond!), Although there are always very interesting temporary exhibitions. Find out a few days before going. Admission costs € 7 + € 2.5 of the Planetarium. More information.

The surroundings of Granada are full of natural wonders, such as Sierra Nevada (if you like skiing, you have to go), the Alpujarra wave grenadine coast. Ideally, you should rent a car and tour the area at your leisure, although there is always the option of going by public transport or taking a tour. Granada is also a good base to get to know another Andalusian city full of charm: Córdoba.

Ay Graná, how beautiful you are! Do you know more things to see and do in Granada?