What to See in Granada

Overview

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Albaicín ★★★
This is a district built on a hill in Granada, at the foot of the Alhambra, made up of white houses and narrow streets that have hardly changed since the Moorish era.

Alhambra of Granada ★★★★
Overlooking the city, this fortified complex of palaces (including the Nasrid Palaces) and gardens (the Generalife Gardens) is a prestigious testament to the Muslim presence in Spain from the 8th to the 15th century.

Neighborhoods and Tourist Areas

Albaicín ★★★
This is a district built on a hill in Granada, at the foot of the Alhambra, made up of white houses and narrow streets that have hardly changed since the Moorish era.

Alcaiceria Market ★★
A maze of narrow streets reminiscent of Oriental souks, packed with countless shops selling souvenirs, fabrics, and handicrafts. Very popular with tourists.

Sacromonte ★★
Perched on its hill, Sacromonte is traditionally Granada’s Gypsy quarter. It’s also a partly troglodytic neighbourhood famous for its flamenco performances. You’ll also find a dedicated ethnological ecomuseum here.

Sites, Monuments, and Architectural Ensembles

Alhambra of Granada ★★★★
Overlooking the city, this fortified complex of palaces (including the Nasrid Palaces) and gardens (the Generalife Gardens) is a prestigious testament to the Muslim presence in Spain from the 8th to the 15th century.

Royal Hospital of Granada ★
Today it is part of the city's university and dates from the time of the Catholic Monarchs, with its courtyards and patios. Its galleries are used for temporary exhibitions.

Palace of Charles V ★★
This is an "addition" to the Alhambra commissioned by Charles V. The construction stands out for its beautiful circular courtyard. The palace houses the Alhambra Museum and the city’s Museum of Fine Arts.

Dar al-Horra Palace ★
A 15th-century Moorish palace in the Albaicín district. It’s not very well-known or heavily visited.

Religious Buildings

Basilica of San Juan de Dios ★★
This is one of the beautiful Baroque churches in Granada. It dates from the mid-18th century and features a stunning interior, richly enhanced, which gives it a certain appeal.

Cathedral of the Incarnation ★★★
Built in the 16th century, it is considered the first religious building constructed in the Renaissance style in Spain. It lies at the heart of the city's historic centre. Adjacent to the cathedral, the royal chapel serves as the mausoleum for the Catholic Monarchs of Spain.

Granada Charterhouse ★★
It is a beautiful Andalusian Baroque building with a richly decorated interior worth seeing. It is also known as La Cartuja.

Monastery of San Jeronimo ★★
Built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style, the building houses two cloisters with their gardens and is known for the rich decoration of its chancel.

Museums

Palace of Charles V ★★
This is an "addition" to the Alhambra commissioned by Charles V. The construction stands out for its beautiful circular courtyard. The palace houses the Alhambra Museum and the city’s Museum of Fine Arts.

Parks and Gardens

Carmen de los Mártires Park ★
A rather peaceful spot next to the Alhambra that also offers viewpoints over the city.

Nearby

Further Reading