A guide to the best things to do while spending 2 days in Granada
Granada may be a popular day trip from the Costa del Sol, but there’s more to this beautiful city than simply the famous Alhambra Palace.
If you have the time to spend 2 days in Granada, you’ll be able to discover everything this part of Spain has to offer, from its fascinating history to its Moorish heritage. One day in Granada is never enough!
If you travel to Granada on a short break or a longer holiday, you’ll be amazed by how many things to do in Granada are there to explore.
So, are you ready to see the best of Granada in two days?
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Top Guided Tours for 2 Day in Granada
- Visit the Royal Chapel and Granada Cathedral – Check the guided tour here
- See a Flamenco show in Sacromonte – Get your guide here
- Stroll around the Nasrid Palace – Book your guide in advance
- Alhambra Palace should not be missed – Check the guided tour here
2 Days in Granada – Day 1
Read on, and you’ll discover our best Granada 2 day itinerary. We’ll advise you about what to do in Granada, Spain in 2 days as well as where to stay in Granada.
We’ll also answer the question “What food is Granada famous for”.
1. Granada Cathedral
On the first of your 2 days in Granada, your first stop should be the cathedral.
The second biggest in Spain, this impressive building has a bright and light interior in the Baroque and Renaissance styles.
Entrance costs 5 Euros and includes an insightful audio guide that ensures you get the best possible experience. – Get your guided tour here
Work on this structure began in the 16th century but it wasn’t completed until the 18th century. It’s no wonder, then, that so many styles combine in its design.
The stained glass windows are especially beautiful, especially on a sunny day when the colorful light streams in.
Opening times:
The cathedral is open every day, with opening times between 10 am and 6:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 3 pm until 6:30 pm on Sundays.
2. Royal Chapel
Next on your 2 days in Granada itinerary you should stop off at the Royal Chapel.
Flamboyant and Gothic in style, this ornate building is the final resting place of the liberators of Granada, the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella.
If you’re a history buff, this is one of the best places to visit in Granada, Spain thanks to its fascinating heritage. – Check out the guided tour here.
Not only will you see the personal art collection of Queen Isabella, but you’ll also see a box that supposedly was given to Christopher Columbus containing jewels to fund his voyage to the New World.
The entrance fee of 5 Euros includes an audio guide that explains more about the site.
Opening times:
Open between 10 am and 6:15 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 11 am until 6:15 pm on Sundays, the Royal Chapel forbids any kind of photography within its interiors.
3. Coffee at La Finca
If you’re ready for a coffee and a snack after your morning of sightseeing, head to La Finca, one of the best coffee shops in Granada.
Right beside the cathedral, this café roasts its own beans and is known for its creative drinks such as matcha and beet lattes. It’s also a great place to indulge in a homemade cake or pastry.
4. Buy Arab Souvenirs from Alcaicería
After a quick break, it’s time to head to the Alcaiceria – a must-see attraction of your list of what to do in Granada.
A throwback to ancient times, this area of the city is now home to souvenir stalls that sell traditional Arabic ceramics, lamps, clothing, and knick-knacks.
If you head to the area around the Plaza Bib-Rambla, you’ll see how the old market may have looked, as it is home to stalls that sell Moroccan spices and herbs, fruits, and silks.
Although this is a fascinating area to explore, take care to be wary of pickpockets.
Opening times:
The stalls are open between 10 am and 9:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 am until 9 pm on Sundays.
5. Mirador de San Nicolás in Albayzín
During your 2 days in Granada, Spain, you need to fit in a trip to the Mirador de San Nicolas in Albayzin.
The medieval Moorish neighborhood of the Albaicin is one of the most popular areas to discover thanks to its historic and cultural appeal.
The attractive San Nicolas Plaza is a top spot in the city for anyone seeking impressive views over the Alhambra. – Get a guided tour with sunset views of Alhambra.
Bear in mind that this is a tourist hotspot, so at the busiest periods, and especially at sunset, you may find that it’s very crowded.
However, this is the time when you’re likely to have the most exciting experience thanks to guitarists and flamenco dancers who come to perform in the evening.
Opening times:
Although the Mirador is always open, the best time to experience its amazing views is at sunset.
Once the site of the Palace Dar al-Horra, the Convent of Santa Isabel la Real was established by Queen Isabella and remains home to a cloistered order of nuns who avoid interacting with the world outside its walls.
Nevertheless, this peaceful spot is where you can have a truly unique experience.
Just head to the wooden hatch in a wall in the corner of the courtyard. There, you’ll find a bell. Ring it and wait before opening the hatch.
A menu will be spun around by an unseen hand, allowing you to make your choice and tell the invisible nun what you’d like to sample.
Simply pop your coins or notes onto the Lazy Susan and your cakes will be there in a second! It’s a fascinating insight into the Catholic culture of this region.
7. Sacromonte with Flamenco shows and the Abadía del Sacromonte
The hill of Sacromonte rises up behind the district of Albaicin and is well-known for its colorful caves, many of which are now restored and used for intimate flamenco performances.
ill retaining the feel of a peaceful Andalusian village, this neighborhood once belonged to the gypsies of Granada. – Check the guided tour here.
The Abaida, or Abbey at Sacromonte is the spot where the Lead Books were discovered during the 1600s.
Beneath the church, you’ll find the catacombs where the first bishop of Granada, and now its patron saint, St Caecilius, was martyred.
You should certainly include a visit here in your 2 days in Granada itinerary.
In the evening, a flamenco show is a must-do. Even if you aren’t a fan of music and dance, you’re sure to be impressed by the passionate performances of the guitarists and dancers.
Opening times:
You’ll find the abbey open between 10am and 1pm and 5pm until 7:30pm on Mondays to Saturdays and between 11am and 1pm and 5pm to 7:30pm on Sundays during the summer months.
During the winter, the evening hours each day change to 4pm until 6pm.
8. Dinner in Granada
After a long day of discovery and adventure, you’re sure to be wondering what to eat in Granada and where to eat it!
Fortunately, there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants where you can indulge in some traditional cuisine.
If you asked the locals what food is Granada famous for, they’d probably all give you a different response.
While some would say tapas, others would say hearty traditional stews like Olla de San Anton. Some of the local specialties that you should try include the tortilla de Sacromonte, Habas con Jamon, and pippirana recipe salad.
On the other hand, if you’re wondering where to eat in Granada if you’re looking for a more fine dining experience, you could head to one of the city’s Michelin-starred establishments.
Farala’s tasting menu is legendary, while Alvaro Arriaga enjoys a spectacular location at the top of the Centro Cultural Caja Granada Memoria de Andalucía building, commanding amazing views and serving fantastic food.
2 Days in Granada – Day 2
9. A good day starts with a Spanish breakfast and Coffee
When you’re trying to see everything in Granada in 2 days, you’re going to need a hearty breakfast.
The best place to head to is the Café 4 Gatos which is open from 8:30am until 4pm seven days a week.
Located at 6 Placeta Cruz Verde, its terrace looks out onto the Alhambra, ensuring beautiful vistas while you select your favorites from the delicious menu.
Tostadas are the traditional breakfast food here, and you can choose from a wealth of toppings ranging from jam to salmon.
Every breakfast comes with a free glass of local freshly-squeezed orange juice too, ensuring even better value for money.
What to look for in terms of Spanish breakfast:
10. Alhambra Palace and Generalife
Quite often, if you ask anyone around the world what to see in Granada, they’ll tell you it’s the Alhambra Palace.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most famous landmark in the city and it’s certainly a spectacular attraction to visit. – Check the guided tour here.
Overlooking the city, this stunning palace dates back to the 14th Century and its Moorish architecture is truly impressive.
It’s crucial to book your tickets in advance if you want to visit the Alhambra, since the number of people who can visit each day is limited.
t’s often best to take a guided tour, since that’s the best way to ensure you get the most out of the experience.
For an unique way to discover the palace, you could take a night tour. Quiet and tranquil, it’s a completely different experience to a daytime tour, but no less amazing.
Opening times:
The Alhambra is open during the winter and autumn seasons between 8:30am and 6pm, and between 8:30am and 8pm during the summer and spring.
11. The Nasrid Palaces
The Nasrid Palaces are part of the larger Alhambra complex, and many tourists choose to simply visit this part of the site as part of a night visit. – Check out the guided tour here.
Quiet and tranquil, these evening visits are a completely different experience to a daytime tour, but no less amazing.
Originally built for the Islamic rulers, these palaces have intricate stucco walls, bright and colorful tiles, and antique wood ceilings that make them eye-catching and splendid.
There are multiple venues within the palaces including the Lion’s Palace, the Palace of Comares, and the Golden Room Courtyard.
Only a limited number of visitors can enter at any one time, so you will need to pay close attention to the time slot given to you so that you don’t miss your visit.
Opening times:
Between April and October, night visits run from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 10pm and 11:30pm. During the winter season, they operate between 8pm and 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays only.
12. Casas del Chapiz
One of Granada’s hidden beauties, the Casas del Chapiz were once two mansions belonging to two Arab families who decided to become Christian after Granada was conquered.
Today, they house the School of Arab Studies and their orange tree-lined gardens boast spectacular panoramas over the Alhambra. Admission is completely free.
Opening times:
The Casas del Chapiz are open between 10am and 5pm daily.
13. Enjoy tapas in Granada
Tapas are a crucial part of the lifestyle in Granada and there are countless tapas bars in the city offering an authentic taste of Andalucia to locals and tourists alike.
One of the best ways to experience this local cuisine is to take a tapas crawl. Start your adventure at around 9pm, beginning at the Carrera del Darro and heading into the streets behind the cathedral above the Plaza Nueva.
You’ll find countless tapas bars to explore where you can sip a drink and order a couple of dishes before moving on to your next nightspot.
The Bodegas Castaneda and Los Diamantes are just two eateries that are well worth a visit in the evening for some genuine local delicacies.
Some of the best local tapas offerings include berenjenas con miel, pork cheeks in plum and sherry sauce, and Spanish fried anchovies.
Alternatively, if you’d rather have some local insight into the best places to eat, take a guided tapas tour.
Where to stay when spending 2 days in Granada
When you’re spending 2 days in Granada, you’re going to need to know the best places to stay in Granada, Spain.
After all, getting a good night’s sleep is vital if you’re eager to see as much as possible of the city!
If you’re wondering where to stay in Granada, we’ve got three suggestions for you that will suit any budget.
1. Seda Club Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels ***** – Luxury
If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Granada, you won’t be disappointed by the Seda Club Hotel.
Located in the heart of the action in the Plaza de Trinadad, it offers an exclusive vantage point from which to discover the best of the city.
The rooms are elegant, tranquil and artistically decorated, while the rooftop terrace boasts amazing views. There’s no better place to sip and drink and enjoy a spot of people-watching.
The onsite spa offers a luxurious jet pool along with massages and other treatments. Afterward, indulge in a delicious meal in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.
2. Hotel Macià Real de la Alhambra **** – Mid-Range
The best place to stay in Granada, Spain for anyone on an average budget, the Hotel Macia Real de la Alhambra enjoys an excellent location on the doorstep of the world-famous Alhambra.
Modern and accessible this pleasant hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a lounge bar as well as an onsite restaurant.
With 6 junior suites and 179 bedrooms, this well-appointed property is comfortable and guarantees an excellent rest for guests who wish to relax in style after enjoying their day of sightseeing.
3. Shine Albayzín *** – Budget
If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Granada so you can spend more on entertainment and food during your trip, the Shine Albayzin is the perfect choice.
Affordable, yet no less authentic, this property is found inside a 16th-century palace house in the Carrera del Darro, right in the heart of the Albaicin and within easy reach of all the best tapas bars.
Cozy and comfortable, this hotel has an onsite café and offers free Wi-Fi to its guests. It also offers a beautiful courtyard where you can relax with a drink and a slice of cake in the afternoons.
Getting Around Granada
Granada is a small and compact city, which makes it easy to explore on foot. However, there are public transport options available if you’re heading a little further afield.
Public buses, operating by ALSA, are available to the areas outside the heart of the city, or you could take a taxi to your chosen destination.
A more unusual way to discover the city is to use the hop-on-hop-off-train which visits the key tourist sites. – Get a ticket here.
There are three different ticket options, with single journey, all day, and 2 day tickets. If you’re spending 2 days in Granada, the two-day ticket is ideal.
If you’re a keen cyclist, you may wish to hire an ebike or regular bicycle and enjoy an eco-friendly way to travel around the city.
Alternatively, you could even take a segway guided tour by day or by night. This fun mode of transport is an attraction in its own right and is sure to keep you entertained while you discover the sights. – Check out tickets here.
If you’re keen to take day trips from Granada to some of the surrounding cities and attractions, you’ll also find several companies offering sightseeing excursions.
If you’re only spending 2 days in Granada, you probably won’t have time for any day trips, but if you’re staying longer, these could be a great idea.
Short FAQ about the best 2 days in Granada
Is 2 days enough for Granada?
2 days in Granada is enough to see the primary attractions of the city and to get a taste of its culture and lifestyle.
However, a longer trip will give you more opportunities to soak up the unique atmosphere of this region.
How to spend two days in Granada?
If you’re spending 2 days in Granada, you will certainly want to visit the Alhambra.
You should also try some local tapas, see a flamenco show and visit the Albaicin.
Is Granada a walkable city?
Granada is a very compact city, so it’s easy to explore on foot. It is quite hilly, though, so if you struggle with mobility you may need to use public transport.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!