Guidebook for Granada
Arts & Culture
The Jewel in the Crown of Moorish culture! (The big building in front of you when you look out from the terrace - but you knew that already)
There is nothing we can say about The Alhambra that hasn't been written far better elsewhere.
Our advice, book your tickets online at the website below as early as possible (entrance is strictly limited) and if you can fit a night tour in then do it. The Nasrid palaces at night have a special atmosphere with the plasterwork reliefs feeling somehow even more three dimensional than during the day. If you get moonlight, so much the better.
There is a useful app also available on the same website
https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/
933 locals recommend
Alhambra
s/n C. Real de la Alhambra The Jewel in the Crown of Moorish culture! (The big building in front of you when you look out from the terrace - but you knew that already)
There is nothing we can say about The Alhambra that hasn't been written far better elsewhere.
Our advice, book your tickets online at the website below as early as possible (entrance is strictly limited) and if you can fit a night tour in then do it. The Nasrid palaces at night have a special atmosphere with the plasterwork reliefs feeling somehow even more three dimensional than during the day. If you get moonlight, so much the better.
There is a useful app also available on the same website
https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/
Set in a series of abandoned cave dwelling the museum highlight the history of the Roma people in Granada, recreates how they lived and explains the Zambra dancing/ Flamenco music they became famous for.
http://www.sacromontegranada.com/museo/
48 locals recommend
Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte
Calle Verea de EnmedioSet in a series of abandoned cave dwelling the museum highlight the history of the Roma people in Granada, recreates how they lived and explains the Zambra dancing/ Flamenco music they became famous for.
http://www.sacromontegranada.com/museo/
Eclectic museum housed in a historic townhouse. From medieval to 20th century - interesting insights on aspects of Granada's history
http://www.museosdeandalucia.es/cultura/museos/MCTGR/?lng=es
52 locals recommend
House of los Tiros
19 C. PavanerasEclectic museum housed in a historic townhouse. From medieval to 20th century - interesting insights on aspects of Granada's history
http://www.museosdeandalucia.es/cultura/museos/MCTGR/?lng=es
Magnificent if somewhat architecturally confusing example of the wealth lavished on the Church at the height of the Golden Age of the Empire. Spare a thought for the slaves and miners in the "Indies" who made it possible, for it is their memorial too.
484 locals recommend
Catedral de Granada
Magnificent if somewhat architecturally confusing example of the wealth lavished on the Church at the height of the Golden Age of the Empire. Spare a thought for the slaves and miners in the "Indies" who made it possible, for it is their memorial too.
The last resting place of Los Reyes Catolicos who oversaw both the completion of La Reconquista and financed Columbus's expeditions (they later fell out).
129 locals recommend
Royal Chapel of Granada
The last resting place of Los Reyes Catolicos who oversaw both the completion of La Reconquista and financed Columbus's expeditions (they later fell out).
Plaza Isabel la Catolica station
TAKE LINE BUS : C30/C32 TO GO ALHAMBRA
Corral del Carbon
21 C. Mariana PinedaHospital Real, Granada
s/n Av. del HospicioIglesia De La Virgen De Las Angustias
42 Carrera de la VirgenFood Scene
A place for locals as well as tourists, decorated with signed photos & posters of Flamenco stars & bullfighters. Head there in the evening for a glass of Vermut de Casa, a casual dinner and friendly hospitality
http://www.guiatapear.com/tapas-granada/granada/item/casa-manolo-torcuato
98 locals recommend
Restaurante andaluz - Casa Torcuato
31 C. PagésA place for locals as well as tourists, decorated with signed photos & posters of Flamenco stars & bullfighters. Head there in the evening for a glass of Vermut de Casa, a casual dinner and friendly hospitality
http://www.guiatapear.com/tapas-granada/granada/item/casa-manolo-torcuato
Ras Cafe Bar
6 Carrera del DarroPleasant little tapas bar to stop off in when walking by the Darro
Founded in 1976 by CF Granada Argentinian footballer Luis Oruezábal Chikito Restaurant, occupies what used to be the Alameda Café, a place regularly frequented by legends such as Federico García Lorca and Falla, part of the famous literary gathering “El Rinconcillo”
Since then it as become a legend too, while enjoying an excellent copa & tapa check out the pictures on the walls for all the famous sports stars & others who have dropped in on the 'official' CF Granada tapas bar & restaurant.
Not on the menu but worth asking for if they are not to busy is the steak with chimichurri sauce on bread. The food of Champions!
26 locals recommend
Chikito
Nº9 Pl. del CampilloFounded in 1976 by CF Granada Argentinian footballer Luis Oruezábal Chikito Restaurant, occupies what used to be the Alameda Café, a place regularly frequented by legends such as Federico García Lorca and Falla, part of the famous literary gathering “El Rinconcillo”
Since then it as become a legend too, while enjoying an excellent copa & tapa check out the pictures on the walls for all the famous sports stars & others who have dropped in on the 'official' CF Granada tapas bar & restaurant.
Not on the menu but worth asking for if they are not to busy is the steak with chimichurri sauce on bread. The food of Champions!
Sophisticated younger sibling to the Los Diamantes empire hidden away on Calle Lepanto behind the town hall. On Christmas eve this place was buzzing!
Calle Lepanto, 5
5 Calle LepantoSophisticated younger sibling to the Los Diamantes empire hidden away on Calle Lepanto behind the town hall. On Christmas eve this place was buzzing!
Top notch seafood tapas in a central location. Be sure to drink Manzanilla alongside the tapas to experience the full Andalusian palate
33 locals recommend
Restaurante Oliver
12 Pl. PescaderíaTop notch seafood tapas in a central location. Be sure to drink Manzanilla alongside the tapas to experience the full Andalusian palate
An institution perennially packed with mixed crowd of tourists and locals. If location scouts were looking for the stereotypical traditional Granadino tapas bar this one would probably be it. Worth a visit though you will probably want to go somewhere a bit less hectic where to enjoy a quiet drink or two as catching the eye of the staff can become rather stressful
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bodegas-Casta%C3%B1eda/101463496595384
149 locals recommend
Bodegas Castañeda
1 C. AlmirecerosAn institution perennially packed with mixed crowd of tourists and locals. If location scouts were looking for the stereotypical traditional Granadino tapas bar this one would probably be it. Worth a visit though you will probably want to go somewhere a bit less hectic where to enjoy a quiet drink or two as catching the eye of the staff can become rather stressful
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bodegas-Casta%C3%B1eda/101463496595384
Less photogenic neighbour to Bodegas Castañeda, what it lacks in 'character' it more than makes up for in the quality of the menu and the efficient service
http://www.losmanueles.es/
137 locals recommend
Restaurante Los Manueles
61 Reyes CatólicosLess photogenic neighbour to Bodegas Castañeda, what it lacks in 'character' it more than makes up for in the quality of the menu and the efficient service
http://www.losmanueles.es/
Old Skool seafood tapas in modern surroundings, a winning combination proved by the locals and tourists who pack it out
With five branches around town you are never too far from a seafood treat
http://www.barlosdiamantes.com/
214 locals recommend
Bar los diamantes
13 Pl. NuevaOld Skool seafood tapas in modern surroundings, a winning combination proved by the locals and tourists who pack it out
With five branches around town you are never too far from a seafood treat
http://www.barlosdiamantes.com/
Small local market, couple of convenience stores and several tapasa bars
87 locals recommend
Plaza Larga
Plaza LargaSmall local market, couple of convenience stores and several tapasa bars
Come for the coffee, stay for the cakes!
A good place to enjoy a typical local breakfast of coffee & pan con tomate (other choices are available) and watch the Albayzin wake up as workers pop in for breakfast on before starting their shifts.
Casa Pasteles is also home to a highly accomplished patisserie with both regular favourites and seasonal specialities. If we are feeling indulgent we often grab some to enjoy on the terraza
http://www.casapasteles.es/
47 locals recommend
Casa Pasteles Albayzin
1 Pl. LargaCome for the coffee, stay for the cakes!
A good place to enjoy a typical local breakfast of coffee & pan con tomate (other choices are available) and watch the Albayzin wake up as workers pop in for breakfast on before starting their shifts.
Casa Pasteles is also home to a highly accomplished patisserie with both regular favourites and seasonal specialities. If we are feeling indulgent we often grab some to enjoy on the terraza
http://www.casapasteles.es/
Calle Pagés, 24
24 Calle PagésThe go to local place if you wake up craving churros
Typical Nu Skool Spanish market combining fish, meat, fruit & veg, deli and wine stall together with good quality places to eat
132 locals recommend
Granada Typical Sweets
S/N Pl. de San AgustínTypical Nu Skool Spanish market combining fish, meat, fruit & veg, deli and wine stall together with good quality places to eat
The go to place for seafood tapas, with an excellent restaurant alongside. As is so often the case in Granada, great quality does not have to mean high prices - and the quality can be exceptional
28 locals recommend
Cunini
14 C. PazThe go to place for seafood tapas, with an excellent restaurant alongside. As is so often the case in Granada, great quality does not have to mean high prices - and the quality can be exceptional
Fantastic variety and quality of traditional pastries and snacks, heavily influenced by the Islamic era (expect pine nuts and sultanas to feature in many). They have a nice coffee bar, decorated in prints of the local artist from which they take their name.
8 locals recommend
Pastelería López Mezquita
39 Reyes CatólicosFantastic variety and quality of traditional pastries and snacks, heavily influenced by the Islamic era (expect pine nuts and sultanas to feature in many). They have a nice coffee bar, decorated in prints of the local artist from which they take their name.
The best steaks in Granada by a mile, interesting wine list and good selection of other dishes.
The Calle Escudo del Carmen branch has a traditional Asador (think plenty of dark wood) ambiance while their newer branch at Plaza de Los Campos 8 sports a more modern vibe.
The food at both is equally good so just depends on how the muse takes you
15 locals recommend
Real Asador de Castilla
17 C. Escudo del CarmenThe best steaks in Granada by a mile, interesting wine list and good selection of other dishes.
The Calle Escudo del Carmen branch has a traditional Asador (think plenty of dark wood) ambiance while their newer branch at Plaza de Los Campos 8 sports a more modern vibe.
The food at both is equally good so just depends on how the muse takes you
Hidden away down a back alley this cosy tapas place offers interesting wines, craft beers and tasty tapas
6 locals recommend
Restaurante Mas que Vinos
10 C. TundidoresHidden away down a back alley this cosy tapas place offers interesting wines, craft beers and tasty tapas
Mesón Alegría
4 C. MorasCalle Navas
Calle NavasPlaza de Bib-Rambla
Plaza de Bib-RamblaLos Diamantes
2 Pl. de Bib-RamblaTaberna Gamboa
11 C. LepantoTocateja
8 Calle TrinidadLa Estrella
10 C. VarelaEntreBrasas Granada
27 C. NavasBar Restaurante Kiki
9 Plaza Cementerio de San NicolasLa Esquinita de Javi II
1 Pl. del Campillo BajoÁvila Tapas
16 C. Verónica de la VirgenRollo
S/N Pl. de las PasiegasBodegas Castañeda
1 C. AlmirecerosShopping
Hidden away on an alley off the Placeta del Gallo, near Placeta de San Miguel Bajo this centre is a hidden gem.
With local artisans making and selling everything from tapestries to pottery, iron work to guitars and more beside. The quality of these original works is stunning and the prices are perhaps too cheap (before we bought anything our guess for how much it cost was about 5x the actual price).
For some examples of the kind of work available, have a look at the beautiful blue & brown ceramics in the living room and the tapestries in the bedrooms.
Please head there to support local craftspeople and leave with an original souvenir far better than anything in the usual shops. We hope to go there many more times to add to our decorations
http://keramaniacs.blogspot.co.uk/
http://licariguitars.com/
Licari Guitars
Hidden away on an alley off the Placeta del Gallo, near Placeta de San Miguel Bajo this centre is a hidden gem.
With local artisans making and selling everything from tapestries to pottery, iron work to guitars and more beside. The quality of these original works is stunning and the prices are perhaps too cheap (before we bought anything our guess for how much it cost was about 5x the actual price).
For some examples of the kind of work available, have a look at the beautiful blue & brown ceramics in the living room and the tapestries in the bedrooms.
Please head there to support local craftspeople and leave with an original souvenir far better than anything in the usual shops. We hope to go there many more times to add to our decorations
http://keramaniacs.blogspot.co.uk/
http://licariguitars.com/
Calle Recogidas
Calle RecogidasCalle Reyes Católicos
Reyes CatólicosSightseeing
With several local tapas restaurants offering decent food at reasonable prices this square is popular with the younger crowd. However, Spain being Spain, all ages are welcome and it is a nice spot for to pause la merienda while enjoying a stroll
31 locals recommend
Plaza Aliatar
Plaza AliatarWith several local tapas restaurants offering decent food at reasonable prices this square is popular with the younger crowd. However, Spain being Spain, all ages are welcome and it is a nice spot for to pause la merienda while enjoying a stroll
LINE OF BUS C/32, STOP IN MIRADOR DE SAN NICOLAS TO GO UP TAKE TICKETS TO SEE ALHAMBRA
12 locals recommend
Access Pavilion of the Alhambra
1F P.º del GeneralifeLINE OF BUS C/32, STOP IN MIRADOR DE SAN NICOLAS TO GO UP TAKE TICKETS TO SEE ALHAMBRA
Realejo-San Matias
Paseo de los Tristes
Paseo de los TristesSan Miguel Viewpoint
s/n Cam. del SacromontePlaza Nueva
Plaza NuevaPlaza Romanilla
Plaza RomanillaRegistro Mercantil de Granada
6 C. ArandasCorral del Carbon
21 C. Mariana PinedaDrinks & Nightlife
Behind high walls a spacious terraced patio provides a pleasant place to enjoy a pre show drink while waiting for the real reason to visit, Flamenco. A non-profit club founded in 1949, Peña La Platería offers a venue for up and coming performers to polish their skill. The shows are packed and you will have to share a table but it is good value and you will be supporting the future of the art.
http://www.laplateria.org.es/
15 locals recommend
Peña La Platería
7 Pcta. de ToquerosBehind high walls a spacious terraced patio provides a pleasant place to enjoy a pre show drink while waiting for the real reason to visit, Flamenco. A non-profit club founded in 1949, Peña La Platería offers a venue for up and coming performers to polish their skill. The shows are packed and you will have to share a table but it is good value and you will be supporting the future of the art.
http://www.laplateria.org.es/
Paripe
6 C. Ángel GanivetDiscoteca Aliatar
2 C. RecogidasThe place to go for more variations on 'Gin & Tonics' than most of us can imagine.
22 locals recommend
San Matias 30 Coffee & Spirits
3 Pl. de las Descalzas The place to go for more variations on 'Gin & Tonics' than most of us can imagine.
The closest thing Granada has to a hipster venue, serving fantastic food and amazing Vermouths, craft beer as well as the more run of the mill stuff - the music is not bad either
25 locals recommend
Rosario Varela
10 C. Varela The closest thing Granada has to a hipster venue, serving fantastic food and amazing Vermouths, craft beer as well as the more run of the mill stuff - the music is not bad either
A hostel that not only has a very decent restaurant but hosts regular live music too - They weren't like this in my youth
62 locals recommend
Lemon Rock
6 C. Montalbán A hostel that not only has a very decent restaurant but hosts regular live music too - They weren't like this in my youth
Getting Around
C31/C32 Buses run from outside the house into Central Granada, the tourist train also boards outside the house
The App Moovit has all the public transport information for Granada
20 locals recommend
Centro
C31/C32 Buses run from outside the house into Central Granada, the tourist train also boards outside the house
The App Moovit has all the public transport information for Granada
Granada Bus Estacion
33 Barrio Plan Parcial 24Granada
GRANADA CARD Bono Turístico
Toda Granada en una tarjeta
Gastronomía
Casa Pasteles Albayzin
1 Pl. LargaHeladería Los Italianos
4 C. Gran Vía de ColónLa Esquinita de Javi II
1 Pl. del Campillo BajoChurrería Alhambra Cafeteria Chocolatería Granada
27 Pl. de Bib-Rambla