Granada place to visit

Granada, what to see

Granada is a city where history, culture and stunning architecture merge in harmony to create a unique atmosphere. It is located at the foot of the north-eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia, in southern Spain.

Granada has a wonderfully mysterious terrain and marvellous landscapes that attract filmmakers from all over the world. This city, with a hint of Arab influence, has served as a backdrop for many films. One of the most famous films shot in this place is ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989) directed by Steven Spielberg. In the film, viewers can see the magnificent Alhambra Palace, which is presented as a mysterious Nazi castle.

In addition to its magnificent scenery, Granada is a real treasure trove of cultural and historical heritage. The capital of the province of the same name surprises with its many attractions that preserve the spirit of the past and the charm of modernity.

Whether you are absorbed in history or want to enjoy the current life of the city, Granada will leave a deep mark on your heart. As it did in ours.

We still fondly remember our family trip to Granada. Walks through its streets and alleys, cathedrals, museums, Andalusian gastronomy - everything, without exception, was wonderful! It's a place you want to come back to and see everything this great city has to offer us! So let's take a look at the top sights of Granada that are worth visiting:

What to visit in Granada

For the convenience of travelling tourists, a tourist bus runs from the Plaza Nueva at 30-minute intervals, making stops at all the main and not so main sights of Granada. If you buy a ticket for one day - costs 10 euros, two days - 14 euros. And you can get on and off the bus at any stop. Very convenient, let me tell you! You can find ticket kiosks in the square or near the stops.

Alhambra en Granada

It is the most visited architectural monument in Granada and in all of Spain. The Alhambra is not just an attraction, but a real gem that attracts tourists from all over the world to the heart of Granada.

Yes, yes, Spain is not all sun, sea, beach..

This majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique blend of Moorish and Andalusian cultures, and is a must-see when planning a tour of Andalusia.

The Alhambra is a palace, fortress, and citadel where Nasrid sultans, top officials, elite soldiers, and court servants resided back in the day.

It's just an incredible place!

A visit to the Alhambra will leave only the most lasting impressions, its elegant palaces overlooking the city immerse you in the age-old legacy of Moorish civilisation. Lush gardens and intricate wall patterns, shady courtyards and gurgling fountains create an atmosphere of surprising tranquillity and nobility. The sensation of such beauty is inexpressible.

The Nasrid Palace is the heart of the Alhambra. The majestic Embassy Hall and the Hall of the Abenserrachs are renowned for their magnificent stucco carvings and exquisite frescoes.

The Alcazaba, an ancient military fortress, is one of the oldest parts of the complex. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Granada and the surrounding area.

The Generalife Gardens, former summer residence of the Sultans, offers visitors the chance to enjoy the beauty of amazing gardens and fountains that seem to come alive in the sunlight of Southern Spain.

The rationalist style of Charles V contrasts markedly with the Moorish buildings. This crusading palace, begun in 1527, brings Renaissance elements into the cultural mosaic of the Alhambra.

Entrance is of course paid, and tickets should be purchased very in advance, as this place is very popular. A tour of the Alhambra takes 3-3.5 hours. There are options of walking with a guide who will tell and explain everything. But, in our case, we did not want to be rushed, but to walk here and see everything on our own. We downloaded an audio guide through a QR code on our mobile phone beforehand, completely free of charge, which pleased us.

Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada)

This cathedral is also an important item on the list of tourist attractions in Granada, a must-see.

It is located in the historical part of the city (a walk through which is also important for us, tourists) and is a monumental structure that represents the transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

Very interesting and impressive looking from the outside. You can just walk around and look around, but if you go inside, you definitely won't regret it!

You will be greeted by a rather impressive interior that reflects the rich history of Granada and gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Spain. It's just a sight to behold!

The tall columns and magnificent main altar are stunning! Amazing place!

Entrance to the Granada Cathedral is unfortunately paid, but inexpensive - 6 euros, children under 12 years old are free. If you buy online at the official website, you can avoid queues at the ticket office. There is also an opportunity to download an audio guide for free by means of QR code. The building is very large and a tour around it can take 1-1.5 hours.

Granada Science Park Museum (Museo del Parque de las Ciencias)

This museum is more commonly referred to simply as the Science Park or the Granada Science Park. A whole 70,000 square metres dedicated to science!

One of the most fascinating places in Andalusia, where art and culture meet scientific research, and a must-see on the Granada tourist attractions itinerary. Especially if travelling with children. They are sure to love the extensive collections of exhibitions, from space exploration to ecology and the human body. Among the most popular exhibitions is the planetarium, where you can take a thrilling journey through the stars and galaxies. There is also a very interesting bio-dome with various species of flora and fauna. There are a number of temporary exhibitions that cover a variety of scientific topics and are continually updated. This place can be compared to the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, only smaller, but no less exciting.

The Science Park can be visited in its entirety - it takes 4 hours or more. If you don't have the time, you can visit only the museum or the Bio Dome, or just admire the stars in the planetarium. You can combine depending on your preferences. Entrance to the museum is 10 euros, to the bio-pavilion - 7 euros, to the planetarium - 3.5 euros. Tickets must of course be purchased on the official website or at the box office.

El Albaicín

This historic neighbourhood in Granada, is one of the most famous and significant tourist destinations in Spain.

A stroll through its narrow streets allows you to experience the atmosphere of medieval Andalusia with elements of Arab culture. Albaycin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts thousands of tourists every year with its unique architecture and rich history.

This area can be reached on foot - a 30 minute walk from the city centre or by tourist bus, which just makes a stop here.

Notable attractions in the neighbourhood include the Iglesia de San Nicolás, the Palacio de Dar al-Horra and the many traditional Arab baths known as hammams.

Special attention should be paid to the Mirador de San Nicolás, an observation deck that offers majestic views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. Of course, you'll have to climb a bit of a hill, as the viewing platforms are usually at an elevated position. But it's worth it - it makes for some very beautiful photos, especially if you come in the evening to watch the sunset over the city.

Sacromonte

Sacromonte in Granada is another one of the must-see tourist attractions. For some reason, it is at the very end of the list of tourist attractions (meaning that if you only have a day or two for sightseeing in Granada, it's not worth getting here). And for nothing.

This historic neighbourhood offers a unique blend of culture, architecture and stunning views, making it an unforgettable place to visit. Sacromonte can be reached from the old part of town on foot - just 30 minutes of leisurely walking. Or by bus, well, you probably know how to use google maps - just type in the name and it gives you the best routes.

Sacromonte is famous for its cave houses dug into the soft rocks of the hills. Most of these dwellings are decorated with traditional pottery, colourful fabrics and beautiful patterns. This neighbourhood has historically been home to the Gypsy community and offers a unique glimpse into Granada's traditions. And after your walk, attend local flamenco dance shows and savour traditional Andalusian dishes.