Location: Granada
Top Things to do in Granada
Top 10 Historic Sites in Granada, Andalucia
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. Court of the Lions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No doubt you are at the "Palacios Nazaríes" (Nasrid Palaces) and inside its "Palacio de los Leones" (Palace of the Lions). At its center, the most famous and unforgettable courtyard of Granada's "La Alhambra" - "The "Patio de los Leones" (Court of the Lions)! The finest Moorish artistic styles are immortalized in this courtyard! Its construction by Sultan Muhammed V occurred between 1362 and 1391 and the awesome open-air courtyard became immediately the center of the Royal Family's life and the very heart of "La Alhambra". The beautiful central fountain was a symbol of fine taste and of the power exercised by the Nasrid Sultans of the Emirate of Granada. "Patio de los Leones" is probably one of the most fascinating and photographed sites in the whole world! There is no way one can miss it at any trip to Granada. Very fond and loving memories to take home. Enjoy!
2. Convento Santa Cruz la Real
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The convent of Santa Cruz la Real is a historical building in the heart of the ancient district of Granada. A peacefull and relaxing atmosphere envolves the cloister, whose construction dates from the sixteenth century. Visitors are just allowed to see the cloister, but under reservation, a free guided tour around the whole building can be offered.
3. Sala de las Dos Hermanas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
This is one of the small but beautiful rooms within the Alhambra complex. It is a part of the Court of Lions which was the private living space of the Sultan and his family. The most striking feature is the ceiling. When you stand in the middle of the room and look up, you are overwhelmed by the stunning 8 sided star dome. Light comes through sets of small lateral windows and the whole effect is like standing under an exploding star. Over 5000 small prism shapes (musqarnas) were used to create this unique effect. They are arranged in such a way that the light reflects and bounces off them and creates abstract patterns that suggest ideas of creation, divinity and the cosmos. Absolute precision and mathematical equations were needed to construct such a dome and this was a field in which the Moors were very advanced. Other features include the enormous and elaborately carved wooden doors and the small fountain in the centre of the room which connects vis a little channel to the lion fountain in the central courtyard. The walls are covered with extremely fine stucco plasterwork and inscriptions and verses from the court poet, Ibn Zamrak. The name ‘Two Sisters’ sounds intriguing but it’s the least interesting part of the room and only refers to the two large, marble flagstones on the floor (which I failed to notice at the time because I could barely take my eyes away from the dome).
4. Casa de Porras
5. The Alhambra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42,039 reviews
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...
6. Royal Chapel of Granada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,080 reviews
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
7. Archive Saint John of God Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
8. Mirador de San Nicolas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,666 reviews
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!
9. Casa-Museo de Manuel de Falla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
The home of composer Manuel de Falla (1876-1946).
10. Generalife
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,267 reviews
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.
