Granada Travel Guide (ANDALUSIA, SPAIN): 18 Hotspots from Tapas Bars to the Alhambra

Eating tapas and wandering through the narrow streets of Granada

A visit to Andalusia isn't complete without a visit to Granada. Famous for the Alhambra, it's renowned for its many excellent tapas bars. With the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background (which still had snow on the ground when we visited!), this city is magical from a distance. In this Granada Travel Guide, I'll share all the tips I picked up during a long day in Granada. Because Granada is a student city, you'll find many lively cafés.

The city's architecture is full of Moorish influences and is incredibly photogenic. It's not too big, and you can easily explore it on foot! Start at Plaza Nueva and wander through the narrow streets, stopping at various tapas bars for something to eat and drink. In Granada, you (usually) still get free snacks on the house when you order a drink at tapas bars. As is the case in Granada, most good tapas bars and restaurants are closed during the siesta. We were there on Sunday, and it was lovely to see the bars packed with friends and families enjoying a Sunday afternoon drink. Spain has such a wonderful culture, doesn't it? Enjoy the trips in this Granada Travel Guide!

13 Tapas Hotspots in Granada Not to be Missed

During my trip through Andalusia I had the most delicious tapas in Granada without a doubt.

The quintet: The interior of this restaurant isn't particularly inviting, but the delicious dishes more than make up for it. Modern Spanish dishes with colorful presentations!

Lío Granada: At this cheerfully decorated café on the corner near the cathedral, you can relax on the terrace and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The menu includes tapas for sharing, as well as burgers and other main courses.

Great Granada

Milagrosa: This restaurant in Granada has a romantic and colorful interior and serves a daily changing menu.

Bella Kurva: A tapas bar with a difference! The menu features international tapas from Mexico to Asia. Something different!

Rosaria Varela: This hotspot is just around the corner from Taberna La Tana and is quite different. Modern and, by Spanish standards, hip! Here you can also enjoy delicious tapas and enjoy drinks later in the evening.

Rosaria Varela

La Paralla: for the best paella in Granada, go to La Paralla!

LaMafia: If you're not in the mood for Spanish food, LaMafia is a great place to eat. Here you'll find Italian dishes like pasta and pizza! Tip: order the antipasti to share.

Bar Los Diamantes: One of the most popular tapas bars among the locals. Complete with fluorescent lighting and a terribly ugly interior! Delicious and inexpensive.

The diamonds

Bronx: The number one spot for good cocktails in Granada is Bronx. A speakeasy bar hiding in plain sight!

Saint Germain: And then you turn the corner of an alley and suddenly you're in a charming square with tapas bar Saint Germain. A must-see in Granada! The staff barely speaks Spanish, so for us it was always a surprise what exactly we'd ordered.

Saint Germain

SanMatías30: This hotspot is open all day for coffee or drinks. Inside, it's very cozy, with a large bar and several inviting corners to sit. This is a great place to go for an evening drink!

SanMatías30

Poe Bar: This famous tapas bar is located just outside the center but is definitely worth a visit for the authentic atmosphere of Granada.

Taberna La Tana: During my visit to Granada, I found this to be the best tapas bar. Small, bustling, and very cozy. They have a huge selection of wines by the glass, and the owner is happy to let you sample before pouring.

5 FUN THINGS TO DO IN GRANADA

Curious about what there is to do in and around Granada? Here are my tips!

• Chances are the Alhambra is the main reason you're visiting Granada. And honestly, it's an unmissable highlight. Avoid the queues (visitors are allowed in hourly) and book your tickets in advance. The Alhambra fortress is one of the most important sights in Andalusia. Wander through the beautiful palace gardens and visit the palace itself, where you'll have a stunning view of the Albaicín district. 
  

• Want to take a picture of the Alhambra itself? Then you have to go to Mirador San Nicolás! From there, you have the best view of the fortress, especially during the golden hour! At least, that's what I saw in the photos online, because unfortunately, it was raining terribly late in the afternoon when we were there. A good reason for me to go back!

• The Albaycín district is a delight to wander through. This is the old Arab quarter located on the hill opposite the Alhambra, where you'll see beautiful Moorish influences.

• Granada lies at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Did you know you can even ski in these mountains in winter? In summer, it's a great place for hiking, if you're a keen hiker.

• And finally, you can't leave Granada without trying tapas at one of our recommendations at the top of this Granada Travel Guide! I personally enjoyed the bars around Calle Virgen del Rosario the most.

Granada Travel Guide and More Tips for Andalusia

If you're traveling to Andalusia, there are many other charming towns and villages to visit besides Granada. Rent a car and explore the region! Be sure to visit Malaga Not over. A lovely city on the water with various hotspots and good restaurants. And in the summer, spend a day being decadent in Marbella. Do you prefer smaller towns? Then go to, for example: Nerja where I stayed in Hotel Rural AlmazaraOr visit Frigiliana, Almuñecar, Istan, Miljas, Ronda, Tarifa, Salobreña, and La Herradura, which Your Little Black Book readers also recommend.

TIP: Via Sunweb Secrets Book your affordable, unique hotels, often run by families. Away from the crowds and enjoying authentic Spanish hospitality.

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Have a great time traveling to Andalusia! And if you have any other helpful tips, please let us know.

WITH LOVE,

ANNE