Are you planning to spend 2 days in Granada, Spain, and looking for an authentic experience? You’re in the right place! As someone who’s experienced Granada as a tourist and has also called Granada home for over a year, you’re in the right hands with my Granada itinerary!
Granada is a hidden gem of the magical region of Andalucia, the southernmost region of Spain. Famous for the Alhambra Palace, Granada offers endless beauty, rich culture, and history – all of which deserve more recognition.😍 Without further ado, keep reading to discover how to best spend your 2 days in Granada Spain!👇
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How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Granada
Day 1 in Granada
9 AM: Enjoy a Traditional Spanish Breakfast
Start your first day adventures with the most important meal of the day – a traditional Spanish breakfast! In Spain, some of the most traditional breakfast foods are Tostada, Churros, and Cola Cao as a drink. One of the best parts about traveling is the food and experiencing new flavors – so don’t miss out on these foods!
Where to Eat Breakfast in Granada?
As someone who is celiac, here are some of the best spots to have breakfast in Granada:
- Cafe Futbol – This is Granada’s first and oldest cafe and the best place for Churros and hot chocolate. While there aren’t too many options for celiac people, the hot chocolate is gluten-free and they tend to have several baked goods available!
- La Autentica Carmela – This celiac-safe restaurant offers an amazing brunch and the best tostadas!😍 This place is perfect for both regular-diet people and celiacs.
- Mola Cafeteria – This is a fun and aesthetic cafe that offers amazing tostadas and healthy foods (smoothies, juices, etc). One of the coolest things? Their Selfieccinos – cappuccinos with a selfie (of your choice) printed on top.
- Cafe MiMiMi – A short walk from the true city centre, this cafe offers various vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free foods. If you enjoy playing games, this unique cafe offers endless board and card games!
10 AM: Monasterio de San Jeronimo & Basilica de San Juan de Dios
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious breakfast, make your way to the Monasterio de San Jerónimo. On your walk, slow down and look around yourself to take in the many beauties of the city.
The Monasterio de San Jeronimo is a Renaissance-style, Roman Catholic Hieronymite monastery. Not only was this Granada’s first monastery but the first church in the world to have been consecrated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Here you will explore several rooms, see a courtyard full of orange and lemon trees, and the breathtaking cathedral.
The 16th-century cathedral of the monastery is so unbelievably beautiful that it’s almost sickening… like… how can someone build such a mesmerizing place?😅🤯
After the Monastery, take a two-minute walk to the Basílica de San Juan de Dios, Granada’s best hidden secret. This basílica is one of the most extraordinary examples of Baroque architecture in Spain and dates back to the 18th century (1737). Built in honor of San Juan de Dios, this is where his remains and relics would lay. Something unique about this basilica is that it has Virtual Reality Goggles that bring you through the basilica!
Ticket Info
You can buy the tickets directly at the entrance of the two sites. When you visit the Monasterio de San Jeronimo, make sure to buy the combo tickets for the religious buildings of Granada. This combo ticket, which you can also buy in advance, gives you a discount on the attractions. For two days in Granada, get a combo ticket for these 3 sites: Monasterio de San Jeronimo, Cathedral of Granada, Royal Chapel of Granada. Here’s a link to buy the combo tickets.
11:30 AM: Walk the Carrera del Darro and Paseo de Los Tristes
Now that you’ve seen two architectural works of art, it’s time for the most beautiful and enchanting streets of Granada!
The Carrera del Darro and the Paseo de los Tristes are two narrow streets from the 16th and 17th centuries that collide with each other. The Carrera del Darro receives its name from the Darro River that flows next to it. This medieval street still has homes from the medieval period, stunning bridges, and flourishes in nature. For these reasons, Carrera del Darro is famous for its enchanting vibes and picturesqueness.
Paseo de los Tristes, the second street, starts towards the end of Carrera del Darro. This street once led to an important cemetery and was often walked by mourning people – hence the name, “Walk of the Sad”. Despite the sad origins, this street is beautiful and vibrant – leading to an amazing plaza that looks up to the Alhambra.
When you reach Paseo de los Tristes, you will come across a beautiful plaza with the Fuenta de los Tristes (Fountain of the Sad). This is a beautiful plaza from which you can sit, take a break, and see La Alhambra – which sits at the top of the hill.
There is a lot of beauty and history on these streets and plazas, so make sure to slow down your pace and take it all in!😍
How to Get There
To reach the Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes, you will have a 20-minute that brings you through the true city center of Granada. away. On this walk, you will pass through the true city center of Granada and the beautiful Plaza Nueva – so let yourself wander and properly see the center. Plaza Nueva, despite its name “New Square”, is the oldest square in Granada!
12:30 PM: Albaicín Neighborhood and Mirador de San Nicolas
After this medieval walk, you will walk through the iconic Albaicin neighborhood and up to the Mirador de San Nicolas.
Albaicin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to being a “rich repository of Moorish vernacular architecture”, with which traditional Andalusian architecture blends harmoniously (UNESCO). Here you will find beautiful cobblestone streets and white-washed homes – a practice that dates back to the Moorish times to help with the temperatures.
Mirador de San Nicolas is a plaza at the very top of Albaizyn, that offers the iconic panoramic views of the Alhambra fortress. This is the perfect place to take in beautiful views as well as the best vibes. Here you will often find people singing Flamenco and playing the guitar. Furthermore, this is the perfect way to soak Granada’s culture and historic views at once.
1:30 PM: Lunch Time with the Best Foods of Granada
Now that you’ve stuffed your eyes with stunning views, it’s time to stuff your belly with the delicious food of Granada! There are endless amazing restaurants to eat at and foods to try out, so read these two blogs for all the must-eat Andalusian foods and the best gluten-free restaurants in Granada.
On a quick note, here are some dishes you simply must try:
- Berenjenas fritas con miel – fried eggplants with honey
- Pescaito frito – fried seafood
- Gazpacho or Salmorejo – refreshing tomato soup
- Huevos rotos con jamón – fried eggs with thinly sliced potatoes and jamón
- Arroz negro – rice with squid ink, calamari and/or shrimps, and aioli
2:30 PM: Siesta Time
Siesta is the time of day dedicated to resting, and it traditionally happens between 2 to 4 pm. This time can vary from business to business, meaning some will go from 3 to 5, or simply open a bit later. Due to this, businesses also stay open until later at night – usually closing around 9, even 10, pm.
With all this said, Siesta time is a great time for you to go back to your stay and recharge – given most businesses will be closed. If you do not want to recharge, this is a great time to wander aimlessly around the Granada city center and let yourself take everything in!
4:30 PM: Merienda at Cafe Futbol
Post-siesta is Merienda time! Merienda is the Spanish “snack time”, where people go out to grab a pick-me-up and hang out. If you’re visiting Granada in the colder months, Merienda is the perfect time for hot chocolate and churros, or a leche rizada. For the best, traditional merienda, head to Cafe Futbol – Granada’s oldest cafe.
If you have a celiac or gluten intolerance, here you can have their delicious hot chocolate and any gluten-free options available that day. They’ve had foods like gluten-free magdalenes, carrot cake, cheesecake, and more.
6:00 PM: Carmen de los Mártires and Mirador Federico García Lorca
Now that you’re recharged, it’s time to go see one of the most beautiful hidden gems of Granada, the Carmen de los Martires. A Carmen is a rustic home with private walled gardens, and they originate from the Moorish times. The design of a carmen is intended to express the Islamic idea of the inner paradise, “a reflection of heaven” (Andalucia).
The Carmen de los Martires has a 19th-century home with several, landscaped gardens that hosts statues, fountains, and panoramic views. Here you will also find two beautiful peacocks and some beautiful sights of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
When leaving, take a minor detour to the Mirador de Federico García Lorca and take in the beautiful views over Granada and its mountain ranges. These two spots are both hidden gems and are often very quiet – offering you a serene ambiance, where you can relax or take some time to recharge.
7:30 PM: Go out for Tapas and enjoy the night!
Tapas are small dishes that accompany a drink, and Granada has the best tapas culture in Spain. Here, when you go out and order a drink, you will automatically get a free tapa. This means that you keep drinking until you’re full of free tapas. You can always opt for directly ordering the specific tapas you want to eat, should you not care for drinks.
By going out for tapas, you have the opportunity to try several traditional dishes and explore the flavors of Granada. As a note, if you want to hop around tapas bars, look out for small bars where people are standing – that’s the sign for the best tapas bars.
For the rest of the night, stick to relaxing activities as you have a big and early day tomorrow!😍 The Alhambra Palace is Spain’s most visited monument, bringing over 3 million people each year. This is why I HIGHLY recommend visiting Alhambra first thing in the morning, at 8:30 AM.
Day 2 in Granada
8:30 AM: La Alhambra
Rise and shineee, it’s time to see the Alhambra!😍
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 8th “unofficial” wonder of the world – which I find it criminal that it’s not on the OFFICIAL list. When you visit, come back here and let me know in the comments if you agree!😅
You may be wondering, is this a palace, a fortress? What is the Alhambra, ACTUALLY? The Alhambra served several purposes during the Moorish and Nasrid times. Built in the 9th century, the Alhambra was originally a defensive fortress. Fast forward to the 13th century, the Nasrid Dynasty transformed it into the wonder we see today. The Alhambra was a Medina, residence of the Nasrid Dynasty and fortress.
Whether you want a guided tour or only the entry tickets, you need to book well in advance. Pick your favorite experience and book today!👇
Alhambra Tickets & Quick Tips
Here are all the ESSENTIAL Alhambra tips you need to know about – from booking tips to visit tips. To give a quick insight, here are a few tips and things to note:
- You must book WELL IN ADVANCE to see the Nasrid Palaces – the most important and beautiful part of Alhambra. Book your visit at least a month in advance.
- The best time is early in the morning for a couple of reasons: energy, fewer crowds, and less hot temperatures.
- Learn more about La Alhambra, its top attractions, and tips here.
- The hill to get to Alhambra is very steep – consider taking a taxi on the way there.
11:30 AM: Brunch
You just walked for well over 3 hours, went up and down various steep hills, and who knows how many steps you got…😅 This calls for a tasty brunch in the center! Granada is showered in delicious cafes, so feel free to do some “window shopping” until you find something inspiring. My personal favorites are the ones mentioned at the beginning: Cafe Futbol, La Autentica Carmela, and Mola Cafeteria.
12:30 PM: Catedral de Granada & Royal Chapel of Granada
Take a nice stroll in the center and head to the Granada Cathedral, by walking through the beautiful Alcaiceria Market. The Cathedral of Granada was built after the city was reconquered by the Christians, from the Arabs, in 1492 – the construction began in 1501. This is a stunning place to see from both the outside and the inside; the plaza outside of the Cathedral is animated with people enjoying the views or chilling on the steps, while the inside is made of giant white walls, decorated by paintings, stained-glass windows, gold touches, and so forth.
After visiting the Cathedral, head next door to visit the Royal Chapel of Granada! This chapel is another work of art, on the inside and outside, and is where the Catholic Monarchs are buried. For some historical context, after Granada was re-conquered, the Reyes Catolicos ordered the Cathedral and Royal Chapel to be built. They chose to be buried here because they saw the re-conquest as the achievement of their reign.
If you are interested in a guided tour to learn more, book the best-rated guided tour today!👇
1:30 PM Stroll Around Granada Plazas and the Alcaiceria Market
Now that you are done seeing the beautiful Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, it’s time to check out Granada’s oldest market street and beautiful plazas.
Right next to the Cathedral and Royal Chapel is the Alcaiceria market, the Great Bazaar of Granada during the Moorish days. This bazaar is a narrow alley filled with shops and used to expand from Plaza Bib-Rambla to Plaza Nueva. Back in the day, merchants sold Arabic silks, spices, household items, and more.
Today’s Alcaiceria market still has some similar stores and goods but does not expand as far as it used to. When walking around here, look around yourself to admire its beautiful Arabic architecture.
Once you’re done strolling through the Alcaiceria, admire the Cathedral’s façade from the Plaza de las Pasiegas. After that, head over to Plaza Bib Rambla, one of Granada’s main squares. Plaza Bib Rambla is full of restaurants, cafes, and stores. If you want to buy souvenirs or a fan, this is the perfect square to do so!
2:00 PM: Lunch Time
Now that you’re in Plaza Bib-Rambla, it’s time to grab some delicious lunch! Here are my top restaurant recommendations:
- El Pescaito de Carmela – 100% gluten-free seafood restaurant with traditional Spanish and Andalusian food. If you’re not gluten intolerant, this restaurant is so good to skip out on.
- La Cueva – a Spanish restaurant that offers traditional dishes and many steaks. If you have allergies, they are very aware and can prepare safe dishes. I highly recommend their Huevos Rotos con Jamón!
- Los Manueles – Similarly to La Cueva, this beloved Spanish restaurant offers many traditional dishes. There aren’t too many gf dishes, but they are highly aware of allergens and can modify dishes if needed.
- La Nonna de Carmela – 100% gluten-free Italian restaurant with the best pizza dough and dishes. If you’re not gluten intolerant, this restaurant is so good to skip out on.
4 PM: Merienda Cáfe Fútbol
As your last Merienda in Granada, you simply must go back to Cafe Futbol!
5 PM: Guided Walking Tour of Sacromonte at Sunset
Now that you’ve charged up, it’s time to enjoy a walk around the beautiful Sacromonte neighborhood and catch a sunset!
The Sacromonte neighborhood of Granada is a unique and fascinating place to visit and is famous for its flamenco caves – where traditional flamenco music and dance have been performed for centuries. These caves are dug into the soft limestone hills, providing a captivating atmosphere for visitors to appreciate the art and culture of the area. These caves showcase the best flamenco performers in the region, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in experiencing the culture and history of Granada.
Book this highly-rated and unforgettable, sunset guided tour before it sells out!👇
7 or 8 PM: Attend one of the Flamenco Shows in Granada 💃
Given you’re in the HOME of Flamenco, you simply have to attend a Flamenco show. I mean, what better way to end your 2 days in Granada? Flamenco shows usually begin around 7 pm or later, so feel free to pick the best time for yourself. When booking your tickets, you can opt for a dinner option – should you be ready to eat.
I highly recommend the Cuevas Los Taranto show, pictured below. This is a family-run flamenco show in a traditional Sacromonte cave. For more options and information, read here to discover the 8 best flamenco shows in Granada and everything you need to know!
Book your tickets to Cuevas Los Tarantos before they sell out!👇💃
More than 2 Days in Granada? Here’s what to do on Day 3!
10 AM: Monasterio de la Cartuja (Opens at 1 PM on Fridays)
After breakfast, head to the Monasterio de la Cartuja (Granada Charterhouse) – one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque architecture. Founded in 1506, the construction began in 1516 and continued for 300 YEARS! Due to this, the Carthusian monastery features some Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
How to Get There
This hidden gem is a bit out of the center. From the Granada Cathedral, it’s a 45-minute walk, 16-minute car ride, and 30-minute bus ride. The taxis in Granada are fairly priced, so I highly recommend that method of transportation to save time.
11:30 Stroll Around the City Centre and Thrift Shop
If you are leaving later in the day, take these last moments to take in the city. Enjoy the rest of your last day by walking around the city and going with the flow.🎉 It might be unusual to see a “go with the flow” in an itinerary, but trust me – this is how you can make some of the best memories!
1:00 PM: Walk around Albaicin
You might be wondering, why are you making me walk again through the Albaicín? Well… I have a delicious and beautiful surprise for you inside this neighborhood. Let yourself walk around the historic neighborhood and take in all its beauties as you make your way to our next destination.👇
1:30 PM: Lunch at Restaurante Carmen del Agua | Panoramic Views
Here is the surprise! Restaurante Carmen del Agua is a PHENOMENAL restaurant that offers panoramic views of the Alhambra. This is a higher-end experience in Granada, and the dishes have the typical American restaurant prices. Here, the dishes are all works of art – visually and taste-wise. Their cuisine plays with different flavors, bringing the Spanish flavors and other international flavors together. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance and request the terrace seating!
3 PM: Mirador de San Nicolas
Whether you’ve had dessert or not, it’s time for some eye dessert and go back to Mirador de San Nicolas! I think this is the perfect way to start parting ways with Granada – by seeing the Alhambra in its majestic entirety with flamenco music in the background.
Continue the Day with the Best Things to do in Granada!
If you are spending 3 full days or more, check out all the best things to do in Granada – from both a tourist’s and a local’s perspective. This list showcases everything from Granada’s top attractions to local favorites and hidden gems.
Is Granada Worth Visiting?
Yes. Absolutely, YES! Here are some of the reasons why Granada is worth visiting.👇
Not only is Granada home to La Alhambra, but it is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Granada is a medieval city that features stunning architecture, ranging from Islamic to Renaissance, to medieval streets.
Tying with Sevilla, Granada is also home to the beautiful Flamenco art – which originates from the Sacromonte neighborhood’s caves. If you want to see the most authentic Flamenco shows, Granada is the best place to visit.
Furthermore, if you’re a foodie, Granada is also home to the BEST tapas culture. Why is that? Because here you get a free tapa with every drink you order!
Somehow not convinced, yet? Keep reading here why Granada is worth visiting!
How Many Days in Granada?
Granada may be home to Spain’s most visited monument, Alhambra, but the city of Granada remains an underrated hidden gem. Most times, people opt for a one-night stay or treat Granada as a day trip with the sole purpose of seeing Alhambra and leaving.
I am here to tell you… This is one of the most beautiful cities you will see in Spain, and you simply must spend at least 2 days in Granada.
Granada is a fairly small city but is rich in things to do and things to see. Due to this, 2 to 3 days in Granada is the perfect amount to see all the main attractions, and some hidden gems, and digest the beauty surrounding you. If you plan to spend 4 days in Granada or more, you will have the chance to dive deeper inside the city. Furthermore, you could take one of these best day trips from Granada!
In other words, when thinking about how many days to spend in Granada, it’s important to consider your goals with this trip.
Where to Eat in Granada 🍽
Granada is home to the best Tapas Culture and endless, amazing restaurants. Here are some of the best restaurants, which just so happen to also be the best gluten-free restaurants in Granada.
Note 1. Spain is genuinely one of the best countries in terms of allergens – it’s something they take extremely seriously. As a celiac, I’ve never had any problems with finding food and feeling safe – especially in Granada.
Note 2. Granada has endless options for restaurants – the ones above are amazing and I couldn’t recommend them more. But be open to doing some window shopping too when walking around the city.
Where to Stay in Granada
In terms of places to stay, Granada has endless, great options – from Hostels to higher-end Hotels, and Airbnbs. Overall, Granada is a fairly small city and everything is near to reach – but I recommend staying as close to the center as possible. This will help you in centering yourself and have easier access to your stay (ex. Siesta), you will likely have beautiful sights from your room.
Furthermore, by staying in the city centre you won’t need to worry about steep hills – as you would with the Sacromonte and Albaicín. They are STUNNING neighborhoods, but they sit on very steep hills – not the best if you have heavy suitcases or problems with walking steep hills.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Granada:👇
Palacio Gran Vía – 5 Star Hotel
- 📍 C. Gran Vía de Colón, 14, Centro, 18010 Granada, Spain
- Price: $$$
If you are looking for a high-end experience, look no further! Palacio Gran Via is a hidden gem of a hotel that offers a luxurious stay in the heart of Granada.
NH Collection Victoria – 4 Star Hotel
- 📍 Prta Real de España, 3, Centro, 18005 Granada, Spain
- Price: $$
If you prefer hotels but don’t plan on splurging, the NH Collection Victoria is an amazing option! This is right in the heart of Granada’s city center.
Toc Hostel – 2 Star hotel
- 📍 Pcta. de Castillejos, 1, Centro, 18001 Granada, Spain
- Price: $
This beautiful hostel is the perfect spot for people traveling on a budget and/or are open to meeting new people on their travels. Toc Hostel is a high-quality hostel that offers amazing amenities and a clean, safe space, and the perfect location.
Granada Travel Tips
- Everything starts and ends later in the day
- On Sundays, everything is closed – except for touristy stores and restaurants. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to spend a weekend in Granada.
- Siesta, 2-4 pm, everything is closed – except for touristy stores and some restaurants.
- Always carry a little bit of cash
- Avoid women who try to hand you rosemary or plants, they are scammers and possible pick-pockets. If they approach you, simply swerve and tell them “no”.
- To have the best and most authentic food, try to stick to Granada’s eating times. Around 2 pm for lunch and 9 pm for dinner.
Final Recommendations
My biggest recommendation for visiting Granada is to slow down and take it all in. This hidden gem of a city has so much to offer. From the sunniest skies, and insane architecture, to the food of Granada, beautiful parks, amazing people… This list simply goes on and on. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, definitely consider visiting smaller and lesser-known cities too – rather than only visiting the most touristy spots. This will help you travel deeper and gain more appreciation for the beautiful country of Spain.
Thatch Services
One of the main reasons I became I travel blogger is my love and passion for helping others experience the best of their destination. To take this passion a step further, I am now offering three services on Thatch. Customized Itineraries, Customized Recommendations, and Consultation Calls.
My goal with these services is to help you with your upcoming travels and feel confident. Did you enjoy this itinerary but want one that’s more specific to your needs and preferences? Book me on Thatch for a Customized Itinerary!
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