Flamenco, Tapas, and the Alhambra: Your Guide to Granada, Spain

The Alhambra Palace: Granada, Spain

After living in Granada, Spain for 5 months, I have learned the ins and outs of this vibrant city, where history and culture seamlessly blend with modern life. From the breathtaking views of the Alhambra to the winding streets of the Albaicín, Granada offers a unique experience that captivates travelers and locals alike. Whether you're indulging in delicious tapas, exploring centuries-old architecture, or simply soaking in the Andalusian charm, there's always something new to discover in this enchanting city.

Activities

Doorway at the Alhambra Palace (left) & guitarist in the Albaicín neighborhood (right)

Incredible Architectural/Historical Sights

• Alhambra & Generalife

• Catedral de Granada

• Abadía del Sacromonte & las Santas Cuevas

Miradores (Scenic Viewpoints), Hikes & Nature

• Mirador de San Nicholás

• Mirador de San Miguel Alto

• Carmen de los Mártires

• Carmen de la Victoria

• La Silla del Moro

• El Río Darro

• Parque Federico García Lorca

• El Llano de la Perdiz

Flamenco Shows

• La Chumbera

• Cueva de la Rocio

Other Fun Activities

• Baños Árabes at Hammam Al-Andalus (Arab Baths)- COMPLETELY worth the $

• Spanish cooking class with CookEle

• Fútbol (soccer) game in Nuevo Estadio de los Carmenes

• Nevada Shopping

• Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park/Museum)

• Stroll down Calle de las Teterías

Local Cuisine: Restaurants & Cafeterias

Seafood paella (left) & meat varieties (right)

Cafeterías & Teterías

• Cafetería La Tienda de los Unicornios (wifi)

• Minuit Pan y Café - Cafeteria y Panaderia (wifi)

• Oteiza Coffee, Albaícin location (wifi)

• I Need Coffee (wifi, but poor connection)

• Cafetal de las Torres (wifi, but poor connection)

• La Finca Coffee (no wifi)

• Despiertoo Specialty Coffee (no wifi)

• EntreRaices

• Malamiga Pan & Café

• Cafetería Massay

• Tetería Marrakech

Tapas & Restaurants

• Restaurante Carmen El Agua

• Zorro Viejo (order the croquetas)

• Viandas (ham shop, order the bocadillos)

• La Distinguida (get the Spanish tortilla)

• Bar El Peruano

• Restaurante el Conde

• Alhambra Palace Restaurante

• Rosario Varela

• Los Manueles

• Carmela

What to Order- Granada Specialities

• Paella: Rice dish with choice of vegetables, seafood, chicken, or other meat

• Morcilla: Spanish blood sausage

• Shawarma: Middle Eastern dish, usually with pita and sliced lamb/beef

• Tortilla Española: Omelette with eggs, potatoes, and onions

• Churros: Fried dough (try them at Café Fútbol)

Nightlife: Bars & Clubs

An outdoor mountain rave I went to near the Sacromonte neighborhood

Clubs

• Mae West (12 euro entrance ticket includes a drink), Wednesday free ladies nights

• Granada 10

• Pub Parabarap (free entry)

• Confuso Club (speakeasy style bar/club inside of a vending machine)

Bars

• Perra Gorda Gatito Bar

• Bohemia Jazz Café

• Hannigan & Sons

• Café Pub L’scandalo

• Hanalei Cocktail Bar

• Chupitería 69

• Daly’s Pub

Botellón

This type of Spanish pregame typically takes place in public spaces such as parks, streets, or plazas. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to socialize and connect with locals in a lively and authentic setting.

Other Spanish Cities to Explore

Starting from left: Caminito del Rey (outisde of Málaga), Mérida, Nerja, Seville

Within Andalucía

• Málaga & Caminito del Rey (1.5 hr drive from Granada)

• Sierra Nevada Mountains (45 min drive from Granada)

• Sevilla (3 hr drive from Granada)

• Córdoba (2 hr drive from Granada)

• Nerja (1 hr drive from Granada)

• Almuñecar (1 hr drive from Granada)

Outside of Andalucía

• Barcelona (9 hr drive from Granada)

  • Check out my complete guide to Barcelona!

• Madrid (4.5 hr drive from Granada)

• Toledo (3.75 hr drive from Granada)

• Mérida (4.5 hr drive from Granada)

¡Que tenga un viaje seguro y divertido a Granada! 🇪🇸

*All photos captured by me, Mandy Kaylor.