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Madrid is a fantastic city, full of life, food, and culture. Whereas most people in the world end up adoring Barcelona, I ended up head over heels for Madrid.

Even in the peak season in Madrid, the tourists feel dispersed (as long as you’re not waiting in line for the Prado, but that’s another story we’ll get to later…) and prices are reasonable.

The backbone of any good Madrid itinerary is picking a central and fantastic neighborhood.

Since you only have 2 days in Madrid, you’re going to want to stay somewhere central.

If you’re trying to decide what neighborhood in Madrid to stay in, here’s my personal choice: Puerta del Sol.

This neighborhood is the heart and soul of Madrid, and where we stayed was right in the thick of it.

We took full advantage of our prime location and dove into the Spanish style of life – eating, snacking, drinking, repeat.

Oh, and I guess a bit of sightseeing squeezed in between bites of luxurious ham and gulps of fantastic Rioja. 

How This Madrid Itinerary Works

This Madrid itinerary is designed to be primarily a self-guided walking itinerary, where you can walk from attraction to attraction in a leisurely fashion, sightseeing along the way.

Where it makes sense, I’ve suggested a few guided tours or experiences that (in my opinion) augment your time in Madrid in a positive way.

However, the vast majority of this itinerary for Madrid is self-directed, since that’s my personal favorite way to travel.

In that case, I’ve indicated how to pre-book an attraction ticket to save time (who wants to wait in line on vacation?) but I don’t recommend a guided tour for every single experience.

Most of the magic is just exploring Madrid, with a destination loosely in mind, but open to the serendipity of exploring this magical city.

The experience of visiting Madrid is also largely the experience of eating there, so I’ve made sure to direct you to some of my favorite eateries in Madrid!

Where to Stay in Madrid

This Madrid itinerary is centered around Puerta del Sol as your home base. It’s the most central location for every sight you’ll want to see on this two-day itinerary!

I’ll list a few recommendations for where to stay based on different budget categories.

If you’re traveling with kids, here’s a selection of family-friendly hotels in Madrid.

MID-RANGE | Pestana Plaza Mayor Hotel: I love Pestana properties (I had the luxury of staying at Pestana Palace in Lisbon once!). This one looks fantastic and offers a ton of amenities for a reasonable price for what you get!

Not only do you get a central location with views over Plaza Mayor, but there’s also a rooftop infinity pool, a wellness center with both sauna and hammam-style areas, and so many cool and elegant common areas… not to mention the rooms are spacious, modern, and well-designed!

Check availability and prices at Pestana Plaza Mayor Hotel here!

LUXURY | Gran Hotel Inglés: Part of the Leading Hotels of the World circle of elite hotels, this is one of the best luxury options in Madrid. It’s in a beautiful 19th century Art Deco building with 5* amenities, including fine dining, a spa center, extremely elegant common areas, and helpful concierge services.

The rooms are exquisitely designed in a minimalist but modern style, with luxe amenities like soaking tubs in all the rooms. Some suites even have their own private terraces with a hot tub on it!

Check availability and prices at Gran Hotel Inglés here!

BUDGET | Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol: This surprisingly budget-friendly option is still in the heart of Madrid with rooms often available for under $100 per night. The design is not ultra-modern, but for the spaciousness of the rooms you get and the central location, it’s not a bad deal at all.

Some rooms even have spacious terraces with deck chairs where you can watch Madrid pass by beneath your feet!

Check availability and prices at Hodel Moderno here!

Getting Into Madrid

If you arrive to Madrid by plane, you’ll most likely fly into Madrid Barajas Airport.

It’s a large and frankly rather overwhelming airport, but you can get into the city center by a variety of ways: organized pick-up, taxi, bus, train, or metro.

Of these five options, I recommend either an organized pick-up or the bus. Taxis can overcharge travelers, the train is less convenient than it sounds, and the metro can be overwhelming.

Organized Pick Up

This is by far the easiest way and it’s my #1 recommendation if you want a smooth entry to Madrid.

It’s typically a few dollars more than a taxi or Uber, but you’ll be greeted at the airport and will get driven in without having to worry about getting a taxi or figuring out the subway.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is definitely possible. In theory, there is a flat 30 euro fee for destinations in the city center; however, it’s not unheard of for taxi scams to happen, so I hesitate to strongly recommend a taxi.

If you’re not a confident international traveler, I’d pay a few euros more for an organized pickup — it’ll save you some headache for a minimal additional fee.

Metro

There are two metro stations at Madrid-Barajas Airport: one at Terminal 2 and one at Terminal 4.

If you are arriving at one of those terminals, the metro is fairly easy, but it will involve at least one transfer (and likely two).

Otherwise, if landing at Terminal 1 or 3, you have to take the airport shuttle, which is annoying and can take longer than you’d expect (Madrid Barajas is huge!).

Metro line 8 serves the airport, but it won’t bring you all the way into central Madrid. It is, however, a cheap option, at only 3 euros for a train ticket.

If you’re staying in Puerta del Sol (where I recommend), you’ll want to transfer first at Mar de Cristal to line 4 towards Arguelles. Then you’ll transfer again at Goya, heading towards Cuatro Caminos on line 2, but getting off at Sol.

There are other ways to get to Sol (i.e. line 8 to line 1 to line 2, line 8 to line 4 to line 1) but none that don’t require at least two transfers.

Airport Bus

This is the easiest way to get to Madrid Airport on a budget, in my opinion.

The bus serves Terminals 1, 2, and 4. If you land at terminal 3, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus first.

It’s 5 euros, so it’s a little more than the metro or the train, but it’s a lot more straightforward. It also runs 24/7 so it’s good if you have a flight at a strange hour.

The bus stops at Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha (daytime only) — neither are particularly close to Puerta del Sol so you will have to walk approximately 15 minutes to Plaza de Cibeles or 30 minutes from Atocha.

Train

From the airport, you can take the train to Atocha central railway station for under 3 euros.

Sounds great… in theory!

However, the train station is located at Terminal 4, and if you’re at one of the other terminals, you’ll need to take the airport shuttle there, which is time-consuming, so this is not as convenient as it sounds.

Plus, Atocha is not quite where I recommend staying for this Madrid itinerary, so it’s a bit of a walk from the train station to Puerta del Sol (about 30 minutes)

Getting Around Madrid

Once you’re in the city, it’s easy to get around by foot or by public transit.

Madrid has a fantastic metro system that will zip you around the city center pretty easily via public transport if you choose.

However, this Madrid itinerary is designed to be entirely walkable, with no need to use the metro stations unless you get tired.

However, if you plan to visit other parts of the city that are not outlined on this itinerary — such as visiting the Bernabéu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid team and a must-visit for football fans (aka not me — I’d rather do literally anything but that, but you do you!) — you’ll want to take the subway or a taxi/Uber.

Another option is buying hop-on, hop-off bus tickets, which conveniently connect the main Madrid attractions on a single bus line.

However, I don’t think it’s necessary for this itinerary unless you are traveling with young ones who can’t handle much walking or your group includes people with mobility limitations who may find the amount of walking on this Madrid itinerary to be a bit excessive.

2 Day Madrid Itinerary: Day 1

Start at Puerta del Sol.

Puerta del Sol is the neighborhood I recommend you stay in if you have only a short amount of time like 2 days in Madrid.

But in case you’re staying elsewhere in the city, make your way over to Puerta del Sol to start your Madrid itinerary here.

This is one of the busiest and best-known squares in Madrid, and quite literally the center of the city, as all the main roads radiate outwards from this central point.

There are a few important points in Puerta del Sol: the Real Casa de Correos, an old post office that is now home to the President of Madrid’s Autonomous Community, the Kilometer 0 stone, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (El Oso y El Madroño) statue, and the giant Tio Pepe advertisement that’s now part of Puerta del Sol’s skyline.

Have ham for breakfast at Museo del Jamón.

Do I seem a bit ridiculous suggesting you start your 2 days in Madrid by shoving your face with ham? I’m sorry, but I simply must.

(If ham for breakfast is too much of an ask, I recommend a breakfast pastry at La Mallorquina in Puerta del Sol)

Museo de Jamón (Calle Mayor, 7) is truly a pork lovers’ dream, literally packed wall to wall with enormous cuts of ham in every shape and size. And it’s cheap. As in, I wonder how they even turn a profit cheap.

We got a heaping plate of four different kinds of ham and manchego cheese for less than 8 euros.

A beer? 90 cents (and that’s not even the small caña size, which will only set you back 50 cents) AND it comes with a snack.

While you could skip the caña of beer since it is technically breakfast, I say screw it – if you only have two days in Madrid, you may as well live them to the fullest. 

I loved Museo del Jámon so much that I went twice: one day at night during the Madrid Pride festivities, when it was jam packed with drunken revelers taking a wise break to refuel before returning to the debauchery.

We loved it so much we went back again less than 12 hours later for breakfast, where we each had an espresso and a croissant, ham, and cheese sandwich for less than 3 euros apiece.

Not a fan of ham? There are plenty of other great breakfast and brunch spots in Madrid.

Location: Calle Mayor, 7

Check out Plaza Mayor.

Close to the Mercado de San Miguel is Plaza Mayor, the largest public plaza in Madrid and what used to be the center of Old Madrid.

It’s a vibrant place for people watching in the Spanish capital, and there are also lots of little cafés where you can grab a seat and an espresso and watch Spanish daily life pass you by.

Visit the beautiful Almudena Cathedral.

Just a short walk from the Royal Palace (Palacio Real), you can’t miss the gorgeous Almudena Cathedral in the Madrid skyline.

Although this cathedral is considered young and relatively new, its beautiful look today belies a history of more than a century of problematic construction.

You see, Francisco de Cubas originally wanted to construct a pantheon to honor the late Queen Maria in the second half of the 19 th century, influenced by 18th century French Gothic design.

Even though the first stone was laid in 1879, following religious developments, the plans changed for the structure that was planned to be a pantheon to be a cathedral instead.

Its crypts opened in 1911, but they were shut down because of the civil war that came on as a result of the Franco fascist regime.

Decades after, it ran at a smaller capacity, until it was redesigned and then fully finished in 1993.

While it may be a newer building in a city filled with older architecture, I still think it’s worth visiting for its interesting history and gorgeous look that blends into the more jam-packed Madrid cityscape in a beautiful fashion.

Location: Calle de Bailén, 10

Head to the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) for some culture.

Now, pretend you didn’t just shove your face full of ham and beer at my behest and get some culture at the lovely Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the most important places in all of Madrid (and Spain in general).

Madrid has stood long before it became the capital of Spain — its original name was Magerit. The spot where the city’s fortress once stood is now where the Royal Palace stands today.

Because the old fort burned down, King Philip V ordered a new palace to be built for the royal family — and that’s what you see today.

The Royal Palace of Madrid was inspired by the Louvre and as a result of that inspiration, it also has sprawling grounds, gardens, and fountains.

The palace has over 3,000 rooms, which include the Main Staircase, Throne Room, the Guards Room, and many more. It’s one of the most visited historic buildings in Spain, and for a very good reason!

Location: Calle de Bailén

Visit a real Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid.

The Temple of Debod is a true piece of Egyptian history in the heart of Madrid.

However, unlike most Egyptian artifacts you can find in the West (cough the British Museum cough), this temple was actually a gift from Egypt to the city of Madrid!

It was originally constructed in the 2nd century BC, by the orders of the Meroe King of Egypt. The temple was dedicated to the god Amun and goddess Isis, with gorgeous high reliefs carved into the stone.

Egypt gifted this temple to Madrid in the 20th century to protect the city of floods. It was disassembled from its original location and then rebuilt stone by stone when everything was transported.

The temple opened to the public in 1972 and it’s been one of Cuartel de la Montaña’s biggest attractions ever since!

It’s one of the best free things to do in Madrid, too, as there’s no entry fee to this public park!

Walk back through the Plaza de España.

With its massive monument to the legendary author Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, it’s hard to miss Plaza de España on your walk back towards Puerta del Sol, where your lunch stop is.

Near the Plaza, there are a few quick points of interest to note.

First is one of the tallest buildings in the city, Torre de Madrid at 466 feet tall (142 meters) and Edificio España at 384 feet tall (117 meters).

Combined with the Statue of Miguel de Cervantes, it’s one of the most iconic photos of Madrid!

Another interesting building to note is the gorgeous House of Gallardo, dating back to 1911 and emblematic of the strong Art Nouveau movement that took place in Madrid around the turn of the century.

Take a quick stroll through the Malasaña barrio.

The neighborhood (barrio) of Malasaña is located just due east of Plaza de España and it’s absolutely worth a short walk on your first day in Madrid. It’s a trendy, hip neighborhood full of great restaurants, secondhand shops, and historic buildings.

It’s also a big nightlife hub, so this is a great place to return later in the night if you feel like continuing your exploration after dark!

My favorite buildings in Malasaña are the Liria Palace (an art museum that is simply stunning on the outside, since it’s inside an 18th century palace!), the Centro de Cultura Contemporánea Conde Duque, and Monasterio de Montserrat.

You can make a little loop of those buildings to get an idea of the lovely Malasaña neighborhood, popping into any boutiques or little stores that intrigue you along the way.

If you need a coffee pick-me-up before continuing on this Madrid itinerary, grab a cortado or other espresso drink of your choice at Café Federal or Misión Café, two of the trendiest coffee shops in Malasaña.

Have a lunch of vermouth and a few bites to eat at Mercado de San Miguel.

Continue walking until you reach the covered marketplace of Mercado de San Miguel, which is a bit of a touristy food market, but I think it’s still a great introduction to tapas, done Madrid-style.

My favorite things to eat there were the sweet and savory toasts piled high with mozzarella or burrata, the olive and pickled vegetable skewers called bandarillas, and some delicious vermouth with orange and ice (for a single euro fifty!)

Don’t eat too much here, though – this Madrid itinerary has you scheduled for a dinner walking tour exploring the tapas scene of this city at 7 PM, so you’ll want to save your appetite for later.

Location: Plaza de San Miguel

Stroll through La Latina.

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Madrid is La Latina.

The Basílica de San Francisco El Grande is one can’t-miss place in La Latina, and it provides an interesting contrast to the newness of the Almudena Cathedral near the Royal Palace.

Dating back to 1760, the church is one of five Royal Basilicas of Madrid and has three chapels, including a beautiful painting by the famous Spanish artist Francisco De Goya, one of my favorite artists of all time.

Another interesting part of La Latina is the Mercado de la Cebada, which has become a major street art hub in Madrid.

Both inside and on its outer walls, you’ll find countless murals featuring street art by a variety of different artists both Spanish and foreign.

Another street you shouldn’t miss is Calle de la Cava Baja, full of cute tapas bars and restaurants perfect for a midday snack.

If you happen to be in La Latina on a Sunday, you shouldn’t miss El Rastro flea market, the largest open air market in all of Madrid.

While a bit touristy, it’s great fun to browse and see if you can find something worth the treasure hunt!

Take a tapas walking tour.

One of the best things to do in Madrid is mixing up delicious food and awesome history!

Going for a tapas walking tour means the best of both worlds: you’ll discover old monuments and historic buildings from your guide’s local knowledge while stopping at 4 to 5 different tapas restaurants to try all the best food in Madrid along the way.

Things you’ll taste on your tapas walking tour include Iberian ham (the world famous jamón iberico), seafood paella, local Spanish cheeses, and several other surprises as well as a selection of red or white Spanish wine, beer, or soft drinks.

Check out more information about the food tour here!

2 Day Madrid Itinerary: Day 2

Eat churros con chocolate for breakfast.

Yesterday it was ham for breakfast, now it’s churros!

We’re really just saying f*** you to healthy breakfasts on this weekend in Madrid, and you know what? I think that’s perfectly fine.

There are many places churning delicious churros con chocolate all over Madrid, but the oldest and most famous is Chocolatería San Ginés.

The churros here are perfectly fried – crunchy on the outside, soft inside, without any taste of grease.

They’re one of the best Spanish desserts, but they’re commonly eaten as a snack or even as breakfast!

Unlike their Mexican counterparts, these are not rolled in sugar and cinnamon; instead, you drown each bite in the cup of warm chocolate sauce.

Pair with an espresso and you’ve got one hell of a sugar and caffeine rush – ready to take on the second day of your Madrid itinerary.

Take in some art at Madrid’s most famous museum, Museo del Prado.

Take a leisurely 20-minute walk through downtown Madrid until you reach the Prado Museum, one of the top attractions in Spain.

If you visit Madrid without visiting the Museo del Prado, it’s like going to London and not seeing Tower Bridge or Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Simply foolish, in my opinion!

However – the line at the Prado is one of the most insane lines that I’ve seen. As in, I’ve traveled all around the world and never seen lengthier lines than at the Prado!

Considered one of the most prestigious museums in Spain, the Prado Museum boasts one of the largest art collections in the country, including works by Spanish artists like Velázquez and Goya as well as international artists like Rembrandt and Dürer.

It’s one of the most visited tourist attractions mainly because its walls are lined with artistic masterpieces the likes of which are hard to find a worthwhile comparison to. It’s on par with the Louvre or the Met in terms of vastness and quality of art.

The Prado has over 8,000 paintings and over 700 sculptures in its possession, which come from different schools of art ranging from the 12th to the 20th century.

Here you’ll find masterpieces like Velázquez’ Las Meninas and Goya’s Third of May. The Prado holds the largest collection of Spanish art in the world, and one of the best collections of European art in general. It’s a can’t-miss for any art fan!

Major art fans will likely also want to make a stop at the Reina Sofia Museum, featuring modern art from Spanish artists such as Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso (one of his most famous works, Guernica — a powerful anti-war statement — is housed here).

Another museum in the area that makes up the so-called ‘golden triangle of art’ of Madrid art museums is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Again, unless you’re a huge art fanatic and want to spend a full day of your Madrid itinerary in museums, I’d suggest skipping it and saving it for your next Madrid visit!

If you do plan to visit two or three of these art museums, though, I recommend bundling them with the Madrid Art Walk Pass to save money!

Location: Paseo del Prado

Stroll through the majestic El Retiro Park.

Madrid’s take on Central Park, walking through the scenic El Retiro Park with its manmade lake and Crystal Palace is an unmissable part of any Madrid itinerary.

Located in the heart of Madrid, Retiro Park is the city’s green lungs. It spans over 120 acres and includes dozens of thousands of trees. It’s one of the most popular recreational areas in the city!

Here you’ll find several different gardens, each comprised of beautiful types of flowers. The park even has a centuries-old Mexican conifer, which is supposedly Madrid’s oldest tree.

The biggest highlight of the park is the El Retiro Lake. You can rent a boat to take out onto the lake (the perfect place for selfies!) for 6 euros on weekdays and 8 euros on weekends.

Make sure to visit the exhibitions at the Velasquez Palace and the Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal), made almost entirely of glass and a can’t-miss Instagram spot in Retiro Park.

Location: Plaza de la Independencia, 7

Admire the Puerta de Alcalá.

At the northwest edge of El Retiro Park is the Puerta de Alcalá in the Plaza de la Independencia.

This beautiful neoclassical gate used to be part of the former walls built by Philip IV that encircled the city center of Madrid between 1625 and 1868.

The city walls no longer exist except in two small fragments, but the Puerta de Alcalá is a beautiful remnant from that time.

Built in 1778 from granite and limestone, this 5-arch gate has stood the test of time and is still a beloved landmark of Madrid.

Stop at the Plaza de Cibeles.

The stunning Plaza de Cibeles is home to two of Madrid’s most recognizable landmarks, the Fuente de Cibeles (Cybele Fountain) and Palacio de Cibeles (Cybele Palace).

The fountain itself is beautiful, of course, but it’s combination of the fountain with the backdrop of the Palacio de Cibeles (now home to the Madrid City Council) that is perhaps even more stunning!

It’s located on a busy thoroughfare, so it’s hard to get a great photograph of it, but it’s absolutely worth a visit on your walking tour of Madrid.

Walk the Gran Via of Madrid and stop for lunch.

Madrid’s answer to Paris’ Champs-Elysees and NYC’s Broadway all rolled into one street, the Gran Via is the hub of shopping and entertainment in the city!

Strolling down this grand avenue is one of the best ways to take the pulse of the city of Madrid, and it’s electric any time of day or night!

Don’t miss the massive Telefónica Building, built in 1928 and an early example of the skyscraper craze that would later change the definition of city skylines worldwide.

There are also several cinemas, bars, and restaurants on this street, so I recommend stopping for lunch somewhere along the way.

I recommend De María Gran Vía or La Sirena Verde, located at 72 and 62 Calle Gran Via respectively.

Check out the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales.

Literally translated to the Monastery of Barefoot Royals, this monastery a few short blocks away from Gran Via is definitely worth a small detour on this two-day itinerary.

Dating back to the 1500s, this monastery has an interesting and fascinating history.

While many monasteries and convents are a bit austere, where the monks or nuns live in rather spartan conditions, this monastery is incredibly ornate.

The reason for this is that the convent was primarily for young widowed women or noblewomen who never married — and therefore, for their dowries as well.

The convent quickly became one of the richest convents in Europe, and you can see the splendor in the paintings and wall hangings that decorate the monastery to this day.

By the 20th century, the population of who lived in the convent changed dramatically, and rather than housing impossible-to-marry-off noblewomen, it ended up hosting primarily impoverished women. In the 1960s it became the museum that it is today.

The monastery is open daily from 10 AM to 2 PM and then again from 4 PM to 6:30 PM (except on Sundays, when it’s open from 10 AM to 3 PM), so be careful if you are visiting around lunch time.

Grab an espresso and people watch.

One of the things you shouldn’t miss when in Madrid is the opportunity to simply people watch.

There are countless cafés in the area around the monastery and Gran Via. The monastery is quite close to the Torres Barmejas where the flamenco show I recommend is, so I recommend not straying too far from this area.

Catch the nightly flamenco show at the Torres Barmejas.

Flamenco is one of the most popular pieces of folklore and a truly unmissable Spanish experience.

It’s an energetic and passionate art form that combines dance, gestures, and music, and it has its deep roots in Andalusian history and culture.

There are countless venues where you can watch a flamenco show, but one of the most highly-rated in the city is the nightly 7 PM show at Torres Barmejas near the Gran Via of Madrid.

The decors and motifs are a wonder to look at, inspired by the gorgeous Andalusian city of Granada and its majestic Alhambra Palace.

The Spanish Moorish motifs and décor really add to the captivating atmosphere of the performance!

The choreography and energy of the flamenco dance, including interesting finger and hand gestures, is one of the most unique aspects of the Spanish culture.

Have dinner at one of Madrid’s many cervecerias or tapas bars.

A good 75% of the reason why I decided I needed a month in Spain was to eat my way through all of the delicious tapas the country has to offer (the other 25% is wine and cider, obviously).

I got a good head start on my goal in Puerta del Sol, where we ate at a few delicious restaurants. Lambuzo had some of the most delicious tapas in Madrid and some great wine. As a huge Spanish wine fan, I went for the Ribera del Duero – so tasty!

We loved the berenjas (fried eggplant with a dark, rich honey sauce), atún rojo (perfectly rare ahi tuna), and the croquetas de gambas(fried potato and shrimp croquettes).

Location: Calle de las Conchas, 9

My other favorite spot for dinner is La Carboneria. While it is in a touristic area, the food quality is so excellent that I literally ate there twice during my time in Madrid.

What can I say – I was just that obsessed with their albóndigas a la casera (meatballs home-style – though I need to figure out who’s home it’s styled after and how I can move myselfin there ASAP).

They also have the most perfectly cooked tortilla española I’ve had the pleasure of putting in my mouth.

It was simplicity at its finest, a perfectly melting synthesis of potato and egg. It was gooey in the best way – not dry and set like less fresh tortilla españolas can be.

Don’t forget to order their delicious sangria!

Location: La Carboneria, Calle Coloreros 5

If You Have More Than 2 Days in Madrid…

If you have more time to kill, I suggest taking a day trip from Madrid to either Toledo (my preference!) or Segovia…. or both!

This guided day tour is affordable and includes time in Toledo, Segovia, and the Alcazar (historic castle fortress) of Segovia — two UNESCO World Heritage sites in a day!

This tour includes ample time touring both Toledo and Segovia, including free time in Segovia, with small group tours of fewer than 20 people per group.

Guides, entry tickets and transportation to and from the Madrid pick-up/drop-off spot are included in the price, but any food or drink is at your own cost.

Book your guided day trip here!

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

eternalarrival.com

Catalonia is a beautiful and varied region of Spain with many countless intriguing destinations.

I recently spent a week in Catalonia, splitting my time between Girona and Barcelona.

And if I’m honest? If I could do it again, I would have spent the entire time in Girona.

It’s not that I didn’t like Barcelona. It’s just that fresh off my divorce with New York after almost a decade of common law marriage, it felt too city-like in a way that just didn’t jive with me.

Meanwhile, Girona had its own heart and soul — something both so new and so old. While it certainly welcomes its share of tourists, it felt more authentic and less overrun than Barcelona.

Plus, I’m a rabid Game of Thrones fangirl, and the idea of walking through what is basically a living set piece was pretty wonderful.

While I happily spent three days in Girona and would easily spend even more time there, I know many people visit Girona as one small part of a Spain itinerary.

Luckily, the city is small with its main sites clustered in a central location, so it’s easy to visit Girona in one day (if you have to).

YOUR One Day in Girona Itinerary

Note: This Girona itinerary is structured assuming you’ve spent the night and are waking up in Girona, or at least taking an early morning train from Barcelona.

If you’re planning to Girona mid-day and stay until the next afternoon, you can adjust this Girona itinerary accordingly, by splitting the itinerary wherever it makes sense.

Have breakfast at Palmira Bakery.

When we visited Girona, we met some lovely Syrian refugees who opened an outstanding bakery in the Old Town called Palmira.

They sold delicious goodies, from baklava to honey-drenched flaky and crunchy desserts that I can’t pronounce but still dream about.

The owners of the bakery were incredibly friendly, pressing free samples upon us as we drank our morning espressos.

We went back every day we were in Girona — I’m jonesing for their delicious pistachio-filled baklava as I write this!

Discover the city with a walking tour.

A walking tour is a fantastic way to discover a city, and if you only have one day in Girona, you’ve got to make it count.

Luckily, there are some great walking tours on offer throughout the city, focusing on either the city’s historical and cultural significance or its more recent revival as a pop culture hotspot for Game of Thrones fans.

If you want a well-rounded tour that covers the basic must-sees in Girona, check out this small group walking tour.

It encompasses Girona’s Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, its bright houses on the Onyar river, and its famous bridge created by none other than the man who designed the Eiffel Tower!

While it doesn’t focus on Game of Thrones specifically, they do point out the filming locations, so it’s a good way to blend both in a well-organized, 3-hour overview of Girona.

Book your walking tour of Girona here!

Alternately, if you’re an avowed Game of Thrones fan, you can go on a dedicated Game of Thrones walking tour.

Many great scenes of this HBO epic series were shot right here in the Old Town of Girona.

The Cathedral steps? Where Jaime Lannister’s badass horse charges up to challenge the High Sparrow.

The cobblestone stairs and alleyways? Where Arya darts as she’s hunted in Braavos.

For a big Game of Thrones nerd like me – who doesn’t want to deal with the tourist crush of Dubrovnik in the summer (or its prices — seriously guys, Girona is a bargain compared to Dubrovnik!) – this is a huge plus.

While you can certainly walk around with a map and try to spot the famous spots independently, I recommend doing a Game of Thrones walking tour.

This way, you can visit the filming locations (and learn about their real-world significance) in an organized way, with plenty of real-world context for the sites you’re seeing.

This GoT walking tour is highly rated – check out prices, reviews, and availability here – and lasts 2.5 hours.

If that’s a little long for your attention span, there’s a shorter 90-minute tour here.

Eat lunch in the most beautiful setting possible at Le Bistrot.

Nestled about halfway up the staircase of the lovely Pujada de Sant Domènec, you can’t miss having a meal at one of my favorite restaurants in Girona, Le Bistrot.

This chic, romantic restaurant has Catalan food served with a French twist – at about 10 to 15 euros per head.

The star of the show was the pagès, the Catalan twist on pizza, which are basically hunks of bread slathered with delicious and inventive toppings.

Alongside our meal, we drank a delicious 10 euro bottle of wine while marveling at the lovely views leading up to the church.

The atmosphere was amazing, and when we got the bill, we were all shocked at how cheap the meal was for the quality of food.

Dinner can be quite busy, so I recommend going at lunch when you can see your surroundings better, anyway.

It’s open from 1 PM to 4 PM for lunch daily and reopens at 7:30 for dinner.

Learn about Girona’s rich Jewish history.

Before I went to Girona, I had no idea that it was called “The Mother City to Israel” and was once a very significant part of the Jewish diaspora.

The best way to understand Girona’s Jewish heritage is by visiting the excellent Jewish Museum.

It is located right in the Jewish call, the former Jewish neighborhood… before the Inquisition and other unpleasantness pushed the Jews out of Girona and into exile once again.

While the majority of Girona’s Jews have left the city that was once a refuge for them, the city’s Jewish history is quietly remembered throughout its architecture.

From preserved mikvehs (ritual baths) to minute architectural details — our Airbnb had Star of David tessellated window panes! — keep an eye out and you’ll notice all sorts of interesting details that tell the story of Girona’s Jewish history.

Refuel with the world’s best ice cream.

The Spanish eat quite late in the evening, with most restaurants not even beginning service until 8 PM.

This threw me off quite a bit during my five weeks of traveling Spain, as I was fresh off working five years as a teacher and was used to eating dinner every night around 6 PM!

Not too many places are open during siesta… but Rocambolesc is open from 11 AM to 11 PM, making it the perfect oh please God rescue me I’m about to kill someone out of hanger treat.

Plus, it is literally the best gelato shop I’ve eaten at in my life. I mean, how many ice cream parlors can say that they are run by the owner of one of the most esteemed restaurants in the world, El Cellar de Can Roca?

If you want to feel like you died and went to Willy Wonka’s ice cream heaven, Rocambolesc is your place. Whatever you do, make sure you try the violet and coconut sorbet if they have it – it’s heavenly!

Indulge in some excellent shopping.

Girona knows how to shop. There are so many amazing little stores tucked into the Old Town, where you can buy everything from adorable dresses, breezy tanks, home goods, and my favorite – espadrilles.

You can get gorgeous espadrilles from Tony Pons for a quarter of the price as back home – not even kidding!

I’m kicking myself for not buying a pair, as they were absolutely gorgeous, but I really had no space in my backpack (and let’s be real, they weren’t practical for the five-month backpacking trip I was on).

But I just tell myself that’s another reason to return!

Take a stroll on the city walls for epic views.

The iconic Girona Cathedral is located high up in the city, atop steps made famous by Game of Thrones.

But if you want to really feel the magic, get even higher on one of the city’s restored walls, which sweep you above the city and make you feel small.

Girona is a city meant to be viewed from above. If you start wandering around behind the cathedral area, you’ll find an entry to the city walls, where there are some great vistas to be had.

There are pathways that lead you up and up, until you have nothing but amazing city views.

All this in walking distance from the Old Town… and unlike Dubrovnik, it doesn’t cost a penny to walk the walls of Girona.

Have an incredible pintxos dinner.

Everyone who has even a five-minute conversation with me knows that I am obsessed with food. And good god, does Girona deliver.

In our short time there, I ate some of the most amazing pinchos (alternately spelled pintxos if you’re in Basque country) and tapas.

One of my favorite places, Zanpanzar, was so good we actually had to go there twice! If you only have one day in Girona, make your dinner meal here.

So, what exactly are pintxos? Basically, they are delicious tapas made of whatever is local and in season, served atop toasted bread.

Some highlights (OK, they were all highlights if I’m honest): truffled goat cheese with candied apricot and walnuts; pate, quail egg and ham; white asparagus, roasted red peppers, and eggplant; goat cheese, ham, and fruit compote; mushroom, ham, and crunchy bits of garlic.

Have it with a strong, dry cider like the Basque do!

What to Do with Extra Days in Girona: Itinerary Inspiration

You can visit Girona as a day trip if you’re traveling to Barcelona, but depending on where you’re traveling, it can be quicker and more direct to do day trips via Girona (and sometimes cheaper, too!)

We took a quick day trip to Besalú, which was a beautiful way to spend half a day. The old bridge, which was built about a thousand years ago, is just picture perfect.

We went around 3 PM when everything was closed, which added some charm to its sleepy medieval vibe.

But if you want to make more of a day of it and have lunch or dinner there, I recommend going either earlier or later in the day.

Other quick and easy day trips options are to Figueres, where the Dalí Museum is located and to Cadaqués, a small beach town where Dalí painted many of his works.

There are also many tiny beach towns along the Costa Brava, like Tossa del Mar and Lloret del Mar, which are — again — closer to Girona than Barcelona. Check out this guide for ideas!

Where to Stay in Girona

If you only have one night in Girona, make it count! I’ve picked my top three choices for where to stay in this beautiful city.

History and Luxury: Hotel Historic

In my opinion, the best value-to-price ratio is the surprisingly affordable boutique hotel Hotel Històric, located in Barri Vell district (the Old Town) just a few hundred feet from the Girona Cathedral.

The rooms have all sorts of historic details like exposed brick and vintage furniture, but then they also have modern amenities like dazzling new bathrooms to make sure you have a comfortable stay.

Affordable Luxury and a Pool: Hotel Nord 1901

For a touch more glamor that still won’t break the bank, check out the sleek Hotel Nord 1901, a stunning boutique hotel just a 5-minute walk from the Girona Cathedral.

With an outdoor pool in the courtyard (amazing during hot Spanish summers, trust me) and sun loungers, a delicious breakfast spread, air conditioning, and massive rooms, it’s definitely where I’d pick to stay in Girona for a special occasion.

Cheap and Cheerful: Can Cocollona B&B

For a budget-conscious traveler, don’t worry, Girona still has some great options for you! Can Cocollona B&B is a hostel with rave reviews.

Rooms are simple but clean and modern, and there’s a wonderful outdoor area with hammocks where you can relax. The hostel is social without being too rowdy.

One thing to note: it’s a bit outside of the Old Town, about a 15-minute walk away. But that’s what keeps the prices low!

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

eternalarrival.com

If you’re looking for a wonderful yet budget-friendly place to add to your Spain trip, allocate at least 2 days in Granada to your Spain itinerary!

This beautiful city is one of my favorite places I visited in my 5 weeks of travel across Spain, and I’ll stand by the fact that it’s one of the best places to visit in Southern Spain.

Gorgeous Granada is most famous for being home to the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Seven Wonders of the New World finalist.

In fact, the Alhambra is Spain’s single most-visited attraction… and yet, despite the popularity of the Alhambra, Granada remains an affordable and not-so-crowded place to visit.

Luckily for the budget traveler, the prices in the city don’t seem to match the popularity of its number one attraction.

Granada boasts a lively free tapas tradition (one of the last remaining places in Spain to do so!), affordable hotels, and well-priced things to do.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Granada?

I needed a break after traveling at a fast pace through Europe for several months, so I took a longer than typical time in Granada, spending about a week in the city and exploring it deeply.

With one whole week in Granada, I broke up my time in the city by also doing day trips to nearby places such as the whitewashed villages of La Alpujarra, and falling in love with Bubion and Capileira.

I didn’t get a chance to visit Córdoba, but I wish I had added on a day trip there as well while I was using Granada as a base to explore Southern Spain.

Other people with less travel time than me would probably find 2 days to tour Granada to be suitable, so I’ve created this 2 day Granada itinerary with fast-paced travelers in mind.

This Granada itinerary is perfect for travelers who are planning to visit Granada quickly before heading to other places in Southern Spain, like Málaga and Seville, or spend time in other Spanish destinations like Madrid or Barcelona.

While you can certainly stay in Granada for longer, this itinerary for 2 days in Granada will cover its highlights — such as the Alhambra, the Alcazar, the Albaicín, and Sacromonte — with a few off the beaten path spots I discovered in my week in the city.

Where to Stay in Granada

Budget: Oripanda Hostel

For a hostel stay in Granada, Oripanda Hostel in the Albaicin district is one of the best options you’ll find. The location doesn’t get any better, and it has rave reviews from past guests.

The atmosphere is very social due to its many beautiful common areas that take inspiration from the Albaicin that surrounds it, like a courtyard with lovely tilework and even a small plunge pool. The dorm rooms themselves are rather bare bones, but guests still enjoyed their stay.

Check prices and availability at Oripanda Hostel here!

Mid-Range: Casa de Reyes

The medieval-themed boutique hotel Casa de Reyes is centrally located in Granada, a short walk from the Granada Cathedral as well as Elvira Street (beloved for its many tapas bars)

While medieval-themed may sound kind of hokey, it’s actually done beautifully and has a lovely B&B aesthetic. It’s designed in a way that makes you feel a bit like a king or a queen yourself when you stay in one of the sumptuously decorated rooms!

Check prices and availability at Casa de Reyes here!

Luxury: Villa Oniria

The charming sustainable hotel Villa Oniria is a beautiful converted 19th-century manor house that has been renovated to reflect the traditional architecture and design of Andalucia.

There are just 31 rooms in this small villa, so you’ll get personalized attention to detail from the staff, and you’ll love the garden complete with inner patio and fountains, your own private slice of paradise in Granada.

Check availability and prices here!

Day 1 of Your Granada Itinerary

Start your day at the Alhambra.

Most people come to Granada for one main reason – seeing The Alhambra Palace, one of the most famous castles in Spain – so we might as well get started there!

I strongly suggest booking a tour of the Alhambra to both secure your ticket but also ensure you’ll get all the rich historical context that a place as beautiful and historic as the Alhambra deserves.

I didn’t go on a tour when I visited because I could only use the Granada Card loophole, and it was one of my biggest regrets about my time in Granada, especially since I enjoyed my other tours of the city so much.

This roughly 3-hour tour includes a local guide throughout the whole tour, as well your entrance ticket to the Alhambra and priority skip-the-line access.

The tour includes the Nasrid Palaces and its stunning Patio de Los Leones courtyard, as well as the the Generalife Gardens, the Medina, and the Alcazaba: basically, everywhere you want to see in the Alhambra complex.

There are a wide variety of tour offerings and it can be somewhat overwhelming to make your choice. I like this specific tour because you can choose your group size depending on your budget and comfort level being around larger groups of people.

Very few tours are this customizable or transparent about how large the group will be, so I appreciate that about this tour.

Book your tour of the Alhambra online here!

Marvel at the Granada Cathedral.

The Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada) is one of the most important pieces of architecture in Granada’s center, and it shows where the Catholic and Muslim stories of Granada intertwine.

Construction started in 1518, after the Muslim Nasrid Kingdom fell into Spanish hands, and it would take nearly two hundred years to come to completion.

It was built in the old Muslim medina — mostly in order to make a statement that Granada was now under Catholic rule.

Because the building took nearly two centuries and was taken over by several architects, the cathedral shows a unique blend of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Spanish Renaissance to Baroque.

Note that admission to the Granada Cathedral costs 5 euros.

Stroll around the Alcaicería.

Right near the Granada Cathedral off of Bib Rambla Square, you’ll find the charming marketplace called the Alcaicería, which sells all sorts of Arabic-inspired wares.

If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Morocco to shop in its souks, this is as close as it gets in Spain!

It’s a little touristic, of course, but the little shops here sell some great interior design and clothing items for rather inexpensive prices.

Walk over to the Capilla Real.

The Capilla Real is the final resting place of two of Spain’s most famous Catholic monarchs, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand – the ones who financed Columbus’s (violent) voyage into the so-called ‘New World’.

Their monumental tombs are shown on the ground floor of the Capilla Real (which means Royal Chapel in Spanish); however, note that their actual tombs are located in the basement level.

Their legacy is a bit complex to dig into in a mere blog post, as their reign was controversial for many reasons.

Isabella and Ferdinand ruled over Granada in the ‘Reconquista’ period, when Spain regained control over from the Moors over the Moorish-ruled parts of the country.

During the ‘Reconquista’, authorities either forced conversion or exiled the Muslim and Jewish populations who had until then been living in Granada and surrounding parts of Andalusia.

At the same time, Isabella and Fernando brought Spain out of debt and began a period of exploration that would eventually bring Spain to rule over a massive part of the globe and was a time of huge economic growth for the Spanish people.

Of course, this had disastrous consequences for the Indigenous people of the Americas, and the ramifications of Spanish colonialism echo up to this day.

It’s an interesting place to visit and it is an undeniably important piece of Spanish history, and in my opinion, it is an unmissable place on any Granada itinerary.

Note that admission to the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) is 5 euros.

Visit the stunning Madraza.

Located directly across from the Capilla Real and therefore an obvious next stop on this Granada itinerary is the Granada Madraza.

‘Madrasa’ means Islamic school, and this historic building used to be the first Islamic university in Granada!

Now, it’s home to a small museum which you can visit for a small entry fee of 2 euros.

It’s just two rooms, but the prayer room from the 14th century is so beautifully preserved that it alone is worth the stop!

Stop for a leisurely lunch.

Now’s about the time to stop for a long lunch and rest those feet!

Be sure to have lunch before siesta sets in, an institution that Granada takes quite seriously. No one takes naps as seriously as the Spanish do.

Trust me — nearly every restaurant will be closed for several hours after lunch and won’t reopen until (at least) 8 PM!

For a nice place to eat near the Cathedral and Capilla Real, I recommend one of the following restaurants: El Mercader for Spanish fine dining (reservations recommended), Restaurante Arrayanes for Moroccan food, or Papas Elvira for budget food with vegetarian-friendly options.

Explore Albaicín and Sacromonte on a walking tour.

The Albaicín (also written Albayzin) is one of the coolest districts of Granada, and in my eyes, a walk through this historic quarter is an absolute must-do in Granada.

Most walking tours combine both the Albaicín and Sacromonte, as they are located next to each other and provide an interesting contrast.

The Albaicín is the historic Muslim district with stunning Moorish architecture, whereas Sacromonte is the cave district, where historically Granada’s gitano (Romani) community lived.

The Albaicin is full of winding cobblestone streets that are leftover from when Granada was part of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, a Muslim-ruled state.

As a result, you’ll see the influence of Moorish architecture here which dates back to the medieval period.

The narrow streets weave and wind around, and the white houses are nearly indistinguishable from one another, so it’s ideal to go with a guide who can give you the historical context of this neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Sacromonte is a very hilly part of Granada (bring good walking shoes!) where the Roma community, who settled there in the 16th century after the Muslims were expelled during the Christian conquest of the city.

They settled mostly in cave houses on the outskirts of Granada, outside of administrative control (as you may remember, a pesky little thing called the Spanish Inquisition was going on at the time…).

The history of this region is too long to go into in great detail here, and it’s best to get it from a local who can explain it to you while seeing the area with your own eyes.

I strongly recommend going with a guided tour of both the Albaicin and Sacromonte districts; this is the tour I recommend.

Most tours start around 5 PM and last 2-3 hours, which is a great time of day to avoid the heat and also finish in time to find a great sunset spot in Granada!

Book your tour now!

A quick note on semantics: I’m purposely not using the word g*psy in English, as it is considered offensive by the Roma community.

The word gitano/gitana is used in Spain to refer to people of Roma descent and is not usually considered offensive, though of course context matters.

This is a complex issue that as someone who spent many many years living in a country with a large Roma minority (Bulgaria), I try to be sensitive of.

Language matters, so be careful with how you refer to people in the Roma community.

This is a thorny issue, and while individual opinions vary, most Roma prefer the word ‘Roma’ or ‘Romani’ to refer to their ethnicity in English.

However, also be aware that people who speak English as a second language may not be aware that g*psy is considered a slur in English.

Watch the sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás.

Depending on what time of year you visit Granada, sunset may be as late as 9:30 PM, so you’ll likely have time after your tour (and before dinner — remember, the Spanish dine late!) to catch the sunset.

The most popular viewpoint in town in the Mirador de San Nicolás, which is often quite crowded with photographers and travelers hoping to get a shot of the spectacular views of the Alhambra at sunset.

Design your own tapas crawl.

Remember what I said about not needing to order food in Granada (so long as you like to drink)? Let’s put that to the test!

Start out the night at Bar Los Diamantes on Plaza Nueva, one of my favorite tapas bars in Granada. This place specializes in seafood, so pace yourself by ordering smaller beers (cañas) and seeing what comes out of the kitchen as a surprise for you!

With my first drink there, I got served a massive helping of tiny fried anchovies, which were delicious, and for my next drink I got served a larger plate of plump, perfectly fried chunks of white fish.

Just a 2-minute walk away is Bodegas Castañeda, another one of my favorite tapas restaurants, serving up delicious tapas like a small serving of paella or croquetas with each dish.

If you’re still standing and not too stuffed, you can head over to Taberna La Tana, which was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. They’re famous for their morcilla (blood sausage — don’t knock it ‘til you try it!) and cured meat plates!

Day Two of Your Granada Itinerary

Check out the historic El Bañuelo.

Dating back to the 11th century, these historic Arab baths are more ruins than baths at this point. The site is rather small, but it’s still quite impressive to see, and worth a stop at only two euros to enter.

While much of the splendor of these baths has been lost to time, you can admire the in-tact porticos and the star-shaped holes in the ceiling, typical of Moorish bathhouses.

Located along the Darro River in the Albaicín, El Bañuelo are the remains of one of the largest hammams in Granada from its period of Moorish rule.

The hammam (public bath) culture was an extremely important part of Arab life, a place where people could not only bathe and clean themselves but also socialize.

Note: Admission to El Bañuelo is 2 euros, but for 5 euros, you can buy a ‘Monumentos Andalusíes’ ticket which also includes entry to Palacio de Dar al-Horra, Corral del Carbón, and Casa Morisca.

Tip: Grab a tea at La Tetería del Bañuelo before moving on — this teahouse doesn’t get any more charming!

Wander the Carrera del Darro.

Head out from El Bañuelo towards the Hammam Al Ándalus along this famous walkway, the Carrera del Darro.

This famous street hugs the River Darro and is a beautiful scenic walk through Granada.

Enjoy a modern-day hammam experience at Hammam Al Ándalus.

Once you’ve seen El Bañuelo, you might be curious to see what the hammam experience is really like.

If you’ve never traveled to a place like Morocco or Turkey where you can experience a hammam, this is a great chance to do so! It truly looks like what you’ve always seen in Morocco on Instagram.

The hammam is designed in the traditional way with ornate tilework and dramatic arches. Candles and lanterns are lit along the walkways, create a peaceful and dimly-lit ambiance.

The hammam is full of steam rooms, hot and cold pools, and relaxation areas where you can sip on mint tea while unwinding.

Entrance to the hammam includes use of the facilities for 90 minutes, and you can also add on a 15, 30, or 45-minute massage with body scrub for even more relaxation.

Book your visit to Hammam Al Ándalus here!

Have a relaxing lunch in the city center.

After your hammam, pick one of the many cafés in the area for another long and leisurely lunch, Andalucia-style.

I suggest Bar Minotauro Café y Tapas which is one of the better-rated places along Carrera del Darro, and it’s open until 4:30 PM for lunch!

Remember — dinner is late in Spain, so be sure to eat enough to hold you over until dinnertime.

Take a walk along the Paseo de Los Tristes.

The Carrera del Darro has multiple names in different stretches, including Paseo de Padre Manjón and the Paseo de Los Tristes, which is the most scenic part underneath the shadow of the Alhambra.

The name means ‘Promenade of the Sad Ones’ in Spanish, but I promise you’ll feel anything but as you walk along it!

So why this macabre name? Historically, it was given that name because funeral processions often used this road as it approached the cemetery.

Winding underneath the Alhambra, the palace looms above beautifully and you’ll feel transported to another world as you walk along this charming street with a rich history.

End the evening with dinner and a flamenco show

One of the absolute can’t-miss activities in Granada is seeing a flamenco show! Flamenco is a traditional art form from Andalucia combining dance and music.

However, that’s a bit of a simplification: the art of flamenco also uses also vivid facial expressions, significant hand gestures and percussion using castanets, and a specific style of guitar tapping called ‘golpe’ which contributes to the stirring rhythm of flamenco.

You will be bombarded with people passing out flyers and trying to invite you to their flamenco show while visiting the city.

Frankly, a lot of these shows are too short and not the best. I recommend researching a show before you to go to avoid disappointment, or following my recommendation here.

My personal suggestion (and where I went when I was in Granada) is a flamenco show at Cuevas Los Tarantos, which is in a traditional cave dwelling in Sacromonte.

The flamenco performance itself lasts about 45 minutes, but allow some time for seating, ordering food, and waiting for the show to begin, so expect 1.5 hours total in the venue).

The show is affordably priced and highly reviewed, and it includes one free welcome drink. You have the option to add on dinner and drinks for a fairly reasonable price given the venue.

Plus, it’s a family-friendly affair, making it a must-do when visiting Andalucia with kids!

I appreciated that it didn’t feel like a tourist trap and that dinner wasn’t too expensive here!

Book your flamenco show here!

If You Have More Than 2 Days in Granada…

Take a day trip to La Alpujarra.

While you certainly could indulge in a lot more sightseeing around Granada, La Alpujarra is one of my favorite parts in all of Spain and I truly think it would be a shame to end your time in Granada without seeing them — especially since they’re so close and such an easy day trip.

La Alpujarra is a collection of white-washed villages done in the Mozarabic architectural style such as Capileira and Bubion, which are absolutely stunning and look like something taken out of a fairytale.

I actually spent 3 days in Capileira and every day was like waking up in a dream: it’s that magical of a village.

But Capileira and the other white-washed villages of Alpujarra are so small and quaint that you can easily get acquainted with their magic on a day trip from Granada.

You’ll also get to visit the highest village in Spain, Trevélez, which is known for its tasty Iberian ham, some of the best in the country.

Be sure to book the lunch option which allows you to try a tasty regional lunch in the Alpujarreño style — it’s very unique to this part of Spain, and it’s not something you’d get elsewhere.

Book a day trip to La Alpujarra!

Or go on a day trip to Córdoba.

I didn’t get a chance to visit Córdoba, but I wish I had added on a day trip there as well while I was using Granada as a base to explore Southern Spain.

Córdoba is a great choice if you want to continue diving into the Moorish history of Spain, as it’s home to La Mezquita, one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture in Europe… even though it is now technically a cathedral.

La Mezquita — also known as the Grand Mosque of Córdoba — was built in the 8th century in the traditional Islamic style, with gorgeous archways and mosaic work that is exemplary of the Moorish style.

During the ‘Reconquista’ period, it was converted into a Catholic church, the designation it holds to this day.

In the 16th century, some changes were made to remove some of the Islamic elements and make it more of a cathedral, such as adding a nave and converting the minaret into a belltower.

Many of the traditional Islamic elements have been maintained, and while it’s still functionally a cathedral, it’s still a shining sample of Islamic architecture in Spain.

Check out day trips to Córdoba and La Mezquita here!

Tips for Making the Most of Visiting Granada

The tapas are usually free.

Yes, free tapas! This tradition has mostly died out in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona, but in Granada, tapas are always free with a drink.

In Granada, a drink typically costs anywhere from 2 euros to 5 euros depending on what you get, and it always — always! — comes with a tapa.

A tapa can be anything from some fries and a bit of stew to a plate of fried anchovies to a small helping of Valencian paella to fried eggplant with honey and beyond.

Generally speaking, you don’t get to choose your tapa at most places, though some do. Also, if you stick to one establishment and order multiple rounds, the tapas are supposed to get bigger and better with each round, though I never really quite noticed a correlation!

I could get full (and buzzed!) for anywhere from 4 to 8 euros if I was really making a night of it, and I have a pretty nice-sized appetite.

Granada is the one of the few places in the world that rewards drunken antics (which is probably why I’m convinced it’s my destiny to live there one day).

You will save quite a bit of cash if you tapa wisely rather than paying for raciones (plates). At certain locales, 4 euros will get you two drinks and a small dinner (6 euros if you’re hungry, and 8 if you’re making a night of it).

The two most popular and most affordable drinks are the caña (small) or tubo (large)of beer or tinto de verano, a delicious drink of red wine, soda water, and lemon.

You may have your doubts of mixing wine and soda water, but trust me, it’s what you want on a balmy Andalusian summer night. I mean… it literally translates to “summer red wine” in Spanish!

These cheaper drinks will set you back about 2 euros to 2.20 euros a pop – of course, if you go for a cocktail, some sangria, or a glass of wine, you will still get your tapa but your drink bill will add up quicker!

Follow the business cards.

Granada has an odd system of advertising places to drink, where people working for bars will walk by – or even into! – your restaurant where you’re eating to pass out business cards to advertise their establishments.

This would never fly pretty much anywhere else in the world, but the restaurants in Granada all seem to embrace this and don’t see it as people poaching their clients.

Typically, the people advertising their bars will leave a business card with hand-written details of drink prices, and they’re usually quite cheap – I’m talking 1 euro for a beer or 2 euros for a mojito!

Note that these usually don’t come with tapas as these are bars, not bar/restaurants. However, if you’re full on food but want to keep the night going, this is the way to do it!

Walk everywhere.

Granada is so tiny that everything is walkable within about 30 minutes!

With a short amount of time in a city, I’ll sometimes recommend hop-on, hop-off bus passes, but that sort of thing is not necessary at all in a place like Granada, which is really small and compact, with many roads impassible to cars.

There is a Granada City ‘Train’ that you can buy passes for. However, unless you have mobility issues to the extent that walking around is not really pleasant or possible, I don’t really recommend it for this Granada itinerary.

Fill up in the local fountains.

Granada has some of the freshest, most delicious tap water coming right from the public water fountains around the city.

Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada’s tap water typically comes from mountain springs and melted snowpack, meaning it’s just about as pure as it gets!

Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up, especially because it gets super hot in Granada in the summer!

Note: A select few fountains in the city are non-potable, but they are very clearly marked if you’re not supposed to use them for drinking.

Buy your Alhambra ticket in advance.

One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting Granada is not booking their ticket to the Alhambra with enough advance notice.

If you know when you’ll be in Granada, buy your tickets online at least one week in advance… more if you can help it!

You can book tickets without a guide on the official website here, but note that they sell out really quickly as only a limited number is available, and many tickets are reserved by guided tours and other ticket resellers.

If you don’t luck out on the official website, fast-track entrance tickets are also available on Get Your Guide for a small additional booking fee, or you can book a guided tour. Audio guides can be downloaded on the app for free or rented for 5 euros on-site.

When I was in Granada, tickets were sold out weeks in advance (including guided tours) and I almost missed out on getting to see the Alhambra!

Luckily, I discovered the loophole that I could buy a Granada Card for 48 hours to get entrance into the Alhambra (the 24 hour one only allows night entrance, and I think it’s better to visit by day).

Note that this is more expensive than booking a tour or fast-track ticket, and like many city cards, the Granada Card doesn’t offer a fantastic value, so I only recommend this as a last resort.

Pick your Alhambra ticket time carefully.

When picking your time, note that you are selecting your entry window into the Nasrid Palace, the most impressive part of the Alhambra complex — and also the most popular.

If you’re not on time, you won’t be able to enter the Nasrid Palaces, so be sure to arrive early to avoid any disappointment! The rest can be visited at your own leisure.

Note that if you visit with a guided tour like this one, they will handle the timing of everything for you, so you don’t have to worry about the time constraints of visiting Nasrid Palace.

I didn’t book a tour when I went to Granada, and I regret it, as I missed out on a lot of the historical context.

I would have liked to know more about Granada’s Arab and Moorish history and how it can be seen in the architecture of the Alhambra — and that’s exactly the kind of guidance you’ll get on a guided tour.

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

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