Granada Top 10 – What to See in Granada, the Most Famous Sites and Beauty Spots

Visitors to Granada often ask: Apart from the Alhambra, what other sights are there to see in Granada? What's unique or special about this city?


Here, we present the definitive list of the 10 most famous monuments and places in Granada that you cannot miss.

Your trip to Granada would be incomplete without visiting these must-see places. In our opinion, they best represent this highly touristic city, and we've selected them as the 'Top 10'.


Here you will find valuable and interesting information about each of these places, along with suggestions on the best photo spots for your trip.

The entries in the list are not arranged in any specific order; you can follow the steps in any sequence.


We recommend staying for at least 2 days to fully experience everything Granada has to offer: the city's monuments, beauty spots, the Alpujarra, Sierra Nevada, Costa Tropical and much more.

Ensure you allocate enough time to thoroughly enjoy each of these places to see in Granada.

1. The Alhambra and the Generalife

The monumental complex of Alhambra includes the Nasrid Palaces, with its most famous and most photographed part being the Court of the Lions (Patio de los leones).

It's an ideal place for capturing the most romantic photos with your partner, especially at night under a full moon if possible.

The Managing Board of the Granada Council offers night tours specifically for this section.

You can also purchase a combined ticket that includes a daytime visit to see the remainder of the monument the following day.

Numerous celebrities, politicians, kings, intellectuals, and various illustrious personalities have posed in this monument.

Arguably, the most original photo was taken when the New Zealand rugby team, the 'All Blacks', performed their famous 'haka' in front of the Patio de los Leones.

The Generalife Gardens is another representative place in the Nasrid monument.

In particular, the Patio de la Acequia, has inspired numerous celebrities whose images have been widely spread throughout the world.

Sharon Corr, from the Irish group 'The Corrs', chose the Alhambra and the Generalife for her first music video 'Dream of You' to launch her solo career.

2. The Cathedral and the Royal Chapel

If the Alhambra represents the magnificence of the Nasrid Granada, the monumental Cathedral of Granada symbolizes the triumph of the Catholic Monarchs, who conquered it in 1492, ultimately uniting Spain under one banner.

Granada held such significance for the Catholic Monarchs that they decided to be buried here and lie in all their greatness in the Royal Chapel.

The Cathedral of Granada is a jewel of the Spanish Renaissance, standing out in many aspects and adorned with works of art by the finest artists of the time.

The ticket does not include a visit to the Royal Chapel; you need to purchase it separately.

During Michelle Obama's brief visit to Granada on her Spanish vacation in 2010, this was one of the places she didn't want to miss.

She was very clear that this is one of the must-see monuments in Granada.

3. The Albaicín

The Zirid dynasty established its court in the the Albaicin neighborhood during the 10th century, predating the construction of the the Alhambra.

It is the oldest neighbourhood of Granada, situated on a hill facing the Alhambra, far from the medina.

Here, you'll discover famous viewpoints like San Nicolás, offering spectacular views of the Alhambra.

This spot was admired by U.S. President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton during an official visit to our country in 1997 while enjoying the beautiful sunset.

Appreciate its marvelous Spanish-Muslim architecture from the medieval period, a defining feature that led to its inclusion in the World Heritage Site. For this reason alone, the Albaicin is an essential part of Granada.

Explore its many wells, Arab and Moorish houses, convents, churches, and various other intriguing places.

The visit can span a whole day, but in 3-5 hours, you can see the most important places.

4. Carrera Del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes

Without a doubt, Carrera del Darro is the most photographed street in Granada.

This picturesque walk will take you from Plaza Nueva to Paseo de los Tristes, situated at the foot of the Alhambra and the Albaicín, alongside the river Darro.

The views here are exceptional. At night, when the Alhambra is lit up, you can enjoy the river's cool breeze and the relaxed vibe from the terraces along Paseo de los Tristes.

There are stories that speak of a network of secret tunnels to reach the Alhambra.

There are many interesting places to visit in the surrounding area, such as the 11th century Arab baths the Bañuelo, the Arab houses of Zafra or the Moorish of Horno de Oro, the Archaeological Museum, the churches of San Gil and Santa Ana and the Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

At the end of the Paseo de los Tristes, on the right, you can cross the river Darro and ascend to the Alhambra via the Cuesta de los Chinos or Cuesta del Rey Chico. It's a beautiful walk, relatively unknown but definitely enjoyable.

5. Plaza Nueva, Calle Elvira and the Teterías

Plaza Nueva is the oldest square in Granada, and is the historical center of the city.

Surrounded by significant buildings like the Royal Chancery, its charm resides in the splendid view of the Torre de la Vela (of the Alhambra) behind the Santa Ana façade or the exquisite Pilar del Toro, a masterpiece by Diego de Siloé.

Plaza Nueva is the starting point for several beautiful walks, including the ascent to the Alhambra via the Cuesta de Gomérez, where you'll discover the impressive Puerta de las Granadas and the entrance to the monumental complex through the surrounding forest.

From here you can also begin the ascent to the Albaicín, following the picturesque Carrera del Darro .

You can also explore Elvira Street, leading to a network of small adjacent streets that transport you to another world — the neighborhood of tea shops. The most popular ones are located on Caldereria Street.

Elvira street is an area known for excellent tapas and wine bars offering unique flavors, such as Castañeda or La Mancha.

Since the 10th century, it has served as the main road of the Islamic city, being the longest at that time.

This area is a typical neighborhood of Christian Granada, celebrated in numerous popular songs and even in a poem by Federico García Lorca.

If you wish to keep walking and seek more distant treasures, head to the end of the Elvira street without deviating from the main path. There, you'll discover the marvelous Puerta de Elvira — an ancient entrance to the city, a silent witness to a distant era.

6. Sacromonte and its Zambras

The Sacromonte neighborhood, one of the oldest and most picturesque in Granada, is a must on our top 10 Granada list.

As you ascend the Cuesta del Chapiz and turn right at the small square where the sculpture of the famous gypsy Chorrojumo is situated, you'll enter the neighborhood through the Camino del Sacromonte.

Along the way, you'll enjoy wonderful views of the Alhambra and the Darro River Valley as you enter a territory that is legendary for many reasons.

You'll soon notice the uniqueness of their homes, carved into the mountain and adorned with white lime and colorful pots.

The unique character of this neighborhood resides in its history and the people who once inhabited it.

Learn about its history in the Cuevas del Sacromonte Museum and discover how this unique neighborhood was created, where the flamenco duende —a state of emotional expression— resides eternally.

Its zambras became world-famous among the romantic travelers of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Ernest Hemingway among them.

They were also enjoyed by film artists like Ingrid Bergmanor Ava Gardner, and other modern-day celebrities such as Michelle Obama.

Experience the wonderful spectacle offered by caves like La Rocío, María la Canastera or Jardines de Zoraya.

7. Cartuja Monastery

Since 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs finally entered Granada and settled in the Alhambra, the city began to rapidly transform.

Considerable funds were invested in constructing large churches, convents, and monasteries, as well as in inviting various religious orders to promote Catholicism among the population.

In a few years, the city of a thousand mosques became the city of a thousand churches, with one of the most prominent undoubtedly being the La Cartuja Monastery.

It is believed that the first Carthusian monks arrived in Granada in 1514 and resumed the works of the Monastery that had begun in 1506.

It took three centuries to complete this magnificent work of art, exhibiting wonders of late Gothic, Renaissance, and Spanish Baroque.

The visit is quite pleasant, offering free parking at the entrance, and an atmosphere of peace and silence that allows you to contemplate with wonder the immense effort put into this emblematic place.

8. The Alpujarra

In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the highest mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, lie some of the most picturesque villages in Spain. Their traditional architecture, reminiscent of the Arab period, bears a striking resemblance to the Berber people.

Admire the indescribable beauty of its landscape, its colors, and its white villages, each with unique customs and architecture. These villages were a refuge for the last Muslims expelled from Granada and remained isolated for a long time.

Only by the end of the 19th century did the first artists, bohemians, and romantic travelers begin to arrive.

For example, the Englishman Gerald Brenan wrote his famous work 'South of Granada' here, which has been adapted into a movie several times.

Since then, many artists and celebrities have been drawn to its beauty and uniqueness, choosing to settle here. For instance, Chris Stweart, a former member of the group Genésis, detailed his experiences in the book 'Entre Limones' or 'El Loro en el Limonero'.

Its main tourist towns are Ruka and Duka. Buses connect all of them, and there are numerous rural houses available for accommodation.

The Alpujarra is a recommended visit at any time of the year, but it becomes magical and mysterious in autumn during the celebration of their traditional chestnut festivals, known as 'mauracas'.

9. Sierra Nevada: the Roof of the Iberian Peninsula

Sierra Nevada is a Biosphere Reserve, a National Park and a Natural Park. Among its peaks, there are more than 20 that exceed an altitude of 3,000 meters.

Its highest peak, Mulhacén, at 3482m meters above sea level, makes it the second-highest mountain range in Western Europe after the Alps.

These high mountains hold another peculiarity: being the southernmost in Europe, they boast impressive biodiversity.

Its ski resort boasts the longest season in Spain and more sunny days than any other station in Europe.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Sierra Nevada and indulge in mountain activities or simply soak in the wonderful scenery it offers all year round.

Only 32 kilometers separate the city of Granada from the Peninsula's rooftop, and there's a reliable bus service connecting the two.

10. Arab Baths of Granada

In Granada you will find beautiful Arab baths where you can relax at the end of the day and enjoy the thermal waters reminiscent of the typical hammams of the Nazari era.

They offer several pools with hot, warm, and cold water options, accompanied by relaxing music.

In many of these baths, you can enjoy a complimentary Moorish tea as a gesture of hospitality.

Additionally, you have the opportunity to reserve a massage, selecting from a range of aromatic oils.

If you've visited the Alhambra, the Generalife and the Albaicín, you likely have an idea of what an Arab Bath, such as 'Hammam,' entails.

Visiting the tearooms and Arab baths in Granada brings you closer to understanding the city's true essence, enriching your overall experience.

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