Things to do in Granada, Spain
The Alhambra, Cathedral, Shopping, Flamenco and Nightlife!
Sep 28, 2008
If you’re traveling to Spain, you’ll definitely want to plan on at least three or four days in Granada, the jewel of Andalusia. Inhabited since long before Roman times, the city has exchanged hands many times between the different cultures that fought over southern Spain for centuries. In 1492, it was the last holdout of the Moors, who had invaded and conquered much of Spain centuries before. This long history makes for some fascinating visitor sites, plus it is a fun, hip place to go for the more modern delights of food, shopping and nightlife!
The Alhambra: The most well-known visitor destination in Granada is of course the Alhambra, home of the Sultans of the Nasrid Dynasty, and the last of the Moorish holdouts in Spain. This jaw-droppingly beautiful Moorish Castle is the one thing you cannot miss when you’re in Granada.
The Cathedral: Located in the heart of Granada, the Cathedral is particularly magnificent. This massive Gothic-Renaissance structure took centuries to build and still is not considered completed. Take about an hour and wander around the different sections, including the chapels, the sacristy and the nave. The art in this cathedral, which includes several works by renowned artist Alonso Cano (1601-1667), is considered outstanding by art historians.
Taking in a Flamenco Show: Flamenco is the traditional dance of southern Spain and features dramatic twirls and swoops, dazzling guitar music, beautiful dancers and romantic themes. According to the people of Granada, the city is the birthplace of this remarkable art form. Gypsies have lived in caves in the hills around Granada for generations, and these caves – now nicely furnished, clean and comfortable, by the way – are the best place in town to see a Flamenco show. A dance show and dinner can be a little pricey, but if you love good dance and good food, it’s money well spent.
Shopping: The small, narrow, winding streets near the Cathedral have been home to markets and merchants for untold centuries, and it is still a good place to go to buy souvenirs. This area, known as the Alcaicería, offers endless shops selling t-shirts, flamenco dresses, jewelry and other touristy stuff: it’s a little tacky but worth a visit. Savvy shoppers in Granada will look for two things: handmade Fajalauza pottery, made in the area for centuries, and fine guitars. Granada artisans have made the country’s finest guitars by hand for as long as anyone can remember: look for them in the Realejo district.
Food, Drink and Nightlife: While in Granada, be sure to hit a tapas bar/restaurant. These are local favorites where you don’t order a meal so much as a plate of different tasty snacks to share with your friends. There are some good ones not too far from the Cathedral in the Albaicín district. After you’ve eaten, it’s time to have fun! Try the bars on Pedro Antonio de Alarcón street or anywhere near the University.
This guide is meant to simply start you off: there are many more things to see and do in Granada, including museums, day trips, food tours and much, much more. You’ll never want to leave, and once you’re gone you’ll want to come back!
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