How to Spend 2 Days in Granada, Spain

Granada is a city in Southern Spain that has personified history. From the Moors to the Spanish conquerors, Granada has plenty of culture and history for tourists and locals alike. No matter the time you are spending in Granada, there’s something for everyone. Today, we will be looking at what to do for two days in Granada.

Day 1: Historical Sights & a Tapas Bar Crawl

Start your two days in Granada off by visiting some of the historical highlights of the city. First and foremost, the most popular must-see tourist sights include the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra Palace was actually built by the Moors in the 9th century and is located on top of a hill, overlooking Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the palace for it’s unique architecture design and significance.

Once you explore the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, take a stroll down towards Plaza Nueva and wander around the nearby architecture such as the Cathedral, Archaeological Museum and Royal Chapel. If you have more time, continue your journey and explore other parts of Granada such as Albaicín (the old Moorish housing area) and Sacromonte (the area of flamenco).

In the late afternoon, it’s time to move onto a tapas bar crawl! A great place to begin your crawl is at Bodegas Castañeda down Calle Elvira where they offer tapa, sherry and house poured wines. Afterward, head over the Teatro Real and take out a Tapas Tour from one of the local tourist agencies near Plaza Nueva or have your hotel arrange one for you. You will get to visit about six or seven (or even more!) hidden bars and restaurants in Granada. Savour classic Granadian Tapas dishes like Migas a la Granadina (breadcrumbs with bacon and garlic) or classic Tortilla de Patatas (potato omelette) at each location you visit during the tour.

Day 2: Get Active

Day two in Granada is the perfect time to get active. Start by renting a bike from Bike And Co. Ride over the Darro river around campo del Principe and pass by some amazing sights while bikings such as Monasterio de la Cartuja. Enjoy the scenery and bask in the Mediterranean sun while pedalling along with nature in your surroundings.

Once you return the bike, there are plenty of other things to do if you don’t feel like touring more historical sights around town. Make your way over to Parque de las Ciencias for some outdoor activities such as rock climbing, archery or even swimming!

If you’re looking for something a little bit more relaxing, take a walk from the Alhambra Palace over to Mirador San Nicolas where you can watch the sun set over Granada and give you an incredible view of Escuela Politécnica spanning from one horizon to the other. You can enjoy incredible city views from here as well!

These are just some activities for two days spent in Granada, Spain – but there is plenty more to explore! It may not be enough to cover everything this city has to offer in just two days – but it’s definitely enough to make you fall in love with this amazing city.

Insider’s guide to spending 2 days in Granada, Spain

Granada is a magnificent city located in southern Spain, known for its unique blend of Islamic culture and Spanish traditions. It’s a city that is alive with history, culture, and gastronomy, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most out of your 2-day visit to Granada.

Day 1: Exploring the sights

Begin your first day by visiting the historic Alhambra Palace, the most visited site in Granada, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace was built in the 13th century during the Nasrid dynasty and represents the finest surviving example of Islamic art and architecture in Spain. You can easily spend hours exploring its intricate rooms, lush gardens, and stunning views of the city. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

Next, head towards the Albayzín neighborhood, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets, white-washed houses, and secret hidden courtyards. Situated on a hill opposite the Alhambra, Albayzín is a perfect example of the unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture that Granada is famous for. Stop and have a coffee at one of the myriad of small cafés that offer spectacular views of the Alhambra, and enjoy the ambiance of one of the most charming neighborhoods in Spain.

In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral of Granada, an impressive structure that took over two centuries to build. The Cathedral houses numerous art and sculpture collections and boasts baroque and Renaissance architecture. Once you’ve had your fill of the cathedral’s beautiful interiors, take a stroll through the nearby Capuchin monastery, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The monks, known for their brewing skills, make beer on the premises, which is worth a try.

Day 2: Cultural experiences and delicious food

Start your second day by visiting the Sacromonte district, an area that is famous for its whitewashed caves and flamenco shows. The caves of Sacromonte along with their unique flamenco performances are a must-see when visiting Granada. You can book a flamenco show online or locally or take a guided tour of the caves to learn about the history of the area.

After the flamenco show, make your way to the Alcaicería, a bustling bazaar filled with handcrafted goods, leather goods, and spices. You can spend hours browsing the stalls, finding unusual souvenirs, and chatting with the locals.

Next, head to the Realejo neighborhood, a former Jewish quarter, where you can explore the narrow streets and immerse yourself in Granada’s rich culture. Realejo is home to many trendy bars and restaurants that provide visitors with a great dining experience. Enjoy a tapa or two at one of the local eateries, before making your way to the Mirador de San Nicolas, a scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

For dinner, indulge in Granada’s gastronomy by trying traditional dishes such as Albondigas (meatballs), Patatas a lo Pobre (poor man’s potatoes), or Tortilla Sacromonte (a unique take on tortilla made with wild mushrooms, snails, and goat brains). Granada is also known for its sweet delicacies such as Piononos, small delicious pastries made with cinnamon and sugar.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you have some extra time, make sure to visit the Monastery of Cartuja, located a few kilometers outside of Granada. It’s one of the most impressive Baroque-style buildings in all of Spain and houses an extensive collection of religious art and relics.

Another great alternative is to take a stroll through the streets of the Realejo neighborhood. You can admire the colorful street art that decorates the walls and get a feel for the vibrant and artistic community that calls Granada their home.

Conclusion:

Granada is a city that provides visitors with a lifetime of experiences in just a few days. By following this insider’s guide, you’ll be able to discover the best of Granada in just two days. From culture to history, tapas to flamenco shows, Granada has something for everyone.