How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Granada
Spending two days in Granada, Spain? As someone who’s called Granada home for the past few years – you’re in the right place! 😍
Contrary to what-seems-to-be popular belief, there is so much more to Granada than La Alhambra – and I’m here to show you all of it! This is the two-day route I recommend to first-time visitors because it groups sights geographically, while also balancing the energy levels necessary per activity.
And as a local, I find it my duty to help you enjoy Granada to the fullest through a mix of main attractions and hidden gems or local-favorite spots.
With this step-by-step itinerary from a local, I will help you experience the absolute best this phenomenal city has to offer, including all of my local tips, local favorites, and hidden gems.
Without further ado, here’s how to spend the perfect two days in Granada, Spain! 😍👇
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The Ultimate 2 Days in Granada Itinerary
Quick overview of the best 2 days in Granada:
Day 1:
- Alhambra
- Lunch and Granada’s historic center
- Cathedral, Royal Chapel and Alcaicería
- Albaicín
- Sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás
- Granada tapas
Day 2
- Traditional Granada breakfast
- Carmen de los Mártires
- Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes
- Lunch in the Albaicín
- Monastery of San Jerónimo
- Tea on Calle Calderería Nueva
- Flamenco performance
Are two days enough in Granada?
Two days in Granada is enough to see all of Granada’s main attractions and several hidden gems and local favorites. Personally, 3 days is the sweet spot that allows you to have a slower pace – allowing you to see and feel deeper.
Granada may be a small city, but there are plenty of incredible things to do and more hidden gems to discover. If you plan to spend 3 days, you can use this exact itinerary and follow it at a slower pace – or add more things to do!
Day 1 in Granada
Your first day covers Granada’s essential sights: the Alhambra, historic center and Albaicín. The Alhambra will take most of the morning, so the rest of the day is intentionally more flexible. Your exact schedule should revolve around the Nasrid Palaces entry time printed on your ticket.
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🏡 Stay at: NH Hotel Granada ($$)
Start Your Day at the Alhambra (Book Early!)
There is no better way to start your adventures in Granada than by starting your morning at the Alhambra Palace.
Dating back to the 9th century, La Alhambra has played several roles throughout the centuries ranging from fortress to palace of the Nasrid Dynasty and Medina.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, this fortress-palace complex competes with the Sagrada Familia as Spain’s most visited monument.
It is nothing short of a wonder, and personally – it’s a terrible mistake that it’s not considered an official wonder of the world.
This complex is composed of several areas, with the most famous and awe-inspiring being the Nasrid Palaces, where you’ll find some of the finest and most intricate Islamic architecture. There are also the Generalife Gardens, the Alcazaba Fortress, and the Palace of Charles V.
With an average visit of about 3 hours, La Alhambra will be the main activity of your first day in Granada. Having visited four times myself, make the best of your visit with my essential tips to the Alhambra!
The most important tip? Book your tickets well in advance – about a month! The regular entry tickets, which include the Nasrid Palaces, sell out quickly and you do NOT want to miss out. Book them before they sell out. 👇
If you want to dive deeper into the history and architecture of La Alhambra, this best-rated guided tour is perfect for you! Book the tour tickets before they sell out. 👇
Explore Granada’s Historic City Center
Once you’re done with La Alhambra, make your way down toward Plaza Nueva and the historic center. As a quick note, the hill between the Alhambra and the historic center is quite steep – take this into consideration when deciding whether you want to walk downhill directly, or opt for either a taxi or local bus ride.
If you start your Alhambra visit at 8:30 AM, you will likely reach the center around lunchtime. Locals tend to eat around 2 PM, which is why many restaurants open around 1 or 1:30 PM. For tourists, there are restaurants that open earlier on, but if you’re looking for a more local dining experience, I’d personally stick to lunch at 1:30. If you’re very hungry, you can always grab a little tapa pre-lunch.
Before lunch, walk through Plaza Bib-Rambla, Plaza de las Pasiegas and the streets surrounding the Cathedral. These sights are close together, making this one of the easiest parts of the itinerary.
Lunch near granada cathedral
Granada has a great restaurant and cafe scene – which is great if you want to browse around and see what restaurant inspires you the most.
For lunch near the Cathedral, I recommend El Pescaito de Carmela, particularly for celiac travelers. It specializes in seafood and operates as a gluten-free restaurant, making delicious dishes such as fried fish and berenjenas con miel accessible for everyone.
It is more expensive than a casual neighborhood tapas bar, so I recommend it for travelers who are either celiac, and/or are looking for a finer dining experience – not necessarily someone looking for Granada’s most affordable lunch.
This is a very popular restaurant, especially on weekends and peak tourism season. I recommend reserving ahead, preferably one or two days in advance.
😋 Not a fan of seafood? Discover all the other Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Granada.
Visiting Granada Cathedral and the royal chapel
Welcome to the breathtaking Catedral de Granada!
Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel sit beside one another, but they require separate tickets. I’d allow roughly 30-45 minutes for each if you visit both.
Commissioned by Queen Isabella I of Castile, its construction began in 1523 atop the site of the city’s former Great Mosque—symbolizing the Christian reconquest of Granada.
With two centuries of construction to complete, this cathedral showcases a blend of Gothic foundations, Spanish Renaissance interiors, and a Baroque facade.
Two unique aspects of the cathedral are its five naves and the Capilla Mayor—a perfectly circular main chapel, with a starry dome at its center.
Visiting this cathedral can take as short as 30 minutes and as long as 1 hour.
Dating back to the 16th century, the Capilla Real, or “Royal Chapel”, is the burial site of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand.
Commissioned by them, the Catholic Monarchs chose to be buried in Granada as Granada was the very last city they reconquered.
The chapel is fairly small, but nonetheless impressive – especially the beautifully carved marble sculpture that sits above the tombs. You can expect a regular visit to last around 30 minutes, or less.
Within the Royal Chapel there is a room that displays historic paintings, and old belongings of the Catholic Monarchs and other important, historic figures.
As a quick heads-up, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Royal Chapel. Opening hours can also change for worship and religious holidays, so check the official websites before visiting.
Alcaiceria Market
The Alcaiceria Market was once Granada’s Grand Bazaar and the market of silk and spices.
The original market reached Plaza Nueva. Today, it’s much smaller – composed of a few narrow lanes that contain a mixture of souvenir shops, craft stores and businesses selling North African-inspired goods.
It is directly beside the Cathedral and only takes a couple of minutes to walk around, so it is worth including while you are already in this part of the city. I would not treat it as a separate destination or plan significant shopping time around it.
stop for a granada treat, “merienda”
If you’re visiting Granada between mid-March and mid-October, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious gelato from one of the oldest and most beloved gelaterias in Granada: Los Italianos.
This family-run heladería has been part of Granada since 1936 and is especially known for flavors such as nata and cassata.
If you want an extra kick of acidity to break the cream, make sure to try my favorite: Amarena, “sour cherry”. This is Nata gelato with sour cherries freshly scooped (from the jar) and added on top.
If you’re visiting Granada in the colder months, don’t worry – there’s another local favorite you must try! 😉
Dating back to 1923, Cafe Futbol is the oldest café of Granada – making it a must-visit year round. Here, they make the most beloved churros in the city and the best hot chocolate.
If you’re celiac or gluten intolerant, their hot chocolate is safe to drink and they tend to have some gluten-free cakes or snacks, but not churros just yet. If you’re looking for gluten-free churros, head for one of Granada’s best gluten-free restaurants, Pasteleria M Isla!
Walk around the Albaicín
Welcome to the oldest neighborhood of Granada and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Albaicín neighborhood!
As you make your way to the Mirador de San Nicolas, take time to explore the winding cobblestone streets of this iconic barrio. Every corner feels like a glimpse into history, from the whitewashed houses to the ancient Arabic cisterns called aljibes.
With its steep cobblestone alleys, whitewashed homes, and hidden patios, the Albaicín still holds onto its medieval Moorish roots.
My advice? Walk slowly and let yourself get lost. Start around Calle Calderería Nueva and let your feet guide you uphill through tiny streets that lead you to the Mirador.
Important Note: This is a residential area, and many locals have been impacted by loud or disrespectful tourists. Please be mindful—keep your voice down, and treat the space like someone’s home… because it is.
The Albaicín is steep and almost entirely cobblestoned. If you or someone you’re traveling with has limited mobility, consider taking a taxi or a local minibus directly to Mirador de San Nicolas.
watch the Sunset from Mirador de San Nicolas
What better way to end the day than by watching the sunset over La Alhambra, while people sing and play the guitar?
Sitting at the very top of the Albaicín neighborhood, the Mirador de San Nicolas is the most famous and beloved viewpoint of Granada.
Important Note: The Albaicín is more than a tourist attraction. It is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, Granada’s oldest neighborhood, and most importantly – a residential area. When visiting, please be mindful of the locals who live here and be respectful.
finish day 1 with granada’s free tapa tradition
While everyone knows about tapas, not everyone knows that Granada has the BEST tapas culture in Spain!
Why? Because here, you get a FREE tapa, “small dish”, with every drink you order. This gives you the option to enjoy tapas as a pre-dinner snack, or even turn it into your dinner.
One local favorite drink is Tinto de Verano, which I personally find more refreshing and less sweet than Sangria – it’s red wine with either Casera Blanca, “gas water”, or lemonade.
Tip. Want to try this drink but aren’t convinced about drinking red wine? You can ask for a Tinto de Verano corto de vino, “short of wine”. As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy alcohol, this is my favorite way to order it!😍
Because tapas play such an important role in Granada’s culture, you can get them everywhere. Don’t look for a “tapas restaurant” or “tapas bar” – that will likely turn out to be a tourist trap.
Instead, look for small bars where people are crowded and standing – this is often the best sign for a good, local favorite bar. One of the most beloved is Avila – and I cannot recommend it enough. 😋
Day 2 in Granada
This second day in Granada is all about the hidden gems and the local favorites to help you dive deeper into the many wonders of this city.
Start with a Traditional Spanish Breakfast
I don’t know about you, but there’s no better way to start the day, especially one full of adventures, than by enjoying a delicious breakfast!
I have two options – one for those without dietary restrictions, and one for my fellow celiacs.
If you’re a regular dieted person, head to Cafe Futbol, Granada’s oldest and most beloved cafe, for breakfast!
Here you can indulge in a traditional Spanish breakfast: freshly made churros with hot chocolate or Tostada con Tomate, “toast with crushed up tomatoes and olive oil”.
If you’re celiac or traveling with someone who is, head to the gluten-free heaven: Pasteleria M. Isla. This is basically a 100% gluten-free bakery with a few gluten-containing options (kept far away) for some customers.
😋 Discover more of the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Granada
At Pasteleria M. Isla you can enjoy everything from gluten free churros (on select days) to tostada, traditional pastries, and my recent favorite – croissant with jam and cheese. 😍
Important Note. There is only one location for Pasteleria M. Isla, don’t get confused with Pasteleria Ysla, which has many locations around the center.
Carmen de los Martires
Welcome to my favorite spot and hidden gem in all of Granada – Carmen de los Martires.
Just a short walk from the Alhambra, this dreamy 19th-century garden blends French, English, and Moorish styles in the most enchanting way.
As you wander through, you’ll come across a stunning Islamic-style courtyard, romantic fountains, orange trees, colorful flowers, and even two peacocks casually strutting around like they own the place.
The best part? Entry is free—and it never gets crowded. It’s the perfect peaceful city escape.
Fun fact: Cármenes (plural for Carmen) date back to the Moorish period and refer to a type of home with walled gardens. These gardens were designed to reflect the Islamic concept of “heaven on earth” and serve as a private, peaceful retreat.
Note. As always, please be respectful of local spaces. There’s a lot of birds, so please do not leave any litter or food around.
Lunch at Restaurant Carmen El Agua (Alhambra Views)
I’m so excited to share this restaurant that my mind keeps going “ma dove vi porto??” – Italian for “look at where I’m bringing you”. 😂😍
Sitting in the Albaicín, Carmen El Agua is a fancy restaurant that offers the most spectacular dining views of La Alhambra.
Prices range from €15–€20—pretty average for a nice spot in the U.S
This restaurant is not dedicated gluten-free, but they are really good about allergens, cross contamination, and adjusting dishes based on your needs.
My personal favorite dishes here are the Risotto de Portobello, the Octopus Carpaccio, and Banoffee dessert.
Make sure to reserve your seats well in advance!
Carrera del Darro and Paseo de Los Tristes
Welcome to one of Granada’s most beautiful and oldest streets, Carrera del Darro!
Dating back to the 11th century, when you walk this street it feels as if you’ve time-traveled to medieval times.
The street is lined with historic buildings, stores, restaurants, and homes – many of which are painted in bright colors or have façades decorated with old frescoes.
This street receives the name “Street of the Darro” because the Darro River flows right next to it.
Carrera del Darro can get quite crowded, due to how tight it is, but if you can – I strongly recommend paying extra attention to the historic and natural beauty that surrounds you.
Walk Around the City Center
As you make your way towards the next destination, a personal favorite of mine and hidden gem in Granada, let yourself slow down as you walk through or around the city center.
You can see this as “free time” on the itinerary – let yourself get lost in the city center for a bit and check out whatever grabs your attention.
Monasterio de San Jeronimo
Welcome to the Monasterio de San Jeronimo – one of the most breathtaking religious sites in Granada and masterpieces of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Dating back to the early 16th century, this monastery was the first church consecrated to the Immaculate Conception. Here, you will find a cloister filled with orange and lemon trees, a church adorned with intricate sculptures and a magnificent altarpiece by Pablo de Rojas.
It’s also the final resting place of several people and historic figures like Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, the “Gran Capitán”, who played a key role in the Reconquista.
Local Note: In Spain, people go crazy for the delicious artisanal foods sold in Monasteries, which are usually prepared by nuns. In the Monasterio de San Jeronimo, you will often find biscuits and jams – so keep an eye out for them. 😋
Afternoon Tea Break at a Tetería in the Lower Albaicín
After exploring the city’s historic sites, unwind with a traditional tea experience in the Albaicín.
The neighborhood is lined with teterías—Moorish-style tea houses—that offer a cozy ambiance and a wide selection of teas, and Arab treats.
The most iconic street in Granada for tea shops is Calle Calderería Nueva, which welcomes you to the Albaicín.
Feel free to browse around the small street and enter the tea shop that inspires you. My personal favorite spot to enjoy tea, or refreshing Arabic Lemonade, is Caravan Coffee & Tea Shop.
Flamenco Show Sacromonte Caves
💃 Discover all the BEST Flamenco Shows in Granada
What better way to end your 2 days in Granada than with a traditional Flamenco show?
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage, Flamenco is a beautiful art that originates from Andalusia, and has some of its strongest roots in Seville and Granada.
Granada is home to a specific style of Flamenco, La Zambra Gitana, which was born in the Sacromonte Caves – the homes of the Gitano, “Roma”, community.
Flamenco is composed of three, sometimes four, components: Dance, Singing, Guitar, and Hand Percussion. It’s an intense and powerful art that fills you with all sorts of emotions, and is nothing short of entrancing.
Important Note. If you are claustrophobic and have difficulties in tight spaces, it might be best to avoid the cave shows and opt for a basic venue. The caves are usually fairly small & packed. While there are plenty of incredible flamenco shows in Granada, here is the most popular show in Granada – book before it sells out! 👇
How to Get to Granada
My personal favorite tool for traveling around Spain is checking Omio, a platform that shows all options from buses to trains, flights, and beyond. Discover your best travel option! 👇
Where to Stay in Granada
As a quick answer, with 2 days in Granada, it’s best to stay as central as possible – specifically in the Centro district. As the name states, the Centro district is essentially the city center, where you find the Cathedral of Granada, Plaza Bib Rambla, the famous Reyes Catolicos street, and beyond.
This is the perfect area for tourists, especially those short on time, because it places you in the heart of the city. Here, everything is a quick walk away and the area is both very safe to be and always lively with locals and tourists alike.
One great hotel in Granada is the NH Collection Granada Victoria – my parents stayed here so I had the opportunity to check out their stay and the hotel itself, and it was wonderful. In other words, it goes beyond the great central location.
Check out my guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Granada, hotel recs, and one area to avoid!
Two Days in Granada FAQs
Which is nicer, Granada or Seville?
Both Granada and Seville are two phenomenal, breathtaking cities. The opinion on “which is nicer/better” varies depending on personal taste.
For example, if you prefer a smaller, lesser known city rich in culture – you will prefer Granada. On the other hand, if you prefer large cities with endless things to do and see, and don’t mind it being more touristy – you will prefer Seville.
Read my full comparison and breakdown of Granada vs Seville here! 👀
Is Granada a walkable city?
Granada could not be a more walkable city, especially the city center – which is mainly pedestrian!
The only thing to note is that there are several streets with cobblestones, including the Albaicín neighborhood. I share this so you can bring a proper shoe to walk around in!
Do you need a car to visit Granada?
With the city center of Granada being mainly pedestrian, you do not need a car to visit Granada.
In the center, there are many restrictions on cars and mainly buses and taxis can pass through. If you’re driving around Andalusia, you’ll just have to find a parking spot and walk around.
Grab my e-Checklist to make sure you’re properly prepared for Andalusia!👇
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What are you most excited to see or experience on your two days in Granada? Did this itinerary help you feel more at ease? Let me know in the comments! 😊👇
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