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Granada is a wonderful Spanish city that celebrates it’s Moorish past and has preserved the architecture and flavour of that era. The mix of Andalucían and Islamic surroundings provide so much to see and explore. This is the perfect itinerary for what to see during a 2-day break or a weekend in Granada.
With the breath-taking backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains and just over 1 hour drive from the Costa Tropical coastline, it’s a city full of surprises and contradictions. But it’s also a city that is welcoming, hospitable and beautiful.
We had a great time visiting Granada on a crisp but bright January weekend and I wanted to share the route we took and things we really enjoyed. Here are our tips on how to spend a weekend or 2 day break in Granada.
Granada two day city itinerary
There’s no need to rush while you’re roaming a great city like Granada. Start this self-guided tour of Granada at whatever time of day works for you. Deviate from the route if you wish or stay longer at a place you love, whatever suits you best. Oh, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for beer and tapas along the way.
Here’s a rough map to give you an idea of which direction to go on each of the two day routes (stops are marked with a red star). Grab a city map or use google maps to make sure you don’t get too lost 🙂 and enjoy your weekend exploring Granada!
*RELATED article: For practical travel information about the city read – What you need to know before visiting Granada
Granada day one itinerary:
Plaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva is the old square of Granada and great starting point for exploring the city. Have a bite to eat in the many bars around the square and find Elvira street that runs off the square.
Tip: Stop for drinks around here and you will be given some delicious free tapas!
Carrera del Darro
Walk up Carrera del Darro along the narrow, trickling River Darro and enjoy the pretty old buildings and bridges along the way. Stop to take a look at the Santa Ana church or El Banuelo the Arab Baths.
Tip: It’s an uphill walk but at the top you will find Fuente del Paseo de los Tristes. A square with views up to the Alhambra, perfect for a coffee stop!
Albaicin
Wander through the narrow streets of the whitewashed Albaicin buildings. Every turn is a picture-perfect photo opportunity. Find the Mirador de San Nicolas, one of the most famous view points over the Alhambra. This is where everyone gathers to take in the stunning building from afar.
Tip: The Mirador can get very crowded, there’s a little bar in front of it called El Balcon. Stop in there for a more relaxed view but be aware that drinks are pricey!
Granada Cathedral
Head south towards Granada Cathedral and the Capilla Real to find your way back to the city centre. Don’t miss the Alcaiceria, a collection of market stalls selling all sorts (big surprise for me here was that the sellers were not pushy at all and didn’t hassle us). Near here you will find Plaza Bib-Rambla a lovley open terrace full of restaurants and Calle Navas one the famous free tapas bar streets.
Tip: In the free tapas bars taking your time and relaxing pays off as the 2nd and 3rd tapa is usually hot and slightly better quality then the 1st.
Granada day two itinerary:
Alhambra
Many people head straight to the Alhambra when they arrive in Granada, I prefer to take in the city before tackling a big tourist landmark. You will need a couple of hours here to just walk up to the building and look around. If you want to go inside you may need a full day to explore all of this magnificent fortress. General life and Patio de los Leones are the very picturesque highlights.
Tip: There is a little public mini bus you can take up but it looked very crowded, the walk is nice!
Calle Caldereria Nueva
After all that walking and exploring head to the one of the Arab tea houses or look through the shops and stalls on Calle Caldereria. This area has lots of handcrafted local gifts, trinkets, Moroccan clothes and bags.
Tip: It gets lively at night so pop back later if you want to have a great night out!
Flamenco show
Seeing a flamenco show is a must when in Andalucia. There are many good quality shows throughout Granada. They range from small intimate local bars to big dinner and show performaces. The Sacromonte area, where the gypsy families lived in the pretty cave houses is the heart of flamenco in the city.
Tip: I recommend Le Chien Andalou for a very intimate and reasonably priced flamenco show. Book ahead if you can, it will fill up fast!
I hope that you have a great city break in Granada and this weekend itinerary is helpful. Don’t forget to save it so you can read it later or share it on social media 🙂
There is lots more to see in Andalucía, if you are planning to explore this region read all about Possess the World’s stay in nearby Álora and how they spent 2 weeks in Andalucía.
If you would like more information on what to see & do in Granada please send us a message in the comment box below↓↓
You might also be interested in these other guides by Seeking the Spanish Sun…
The best cities to visit in Spain
A weekend in Barcelona
My trip south to the Costa del Sol
A weekend in Bilbao
What you need to know before visiting Malaga
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