Essential Things to Do in Granada, Spain

 When we were checking into our AirBnB, our host was describing to us the magic of Granada’s free tapas. She explained that any bar that tries to charge you for tapas is a tourist trap. Turn around and walk out because local bars will never charge you for it.

I did my research beforehand so we knew where to go, but understand that most bars in Granada will give you a free plate of tapas each time you order a drink. To avoid any tourist traps, be sure to check out our food guide for some of the best tapas bars in Granada.

Theoretically, you never have to order a la carte in Granada because the tapas they give you are real Spanish dishes like boquerones, albondigas, and paella. No peanuts or pretzels here! They come in small portions but order three or four drinks and you’ve got a full meal. Pictured below is a plate of lomo or pork tenderloin good for three people.

We never stayed for more than two drinks at any bar, but you can expect a different dish with each drink. If you enjoy bar hopping, then you’re going to fall in love with Granada.

2. Explore the Alhambra

The Alhambra is one of the hottest tickets in Europe and the main reason why people visit Granada. Built in the 8th century, it’s a remnant of the Nasrid Dynasty – the last Islamic kingdom in Western Europe – and is the only surviving palatine city of the Islamic Golden Age.

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning around 10.5 hectares (26 acres) of land. Protected by 2 km (1.2 miles) of fortress walls, it’s a massive structure that needs several hours to fully explore.

As described, the Alhambra is one of the most popular attractions in Spain so it’s highly recommended that you purchase your tickets as early as possible.

We were happy to explore the Alhambra on our own so we bought entry tickets from the official website. If you’d rather go on a guided tour, then you can book one through Get Your Guide.


The Alhambra consists of three main sections – the Alzacaba (for soldiers), the Medina (for court officials), and the palatial zone. The palatial zone is where you’ll find the Nasrid Palaces. It’s the most spectacular part of the complex with nearly every square inch of space covered in elaborate carvings.


Nasrid Palaces is by far the most popular section of the Alhambra. To keep it from getting clogged with tourists, each person is given a maximum stay of just 30 minutes.When you purchase a ticket through the official website, you’ll be asked to select a specific time slot. You can’t ask for a later time slot if you miss yours so make sure you arrive on time!

The Generalife was the summer palace of the Nasrid rulers. Located about a 10-15 minute walk from Nasrid Palaces, it was built as a place of rest and relaxation for the sultans residing in the Alhambra.

It contains a few modest structures but it’s main draw are its many large gardens that are considered among the most well-preserved Moorish gardens in Spain.