DAY 1:
Visit the Alhambra and the cathedral and have tapas in the city centre. If you then stroll through the Albaicín and watch the sunset from a viewing point, you've already had a magical first day in Granada.
A morning at the Alhambra
You just woke up and you're about to see one of the most visited monuments in the world, so treat yourself to a good breakfast. In and around the Bib-Rambla square, you have historic cafes where you can try the typical chocolate with churros, or other lighter options if the weather is warm.Booking tickets for the Alhambra in advance is the best thing to do to optimise your time – here we explain it to you in detail. If you enjoy walking, go ahead and walk to the entrance, up the hill where this impressive monumental ensemble sits. The walk will take you about 20 minutes. You have two options: from the Paseo de los Tristes, walking the walls of the Alhambra along the Cuesta del Rey Chico; or along the Cuesta de Gomérez, from the Plaza Nueva, an option with less slope and a pretty alameda park. If you prefer to save your strength, take a bus to Plaza de Isabel la Católica, where you can admire the beauty of the Court of the Lions and Court of the Myrtles, the Nasrid palaces, the gardens of the Generalife, the Alcazaba or the Palace of Charles V are at least three hours away. Once you leave, the descent towards the city centre while you absorb the masterpiece you have just visited will be particularly pleasant.
Typical Granada tapas and a visit to the cathedral
As it will already be an ideal time for lunch, join in on the Granada custom of going from bar to bar to enjoy the variety of tapas (hot or cold appetisers) that are usually served as a courtesy to accompany your drinks. You will discover popular flavors such as 'potato crumbs' with engañifa and egg, tripe, beans with ham, 'poor man's potatoes', pescaíto frito (fried fish) or typical cured meats, sausages and cheeses. You can go for tapas around the Romanilla and Pescadería squares since they are very close to your next destination: the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel of Granada, where the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs is located. The Renaissance-era dome of the religious monument, its baroque façade and its altarpieces and paintings are a can't-miss. Plus, its uninterrupted visiting hours will allow you to set aside the rest of the afternoon to head along the Carrera del Darro towards one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city.
Sunset in Albaicín
Before getting lost among its narrow cobbled streets, squares and white houses, make a stop at the House of Zafra. It is a Nasrid construction from the 14th century and is currently home to the Albaicín Interpretation Centre. There, through illustrations and interactive panels, you can learn about the history of this neighborhood which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Taking in the panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada, the Generalife and the Alhambra from a viewpoint is a tradition all its own. The most famous and most popular place for a sunset is San Nicolás, but in the Albaicín, you have other options such as the nearby viewpoint in the gardens of the Granada Mosque or the San Cristóbal viewpoint, a few streets further up.You can bid the day farewell by buying some souvenirs and having dinner on Elvira Street, which marks the perimeter of the Albaicín. You will find a curious multicultural blend of dishes, with restaurants mainly serving local cuisine and Arabic cuisine.