10-08-2025
The 18 best things to do in Granada
For most visitors, exploring Granada understandably revolves around the wonders of the Unesco-listed Alhambra, Spain's finest example of Islamic architecture. But this is a city that thoroughly rewards visitors with time to dig a little deeper.
Grand religious monuments, viewpoints above rust-coloured rooftops and ambitious galleries, both classic and contemporary, are scattered around Granada's entrancing historical barrios (neighbourhoods), each of which has its own distinctive atmosphere.
It's a compact city, so hopping between different districts, wandering through sloping bougainvillea-lined alleys and stopping for some of the country's most delectable tapas along the way are all part of the experience. And if you're visiting with children, many of Granada's top-tier attractions are perfect for discovering en familia, too.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Granada. Find out more below, or for more inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants and bars, nightlife and cafés.
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Best for history and architecture
Alhambra
Dive into Andalusía's Islamic-era jewel
Sprawling across the Sabika hill between the Genil and Darro rivers, the Alhambra reached its peak splendour in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Palacios Nazaríes (for which you'll need a prebooked timed ticket) are the architectural highlight, home to the much-photographed Patios de los Leones (Lion Courtyard) with its water-spouting white-marble lions and a feast of intricate stucco, colourful tilework and carved-wood doors and ceilings. Climb the 13th-century Alcazaba for rolling views, and allow time for soaking up the serene gardens of the whitewashed Generalife summer palace.
Insider tip: A visit to the Alhambra at night is a fabulous way to see the Palacios Nazarís or the Generalife from a fresh perspective, with fewer crowds. Even if you've visited previously, strolling through the halls, gardens and patios magically illuminated after dark is a treat.
