Visit Granada in 2 Days: Top Sights and Activities

Granada travel tips for a top stay: 

• Book your flight to Granada
• Hotels in Granada: the best places to stay
• All your activities in Granada (booking with free cancellation)

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10 unique experiences and sites in Granada 

Here are the 10 sites and experiences not to miss when visiting Granada in 2 days, selected for you. But first, we recommend getting the Granada City Pass to save some money on your visits. It notably includes: 

• A visit to the Alhambra 
• Hop-on hop-off train or a flamenco show (your choice)
• An audio guide compatible with your smartphone for visiting the city of Granada

1. The Alhambra, Granada's emblematic monument

It is one of the most visited monuments in Europe. A masterpiece of medieval Islamic architecture, the Alhambra is a former Nasrid palace city made up of palaces, fortifications and gardens, perched above the city.  We love its interior decoration of exceptional delicacy and its breathtaking view! Not far away are the gardens "Carmen de los Mártires".

Wandersand tip: Remember to book your ticket in advance to visit the Alhambra, especially for the Nasrid Palaces, so that the site doesn't show as full or you don't queue for hours.

2. Generalife and its beautiful gardens

The former summer residence of the Nasrid rulers, the Generalife will complete your visit to the Alhambra. You go for its peaceful atmosphere, very different from the palaces, but also for its gardens surrounded by pools and fountains. 

3. The Albaicín, Granada's oldest district

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Albaicín bears witness to the city's Muslim past, with its narrow lanes and whitewashed houses. We love strolling there for its unique atmosphere. 

4. The famous Mirador de San Nicolás

Not to be missed if you are visiting Granada in 2 days. This viewpoint is the most famous in the city for its spectacular view of the Alhambra, but also of the Sierra Nevada. The perfect spot at sunset! See here where it is. 

5. Granada Cathedral

Built after the Christian reconquest, the cathedral illustrates the historic turning point of the city. Located in the city centre, you will appreciate its monumental Renaissance architecture.

6. The Royal Chapel of Granada and its tombs 

Right next to the cathedral, you can't miss it. It is part of our Top 10 because it houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs (Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon).

7. The Alcaicería

A former silk market in Muslim times, the Alcaicería is now a small shopping maze. We especially love its oriental atmosphere with its narrow little lanes. 

8. Sacromonte and its cave houses

This is THE emblematic district located opposite the Albaicín, on the Valparaíso hill. An incredible spot not to be missed for its dwellings carved right into the rock. With a strong link to Gypsy culture, it is the cradle of Granada flamenco. Remember to book a show on the spot during these 2 days in Granada. 

9. Discovering the Sierra Nevada

Another must to include in your itinerary Visit Granada in 2 days: the Sierra Nevada natural park and its grand landscapes!

10. Tapas and flamenco in Granada

Last but not least, Granada wouldn't be Granada without its tapas bars and flamenco shows! Set off to discover local gastronomy, an Andalusian experience not to be missed for its authenticity. To do this, choose the Realejo district, also known for its contemporary street art.

2-day itinerary in Granada: 

Day 1: the Alhambra, the Albaicín and the viewpoint

For this weekend in Granada, we recommend dedicating the morning to the Alhambra! A former palace city of the Nasrid rulers, it dominates the city from the Sabika hill. Be aware that the visit includes several areas:

• The Nasrid palaces, called the Palacios Nazaríes (the heart of the Alhambra, with their patios and refined decoration)
• The Alcazaba, the military section, offering superb views of Granada
• The Generalife, the sultans' former summer gardens

After this visit, take the time to stroll through the Albaicín district. This district of Arab origin is best discovered on foot, by deliberately getting lost in its pretty cobbled lanes (notably around calle Calderería Nueva). You will find whitewashed houses, but also little typical Andalusian patios and small shaded squares. This district is also famous for its Arab baths. 

Finally, end this first day by admiring the sunset at the Mirador de San Nicolás. You will meet street musicians mingling with locals to admire the golden light on the palaces. An unforgettable moment. 

Day 2 in Granada: historic centre and Andalusian atmosphere

For this second day in Granada, set off to discover Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Then stroll through the Alcaicería, the former Arab silk market. You will find plenty of ceramics, lamps, spices and other Andalusian-inspired items. A most authentic craft visit. 

Finally, if you have time, go and explore the Sacromonte district, located opposite the Albaicín. Sacromonte is known for its cave houses carved into the hill and its historic link with the Gypsy community. On site, you also have the cave museum (Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte). 

Other monuments to see if you have more than 48 hours in Granada 

If you have to come back to Andalusia for a holiday, here are a few sites to complete during your time in Granada. 

The Basilica of San Juan de Dios

Located east of the historic centre, the Basilica of San Juan de Dios is one of the finest examples of Andalusian Baroque in Granada. With polychrome marble, gilding, frescoes and extremely elaborate altarpieces, this basilica is dedicated to San Juan de Dios, an important figure in the city's religious and hospital history.

The Monastery of San Jerónimo and its cloister

Founded in the late 15th century, the Monastery of San Jerónimo is one of the first Christian buildings built after the reconquest of Granada. It is a particularly interesting visit for better understanding the transition between Muslim and Christian Granada.

The Monastery of La Cartuja for its sumptuous decoration

Located a little away from the centre, far from the tourist bustle, this monastery is often underrated, yet it is one of the city's Baroque jewels.

Other emblematic sites to discover: 

• The Parque Federico García Lorca, located west of Granada's historic centre, in the Huerta de San Vicente district.
• The old Arab baths (El Bañuelo), among the best-preserved hammams in Andalusia.
• The Museo Casa de los Tiros
• The Palace of Charles V, located within the Alhambra grounds. 

Where to eat in Granada: best district

Did you know Granada is famous for its tradition of free tapas? The principle is simple: in many bars, every drink comes with a tapa at no extra charge. It is therefore an excellent way to taste local cuisine without hopping between restaurants. As a district, we recommend Realejo. 

Here are a few typical dishes to try:

• The tortilla española, Sacromonte tortilla
• The famous Jamón ibérico
• Granada's remojón, another typical dish of the city
• Berenjenas con miel (aubergines with honey)

Dishes based on chickpeas and spices, an Andalusian legacy

FAQ Visit Granada in 2 days 

Find our answers to your most frequently asked questions to organise your stay as well as possible.

Practical tips for visiting Granada in 48 hours. 

• Getting around: the centre is very easy on foot, but bring good shoes (sloping streets).
• Best time: spring and autumn, to avoid the heat of summer.
• Accommodation: favour the historic centre or the Albaicín to limit travel, especially if you are visiting Granada in only 2 days. 

Visiting Granada and around, what to see? 

Around Granada, the Sierra Nevada offers superb hikes and breathtaking mountain landscapes. There are also the Alpujarras (white villages), and Monachil and Los Cahorros for nature lovers. Finally, we also recommend Guadix with its cave houses, unique in Andalusia.

That's it, our special Andalusia article "Visit Granada in 2 days" ends here. We hope all these tips help you organise your stay in southern Spain and create unforgettable memories!