Where to Stay in Granada: A Local’s Deep Dive for Tourists

Can I just say… how exciting that you’re planning a trip to Granada!

To avoid any confusion, I want to share that Granada is a city but it is also a province. No matter how many days you’re staying in Granada, as a local, I strongly recommend staying in the Centro (city center) and staying flat.👇

While saying “stay in the city center” seems like the only answer you need, there’s so much more you need to know and take into consideration, especially when searching hotels and stays.

Without further ado, here’s what you need about the best area to stay in Granada, along with essential local tips, insights, and hotel recommendations.

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Everything You Need to Know about Granada’s City Center

Where to stay in Granada close to Alhambra?

As long as you stay in the city center, you will be close to the Alhambra.

I mention this in my essential tips for visiting, but something important to know is that to reach the Alhambra you’ll need to walk a fairly steep and long hill. I share this because no matter how close you are to the Alhambra, you have this inevitable hill to climb.

Having visited the Alhambra five times and (for some reason) walked there each time, I’m here to tell you — just hop on the autobus or a taxi.😂

The physically closest hotel to the Alhambra is the Hotel Alhambra Palace, a 5-star hotel that looks over Granada. Its location is uphill and very inconvenient, so I would only recommend staying here if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway.

Overall, as long as you stay in the Realejo San-Matías neighborhood or its border with Centro-Sagrario, you will be in a great position to reach the Alhambra palace!

Why the Centro District Is the Best Area to Stay in Granada

The best and nicest district to stay in Granada is the Centro (“center”).

When people think of Granada and see the pictures, they’re usually seeing the city center, but Granada is actually much larger.

Because of this, the Centro District is quite a large area that includes the Centro-Sagrario and Realejo San-Matías neighborhoods — the homes of the Alhambra and the city’s other main attractions.

Top Areas Within the Center of Granada

As I mentioned, the best district to stay in Granada is the Centro, which includes two specific neighborhoods: Centro-Sagrario and Realejo-San Matías.

Both of these neighborhoods are incredible – they are both extremely safe (as all of Granada is), very central, and nothing short of beautiful.

In terms of location, the best area to stay in Granada is right where the two neighborhoods meet – the street Reyes Católicos and near the Cathedral.

This is the most central location to everything, from the main attractions to restaurants, shops, cafés, and more. Not only that, but it’s the most beautiful area too!😍

Note: Realejo-San Matías is a much bigger neighborhood than the Centro-Sagrario, which you can see as the historic city center. If you’re looking at Realejo-San Matías area, don’t stay too far away from the historic city center!

One Area to Avoid in Granada

Granada is one of the safest cities I’ve ever visited, so this area to avoid is not for safety reasons, but for comfort and responsible tourism.

The Albaicín neighborhood is the oldest neighborhood in Granada and a UNESCO World Heritage. It’s an uphill neighborhood full of breathtaking cobblestone streets, views of the Alhambra, and white-painted homes. This neighborhood has origins that go back to the 11th century.

You might be thinking, “Laura… why wouldn’t I want to stay here?” Here are my answers:

First off, it’s a very uphill neighborhood with nothing but cobblestone streets which are bumpy and often slippery. When in Granada, the last thing you want to do is waste precious energy in getting to your accommodation — that energy should be saved for the Alhambra and visiting all of Granada.

Plus, is there anything worse than bringing suitcases up cobblestone streets?

The Albaicín is a very small neighborhood with real people who are suffering from prices rising, gentrification caused by tourist rentals, and the behavior of disrespectful tourists.

Staying in the Albaicín is the least convenient location for your stay in Granada and also the most damaging one to those who call Albaicín home.

Granada FAQs

How many days do you need in Granada?

Far too many people treat Granada as a one day trip for the sole purpose of visiting the Alhambra Palace — a minimum 3-hour experience that tires you out for the rest of the day.

Granada is one of the most important and beautiful cities of Andalusia and to really appreciate it, you’ll want to stay for a minimum of 2 days. I personally recommend staying 3 days in Granada, as that allows you to enjoy La Alhambra and the city to the fullest.

On the other hand, Granada is in a great location for day trips and is only one hour away from both the sea and the mountains. If you’re planning a longer stay in Andalusia, you could consider making Granada your home base for day trips to places like Sierra Nevada, or Nerja.

Is Granada a walkable city?

Granada could not be a more walkable city — you can go anywhere by foot.

The only area in Granada that might be more complicated for some individuals is the Albaicín neighborhood, which is all cobblestone and very uphill.

Best Time to Visit Granada

Honestly, Granada is a great city to visit most of the year! The only time I strongly advise against is July and August, which are very hot months.

However, if you don’t mind the dry, oven-like weather and prefer visiting when there’s few tourists – then you will love July and August.

Each season of the year has a different pro and con, and same goes for each month. The best time to visit Granada will depend your personal preferences — crowds, cultural festivals and holidays. weather, and so forth.

This guide will help you choose the best time for YOU to visit Granada, Spain!

How to Get to Granada

Despite having its own small airport, the best way to reach Granada is by flying into the Malaga airport (AGP) which is 1.5 hours away by either bus or car.

When you’re looking for flights, definitely check if you have a good flight that lands into Granada, but chances are you’ll either find a very expensive flight or the longest travel journey with layovers.

Do you need a car to visit Granada?

If you’re only staying in the city of Granada and possibly planning a day trip or two, it’s not necessary to have a car.

Granada is a very walkable city with clean and well-functioning public transportation. Furthermore, it is well connected with buses and trains to some small towns, and all the big Andalusian cities — like Seville and Malaga.

Unless you are planning to go hiking or simply want full freedom, I wouldn’t recommend getting a car. The city center is full of restrictions on where cars can go and the streets between buildings are quite tight — making parking a total headache.

Want more help with your Granada travels? Check out my Posts!

• The 27 BEST Things to Do in Granada | Local’s Guide
• How to Spend the One Day in Granada, Spain
• 2 Days in Granada, Spain: The Ultimate Itinerary
• The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Granada
• 8 Best Flamenco Shows in Granada: All You Need to Know
• When is the Best Time to Visit Granada? The Ultimate Guide
• Visiting Granada in December | A Local’s Guide for First Time Visitors
• The Ultimate Guide to Granada’s Hidden Gems
• 17 Best Day Trips from Granada
• Alhambra vs the Real Alcázar

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I have to ask…

What are you most excited to see or experience in Granada? Will this be your first time visiting? Let me know in the comments!☺️👇

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