Centre and Cathedral
The most convenient base for a first visit: everything on foot, with tapas, shops and the Cathedral close by. In the evening the area around Gran Vía and Plaza Nueva gets quite lively.
Itinerary · Granada
Granada in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
A 3-day itinerary for Granada: the Alhambra and Generalife, the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, the Albaicín, Sacromonte and tapas, with practical tips for each day.
- 3days
- 12stops
- 5Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Granada who want to see the essentials without rushing: on the first day, the Alhambra and the viewpoints of the Albaicín; on the second, the historic centre with the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel; and on the third, Sacromonte and an evening of flamenco and tapas.
From Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport you have two options. The Granada-Airport bus line reaches the bus station and Gran Vía de Colón in about 45 minutes. The taxi leaves from the rank at the terminal door, charges an intercity fare and takes about 20-25 minutes to the centre.
Tips
- Book the Alhambra well in advance and check that the ticket holder’s name matches the document you will carry.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the Albaicín and Sacromonte have steep hills and cobbled ground.
- In many Granada bars the tapa comes included with your drink, so order a caña or a glass of wine and let it arrive.
- In the summer heat, visit the Alhambra first thing and leave the little streets for the afternoon.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and be wary of anyone offering sprigs of rosemary in exchange for a “fortune”.
Day 1
Alhambra, Generalife and the Albaicín
Alhambra
Sabika Hill
The great Nasrid complex includes the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba and the Palace of Charles V. Book your ticket well in advance, as it sells out, and choose a morning slot so you can enjoy it at a relaxed pace.
Generalife
Sabika Hill
The summer palace of the Nasrid kings, with courtyards, water channels and gardens. Take your time over it; it is a breather after the palaces.
Albaicín
Albaicín
Head down into the old Andalusian quarter along steep, cobbled streets, past whitewashed houses and carmenes. It is best to walk up slowly and stop at a terrace on the way.
Mirador de San Nicolás
Albaicín
Granada's best postcard view: the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada behind it. Arrive a little before sunset, because it fills up with people.
Day 2
Cathedral, Royal Chapel and the historic centre
Catedral de Granada
Centre
A large Renaissance cathedral in the heart of the city. The interior is bright and the height of the nave is striking.
Capilla Real
Centre
The Catholic Monarchs rest here, next to the Cathedral. It is a short but essential visit for understanding the city's history.
Alcaicería y Plaza de Bib-Rambla
Centre
The little streets of the old alcaicería, the Nasrid silk market, now full of craft shops. Plaza de Bib-Rambla is a good place for a break.
Corral del Carbón y Carrera del Darro
Centre and Albaicín
The Corral del Carbón is a former Nasrid caravanserai. Then follow the River Darro along the Carrera del Darro to the Paseo de los Tristes, with the Alhambra above your head.
Day 3
Sacromonte and flamenco
Sacromonte
Sacromonte
The district of cave houses dug into the hillside, with views over the Darro valley and the Alhambra. You can add a visit to the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte to see what life was like there.
Abadía del Sacromonte
Sacromonte
An abbey on top of the hill, with a peaceful setting and good views over the city.
Flamenco show in a cave
Sacromonte
Granada has a very special kind of flamenco, the zambra, which is performed in small, atmospheric caves. Book in advance, especially in high season.
Tapas in the centre
Centre
In Granada a drink usually comes with a free tapa, so a bar crawl makes a complete and very cheap dinner. Wander the streets around Plaza Nueva or the Realejo.
Granada
Where to stay in Granada
Albaicín
To sleep among houses with courtyards and steep little streets, with views of the Alhambra. It is charming but very hilly, so travel light.
Realejo
A district with a local feel and tapas bars, next to the centre and at the foot of the Alhambra. A good option if you want something quieter and more authentic.
Itinerary · Granada
More Granada itineraries
5 days
Granada in 5 days
- Day 1 Alhambra, Generalife and the Albaicín
- Day 2 Cathedral, Royal Chapel and the historic centre
- Day 3 Sacromonte and flamenco
- Day 4 Cartuja, San Juan de Dios and the Realejo
- + 1 day
7 days
Granada in 7 days
- Day 1 Alhambra and Generalife
- Day 2 Albaicín and Carrera del Darro
- Day 3 Cathedral, Royal Chapel and the historic centre
- Day 4 Sacromonte and flamenco
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Granada?
Three days are enough for the Alhambra, the historic centre and the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts. With more time you can add the Sierra Nevada or the Alpujarras.
What do I need to book before travelling?
The Alhambra is the main one: tickets sell out weeks in advance. It is also worth booking the flamenco show and the Royal Chapel.
Can this itinerary be done without a car?
Yes, the whole route is on foot, and for the hills you can use the city minibuses in the Albaicín and the Alhambra.
Photo credits
- Alhambra: Jebulon, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
- Generalife: Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Albaicín: Jebulon, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
- Catedral de Granada: David suárez Benítez 2, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Sacromonte: Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons