Amazing Things To See In Granada

An Overview of Granada

Known for splendid examples of preserved medieval architecture dating back to Spain’s Moorish occupation, Granada is one of Spain’s most popular tourism and culture centers. The city is stuffed with notorious artistic monuments, architectural landmarks, Neoclassical churches, sacred convents and compelling mansions. Most importantly, Granada is home to the exquisite hilltop fortress complex known as the Alhambra. This massive structure was a stronghold for Moorish Monarchies, holding serene reflections pools, lush fountain spaces, vibrant orchards and incredible views. There are many amazing things to see in Granada.

Amazing Things To Do See Granada

Alhambra

This is among the most astounding structures in Spain. The Alhambra is a Moorish complex which includes a famous palace, citadel, fortification system, Napoleonic historic landmarks, Arabic cultural monument, royal art bastion, influential military base and civilian living quarters.  Keep in mind, the Alhambra takes a couple of days to effectively explore.

Generalife

These expansive garden spaces made up the core of the lovely summer palace of the Nasrid Dynasty which ruled Granada for many years. The gardens are structured with vibrant native and exotic plants, harkening back to Muslim-Spanish building styles.

Albaicin (Flamenco)

This location, also known as Albayzín, is famous for traditional Flamenco dances. The Albaicin neighborhood is a series of narrow passages and winding routes.  It is defined by heavy Moorish influences in the architecture and design.

Granada Cathedral

The Granada Cathedral is a famed and ornate cathedral located near the Palacio de la Madraza University Cultural Center. The Cathedral’s interior is spectacular with a lavish gold-&-white interior and a stunning stained-glass dome.

Alcaiceria

This is a beautiful open market site tucked into a few small alleys. Vendors sell numerous lamps, handmade goods, souvenirs and unique outfits. The Alcaiceria was once part of the sprawling, notorious Moorish Bazar, but only this small section remains.

Granada Charterhouse

This building is a lavish Carthusian monastery slightly to the north of the city center. The Charterhouse is home to some of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture and a painted ceiling of stunning detail.

Sierra Nevada National Park

This is an excellent location for stunning mountain hikes through the rugged Spanish countryside. The park is also notorious for its ski resorts. The initial entrances to the parks are quite close by, only requiring about half-an-hour of drive time from Granada. However, getting to the interior of the park takes considerably longer.

Carrera del Darro

This is widely considered one of the most romantic walks through the city. The route follows a narrow foot pass going past several zones of Moorish cultural architecture with switchback alleys, soft lighting and impressive buildings.

Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park)

This park is a somewhat famous area within the city, remarkably in terms of its contemporary designs.  The Science Park is an education museum seamlessly incorporated into the surrounding area. The interactive science center and museum combination contains more than 70,000 square meters of educational material, leisure spaces and family entertainment.

Plaza Bib-Rambla

This is a grand and central hangout plaza in Granada. The name translates to “Wall Gate.” During the Moorish development in Granada the plaza space was used for Bull Running.

San Jeronimo Monastery

This is a famously carved church in Granada, complete with numerous niches housing various religious statues in exquisite detail. Architecturally, the monastery incorporates vaulted ceilings, royal commissions and Late Gothic designs.

Sacromonte

This is a popular tourism and culture neighborhood with white roads and steep hills, known as “the place” to see flamenco dances and culture.  The area is additionally known for the incorporation of “cave” houses, which use natural holes in the cliff alongside actual protruding structures.

Mirador de San Nicolas

This is a popular overlook point which offers views across the entire city of Granada. Below, the urban sprawl is seen as a shimmering combination of old-world influence and modern lights.

Realejo Graffiti Artwork Street

This is a powerfully vivid street artwork space combined with ancient urban alleys. The street artwork found in this neighborhood is considered intense and defined by unique designs. The barrio, which was the city’s old Jewish quarter, is also home to the city’s most prolific artist, Raul Ruiz. He is better known internationally as “El Niño de las Pinturas” (“the kid with the paintings”). 

Federico Garcia Lorca Park

This is a wide, open-area park near the center of the city with narrow pillars of trimmed trees accenting the area.

Plaza Romanilla

This is a scenic walking and shopping area dotted with pillars of palm trees rustling down a cobbled central road.

Lobo Park – Wolf Park near Antequera

Located roughly an hour and a half away from Granada, these are massive wolf habitats hosting four different wolf species in a sprawling natural habitat. Visitors can learn about these native carnivores in a semi-wild natural setting.

Read more about amazing things to see in Granada and traveling the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.

Affiliate Disclosure: Leftfade Trails contains affiliate links, so using services or products through these links supports the website, at no extra cost to the user. All links are to tested services and products designed to aid travelers on their journeys. Some links specifically connect to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases.