Located in the southern region of Andalucía, the Spanish city of Granada is relatively small. However, it offers plenty of attractions to sightsee, from marvelous heritage dating back to the Moorish times, to delicious food worth trying. Luckily, you can do all this in a single day. In this travel guide, you will find the best things to see and do in 24 hours in Granada (Spain). Let’s jump right in!

Suggested itinerary to cover Granada in 24 hours

If you only have one full day to visit the Andalusian city of Granada, I’ve got you covered with this itinerary that ticks off all the major landmarks:

• Start early in the morning by heading to the Alhambra and Generalife and exploring this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Nasrid Palaces, tranquil gardens and unforgettable panoramic views over Granada. When you’re done, stroll along Paseo de los Tristes, which runs parallel to the Darro river.
• Around lunch time, you can try free mouthwatering tapas when you order a drink. The area around the City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Granada) such as Calle Navas is great to do so. Some local recommendations include La Blanca Paloma Centro or Los Diamantes.
• Then, you can devote the afternoon to shop local handicrafts in the souvenir shops along calle Alcaicería, explore the nearby Cathedral (Catedral de Granada) as well as the lively squares in the area (Plaza de la Universidad, Plaza de la Romanilla).
• Before sunset, discover the quaint neighborhoods of Sacromonte and Albaicín and secure a spot at one of the many viewpoints to enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Granada. For example, Mirador de San Nicolás is a popular option.
• In the evening, enjoy a flamenco show while having dinner at the restaurant Zambra María la Canastera, an all-time favorite in Granada.

What to see and do in Granada in one day: full travel guide

As I mentioned earlier, even if Granada offers a large number of landmarks, you can easily see most of them in 24 hours. Below is a list compiling the best things to see and do in 24 hours in Granada (Spain):

• Alhambra and Generalife
• Eat your way through delicious tapas for free and try the local cuisine
• Buy local handicraft in Alcaicería
• Catedral de Granada, Capilla Real and Iglesia Parroquial del Sagrario
• Wander around the quaint neighborhoods of Albaicín and Sacromonte
• Admire breathtaking panoramic views of Granada
• Enjoy a flamenco show and have fun in Granada

Let’s see each one of them in more detail!

Alhambra and Generalife

Undoubtedly, the number one attraction in Granada is the monumental complex known as La Alhambra y el Generalife. Did you know this is actually the most visited monument in Spain?

To give you some background, this area was initially conceived to house the emir and the court of the Nasrid kingdom. During the Christian Reconquest, Spanish Muslims were being forced south and Granada became the last hold out of the Moorish civilization until the siege and capture of the city in 1492 (toma de Granada) by Spanish rulers Isabel and Fernando, known as the Catholic Kings (Reyes Católicos).

Perched on a breathtaking settlement, the Alhambra site consisting of ancient palaces, gardens and fortresses is a unique example of Moorish architecture at its best. It can be divided in various distinctive parts:

• Alcazaba: deriving from the Arabic word ‘ القصبة al-qasbah’, this citadel was the military zone of the Alhambra, protecting and guarding the fortress enclosure. This is the reason why you will find various towers around the walls such as Torre de la Vela or Torre del Homenaje, to name just a few examples.
• Convento de San Francisco: formerly a Moorish palace, it was used as a Franciscan monastery following the capture of Granada by the Catholic Kings in 1492. Nowadays, it functions as a Parador de Turismo (hotel in a historic building). Located in the heart of the Alhambra, Parador de Granada offers comfortable rooms with unrivalled views over the city. Even if you’re not sleeping there, a great option is to stop by their cafeteria or restaurant.
• Generalife: this palace built between the 12th and 14th centuries was used by Muslim kings as a resting place during the summer. Make sure to explore its tranquil gardens and marvel at the ornate fountains.
• Nasrid palaces (Palacios Nazaríes): back in the day, the palatine city of the Alhambra housed countless palaces, large houses and tower-palaces, which were renovated or replaced according to the will of each sultan. The most splendid palaces are the Palacio de Comares as well as the Palacio de los Leones, including its famous Patio de los Leones.
• Palacio de Carlos V: the works for this palace for Spanish emperor Charles V began in 1533. The building has a square plan with a circular interior patio and can be visited for free, unlike other monuments that are part of the Alhambra complex. It currently houses a museum (Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada).

As you can read, there’s a lot to see in the Alhambra and Generalife alone and you can explore different kinds of tickets here, including night visits. To give you an idea of this vast monumental complex while deciding which ticket option to purchase, I suggest you also browse this interactive map of the Alhambra and its surroundings to see what suits your travel plans better.

This being said, make sure to buy your tickets well in advance as they run out fast!

If you’re visiting Granada for 24 hours, I suggest you devote at least half a day (3-4 hours) to visit this monumental complex. In case you were staying more time in the city, you could easily spend a whole day in the Alhambra and Generalife to soak up all the beautiful Moorish architecture. A free alternative in case you prefer to skip this site while seeing parts of the complex from the outside, is to simply walk around the Alhambra ramparts along the steep cobbled streets such as Cuesta de los Chinos (Cuesta del Rey Chico), Cuesta de Gomérez or Calle Real de la Alhambra. On your way, you will pass by magnificent doors (Puerta de las Granadas, Puerta de la Justicia, Puerta de Bibarrambla) that gave access to the city of Granada some centuries ago.

Eat your way through delicious tapas for free and try the local cuisine

In case you didn’t know, Granada is famous for its free tapas (appetizers) when you order a drink. The area around the City Hall in Plaza del Carmen (Ayuntamiento de Granada) such as Calle Navas is great to do so. This makes the city an ideal foodie destination for locals, tourists and students alike. As a matter of fact, Granada is a popular town for national and Erasmus students thanks to its prestigious university and great quality of life.

Below I listed some recommended places where you can try tapas as well as the delicious cuisine from Granada:

• La Blanca Paloma Centro: we got yummy tapas of fried aubergines and dogfish here. In addition to that, we ordered clams as well as artichokes with ham. Great local recommendation!
• Los Diamantes: good for fried fish (pescaíto frito).
• Mesón Las Perlas: fish and seafood are the specialties here.
• Bodegas Castañeda: cozy bar operating since 1927, with a terrace and a bohemian atmosphere. I heard the ‘croquetas‘ are delicious!
• Bar Provincias: this charming tapas bar with tables on the street has been offering typical dishes such as fried fish and paella since 1945.
• Bodeguilla Casa Fuensanta – Petra Vinos: small tavern with arches supplying local wines and vermouths with Andalusian tapas.
• Taberna Catavinos: good food at the bar.
• Taberna Granados: known for its Olivier salad (ensaladilla), onion blood and selection of cheeses.
• Taberna La Tana: classic and simple restaurant serving tapas (particularly cured meat – chacina), traditional dishes from Granada and an extensive wine list.
• Restaurante La Mimbre: tapas, grilled fish and typical Granada dishes in a whitewashed and rustic restaurant with a tree-lined terrace.
• Mercado de San Agustín: lying close to the commercial Alcaicería street, this market features stalls specializing in meat and seafood. You will also find bars and restaurants serving dishes made with fresh market products (San Agustín Gourmet).
• Coctelería Alexander: speakeasy serving cocktails.

In case you’re interested in learning more about the local cuisine, the following are some traditional dishes from Granada: fava beans with ham (habas con jamón), fried aubergines with honey (berenjenas fritas con miel) or salad with cod, boiled egg and oranges (remojón granadino). Should you have a sweet tooth as I do, try the famous ‘piononos de Santa Fe‘, a rolled sponge cake soaked in syrup, spread with yolk cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. Apparently, the ones from Casa Isla are the best ones.

When visiting Granada, you will notice that the city still reminisces about its glorious Moorish past. A proof of that is actually its hookah and tea culture, common across countries in the Middle East. In Calle Calderería Nueva (also nicknamed calle de las Teterías or little Marrakech), you will find a large number of tea shops decorated with Arab vibes.

Buy local handicraft in Alcaicería

Throughout the city of Granada you will run into plenty of handicraft and souvenir shops, but most of them are concentrated in a commercial area known as the Alcaicería of Granada. Located right next to the Cathedral, this is a great place to buy local ceramic or colorful lanterns. Even if at a smaller scale, this place actually reminded me of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or the Moroccan souks!

By the way, at the end of Calle Alcaicería you can explore Corral del Carbón, an old storehouse that functioned as a corn exchange, as accommodation for local merchants and even as the courtyard of a theatre.

If you’re looking for ‘mainstream’ shopping options, then Gran Vía de Colón is your place to go in Granada, with major stores located on this main street.

Catedral de Granada, Capilla Real and Iglesia Parroquial del Sagrario

The most important Catholic temple in Granada is its Cathedral. Considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance, Catedral de Granada was completed in 1561. Check the prices and times to visit the Granada Cathedral beforehand.

While you’re there, you may also want to purchase a ticket to visit the nearby Royal Chapel (Capilla Real de Granada), the final resting place of the Spanish Catholic Kings Isabella and Ferdinand.

A few steps away, you can explore the Iglesia Parroquial del Sagrario for free. Althoug it is often overlooked given its proximity to the splendid Cathedral, note that is was designed by the same architect named Diego de Siloé. This church was built over the former mosque (Mezquita Mayor de Granada).

Wander around the quaint neighborhoods of Albaicín and Sacromonte

Albaicín and Sacromonte are among the best things to see and do when spending 24 hours in Granada. Both are popular spots for experiencing the flamenco culture too. Let me explain why these districts are an essential stop during your visit to this charming Andalusian city, and what to find in each of them.

Albaicín (also known as Albayzin), is Granada’s oldest neighborhood. It is known for its alleys dating back to the Zirid Dynasty (972 to 1148), whitewashed architecture and colorful flowerpot stands by the window grills. Some attractions around this area include Palacio Dar al-Horra, Colegiata del Salvador and El Bañuelo or Baños del Nogal (one of the best-preserved public Arab baths -‘hammam’ in Spain). Of course, the breathtaking views over the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás make Albaicín a must when exploring Granada.

On the other hand, Sacromonte has typically been home of the gypsy community of Granada known as ‘gitanos‘. Back in the 16th century, locals started excavating caves to convert them into their houses. You can actually visit a museum (Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte) to learn more about the unique lifestyle in this traditional district. Other interesting stops in Sacromonte include the abbey (Abadía del Sacromonte) and a chapel (ermita de San Miguel Alto). Next to the latter you will find the homonym viewpoint (Mirador de San Miguel Alto).

Admire breathtaking panoramic views of Granada

When visiting the Alhambra and Generalife, you will marvel at the beautiful architecture and gardens, but you won’t be able to grasp the full picture of this impressive monumental complex.

That is why I would suggest that you head to some panoramic viewpoint in Granada, be it early in the morning or before sunset, to capture the best lighting conditions.

Here are some suggestions of locations where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of both the Alhambra and Generalife as well as the city of Granada (Spain). Epic pictures and memories guaranteed!

• Mirador de San Nicolás: located in the Albaicín district, this is probably the most popular viewpoint in Granada and it can get fairly busy with tourists and locals alike. The backdrop of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountain range make this view simply perfect. To get there, you can either walk up through steep winding lanes or take the small red minibuses (C31 and C32) that depart from Plaza Isabel Católica. A few steps from this famous viewpoint you will find a Mudejar church (iglesia de San Nicolás). In case you’re hungry, El Huerto de Juan Ranas is a great option to eat a bite while enjoying the view.
• Mirador de San Cristóbal: lying higher than the previously mentioned Mirador de San Nicolás.
• Mirador Placeta de Carvajales: closer view of the Alhambra.
• Mirador de San Miguel Alto: spectacular views from the Sacromonte district next to a chapel (ermita de San Miguel Alto).
• Mirador del Carmen de los Mártires: while the previous viewpoints are located north of the Alhambra, this one can be found south, hence offering you a different perspective. Come to this public garden to overlook the various landmarks throughout the city of Granada.

Enjoy a flamenco show and have fun in Granada

As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods of Albaicín and Sacromonte are famous for their flamenco shows, featuring passionate artists dancing, singing, or playing the guitar. In Sacromonte, these performances typically take place in tablaos (flamenco stages) located in caves (‘cuevas‘). After spending 24 hours in Granada, I believe this is an ideal activity to finish the day on a high note!

Head to one of these tablaos in Granada to enjoy the full experience of a flamenco show while having dinner:

• Zambra María la Canastera (Sacromonte)
• Cuevas Los Tarantos (Sacromonte)
• Cueva La Faraona (Sacromonte)
• Peña La Platería (Albaicín)
• El Templo del Flamenco (Albaicín)
• La Alborea (Albaicín)

On a similar note, if you happen to be in Granada around May or June, chances are you’ll be lucky enough to experience the Feria de Granada, also known as Feria del Corpus Christi. Lasting for a whole week every year, the celebrations take place in the northern district of Almanjáyar. As opposed to the Feria de Abril in Sevilla, access to the small wooden cabins where people meet (known as ‘casetas‘) is free. You may enter to enjoy tapas and other gastronomic competitions, dance ‘s‘evillanas’ and simply enjoy life.

Read my post about the colorful Feria de Abril in Sevilla

Tips before visiting Granada

Consider these tips to have the best experience during your 24 hours in Granada:

• If possible, avoid traveling to Granada during the peak summer months in Europe (July and August) given the crowds and the scorching heat. Exploring the city during the spring or fall is a fantastic alternative! Note that it can be cold during the winter and the cobbled streets often turn slippery, so pack accordingly.
• Buy your tickets to the Alhambra and Generalife well in advance, since this is the most visited monument, not only in Granada but in all of Spain!
• You can easily get around Granada by foot. This being said, note that some landmarks such as the Alhambra or the Sacromonte and Albaicín districts are located on steep hills. Wear appropriate shoes and expect walking up and down during your 24h visit.
• There are a number of ways to arrive to Granada using public transportation: you could fly in (Aeropuerto de F.G.L. Granada-Jaén – GRX), take a train (estación de tren de Granada) or a bus (estación de autobuses de Granada). You can of course drive from other major cities in the country. For example, during my last visit, it took us 1h30 by car from Málaga to Granada and we parked in Parking PARKIA – La Alhambra de Granada, which cost us 11,25 euros for five hours. You will find that there are a variety of parkings throughout the city.
• Check out the Granada Card for special discounts to visit the main monuments and use the public transportation system. There are four kind of tickets depending on the length and type of your stay (24h, 48h, 72h and Gardens).

Map with the best things to see and do in 24 hours in Granada (Spain)

In this map, you will be able to pinpoint all the locations that are mentioned throughout this blog post. Make sure to save it for your next visit to Granada!

What to see and do beyond Granada

Visiting Granada in 24 hours is great, but if possible, I would actually suggest that you extend your stay to explore other landmarks such as the first monastery built after the capture of the city by the Catholic Kings (Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo) or the former ‘madrasa‘ or university where Muslim studens would learn about the Coran (Palacio de la Madraza). At this point, I’m sure you agree with staying longer too! 🙂

In case you’re looking for inspiration on what else to see and do beyond Granada, here are some suggestions on nearby getaways in the Granada province:

• Alpujarra granadina: this mountainous region around Granada features breathtaking landscapes and lovely villages such as Lanjarón (famous for its mineral waters), Pampaneira (expect picturesque corners in the patios known as ‘tinaos‘ around Plaza de la Libertad and buy ‘jarapas‘ rugs) or Trevélez (try the local cured ham – jamón).
• Motril: make sure to check its rich heritage and fantastic beaches.
• Salobreña: coastal village by the Mediterranean Sea featuring whitewashed architecture and interesting attractions including its charming Old Town, an imposing castle or a fishermen district known as La Caleta.
• Sierra Nevada: the peaks of this iconic mountain range can be seen from the city of Granada and are appealing to many travelers throughout the year, especially during the winter as this is a popular ski destination in Spain.

Read these posts for more inspiration around Andalucía!

A guide to the Feria de Abril in Sevilla

Review of Hotel-Museo Patria Chica in Priego de Córdoba

Spending New Year’s Eve in Priego de Córdoba

Summer holidays in Andalucía (II) – Tarifa & around

The majestic beauty of Córdoba

Top things to do in Málaga, the capital of Costa del Sol (+ map)

Top things to do in Sierra de Aracena (Huelva): travel guide + map

What to see in the Málaga province: 12 destinations inland & along Costa del Sol

Should you want to read about other destinations in the country, you can refer to my Spain destination page.

I hope this travel guide post about the best things to see and do in Granada in 24 hours was useful to plan your upcoming visit. Drop me a line in case you have any comments or questions!