Is Granada Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why It Is

Most people visit Granada for the Alhambra, a UNESCO site and a wonder of the Muslim world. But after almost three weeks in Granada, I’d say the city itself is just as amazing, and it offers a lot more than just its famous landmark.

One of my favourite spots in Granada? The Arab baths, a hidden gem many overlook but well worth the visit.

So, is Granada worth visiting even if you don’t get tickets for the Alhambra? Absolutely! Read on for my top 10 reasons why you should visit Granada.

10 Reasons Why Visiting Granada Is Worth It

1. Stunning Alhambra Palace

Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re in Granada, you absolutely should visit the Alhambra. It’s one of the top things to do in Granada and often the main reason people come to the city.

As one of Spain’s most popular attractions, the Alhambra is a must-see on any Southern Spain itinerary. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to book yours online on the official Alhambra website as soon as you set your dates.

When I visited in late October, I was lucky to get a ticket just two weeks ahead. During high season, though, you’ll want to book months in advance.

For more insider tips on making the most of your Alhambra visit, check out my guide before you go!

🤩 Get your Skip the Line Alhambra Ticket now

2. Amazing Viewpoints

Granada is quite hilly, which can be exhausting when walking anywhere, but you get some great viewing points because of it. Here are some of the best ones:

• The most famous viewpoint is Mirador de San Nicolás, but to be completely honest I don’t know why it’s so popular. It’s close to the center, but without a good zoom, you’ll capture neighboring rooftops in your Alhambra photos. Plus, it can get overcrowded.
• The viewpoint Mirador de San Cristóbal gives you a great view of the town of Granada without a lot of people there, but you don’t have a view of Alhambra from there.
• Now to my favourite viewpoint: Right in front of the Ermita de San Miguel Alto, you get an amazing view of the city and Alhambra, with hardly a crowd at all.
• Basically, any viewpoint in Sacromonte, a neighbourhood of Granada I’ll talk more about later, gives you a great view of Alhambra.

🤩 Visit some of the best viewpoints on this sunset walking tour!

3. Visit The Cathedral

It really is on almost every European city’s to-do list, go and check out the cathedral. In Granada, the cathedral is in the same building as the Royal Chapel of Granada and the Iglesia Parroquial del Sagrario. All three have separate entrances.

I first saw the side of the Royal Chapel of Granada and was impressed, mistaking it for the cathedral. Later, I realized the cathedral was just around the corner. Both are among Granada’s most beautiful churches.

The interior of Granada Cathedral is more striking than its exterior, with white walls and columns that highlight the altars and religious artefacts.

Tip: If you want to enter either of those places, bring headphones for the downloadable audio guide app.

🤩 I love this Royal Chapel and Granada Cathedral Guided Tour because both entrance tickets are included

4. Stroll Around Albaycín, The Arab Quarter 

Sometimes I think it’s a bit awkward when I hear visit a neighbourhood because I’m always asking myself: Where exactly does the neighbourhood begin? Have I already seen the best parts of the neighbourhood? But you should definitely go see the Arab Quarter in Granada.

Doesn’t matter if you know exactly where the Arab Quarter starts. Once you’re there, you’ll know. There are no specific must-see places, just walking around the small cobblestone alleys, surrounded by white buildings is magical.

🤩 I love this Granada walking tour for visiting hidden treasures in Albaycín

5. Go Shopping

Usually, shopping would never be on my to-do list in a new city, BUT I just love those colourful stalls in Granada. There are two main spots for the Moroccan market feeling:

• In Calle Alcaiceria next to the cathedral, you can find the remains of the big bazaar. Nowadays it’s not really a bazaar anymore, it’s basically just souvenir shops and the only remnant from the cloth and silk trade from the bazaar are the touristy hippy pants.
• Calle Calderería Nueva offers next to shopping opportunities many teahouses (see next point) and you can even get some henna there, one of the cool things in Granada.

You can find similar items to purchase on both streets, but I would still recommend visiting both since they’re both not that big and not that far apart.

6. Sit Down In a Teahouse 

In Granada’s Arab Quarter, especially along Calderería Nueva, you’ll find several traditional Moorish teahouses offering a range of exotic teas. Yes, this street is touristy, but it’s worth a visit for the unique atmosphere. There’s a reason its called “Little Morocco” after all.

I tried three teahouses: Tetería Kasbah, Tetería Al Waha, and my favorite, Tetería Nazarí. The tea was delicious, served in a cute pot, and the setting was cozy. Most tea houses also offer sweets, but for vegan treats, like baklava, I recommend Andalusí Nujaila on the same street.

7. Visit the Cave Houses in Sacromonte

Sacromonte is a must-see neighborhood in Granada. It’s historically known as the “Gypsy Quarter.” Today, around 50,000 Roma people live in Granada, with many living in Sacromonte’s iconic cave houses, homes built directly into the mountain.

For a look into the area’s history, visit the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte. It’s an ethnographic museum featuring historic cave homes, though not representative of how modern-day cave houses look.

If you’re interested in cave houses, I recommend checking out the cave houses in Guadix as well, they are even more impressive, and you can easily do a Guadix day trip from Granada.

🤩 I love this Segway tour for being a fun way to explore the city

8. See a Flamenco Show

Seeing a flamenco show is a classic Spanish experience and what better place than the city were it was created, well that’s at least what the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte claims. Officially the origins of Flamenco are unknown.

It is a quite touristy thing to do (my landlord told me there are no non-touristy Flamenco shows because no Spanish person watches them). But I’d still recommend it. We tried two: one in the city center and one in a cave house.

The city show had a formal stage setup and felt a bit rigid. The cave show, however, was more immersive, with performers dancing among the audience, photos allowed, and complementary drinks. I definitely preferred the cave show, it was an unforgettable experience.

9. Relax in a Hammam

Relaxing in a hammam was one of my favorite things to do in the city. Why settle for ancient ruins when you can experience an actual bath? In Granada, you can soak in hot and cold pools, sip tea, and even add a massage for a complete relaxation experience.

It’s not the cheapest activity, but after a full day of sightseeing, it’s absolutely worth it.

I tried the three most popular hammams in Granada and Hammam Al Ándalus was my absolute favourite for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent service.

🤩 Book a session in my favourite Arab Bath in Granada
I loved soaking in the hot water and getting a massage after spending the whole day exploring Granada

10. Go For Some Great Vegan Food

Granada has fantastic vegan options that are well worth exploring:

• For a sit-down meal, my favorite spot is Hicuri. They have a amazing lunch deal, and you always get a free starter. My favourite dishes are the lasagne and pad Thai.
• If you’re after a quick bite, head to Veggins for mouth-watering wraps and their incredible vegan cheese, which is a must-try!
• For something sweet, don’t miss La Revuelta, a vegan bakery with delicious, affordable pastries that are perfect for a snack on the go.

How Many Days To Visit Granada?

I would recommend spending two nights in Granada, so you can spend one day at Alhambra and relax in the evening in a Hammam and spend one day exploring the city of Granada and end it with a flamenco show.

If you have extra time, you can also take some day trips from Granada. I loved visiting the Alpujarra region in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, with its charming mountain villages. Guadix is another great option for a day trip, offering many interesting activities.

Where to Stay in Granada?

We stayed for one week in Granada at Apartamentos Placeta de San Gil and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The apartment is very central and you can easily get to all the sights on foot.

For a more unique stay, you can also stay in a cave house like Apartamentos Placeta de San Gil. It’s a bit outside the city center but a truly unique experience.

FAQ about Visiting Granada Spain

Final Thoughts: Is Granada Worth Visiting?

Granada is so much more than its famous sight, the Alhambra. My favorites are relaxing in an authentic hammams, exploring historic neighborhoods, and enjoying delicious vegan treats.

If you’re still deciding between Granada and Málaga, check out my comparison post for a full breakdown. Spoiler: I think Granada has the edge, but if you have time, both cities are definitely worth a visit!

Pin it for later: