Granada is small enough to walk across and full of history: the last Moorish kingdom in Spain fell here in 1492, and the Alhambra above the city is one of the most visited monuments in Europe.
It is a university city with a young population, cheap rents and the tradition of a free tapa with each drink, which makes it one of the best-value places in Spain to live or study.
Climate: Hot, dry summers and cold winter nights (it sits at 700 m with the Sierra Nevada behind it); snow is rare in the city but close by.
Visiting Granada
How long: 2 days
Don’t miss
- The Alhambra and Generalife (book weeks ahead)
- Sunset at the Mirador de San Nicolás
- The Albaicín’s white streets
- Sacromonte cave houses
- Skiing at Sierra Nevada
- Day trip to the Alpujarra villages
What to eat
- Free tapas in bars on Calle Navas and around Plaza Nueva
- Tortilla del Sacromonte
- Piononos from Santa Fe
- Habas con jamón
Classic places to eat
- Bodegas Castañeda: Free tapa with every drink. An old bodega near Plaza Nueva.
- Bar Los Diamantes: Fried fish and seafood tapas. A Granada favourite for fried fish.
Tip: Alhambra tickets are sold only on the official site and sell out, especially for the Nasrid Palaces. Book as early as you can.
Plan a visit
Things to do in Granada Where to stay
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A perfect first day
- Morning: the Alhambra and Generalife with timed tickets booked weeks ahead.
- Afternoon: wander down through the Albaicín’s white lanes and stop at the Mirador de San Nicolás.
- Evening: tapas crawl in the centre, where many bars still give a free tapa with each drink.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For the cathedral and tapas.
For views and atmosphere (steep streets).
For a lively, local base.
More of Granada
Fiestas
Living in Granada
Best for: Students, Spanish learners and budget-minded remote workers.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Old Jewish quarter, central, characterful.
Close to everything; older flats.
Beautiful, hilly, hard for cars and shopping.
Practical flats, near the university and buses.
Pros
- Very low cost
- Free tapas culture
- Mountains and beaches within an hour
Cons
- Hot summers and cold winters
- Air quality can be poor in winter
- Small job market
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
Get your personal paperwork list for visas, NIE, padrón and more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Granada?
2 days is enough for the main sights: the alhambra and generalife (book weeks ahead), sunset at the mirador de san nicolás, the albaicín’s white streets. Alhambra tickets are sold only on the official site and sell out, especially for the Nasrid Palaces. Book as early as you can.
Is Granada expensive to live in?
On our scale it is low (€). It is one of the cheaper places in Spain.
How do I get to Granada?
By air: Granada (GRX), 30 minutes; Málaga (AGP) 1h30 by road. By rail: AVE to Madrid in about 3h20.
Have you been to Granada?
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