Where is the best area to stay in Granada?
By Jane Chapman. September 28, 2022
Granada, the last Muslim city in the Iberian Peninsula, home to the Alhambra, has seen many settlers over its vast history. This city has a magic feel to it like no other. The mix of Muslim and Catholic architecture and culture, makes this destination special, as you feel like you’re in a fairy tale when walking around the mystical narrow, cobbled streets. Built in a narrow valley, the Alhambra juts out, protecting the city beneath, looking out over the old town and far out to the horizon. Granada offers a wide range of activities for everyone, hiking, gastronomic tapas tours, sightseeing, nightlife and much more.
Our favourite area to stay in is the “Centro”, the centre district, surrounding the cathedral. The city centre has some of the most stunning and perfectly conserved monuments, from the Alhambra to monasteries and churches, as well as many lively squares. The centre itself is small and manageable, everything is walking distance, and easily accessible, home to some of the best most traditional tapas bars of the city. From the airport, there is a shuttle bus that takes about 30 minutes that will stop just outside the Cathedral on Gran Vía. Another option is a 15-minute taxi, straight to your hotel.On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Granada, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Granada, you may also be interested in where to stay in Cordoba, where to stay in Seville and where to stay in Cadiz.
Centro, the best area to stay in Granada
Near Alhambra / Tourists / First Time
Located just a 20-minute walk from the Alhambra, the Centro is an ideal base for your stay. The Alhambra the main attraction of the city, so make sure you book your tickets well in advance. You can spend all day marvelling at the Mudejar architecture and gardens whilst learning about the history of this unique monument.
The cathedral is worth a visit as well as the Basilica of Saint John of God, from there you can stroll around Plaza Bib Rambla, one of the main squares of the city, steeped in history, and look up to the impressive mansions. The coloured house facades contrast with the blue sky, you can hear the bustling city around you, it truly is paradise.
Just a five-minute ramble across the main shopping road, is the Realejo, a quaint area of the Centro, the old Jewish quarter, full of busy bars, live music, and beautiful old houses.
Other areas to stay in Granada
The Albaycin
Alhambra Views / Boutique Hotels
Located up the hill from the centre, in front of the Alhambra, lies the Albaycín, the old town of Granada. Extremely narrow pebbled streets, small, whitewashed houses, flowers everywhere, street performers at every turn and stunning Carmens, the traditional mansions of the city. You feel like you’re walking through history in the Albaycín. This area is great for those who aren’t scared of a bit of exercise, as most streets aren’t car accessible and there are quite a few hills.
This neighbourhood is home to some of the oldest houses of the city, behind protective white walls lie some 15th century mansions, many converted into hotels. A must-see spot is the Saint Nicolas viewing point and Paseo de Los Tristes, a picturesque street following the river. In general, this area is perfect for strolling around, getting lost in the amazing, cobbled streets and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Camino de Ronda
With a Car / Nightlife
West of the Centro is the Ronda area, named after the main road, that connects the whole city Camino De Ronda. You really get to mingle with the locals and have an authentic experience here. An advantage of this neighbourhood is that it is easily accessible by car and close to the motorway exit. If you’re skiing in the Sierra Nevada or planning on using your car a lot to visit nearby cities during your trip, the location is extremely practical. As mentioned earlier, Granada is a small city, meaning that you’re only a 10/15-minute walk from the Cathedral and bus to the Alhambra.
Popular with students due to its proximity to the University campus, there are a lot of bars, and food and drink prices are extremely good value. One street is very popular with students, Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, with many small bars, this area is perfect for travellers looking for nightlife without spending too much money.
Genil
Near Alhambra / Shopping / Families
Granada is built around the Genil river, this area is about a 10-minute walk south from the Centro and Cathedral, and very close to the Alhambra. The walk into town is lovely and cool, thanks to the many huge trees that line the walkways and the Roman bridge that goes over the river. You can enjoy a few hours in the park, watching the world go by, and discovering the large bourgeois houses, before walking up the Paseo Del Salon, a large esplanade where locals take their evenings walks and lots of open-air events take place.
Here there is a large Corte Inglés, a shopping centre with the main designer brands. Another must see is Titas bar, just on the river, this traditional building is an institution in Granada. This area is great for families as you’re close enough to reach the centre by foot but have plenty of outside space for family walks.
Beiro district
Train and Bus Station / Cheaper Hotels
North of the Centro is the Beiro district, about a 20-minute walk from the Cathedral and bus to the Alhambra, but well-connected with the city’s public transport. Beiro is a popular residential area for locals and students. This district is home to the Plaza de Toros, the city’s bull ring. Although most towns have banned bull fighting, you can still catch some shows during Holy Week. The ring is also used for live music and markets. This is a good area if you’re on a budget as accommodations tends to be cheaper.
Another great advantage is its proximity to the train and bus station, making it a good option if you’re planning on discovering other areas of Andalucía or continuing your travels further. Around the bull ring there are a lot of tapas bars that are great value, where you can mix with the locals and students.
Sacromonte
Alhambra Views / Caves
If you want to stay in one of the most traditional and historical areas of Granada, Sacromonte is a good pick. From the Centro, you must cross the Albaycin to reach the Sacromonte. It’s a little further out and not car accessible in the most part. There’s a small minibus that will take you there from the Cathedral in about 15 minutes. The accommodation in this area is built in caves, dug into the mountain, overlooking the valley and the Alhambra.
This area is perfect for the adventurous backpackers who want to immerse themselves in the old traditions of the land, discover the flamenco caves, the abbey, and the tiny, steep pathways. Wake up to the sound of the birds, far from the bustling centre, simply enjoying the view of the magnificent Alhambra and nearby nature. It is worth noting that this area wouldn’t be suitable for people with mobility issues, due to the lack of car access and steep, narrow, pebbled streets.
To sum up, as we mentioned above, the city is small and accessible, so you can reach the Alhambra and the city center easily from any of the mentioned areas. For beauty, practicality, and fun, the Centro really is our top pick. Have a great time in Granada and remember to try out all the delicious tapas and enjoy the Alhambra!
Our recommended hotels in Granada
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in GranadaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
