Granada
Nowhere in Spain do Moorish and Christian histories collide as dramatically as in Granada. The Alhambra palace sits above the city like a crown, the Albaicín quarter tumbles down the hillside in a tangle of whitewashed alleys, and from the Mirador de San Nicolás you get a view of the fortress against the Sierra Nevada that stops you in your tracks. It's also one of the last cities in Spain where you get a free tapa with every drink.
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Granada travel FAQ
How do I get Alhambra tickets?
Book online at the official site (alhambra-patronato.es) at least 2-3 weeks in advance — they sell out fast, especially for the Nasrid Palaces timed entry. General admission is €19. The Nasrid Palaces are the unmissable part. If sold out, try re-checking at midnight when cancellations sometimes appear, or book a guided tour through an authorized operator which includes guaranteed entry (€35-50).
How many days do I need in Granada?
2 to 3 days. Day one: the Alhambra and Generalife gardens (budget 3-4 hours minimum). Day two: wander the Albaicín, visit the Arab baths, see the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, and hit the tapas bars around Plaza Nueva. Day three: explore Sacromonte (cave houses, flamenco shows) and the street art scene in Realejo. The free tapas culture means you can eat well on a very small budget.
Is the free tapas thing real?
Absolutely real. Order a beer (€2-3) or a glass of wine and you'll get a plate of food with it. The portions vary — some bars give you olives, others give you a full plate of paella or croquetas. Bar Los Diamantes (fried fish), Bodegas Castañeda, and Bar Avila are local favorites. Do a tapas crawl — one drink at each spot — and you'll eat a full dinner without ordering a single dish. Granada is one of the best food deals in Europe.