Tourist Attractions in Granada

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Granada

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Granada

Andalucía is the heart of southern Spain, its blood, soul and history. Granada is the heart of Andalusia, where memories of the might of the past still linger. The city attracts tourists with the passionate rhythms of flamenco, the splendour of Catholic cathedrals, the magnificent architecture of the old quarters and the restless gypsy spirit that seems to float in the air.

The grandiose Alhambra – a witness of the heyday of the Emirate of Granada, the amazing caves of the Sacromonte quarter, the tomb of the famous Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile – this is just a small list of attractions of Granada. Since time immemorial, the Generalife Gardens have been blooming here against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada ranges, and in the evenings the hospitable taverns light up their lights and invite spectators to enjoy a spectacular flamenco dance.

Top-15 Tourist Attractions in Granada

Alhambra

 4.8/5

130081 reviews

An impressive palace complex surrounded by landscaped gardens, the ancient fortress of the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The Alhambra is the highest architectural achievement of the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled southern Spain from 1230-1492. The architectural ensemble of the Alhambra includes palaces, mosques, gardens, artificial reservoirs, dwellings and administrative buildings.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Sacromonte

 0/5

A unique gypsy neighbourhood that is part of the historic district of Albaycin. Since the 15th century, gypsies have lived in caves on the slopes of one of the city’s hills. It is believed that it was these Spanish “gitanos” who created the beautiful art of flamenco. The caves are still inhabited today, they are equipped according to modern realities. Some are inhabited by people, others are adapted for flamenco concerts and museums.

Albaicín

 0/5

Ancient Arab quarter, the historic centre of Granada. It is located on a hill overlooking the Alhambra and the city neighbourhood. Albaycin has existed for over 700 years, but it has changed little in the intervening time – the same white houses, narrow stone streets covered with cobblestones and small taverns. The first settlements on the site of Albaycin date back to the Antiquity before the arrival of the Moors.

Catedral de Granada

 4.6/5

25522 reviews

Cathedral of the XVI-XVII centuries, built in honour of the victory of the Reconquista and the liberation of Spain from Moorish rule. Granada became the last stronghold of the weakening Caliphate, and after its conquest in 1492, the Catholic kings decided to build a grandiose Christian church. The Cathedral of Granada shows the influence of several architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Classicism and Renaissance.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 6:15 PM

Royal Chapel of Granada

 4.6/5

10686 reviews

The Chapel is part of the architectural complex of the Cathedral of Granada, it was built in the early 16th century by E. de Egas. The place is famous for being the burial place of the Catholic kings Isabella and Ferdinand. It was thanks to these rulers that Spain was liberated from Arab rule. The tomb of their daughter Juana the Mad and her husband Philip the Beautiful is also located next to the crowned couple under the vaults of the chapel.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Abadía del Sacromonte

 4.5/5

4666 reviews

The abbey is located outside the city limits of Granada on the slopes of the Valparaiso hill. In the XVI-XVII centuries these lands became a place of mass pilgrimage of Christians, as here were discovered tablets with descriptions of the martyrdom of some saints, as well as their relics. Some time later, with the approval of the Pope and his confirmation of the authenticity of the findings, an abbey was erected.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Monasterio de San Jerónimo, Granada

 4.5/5

3897 reviews

A 15th century monastery designed by D. de Siloe. The abode of St Jerome was the first Christian monastery built after the expulsion of the Moors. There is evidence that the decision to build it was taken before the victory over the Arabs. On the territory of the monastery is the tomb of the famous Reconquista commander F.G. de Cordoba. For his brilliant victories he was honoured with the title of Great Captain.

Open time

Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción "La Cartuja"

 4.7/5

4310 reviews

The building of the monastery complex is a vivid representative of the Spanish Baroque architectural era. The construction of the monastery began in 1506 and lasted almost 300 years. For such a long time, the appearance has absorbed elements of several architectural styles. As a result of the sale of the surrounding land in the 19th century, the monks’ cells and the abbot’s house were lost, but otherwise the monastery has retained its original appearance.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Basílica de San Juan de Dios

 4.7/5

2709 reviews

The church is located near the monastery of St Jerome. The basilica was erected in the 18th century on the funds of the Order of Strangers, whose patron and founder was St John the Divine. It was decided to name the church in his honour. The relics of this saint are kept inside the church. The interior is richly decorated with gilding, wall paintings and mirrors, massive candelabras and other elements.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:50 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:50 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:50 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:50 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:50 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:50 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 6:50 PM

Palacio de la Madraza

 4.5/5

2030 reviews

A former Moorish school founded by Emir Yusuf I in the 14th century. The Madrasa is now home to the Academy of Fine Arts, part of the University of Granada. In the Middle Ages, the Madrasa taught a wide range of disciplines: law, mathematics, history and medicine. Some of the best thinkers of their time worked here. The school was closed in 1500 at the insistence of the Catholic clergy. The building passed from owner to owner until it ended up in the hands of the University.

Open time

Al Ándalus

 4.6/5

4384 reviews

Operating baths located on the ruins of a medieval hammam at the foot of the Alhambra. The baths were reopened in the 17th century and were the first in Europe. Inside, visitors are invited to fully indulge in the ancient Moorish bathing ritual of ‘al-andalus’ amidst the magnificent historic interiors. Additionally, a relaxing massage or a swim in the pool can be booked.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Corral del Carbón

 4.3/5

3664 reviews

A former Moorish caravanserai located near the cathedral. The complex was built in the 14th century during the heyday of the Nasrid dynasty and is an exemplary example of the Mudejar architectural style. In the XVI century for some time the inn was used as a coal warehouse, hence the name. The Corral del Carbon was restored several times in the 20th century.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Parque de las Ciencias

 4.5/5

3650 reviews

A modern museum and experimentation area where you can learn how many physical processes “work”, what happens during natural elements, how the planet is organised and what the human body is made of. In addition to thematic halls on the territory of the science park there is a planetarium, a garden of tropical butterflies and an observatory with an observation tower. It is better to come here with children, as many of the attractions are designed to appeal to children’s inquisitive minds.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Generalife

 4.8/5

5078 reviews

Historical complex consisting of a palace and landscaped gardens. It was the residence of the rulers of Granada between the 13th and 14th centuries. Since 1984, the site has been part of the UNESCO List of Historical Heritage. The complex is the apogee of Arabian park art. Everything here is designed with the harmony of space in mind – cypress alleys, small fountains, rose gardens create a unique sense of privacy and tranquillity.

Open time

Mirador de San Nicolás

 4.7/5

64907 reviews

The observation deck is located in the Albaycin neighbourhood. All tours of this historic neighbourhood must include a visit to the Mirador. From here you can enjoy excellent views of the Alhambra, especially romantic and mesmerising in the evening. Street musicians and souvenir vendors frequent the site. The site is popular with couples in love, and many of them gather here at night.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours