48 Hours in Granada, Spain: The perfect two-day itinerary

The best times to visit Granada are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when temperatures are pleasant, and the city is less crowded. During the spring season, blooming flowers enhance the cityscape, and significant cultural events fill up the calendar. Summers can be hot, reaching over 30°C (86°F).

Summer in southern Spain is hot – and Granada is no exception. Granada experiences high temperatures in summer, often exceeding 30°C (86°F). It’s advisable to stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities in the mornings or evenings, and take advantage of shaded areas.

If you’re wondering how many days in Granada Spain and you want to explore its main attractions like the Alhambra, Albaicín, and the city center, plan a stay of at least 2 to 3 nights. This will give you 2 days in Granada city, allowing for a relaxed and immersive experience.

The Alhambra is the standout attraction, featuring stunning Moorish architecture, Nasrid Palaces, and Generalife lush gardens. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Allocate at least 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit to the Alhambra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is vast, comprising the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, and Generalife gardens.

Granada is generally walkable, especially in the city center and Albaicín. However, be prepared for hilly terrain, and comfortable walking shoes are advisable.

When visiting Granada by car, it’s best to choose a hotel with a parking facility for the duration of your stay. This helps avoid fines due to traffic restrictions enforced by the city hall, especially in the historic center where many streets are pedestrianized. Inform your hotel of your arrival to ensure your vehicle is exempt from fines. Hotels within restricted areas may permit access, but ensure your hotel is properly informed and has your vehicle’s license plate. Free parking in the central area is scarce, and regulated blue parking zones limit parking to five hours with corresponding fees.

No, entry to the Alhambra requires a ticket. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to ensure your visit. For detailed information, refer to our blog post: Alhambra Ticket Options: What you need to know.

Carrera del Darro, often hailed as ‘the most beautiful street in the world,’ is a sensory delight. Walking on its cobblestone path, accompanied by the soothing sound of the river, and reaching one of the finest viewpoints of the Alhambra, is a true privilege for the senses.  It should not be confused with the Acera del Darro, which is located in Puerta Real.

Calle Calderería Nueva, also known as Tea Street, is renowned for its captivating ambiance featuring tea shops, market stalls, and vibrant colors. Often called the little Marrakech of Granada, this street is popularly known as Calle de las Teterías. We recommend trying the traditional Moorish tea made with green tea and mint at the various tea houses along this charming street, creating an experience reminiscent of Moroccan culture.

Calle Reyes Católicos stands out as Granada’s main shopping street, hosting a range of well-established retailers and boutiques. Another noteworthy shopping destination is Calle Recogidas, located in the heart of Granada and adjacent to Calle de los Reyes Católicos. Calle Recogidas is a bustling street with an array of shops, boutiques, and cafes, providing a diverse and vibrant shopping experience.

Plaza Nueva is a historic square at the foot of the Alhambra. Despite its name, which translates to “New Square,” it is the oldest square in the city. Situated between the modern center and the Carrera del Darro, Plaza Nueva boasts historic buildings and serves as a central gathering place for both locals and tourists.

Granada boasts the historic Albaicín, an ancient Arab quarter nestled between the Alhambra hill, San Cristóbal hill, Sacromonte, and Elvira street. Known for its narrow medieval streets, historic architecture, and lively ambiance, Albaicín is a delightful area perfect for leisurely exploration on foot.

Explore the enchanting Albaicín by heading straight up to the Mirador de San Nicolás, offering stunning panoramas of Granada and a great view of the Alhambra. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Albaicín to discover its historic charm and unique Moorish architecture. Also, try to find the Mirador de Los Carvajales, a secluded, tree-lined courtyard that provides excellent views of the Alhambra.

The scenic walk from Albaicín to Alhambra is delightful, taking approximately  30 minutes. While it’s a bit of a longer walk, the route offers plenty to see, especially if you opt for the extended path along Carrera del Darro, tracing the riverbanks of the Darro river. For added convenience, public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services are also available. If you prefer driving, you can park at Parking San Cristóbal Albaicín and commence your walk from there.

Granada boasts a rich culinary scene, renowned for its free tapas culture and a variety of delightful dishes. From pescaito frito and Tortilla de Sacromonte to local specialties like Piononos, the city offers a diverse gastronomic experience. Don’t miss trying Berejenas fritas con miel de caña, Choto al Ajillo, Quisquillas de Motril, Plato Alpujarreño, and Migas Alpujarreñas. This culinary journey captures the essence of Granada’s food culture.

Yes, in many bars, tapas are complimentary with your drink order. It’s a unique tradition in Granada, allowing you to savor local flavors. Simply, order a ‘caña,’ which is a beer or a wine, and it comes with a free tapa.

Calle Navas is celebrated for its concentration of bars offering complimentary tapas. It’s a lively street to experience the local tapas culture. Our recommendations: Los Diamantes or Taberna La Tana. Additionally, you’ll find many other options on Calle Elviria.