Location: Granada
Top Things to do in Granada
Top 5 Neighborhoods 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. Albayzin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,591 reviews
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.
2. Sacromonte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,905 reviews
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.
3. Calle Elvira
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 556 reviews
Reviewed By AARTIAA - Mumbai, India
If u manage to get a room overlooking the street.. that would be great!! The lovely shops.. the cafes..restaurants..hustle bustle of the tourists.. bars with happy faces.. cultural shopping..all packed in one!!
4. Acera del Darro
5. Plaza de Carlos Cano
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 5 reviews
