Top 10 Things to Do in Granada

Who loves tapas? We love this mountainous Spanish city for its party scene, beautiful old town, and heaps of delicious food. With so much going on, you’ll never get bored in Granada!

With little winding streets, snowy mountains in the distance, an impressive cathedral, street art, great views and secret bars, Granada is a gem. Best experienced by wandering around on foot, you’ll have no shortage of things to see and do here. Granada offers an experience different from other Spanish cities, and you need to discover what we mean. To help you plan your adventure, read on to discover our recommendations for the Top 10 Things to Do in Granada!

1. Free Tapas Tradition

Okay, let’s start with the good stuff, shall we? One of the best traditions to come out of Granada is the free tapas! Yes, you read that right! Delicious, mouthwatering, free tapas for you to sink your teeth into. All you have to do to receive a plate is to order a drink. And since you were likely going to order one anyway, it’s a pretty solid deal. Now if that isn’t an excuse to drink, we don’t know what is! This is free tapas tradition is something you absolutely have to do while in Granada!

2. The Plaza Nueva

If people watching is something you like to do on your travels, then head to Plaza Nueva. It’s the oldest square in the city, and is a great starting point for touring around Granada, especially if you plan on visiting the Alhambra. Grab a drink at a nearby bar and spend an hour or so watching the world pass by.

Plaza Neuva

3. El Bañuelo (Arab Baths)

These 11th century baths are free to visit and well worth seeing if you’re interested in Granada’s cultural past. In fact, they’re the oldest preserved baths in Spain, so you can only imagine the history these walls have seen. Constructed using parts of Roman pillars, these underground baths are as spooky as they are fascinating.

4. Alhambra Palace

A fixture in Granada’s history, this 13th century palace was the home to Nasrid sultans for over 200 years. With beautiful gardens, the architecture and design is simply amazing and full of Instagram-worthy spots. There are several buildings to check out, including the Alcazaba and Generalife. It’s sensible to buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Alhambra Palace

5. The Cathedral and Royal Chapel

Granada Cathedral was constructed on the site of the Great Mosque when the Muslims were expelled from Spain. And while it might come as a surprise, it’s Spain’s second largest cathedral. Located only 5 minutes from the Albaycin, it’s worth a visit. You do have to pay to enter, but this is where you can see some impressive art, as well as the Royal Chapel. This is where several former Spanish kings have been buried, and the chapel itself is quite beautiful.

6. Street Art Tours

Granada isn’t just about the historical and traditional things to do. Its streets are actually home to some pretty incredible street art, bound to impress anyone. Head to Realejo, which is also the home of “El Niño de las Pinturas”, a famous urban artist, to see what we’re talking about. If you want to explore it alone, go for it! But we recommend taking a tour. Check out the Oasis Backpackers Hostel,“Street Art & the Caves Tour” starting every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 5pm.

Street art in Granada

7. Albayzín

The white washed houses that dot this maze of old streets is emblematic of Granada’s old town – the ancient Arab and Moorish quarter. Albayzín is the place to walk around and get lost – you’ll stumble across shops, cafes, minarets, flamenco bars, and lots of friendly people. The view from the top of the hill is one of Granada’s highlights – you can see the Alhambra and Generalife with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop.

8. Carrera del Darro

Next to the Plaza Nueva, the Carrera del Darro is a pathway along the river. This romantic route offers famous views of Granada, coupled with beautiful stone bridges. It’s the most quaint spot of Granada’s old town, and will surely whisk you away to a different era. It’s a great place to stroll along, and be sure to check out the Paseo del los Tristes. The Carrera del Darro is also the way to the El Bañuelo (Arab Baths).

Carrera del Darro

9. Sacromonte

Located in front of the Alhambra, you’ll find another very traditional neighbourhood in Granada. These traditional 16th century cave homes are built into the cliffs and have long been occupied by artists and flamenco dancing gypsies. There are some touristy shows here, but the real deal always happens late at night in one of the caves.

10. Check out some Flamenco

Famously born from the gipsies of Andalucia, the music and dance of Flamenco is alive and well in Granada. With a few early shows for tourists, we encourage you to catch one later at night in the famous caves in Sacromonte. The music is famously soulful, passionate, dramatic, and the dancing is amazing. You’d be missing out on a truly great experience if you don’t catch one of these shows.

Flamenco Show

Where to Stay in Granada

Oasis Backpackers Hostels Granada is where you’re about to discover the new generation of contemporary styled backpackers. The top hostel in Granada is a place designed for the modern day global traveler.

At Oasis Backpackers Hostel Granada you will find us amidst the ancient cobblestone corridors and candle lit teashops of Granada’s enchanting Arabic quarter, the Albaycín. During the day, the Albaicyn is full of life with Moroccan markets, street musicians, and sunny plazas. When the sun sets it becomes the center of Granada’s nightlife bursting with bars, cafes and clubs.