Let me preface this blog by saying that my Mum and I had been talking about visiting Granada for about 10 years before we finally made the trip. That means this guide for spending 2 days in Granada, Spain contains a decade’s worth of research, distilled into the perfect itinerary, personally tested and optimised by us.
You could easily spend longer, but this 2-day Granada itinerary certainly gives you enough time to see the highlights, with plenty left over to spend soaking up the atmosphere in the local tapas bars.
So, without further ado, here’s how to spend 2 days in Granada, Spain, for an authentic, Moorish adventure in Andalusia.
2 Days in Granada, Itinerary in Brief
Day 1
Visit the Alhambra Palace
Lunch at La Tabernilla del Darro
Go Shopping or Enjoy a Traditional Hammam
Enjoy Authentic Tapas in Granada
Day 2
Visit Granada Cathedral
Take an E-Bike Tour of the City
Watch the Sunset in Sacromonte
See a Flamenco Show in an Authentic Cave Home
Where to Stay for 2 Days in Granada
Before we deep dive into the above itinerary, you may be wondering where the best place to stay is to make the most of your precious 2 days in Granada.
We stayed at a stylish and modern hotel in the city centre called Barceló Carmen Granada. This hotel was surprisingly reasonably priced and within perfect walking distance of almost everything we wanted to see.
It also has a beautiful rooftop with a pool, sun loungers and a bar with one of the best views in Granada.
From here, you can see Alhambra and the gypsy quarter to your left, with the snow-kissed peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains on your right.
While there are lots of lovely apartment rentals available, we liked having the rooftop pool to retreat to in the heat of the afternoon after all that sightseeing.
It was also a lovely spot for a pre-dinner drink. We didn’t eat here, so I can’t vouch for the food, but the cocktails were gorgeous!
Barceló Carmen Granada also has valet parking for a daily fee of €25, which we made use of as well.
I’ll add some other options for places to stay at the end of this post, but you can check the rates and availability for the Barceló Carmen Granada below.
Full 2 Days in Granada Itinerary
Below you’ll find the 2-day Granada itinerary in more detail, including how to get from place to place and recommendations on where to eat and drink along the way!
Day 1
On the first of your 2 days in Granada, you’ll take in the iconic Alhambra Palace with a guided tour, and then unwind with a traditional hammam in the afternoon.
The lunch spot we found has got to be up there with some of the best tapas I’ve ever had in Spain, so don’t miss it!
Visit the Alhambra Palace
First up on the itinerary is the legendary Alhambra Palace, a famed UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising a vast complex of castles and fortresses.
Alhambra was built by the Nasrid Sultans in the 13th Century, as the last stronghold of the Moorish empire in Andalusia.
By the 15th Century, it had become a Christian court following the invasion of the Catholic monarchs, leaving the palace with a rich tapestry of culture, history and religion to explore.
I recommend arriving at Alhambra Palace when it opens and booking the first available time slot for Nasrid Palaces (8:30am). This way, you’ll have the most impressive part of the palace all to yourself for a few magical moments.
This is what we did, and while it meant a bit of an early start, I 100% recommend it. There is something truly special about these delicate, tiled courtyards, dancing in the early morning light.
There won’t be many places open for breakfast pre 9am, so you’ll have to have breakfast in your accommodation before you leave for Alhambra.
We were able to grab a bite to eat at our hotel, Barceló Carmen Granada, before hopping in a quick 10-minute taxi to the palace gates.
The taxi only costs about €5, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to get from the city centre to the palace.
Top tip: Ask your taxi driver to drop you at Puerta de la Justicia – this is the closest entrance to the Nasrid Palaces and will prevent you from having to walk 20 minutes uphill from the main gate. If you are there first thing in the morning, there should be no issue dropping you there.
**View more top tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace here.**
Once you’ve had your fill of the incredible Nasrid Palaces, I recommend heading right to the ‘top’ of the complex to check out the military buildings of the Alcazaba.
By the time you have explored the Alcazaba Towers, the complex will no doubt be getting busy. You can stop for a coffee and some respite in some of the little gift shops by the coach and taxi drop-off point, near where you came in at the Justicia Gate.
Afterwards, continue back through the complex, but be sure to walk through the Jardines de San Francisco on your way down to the Generalife.
These gardens were absolutely stunning and surprisingly quiet – I think many people take the road, not realising what they are missing out on!
Complete your Alhambra adventure by exploring the beautiful Generalife and ‘summer palace’ for the Nasrid sultans, which will lead you nicely back to the main entrance.
You can either book entry tickets with an audio guide, which can be downloaded on your smartphone, or book a guided tour for a more personal and immersive journey into the history of Alhambra.
We did the audio guide, although if I went again, I’d book a proper tour guide. The audio guide has a very robotic AI voice that is hard to get past.
Don’t forget, you MUST buy your tickets for the Alhambra well in advance because they sell out up to 4 months beforehand. It’s also important to book your time slot for the Nasrid Palaces and ensure you show up at the allotted time.
Lunch at La Tabernilla Del Darro
It took us around 4 hours to walk around the entire Alhambra Palace following the route described above. Since we booked the very first timeslot at Nasrid, we were finished by 12:30pm, and in need of some lunch.
I had heard of a good tapas place halfway between Alhambra and Granada Centre (where our hotel was), so we headed straight there.
La Tabernilla del Darro is a gorgeous spot, perched over the Darro riverbed, about a 20-minute walk from the main Alhambra gates.
Just so you are aware, the walk is down a very steep hill, so you may be better off getting a taxi if you have mobility issues.
You can sit on quirky barrel tables outside, or you can grab a table in the window inside the cool, cave-like interior. I can definitely recommend this!
Reward yourself after a long morning of sightseeing with a glass of sangria, the most incredible hummus spread I’ve ever seen, and a delicious mango and goat’s cheese salad.
Go Shopping or Enjoy a Traditional Hammam
In the afternoon, you will no doubt be pretty tired from exploring the palace all morning! Therefore, I recommend indulging in a traditional Arabic Hammam, especially if you haven’t done it before.
The most beautiful baths can be found at Hammam Al Ándalus, where you can circulate between hot and cold pools, steam and relaxation rooms – a ritual known as a water journey designed to rejuvenate the body and mind.
You can also combine your hamman experience with a massage for the full relaxation treatment.
The hammam is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from the lunch spot at Tabernilla del Darro, making it the perfect afternoon activity on the first day of your 2 days in Granada.
If spas are not really your thing, you can amble down the Carrera del Darro towards Plaza Nueva and the city centre, where you can go shopping instead.
Granada has everything from your favourite Spanish brands and designers to authentic and independent stores selling gorgeous, handcrafted items.
For an authentic experience, I recommend checking out the Alcaicería Bazaar, a maze of market stalls that feels as though you’ve stepped straight out of Southern Spain and into the souks of Marrakech.
After a gorgeous hammam and a quick whizz around the shops, we finished our first day in Granada, relaxing with an Aperol on the rooftop of our hotel.
Enjoy Authentic Tapas in Granada
You absolutely can’t miss a tapas evening during your 2 days in Granada. This is one of the few cities left in Andalusia that still serves tapas the authentic way – a free house dish with every drink bought.
Did you know that tapas was originally invented to prevent people from getting too drunk?
The word Tapa means ‘lid’ because the small plates were served on top of the drinks – some say this was also to prevent dust and flies from getting into the drinks.
You can’t really go wrong when hunting for some authentic tapas in Granada, but a great place to start is the Calle Navas, a narrow street lined with traditional tapas bars.
I recommend El Rincón de Julio and Puerta del Carmen (located just off the end of Calle Navas).
Nearby, you can also try the historic Taberna la Tana and Casa de Vinos La Brujidera, but be warned, there are often queues around the corner for these popular spots!
Don’t forget, you’ll be served a free plate with a drink, so you can easily hop from bar to bar until you’ve had your fill, or simply order more in the place that takes your fancy.
Top Tip: Due to the intense heat of summer, many local people choose to eat their dinner later than you might be used to. We found many of the tapas bars did not open until 8:30pm, with many people heading out to eat at 9:30pm or later.
Day 2
On this optimised 2-day Granada itinerary, your second day gives you a whistlestop tour of the city, outside of the Alhambra Palace.
Renting e-bikes with a guide makes it easy to see loads of this hilly city without expending too much energy. However, you can opt for a walking or Segway tour instead.
Your weekend in Granada culminates with a stunning sunset overlooking the city and a vibrant flamenco show in a traditional cave home.
Visit Granada Cathedral
Before you start your day, I recommend enjoying breakfast at one of the many quirky breakfast spots in the city. We went to Floresta Coffee Shop, which was near our hotel, and I can thoroughly recommend the food here.
After breakfast, have a wander through the city centre and pop into the Granada Cathedral. It’s quite a small church compared to the monoliths of Barcelona and Seville, but still worth a visit all the same!
Take an E-Bike Tour of the City
To make the most of your 2 days in Granada, I recommend an e-bike tour of the city. This tour takes just over 2 hours and gets you to all the iconic spots and viewpoints of the city.
You’ll cycle up past the river Darro to the quirky neighbourhood of Sacromonte, and even have a chance to duck inside one of the famous cave houses.
The tour then continues through the beautiful cobbled streets of Albaicín and up to the breathtaking Plaza San Nicolás, where you’ll be given some free time to wander around and visit the peaceful mosque gardens.
Don’t forget your camera, because this spot is where you’ll get those iconic shots of the Alhambra from afar!
If you’re not keen on e-biking, you can opt to do the same tour on a Segway instead. If you prefer to take things slow, you can also choose to keep it simple with a walking tour of Sacromonte and Albaicín.
Once your tour has finished (about 2:00pm if you opted for the midday tour), I recommend a leisurely lunch at Ossobucco Ristorante, which is a 5-minute walk from Plaza Nueva, where all of the tours finish.
This Italian-cum-tapas bar is relatively new but does gorgeous salads and fresh pasta to refuel after all that energetic biking!
Head back to your accommodation after lunch and get ready for the evening so you can head up to Sacromonte for a pre-dinner drink.
Watch the Sunset in Sacromonte
A local favourite spot to watch the sunset is the Mirador Mario Maya in Sacromonte, where you’ll find ramshackle tables, a hole-in-the-wall bar, and a breathtaking view of the valley.
You can also find sensational sunset views at the Plaza San Nicolás, which has more options for food and drink but will likely be more crowded.
You can hop in a taxi or on a bus from the city centre up to Sacromonte, or walk there in about 35 minutes. You need the C34 bus, and a one-way ticket should cost just €1,40.
For dinner, I recommend El Trillo, a gorgeous courtyard garden setting with artistic dishes and peek-a-boo views of the Alhambra.
There’s also Restaurante Las Tomasa, a more expensive restaurant with stunning views and classic Andalusian dishes.
Both restaurants are a little more pricey than the tapas bars in town, but certainly worth it for your final evening in Granada. Both require reservations in advance.
See a Flamenco Show in an Authentic Cave Home
Conclude your final evening with an authentic flamenco show at one of the charming cave homes in Sacramonte.
There are loads to choose from, but we loved the intimate authenticity of the Zincalé show, which has been hosted by the Cordoba family for generations.
There are multiple shows every evening, so you can choose to go before dinner at 7pm or afterwards at 8pm or 9pm. The show lasts for around 50 minutes and costs €20 per person, including one complimentary drink.
Another popular choice nearby is the Cueva Flamenca los Amayas.
How to Spend 1 Day In Granada
If your time can’t stretch to 2 days in Granada and you only have one day to explore, I recommend spending the morning at Alhambra as on day 1 of this itinerary.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy a hammam and pop into the cathedral if you have time.
I would then head up to Sacromonte and Albaicín to explore these charming neighbourhoods for the evening, as on day 2 of the itinerary above.
You can watch the sunset from the famous viewpoint, enjoy a delicious Andalusian meal or tapas, and then conclude your day with an authentic Flamenco show in the traditional cave homes of Granada.
If You Have Extra Time in Granada
If you have more than 2 days in Granada, there’s plenty more to see and do. I can recommend:
- Spending a little more time exploring the centre of Granada, including the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel of Granada. You can also partake in a free walking tour to find out more about these fascinating monuments.
- Taking a food tour of the city to get a real taste for the local tapas and cuisine.
- Take a day trip out of the city to embark on some adventurous pursuits. For example, canyoning in the incredible Rio Verde, hiking through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, or exploring the stunning waterfalls and suspension bridges of the Los Cahorros de Monachil.
- Stay in a unique hacienda outside the city, such as La Esperanza Granada, in order to enjoy the unspoilt Lecrin Valley and whitewashed villages of the Andalusian Wild West.
- Learn how to flamenco yourself with a fun and informative class.
Where to Stay for 2 Days in Granada Spain
As I mentioned earlier in this post, I recommend staying in the city centre if you only have 2 days in Granada. We stayed in the clean and modern Hotel Barceló Carmen Granada, but there are plenty of other options to choose from:
- The Parador: The only hotel located within the walls of the Alhambra Palace itself, for the ultimate Granada experience.
- Boutique Hotel Luna Granada Centro: Another fantastic option with a rooftop pool in the city centre, with charming pastel interiors and fantastic reviews.
- Palacio Gran Vía: A Royal Hideaway Hotel, with a dreamy underground spa, a stunning rooftop, and Alhambra-inspired interiors.
- Seda Club Hotel: A cosy oasis with gorgeous old-school decor, luxurious amenities, and breakfast included.
If you prefer something a little more authentic, you can also stay in a renovated cave home in the Albaicín neighbourhood. These quirky little cave villas all feature an outdoor dining space and offer a reasonably priced, rustic stay in Granada.
2 Days in Granada Itinerary: FAQs
Where to Eat in Granada?
After doing lots of research on the subject, I came up with a substantial list of the best places to eat and drink in Granada. Many of these we tested during our trip so I can verify they lived up to expectations!
For Breakfast/Snacks:
- Floresta Coffee Shop
- Pastelería López-Mezquita
- Gran Café Bib-Rambla
- Café 4 Gatos
- The Martinez Juice Company
- Ziries Granada
For Tapas:
- Taberna La Tana
- Casa de Vinos La Brujidera
- Bar Ávila
- La Tabernilla del Darro
- El Rincón de Julio
- Puerta del Carmen
For a More Substantial Dinner:
- El Trillo
- Pimienta Rosa
- La Botillería
- Biloba
- Alarique
- La Telefónica
- Restaurante Las Tomasas
Best Time to Visit Granada?
The best time to visit Granada is during the shoulder season, either in April, May, June, September or October. This is a great time for a wider Spain itinerary as well.
We went in May, and while it was (unseasonably) cold in the mornings, the afternoons were beautiful and sunny, with the perfect temperature for sightseeing.
The summer months of July and August can see temperatures soar, making sightseeing a little more difficult, with more crowds to deal with too.
The winter months can be a little too cold, especially December, January, and February, when some things may also close up shop for the season.
How to Get to Granada?
The closest airport is Granada-Jaén (GRX) Airport which is 15 km away from the city centre, but not very well-served.
The best big international airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is about 97km (1hr 30mins drive) away. Málaga is a huge international airport that serves the entire Costa del Sol, so it’s usually easy to find flights here.
From Málaga Airport, you can either get the bus to Granada or drive. It’s easy to rent a car at Malaga Airport and drive to Granada, although parking can be a problem when you arrive.
I recommend choosing a hotel with parking or a valet, and then forgetting about your car while you are in the city.
We pulled up right outside the Barceló Carmen Granada, and the hotel staff whisked our car away and also took care of registering our number plate with the local council to avoid fines (some zones are restricted to locals only).
How to Get Around Granada?
Getting around Granada is easy since the city is largely walkable and taxis are very cheap. You can also hop on a bus to get to Alhambra from the city centre or up to the historic neighbourhoods.
The C34 line runs between the palace and the city centre, C31 takes you to Albaicín, and you can catch the C34 to get to Sacramonte.
There is also the slightly kitschy hop-on hop-off train, which circulates the city every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a one-journey ticket or a daily pass for one or two days.
This could be a good option for those with small children to get around the city and see the sights at the same time.
Is 2 Days in Granada Enough?
We spent 2 days in Granada and felt it was certainly enough to tick off all the big ticket items and still have a bit of spare time left over to explore the local tapas bars and shopping boutiques.
However, you could easily spend 3 – 4 days in Granada and not get bored, especially if you plan on exploring the surrounding mountains as well.
I hope this guide has given you loads of good ideas on how to spend 2 days in Granada, but if you have any questions, let me know in the comments! I’d love to help out with your travel plans.
**You may also be interested in reading a review of our real stay at La Esperanza Granada, the ultimate hacienda experience in Andalusia.**
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