The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Granada, Andalucia

August 24, 2021 Nobuko Falco

The Alhambra citadel of Granada is one of the most famous buildings in Spain: a Moorish fortress with grand archways and delicate ornamental mosaics. Step backwards in time as you wind through the ascending cobblestone streets of Albayzin. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views from the Mirador San Nicolas. Granada’s nightlife is vibrant and varied, thanks in part to its student population. Hit the bars of Calle Elvira or, for a quieter outing, the traditional tea rooms of La Calle de Las Teterias.
Restaurants in Granada

1. Nasrid Palaces

Calle Real De La Alhambra, 18009 Granada Spain +34 958 02 79 71 http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/index.php/Patronato-Alhambra/1450/0
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 567 reviews

Nasrid Palaces

Reviewed By stinkwink - Sydney, Australia

In 2017 we already visited Alhambra but weren't able to get a ticket for the Nasrid Palaces. Now, two years later on, we tried again, and it was nearly the second failure. When long months ago the planned holiday in Granada I wanted to buy the ticket to this desired place, the only availability was Nasrid Palaces Private Guided Tour with Tickets Operator: Granada Tours a Pie. 110 euro per person. You can imagine my feelings. Since I'm writing this review, obviously I paid the 220 euros. We had a guide only for the two of us, and this ticket included the Alcazaba and the Generalife as well. Our guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable, and told us interesting stories as well. It was a delightful 3 hours, but still, I would prefer something less fancy but for 20% of this money. The Nasrid Palaces were as extraordinary as I expected. Every minute more and more miracles were greeting us. The hall of the two sisters with its stunning ceiling, the Tower of the ladies with its reflecting pool, the Hall of the Kings (Sala de los Reyes) with its painted ceiling, there are so many uniquely beautiful places, and then I didn't even mention the Court of the Lions. Also when a water channel ran with small splashing water rays, in the middle of the yard and two colored flower beds on both sides. The Nasrid Palaces are offering so many pleasures to the eye, that at the end you feel, that you can't consume anymore.

2. Saint Jerome Monastery

Calle del Rector Lopez Argueta 9, 18001 Granada Spain +34 958 27 93 37 http://www.granadadirect.com/monumentos/monasterio-san-jeronimo-granada/
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 984 reviews

Saint Jerome Monastery

Located in the small village of Tlacochahuaya, this colorful monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of hermits.

Reviewed By ANGELOV230 - Milan, Italy

From the outside, this monastery is not much, and I happened to pass by during the Holy Cross feast, when the outside gardens were crowded with people celebrating. I decided to visit, and it was an unexpected pleasure. From the ticket office, you go to the nice internal cloister with the orange garden. On the cloister open several rooms (chapter, sacristy, and others), and each of them contain great paintings and sculptures / statues. The very last is the entrance to the church, and this is so beautiful and unexpected, with the exquisite and very rich decorations, the paintings, the statues, the frescoes (some of them in need of restauration), the main altar and the stunning reredos behind it. Although the church alone is much, much better than the Granada Cathedral, there were very few visitors here. It is a true hidden gem in Granada!

3. The Alhambra

Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n Palacio de Carlos V, 18009 Granada Spain +34 958 02 79 71 http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/index.php/Visitar-la-Alhambra/8/0/
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42,039 reviews

The Alhambra

The second most visited site in Europe: this breathtaking palace-city is a sophisticated blend of medieval Islamic, Renaissance Christian and modern architectural styles..

Reviewed By 381lianem

A wonderful experience, palaces, wonderful gardens, etc etc. take time to explore, best on your own ... book online the general day pass on the official Alhambra site (well in advance/months before you plan to go, as they are sold out fast) and take the time to enjoy the vast „Alhambra sight in the different day lights. Take Buslinie C32 and C 31 to get to the main entrance of the Alhambra ( Tickets 1,40€/person, available on the bus), it is quite a steep walk from the city center...

4. Royal Chapel of Granada

Calle Oficios S/N Plaza de la Lonja, 18001 Granada Spain +34 958 22 29 59 [email protected] http://www.capillarealgranada.com
Excellent
49%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,080 reviews

Royal Chapel of Granada

The Chapel of the Catholic Kings was conceived as a burial site intimately linked to the Cathedral, but without merging with its architecture. It is built with a single nave, an octagonal presbytery preceded by bleachers, a transept with little development and a choir at its feet, for the functions of a pantheon. As a funeral chapel none, in Spain, it excels in size. In it you can appreciate both its simplicity and its wealth thanks to the generous endowment of the queen. The Royal Chapel houses the mortal remains of Don Fernando de Aragón and Dona Isabel de Castilla (who were initially resting in the convent of San Francisco de la Alhambra), as well as those of Dona Juana I, Don Felipe and Infante Miguel. Under the tombs there is a small crypt of marked austerity, in which are deposited the real, lead coffins, identified by the initial of each name on the cover.

Reviewed By nati_s04 - England, United Kingdom

The entrance is quite cheap, it includes an audio guide, and it's quite stunning to see the beautiful architecture and the sculptures made by the best artist of that time

5. Mirador de San Nicolas

Calle Espaldas a San Nicolas s/n, 18009 Granada Spain +34 958 53 96 97 http://www.lovegranada.com/places/mirador-san-nicolas/
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12,666 reviews

Mirador de San Nicolas

Reviewed By LYNN8008 - Penang Island, Malaysia

Albayzin is famous for its charming surroundings, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and tapas bars. We walked along the little Albayzin streets and climbed up some steep steps leading to Mirador de San Nicolas located in the Albayzin neighbourhood for a spectacular view of the Alhambra, the Generalife, the city at its feet, and the magnificent Sierra Nevada right behind!

6. Albayzin

On the Hillside Opposite the Alhambra, 08010 Granada Spain +34 637 38 65 63 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/314/
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,591 reviews

Albayzin

Named a World Heritage Site, this is the old Moorish quarter of Granada.

Reviewed By Omer-Lavv - Greater London, United Kingdom

ALBAYZIN is a district in the historical city of Granada that retains its name and look from it’s Moorish past, when it was ruled by Muslims.The place has many places to see, colorful shops and restaurants to eat. Albayzin has narrow streets and has a hilly landscape. A good walk up to the top of Albayzin to see Palacio Dal al Hora, or “Mirador San Nicolas” provides a great opportunity for scenic views and an escape from busy streets of Granada for a breath of fresh air. It’s a very interesting place to wander about and see historic buildings and medieval looking streets like “Calle Elvira”, and in particular its steep off streets (with many colourful Arabic shops and restaurants), Calle Calderería, Puerta Elvira (Granada's city gate), Palacio Dar el Hora (residence of the last Moorish king's mother) and the one I really liked was" Mirrador San Nicolas"(A view point on the top with scenic views of Alhambra,Granada, especially during sunset, see my profile cover picture), along with many other attractions in this interesting place. Albayzin has a strong middle eastern feel and look in its streets with women selling Hina (Arabic tattos) for ladies and men doing Arabic calligraphy. We've been there twice and still can't get enough of this beautiful city with centuries of history attached to it.

7. Carrera del Darro

Granada Spain http://www.granadadirect.com/rincones/carrera-darro-granada
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,795 reviews

Carrera del Darro

Reviewed By shoestrung - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Picturesque cobbled street running alongside the Rio Darro, lined with some lovely little bars and restaurants. Well worth a meander.

8. Generalife

Generalife Realejo-San Matias, 18009 Granada Spain +34 958 22 09 12 http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/placesandspots/thegeneralife.asp
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11,267 reviews

Generalife

Reviewed By ANGELOV230 - Milan, Italy

Generalife Palace and gardens are separated from the rest of the Alhambra complex, and it takes 20 to 30 minutes walking through nice botanic gardens to get there from the area where Alcazaba, Palace of Carlos V and Palacios Nazaries are located. The gardens are very beautiful, with a lot of trees, flowers, water fountains where you can see frogs and dragonflies. However, the best part is the Generalife Palace, with stunning rooms with Arabic ornaments.

9. Monasterio Cartuja

Paseo de Cartuja S/N, 18011 Granada Spain +34 958 16 19 32 [email protected] http://www.archidiocesisgranada.es/index.php/patrimonio-cultural/la-cartuja
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 958 reviews

Monasterio Cartuja

Reviewed By rparkera

Completely taken aback by this astonishing gem. It's just a short walk from the town centre, 30 minutes or 5 in a taxi. Yet hardly anyone goes there and certainly very few non Spanish visitors. Yet it is absolutely gorgeous inside - a wonder of baroque art. The strange paintings in the refectory also have a strong yet tragic connection to the equally delightful Charter House in London. Highly recommended for a visit.

10. Sacromonte

Granada Spain +34 958 12 11 83 http://www.marialacanastera.com
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,905 reviews

Sacromonte

A large hill located close to the Albayzín that is known for its caves that have been turned into public places for flamenco performances.

Reviewed By Mairwen1

With 3 nights in Granada, we had time to explore a little further beyond the Alhambra. Exploring Sacromonte was a highlight. We went here specifically to see the unique cave-houses. History is somewhat murky but it is generally thought that the Roma gypsies (Gitano) settled here in the 15th century, making homes by digging back into the mountain side. Sacromonte was very easy to explore on foot and you did not need a guide. There is one only narrow main street, the Camino del Sacromonte, which is what we walked down (keep an eye out for cars and the occasional small bus because there’s not much space). We started from the the tiny plaza with a central statue of the Gypsy King. This is Curro Albaicin, who was born in Sacromonte in 1940s and famously performed for people from Bill Clinton to Koffi Annan. Just past that you see cave bars where flamenco shows are held in the evening. Cuesta de la Rocio caught our eye. Although it was not yet open, the owner kindly let us go in and have a look. If we’d had one more night, I’d have gone back to see a show there. As we continued, the area became more residential. Most of the houses had been substantially developed and were no longer humble cave homes. The white-washed walls were hung with pots and vividly colourful geraniums. The view is also worthwhile. In one direction, you look across ravines to the Alhambra and in the other direction, the mountain landscape is a beautiful backdrop. In hindsight we should have allowed more time for Sacromonte. We went there on our last morning and only had an hour or so to explore. We short-changed ourselves here. We didn't have time to explore the side-streets or the museum (11 restored, preserved cave-houses). With more time, I’d definitely have continued our walk to the abbey and the catacomb caves. GETTING THERE: We started from Plaza Nueva and walked along the Carrera del Darro, following the river bank, then headed left up Cuesta del Chapiz. At the Gypsy King statue, turn right into Camino del Sacromonte. It was about a 20 min walk. You can also take the C2 bus from Plaza Nueva.

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