2 Days in Granada: Full Itinerary Beyond the Alhambra
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While travel gets better when you slow down, if you only have 2 days in Granada, I will share how to maximize the heckity-heck out of your time.
What stood out to me about Granada was the heavy Arab and Moorish influence in the architecture, the big tapa culture, the obsession with tea, and a bigger emphasis on traditional baths (hammams) compared to other parts of Europe or Spain. I was also surprised at the deep roots the Gypsy community had in Granada, especially in the Spanish guitar and flamenco space.
👉 Fun Fact: Only in Granada are tapas served for free if you buy a drink—while you don’t get to pick what you get, as long as you keep drinking, they’ll bring you different little snacks! The bigger the crowd in the street, the better you can bet the tapas will be.
High level, taking on Granada in 2 days doesn’t have to be a tourist checklist, or only about the Alhambra. I spent a few days in the city on a couple of occasions, and here’s how I recommend you approach two days:
- Day 1: UNESCO Albaicín & Sacromonte Neighborhoods (souvenir shopping) – Tapas Hopping – Flamenco Show – Hookah & Cave Bars
- Day 2: Alhambra Guided Tour – Traditional Hammam Bath – Tapas Food Crawl – Mirador San Nicolas for sunset – Fancy Granada Dinner & Drinks
Beyond the quick 2-day highlight reel itinerary, the city has a lot to offer, and I got a very artsy, young backpacker vibe. It’s a rockier, more hilly city, so walking around the cobblestoned uphills is a workout and not great for folks with mobility issues—and Lord help you if it’s rainy because it gets slippery! 🙈
My friend Victoria and I went in May and loved the weather – although you do need a light sweater at night because Granada is in the mountains, and it gets chilly. I hear June, September, and October are ideal for visiting Granada.
How many days do you need in Granada?
I personally think two days in Granada is the minimum amount of time you should dedicate to the city. If you can push it to three days, that is even better. I know folks come here to see the Alhambra, which is an amazing almost full-day activity with a history-savy guide, but Granada is pretty eclectic and bigger than I thought, thus my push for a bit more time to properly savor it.
As a hiker, lover of eating my way through a city, cultural deep dives into history, and pretty views with a glass of wine in hand, I’ve included a detailed 2-day itinerary of Granada of my favorite spots, as well as a 1-day and 3-day guide below that, just in case.
PRO TIP: I always combine a trip to Granada with a few days in Sevilla since the cities are quite close together. I think you could easily do justice to both Sevilla and Granada in a week.
FULL Itinerary: 2 Days In Granada
In this post, I’ll talk about the delicious things to eat and drink in Granada, where I thought was cute and chic, why you should experience a traditional hammam bathhouse (and get professionally bathed), where to grab cocktails and hookah at night, where to see an authentic Spanish Gypsy Flamenco show, as well as how you can get tickets to all the iconic things – like the Alhambra.
This is not a packed itinerary, but it is a full 2 days, so it’s assuming you arrive the night before and leave the morning after the second day.
Day 1: Granada History, Flamenco & Hookah Night
- Morning: Walking History Tour: Cathedral, Royal Chapel of Granada (2 hrs)
- Lunch: Granada Tapas-Hopping Tour – starts around lunch (3.5 hrs)
- Afternoon: Sacromonte & Albaicin Neighborhood (2 hrs)
- Flamenco Show (1 hr – early show)
- Dinner: El Trillo Restaurante Granada or Maria de La O
- Night Out: Cave Bars & Hookah at
We started every morning here with a traditional carb-heavy Spanish breakfast, which is not eggs and bacon, but rather toasted bread with tomato on it (pan con tomate), a pastry, freshly squeezed orange juice (obsessed with Spanish oranges, even though the Portugues oranges hold my heart) and a cup of coffee.
While we didn’t do the guided walking tours, if I were to have another go at it, I absolutely would, especially as the tour I recommend is split into two sections, and you get to see the Sacromonte and Albaicin neighborhoods at sunset, which is the best time.
Fun Local Tip: In Albaicin, stop by the Monasterio Santa Isabel la Real. Ring the bell and wait. You will be shown a menu of the various treats—put your order & money down, and then you get your treats from the nuns. Cocos and Magdalenas were absolutely delicious!
Hands down, my favorite part of the day was the Flamenco show in the Albaicin Neighborhood. Most of the tickets include a drink and a meal, but we went early to catch the show—and wow! This is full-on Gypsy music magic, and what I love the most about flamenco is that it showcases the strength and passion of a Spanish Gypsy woman—something I admire.
After the show, we went to an amazing tapas dinner and went out on the town—which, to our surprise, was mostly cocktail and hookah bars. This was a throwback for both Victoria and me to our days in Austin, smoking hookah in little gardens in our home city!
DID YOU KNOW: I’m pretty sure this doesn’t happen anywhere else, but in Granada, if you pop into a local tapas bar, you don’t pay for the tapas (they just bring random tapas to you) when you buy the beer!
Day 2: Alhambra, Hammam Baths, & Tapas
- Morning: Alhambra Skip the Line Tickets & Guided Tour (3 hrs)
- Lunch: La Vinoteca Tapas Bar or Bar La Fragua
- Afternoon: Traditional Hammam Bath & Massage (1.5 hrs)
- Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset
- Tapas & Dinner: Bar Los Diamantes or La Tabernilla del Darro for tapas, and then Faralá (fancy) later in the night.
I cannot stress this enough – GET TICKETS EARLY to visit the Alhambra palace grounds and gardens. It’s a beautiful property with lots of history, which our guide explained in fun detail.
What I thought was pretty cool is that water flows everywhere – it symbolizes life, purity, and the transient nature of existence, reflecting the Islamic influence on the palace’s design.
Highlights of the Alhambra tour that we loved include:
- Nasrid Palaces: The heart of the Alhambra is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture. Each room and courtyard is more breathtaking than the last, with intricate tile work and flowing Arabic inscriptions.
- Alcazaba: The oldest part of the Alhambra, this military fortress offers incredible views of Granada. Let’s not forget that while it is pretty to visit, it sits strategically on a hill to protect Granada from invasions.
- Palace of Charles V: An impressive Renaissance building within the Nasrid complex. The story goes that there is a tomb for King Charles V, but no body—he chose to be buried somewhere else.
- Generalife: The sultans’ summer palace is set in beautiful gardens. It’s a place of tranquility and contemplation, with flowing water and lush greenery. It was my favorite part of the Alhambra.
A hammam is an Arabic bath, and you could say it’s how we would think of a spa here in the US. The hammam in the afternoon was a quick little interesting experience, and if you haven’t been to one before, the gist is this – there is a massage, and then you go into a sauna, where professional ladies will bathe you with a little scruby mitten and soap.
The goal is exfoliation, at which point, in the end, you will be dried off and sent on your way with mint tea. I did quite a few hammam experiences in Turkey as well, and what stands out to me is how beautiful these bathhouses are inside!
For sunset, we walked up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for a view of the Alhambra. The super cool part was that there was a group of Spanish guitar players doing their thing, which I thought made it all the more magical (heads up – it will be busy, because sunset hits differently in Granada!)
We ended the night tapas bar hopping in Albaicin.
➡️ If You Have 3 Days In Granada
If you have a third day in Granada, I would add a hiking day. I absolutely adore that Granada is close to the Sierra Nevada mountains. A half-day to a full day of hiking, 4-wheeling, and biking is refreshing in the south of Spain – especially in Los Cahorros Gorge
➡️ If You Have 1 Day In Granada
If you have only a day in Granada, I would prioritize the Alhambra and walking around the Sacromonte and Albaicin neighborhoods, with a traditional Flamenco show to end the night and a tapas dinner in the old town.
- Morning: Alhambra Skip the Line Tickets & Guided Tour (3 hrs)
- Tapas Lunch & Explore Old Town on your own (Cathedral & Royal Chapel)
- Traditional Hammam Bath & Massage (1.5 hrs)
- Sunset Neighborhood Tour: Sacromonte & Albaicin (2.5 hrs)
- Late Night: Flamenco Show (1 hr)
5 Best Things To Do & See In Granada
Here is what I thought was great and unique to Granada. While I loved meandering the streets on my own and being a lazy tourist, if you’re maximizing your time, it’s best you hop on a tour – especially the food ones and the neighborhood walking tours because they are loaded with information & cool history.
✔️ Visit the Alhambra
I cannot stress this enough – GET TICKETS EARLY to visit the Alhambra palace grounds and gardens. It’s a beautiful property with lots of history, and probably the main reason we went to Granada.
What I thought was pretty cool is that there is water flowing everywhere – it symbolizes life, purity, and the transient nature of existence, reflecting the Islamic influence on the palace’s design.
✅ Pro Tip: Book your tickets early and go for the local guided tour – there is tons of history here you don’t want to miss, plus a few fun facts!
⏰ Average Time: 3 hours
📍 Location: Google Map
➡️ Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 8 pm
➡️ Get Alhambra Tickets & Guide ahead of time here. ⬅️
✔️ See A Flamenco & Spanish Guitar Show
This is full-on Gypsy music magic, and what I love the most about flamenco is that it showcases the strength and passion of a Spanish Gypsy woman.
Here’s what you can expect: There are usually two women dancers and one guy dancing, plus a Spanish guitarist and one other person drumming along on a wooden box (no joke, it’s a thing). You can expect a few dances telling stories about falling in love, longing, betrayal, etc. all in a Gypsy dialect of Spanish.
Most of the shows are in cave theaters built a long time ago, with great acoustics, and don’t get me started on the beautiful Flamenco dresses and shawls!
✅ Pro Tip: Most show tickets include a drink and an option for dinner service if you opt for it. I would go to multiple shows at different locations because each show is different!
⏰ Average Time: 1 hour
📍 Location: Best in Albaicín neighborhood
➡️ Get Tickets to a Spanish Guitar & Flamenco show here! ⬅️
✔️ Explore the Sacromonte & Albaicín Neighborhoods
Albaicín is an ancient Moorish neighborhood and a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is iconic for its narrow, cobblestone streets that have remained largely unchanged since the Nasrid dynasty.
It is a melting pot of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences, which you can see in its architecture, shops, and little restaurants. This is also where you’ll find the Mirador de San Nicolás, where you have some amazing views of the Alhambra against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains—perfect for that sunset photo!
Sacromonte is the traditional home of Granada’s Romani (Gypsy) community. It has a deep history of flamenco beyond the commercialized shows you can get in places like Barcelona and Sevilla, and you’re usually attending a small performance in a whitewashed cave carved out of the hillside. With fewer tourists than Granada’s more central areas, Sacromonte felt like a more authentic and calm experience to us.
✅ Pro Tip: In Albaicín, stop by the Monasterio Santa Isabel la Real. Ring the bell and wait. You will be shown a menu of the various treats – put your order & money down, and then you get your treats from the nuns.
⏰ Average Time: 2.5 hours
➡️ Get Tickets to this Fantastic Sunset Walking Tour in Albaicín & Sacromonte! ⬅️
✔️ Get Scrubbed in a Traditional Hammam Bath
A hammam is an Arabic bath, and you could say it’s how we would think of a spa here in the US. Many hammams in Granada are set in beautifully restored buildings that reflect the city’s Moorish past, with beautiful tile work, soothing lighting, and tranquil water features – think reflective pools, little fountains, and saunas.
Fun Fact: The ritual of the hammam is deeply ingrained in Andalusian culture, a legacy of the region’s Islamic past. This was basically the daily life and traditions of the Moors who once lived in this part of Spain.
Hammams typically feature several rooms with different temperatures—cold, warm, and hot. You’re encouraged to move between these rooms to stimulate circulation and detoxify the body.
Like a Turkish bath, the steam room is a central part of the experience, helping to open your pores and relax your muscles. And like a Turkish hammam, there’s an option to include a traditional kessa glove scrub, where a lady gently (or aggressively) exfoliates your skin, removing dead cells and leaving your skin feeling baby-soft. Often, there’s an option to add a relaxing massage with essential oils, which I recommend!
✅ Pro Tip: You should wear your bathing suit, as it’s not a nude spa. The boys go on one side, while the girls go on the other. And remember to come and stay hydrated!
⏰ Average Time: 1.5 hours
📍 Location: Google Map
➡️ Opening Hours: 10 am to Midnight
➡️ Book a Hammam Appointment at Al Ándalus Bathhouse! ⬅️
✔️ Go Tapas-Hopping
Granada is famous for its tapas scene, where you get a free tapa with each drink you order. This tradition is a point of pride for locals and was a delightful surprise for us. Tapas hopping is a big deal – locals and tourists alike crowd into bars, often spilling onto the streets, being loud and eating their way through the night.
Fun Fact: Some say the tapa tradition began when bartenders placed a slice of bread over the glass to keep flies out, eventually evolving into little add ons to the bread – and voila, tapas in Granada are free with a purchase of beer!
These are some of the local tapas we tried that I thought were yummy and unique:
- Tortilla de Sacromonte: Unique to Granada, this is a variation of the Spanish omelet made with brains and veal testicles. It’s much tastier than it sounds and is a true local delicacy.
- Habas con Jamón: A simple yet delicious tapa featuring broad beans cooked with ham, a common ingredient in south Spanish food.
- Churros con Chocolate: I thought this was just a Mexican thing!
- Remojón Granadino: A refreshing salad made with oranges, onions, olives, and cod.
To get the full experience, move from bar to bar, enjoying a drink and tapa at each place – it’s how we rolled both nights.
✅ Pro Tip: Remember that Spaniards usually start their evenings late. To blend in, we went out for tapas around 9 pm or later.
⏰ Average Time: 3 hours
➡️ This is a great Tapas-Hopping Food Tour – highly recommend! ⬅️
Getting To Granada
There are a few ways to get to Granada. I’ve always combined my trip to Granada with a few days in Sevilla first (where it’s sometimes cheaper to fly into), and so from Sevilla, I just take the bus or the train to Granada, and used public transportation to get around in the city.
✈️ By Plane
Granada Airport (Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport) is located about 15 miles west of the city. It’s a smaller airport, with more domestic flights, but some inter-Europe connections fly here too.
Once you land, you can take a bus, Uber, or rent a car to reach the city center. If you’re just staying a couple of days, I recommend taking an Uber into city center and walking around from there.
🚂 By Train
Granada is connected to major Spanish cities like Sevilla, Madrid and Barcelona via Spain’s rail network, Renfe. I use OMIO to book trains around major cities in Europe. As an example, the high-speed AVE trains can get you from Madrid to Granada in approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Here are the most popular routes & price averages:
- Sevilla (Santa Justa) – Granada: 2.5 hrs [$55 by train]
- Madrid (Puerta de Atocha) – Granada: 3.5 hrs [$50 by train]
- Barcelona (Sants) – Madrid (Puerta de Atocha) – Granada: 6.5 hrs [$130]
Pro Tip on Busses: Granada’s bus station is located a bit outside the city center, but you can grab a taxi/Uber to get into the city. Buses can be a cost-effective way to travel (about $20-30 on Omio for a ticket), but the journey might take longer compared to trains or flights. From experience, FlixBus is a great company to ride with, and they have a bathroom on board the bus.
🚗 By Car
If you’re aready on a road trip, driving to Granada is super nice, and it gives you the chance to enjoy the beautiful Andalusian countryside at your own pace.
The city is well-connected by major highways, including the A-92, which links Granada to Seville and Malaga.
Keep in mind that parking in Granada is tough, especially in the city center, where cars are not allowed. If you end up renting a car, check if your lodging offers parking or use designated parking areas on the outskirts of city center. I use the EasyPark app in Spain to automatically pay for parking & top it off remotely if I need to.
Getting Around Granada
Is Granada a walkable city? Yes, it is, and we walked a lot during our stay. The good news is that almost everything you want to see is about a 20-30 minute walk.
The city is not ideal for folks with mobility issues because it’s full of hills and steps. And be extra careful if it rains because the cobblestoned streets become slippery – I almost busted my butt a couple of times walking downhill after a summer afternoon rain shower.
The bottom line is that I used public transport (Uber or taxi) or walked to explore Granada. Many of the city’s attractions are in pedestrian-friendly areas, and the neighborhood alleys and historic districts are best explored on foot.
Where To Stay In Granada
I was surprised that Granada actually had pretty budget-friendly options for how nice the places were. Both times, I was coming from Sevilla, which is more pricey, and it was a nice surprise not to be breaking the bank for a more luxurious lodging situation.
The best neighborhoods to stay in because of their proximity to everything (and cuteness) is Albaicín, the Old Town Centro, Realejo, and Sacromonte.
Centro de Granada
The center of Granada is super convenient, with easy access to shops, restaurants, hammams, and historic sites like the Cathedral and Royal Chapel. It’s a bit noisy on the weekends when everyone is out tapa-hopping in the streets, so if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room off the main street.
📍 Luxury: Casa Naranjos – I stayed here with my friends, and it was super well decorated; there were 3 big bedrooms, good light, and right next to a fantastic little cafe for breakfast and afternoon coffee. Cannot recommend it enough!
📍 Mid-Range: NH Collection Victoria Hotel – In the city center but off the main road, so it’s not so noisy. Close to a tapas bar just down the road, super comfy beds, and great breakfast!
Albaicín
Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional whitewashed houses, gives off a truly historic vibe. You’re close to the Mirador de San Nicolás for the amazing Alhambra views, and the area’s upbeat plazas are perfect for sunset cocktails and tapas.
The only thing that sucks about staying in Albaicín is that the cobblestone streets can be steep and tough to navigate, especially with luggage.
📍 Luxury: Shine Albayzín – A super beautiful property with views of the Alhambra. A real gem hotel, wow!
📍 Mid-Range: Casas del Albaicín – A cozy, chic apartment, also with great views of the Alhambra, but an added perk of a kitchen. Honestly, I would move in here if I could!
Best Time to Visit Granada
I think the best months to visit Granada are May and June before the summer heat, and September and October in the fall from a perspective of weather and fun festivals.
The last time we visited was in May, and it was so nice and sunny during the day – we only needed a light jacket at night when it got a bit chilly. Before that, I visited in late November, and it was no-joke cold. I had boots and a coat on, a scarf, and light gloves for warmth.
The weather is mild and pleasant in May and June, and the flowers are in full bloom, everything is green, and there’s no rain. Some of the events I keep my eye out for are:
- The Granada International Festival of Music and Dance (Festival Internacional de Música y Danza): Usually starting in late June and running into July, this prestigious event features classical music, ballet, and flamenco performances
- Feria del Corpus Christi: A religious festival in late May and early June. It includes carnival style rides, food stalls, and flamenco shows.
- The Cruces de Mayo: Held at the beginning of May, this festival sees Granada’s neighborhoods competing to create the most beautiful flower cross. And on May 3rd, Granada celebrates the Day of the Cross with elaborate cross displays, flamenco dancing, and street parties.
The weather in September and October is similar to spring, not too hot, not too cold. The fun part about visiting Granada in the fall is the festivals:
- Granada Sound: Indie and alternative music festival in September.
- Fiesta de San Miguel: Celebrated in late September in the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods, this festival honors the patron saint of Granada with traditional music, dance, and giant community meals.
- International Jazz Festival of Granada: Technically, this event will be held in November, and it is one of the oldest and most esteemed jazz festivals in Europe. If you’re in Granada in late October, you might catch some of the early performances.
The summer months of July and August is super hot in Granada (90s F), and crowded. While winter is not that bad compared to the rest of Europe, November through April is chilly, and the Sierra Nevada mountains have snow on them – good for skiing – but definitely not ideal Spanish weather.
Is Granada Worth Visiting without the Alhambra?
I’m going to have to say no. Even if you show up the day unprepared without a ticket, there are tons of tours that operate to see the Alhambra – last ditch effort, you do one of the self-guided audio tours like I did when I came here in college.
The Alhambra is for Granada the Sagrada Familia is for Barcelona, and The Eiffel Tower is for Paris. Sure you can see it from the outside, but the charm of it lies in the interior.
Which is better to visit, Sevilla or Granada?
I appreciated a certain humble pride in the locals I met in Granada — after all, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella chose to live here and sent Christopher Columbus sailing the ocean blue from this exact city. Dare I say locals in Spain prefer Granada for it’s low-key authenticity compared to Sevilla, it’s more popular Andalucian sister-city.
Conclusion: Granada in 2 Days
In conclusion, beyond seeing the Alhambra in all its glory, here are a few other things I loved when visiting Granada this past May. I stayed for 4 days, but I think if you’re savvy, you can squish a few of these things into 2 days.
✅ Visit a traditional Arab bathhouse (hammam), which is similar to the ones you find in Turkey. Basically, it’s a massage and sauna situation, where they professionally wash you…. plus tea! My favorite hammam is Al Ándalus (wear a bathing suit.)
✅ Flamenco & Spanish guitar is different in every region of Spain, and so catching a show in Granada in a little tablau restaurant (local tavern with music) is just one of those things. I love flamenco so much, I went to 3 different shows, my favorite being in Albaycín in the Sacromonte neighborhood.
✅ Go get tapas & book a food tour. If you have to choose the type of guided tour you hit up, absolutely do the food tour over the walking tour. Tapas are fun and unique at the local bars in Granada – it’s a super cheap and local thing to do.
✅ Explore different viewpoints in Granada – my favorite was Mirador de San Nicolas – and spend more time going into the churches and musuems you explored on the walking tour from outside.
If you have a bit more time, like a third day, I absolutely adore that Granada is close to the Sierra Nevada mountains. A half-day to a full day of hiking, 4-wheeling, and biking is refreshing in the south of Spain – especially in Los Cahorros Gorge.
So what are you waiting for, get after it and start booking your trip!
