This blog post was originally posted on January 19, 2018, and was updated on April 16, 2019.
Nestled right into the heart of Andalusia, Granada is everything we love about southern Spain.
Beautiful weather, stunning sights, tasty tapas, friendly locals…we could go on! In most cases, we recommend spending at least 4 or 5 days in Granada. This will allow you to really get a feel for the local culture and lifestyle, which might just be our favorite part! But what if you only have 48 hours in Granada? Luckily, the city is simple to navigate and you can easily see the main tourist attractions in just two days. Here’s your itinerary for a magical 48 hours in Granada!
Insider’s Tip: Consider getting the Granada Card if you’re here for just a few days. This handy tourist pass gets you into several of the city’s main sights (including the Alhambra) and easily pays for itself.
Morning & afternoon, Day 1: Visit the Albayzín
After arriving in town, start your 48 hours in Granada by heading to the fabled Albayzín district. The trek up the hill to this ancient Moorish barrio might take 15-20 minutes, but it’s a great way to stretch your legs. Tucked within the winding streets of the Albayzín are several sights worth seeing, such as:
- Casa del Chapiz: These historic mansions belonged to Moorish families in Granada who converted to Christianity during the Reconquest.
- El Bañuelo: You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time upon entering these well-preserved 11th century Arab baths.
- Casa de Zafra: This small local history museum is housed in a 14th century Moorish house that later became a Christian convent.
Take the Cuesta del Chapiz down from the Albayzín for lovely views of the Alhambra. With this route, you’ll also come to the charming Paseo de los Tristes promenade along the Darro river.
Evening, Day 1: Tapas crawl
You’ll almost certainly be hungry after strolling around the Albayzín. Why not cap off day 1 of your 48 hours in Granada with a tapas crawl? Discover the city’s famous tapas culture, which is best experienced at the family-run bars most tourists would never even notice.
SEE ALSO: The Best 9 Tapas Bars in Granada
Morning, Day 2: Visit the Alhambra
Your 48 hours in Granada are halfway up, but there’s still so much left to see! Start off day 2 with a morning visit to the Alhambra. Morning is one of our favorite times to visit Granada’s crown jewel—you’ll beat most of the tourist crowds that tend to come in the afternoon. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance so you don’t end up disappointed when you arrive—they tend to sell out! We recommend a 9 or 10 a.m. visit, which will leave you the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the city (give yourself about three hours for your visit).
Afternoon & evening, Day 2: Hammam, dinner and a show
The Alhambra exceeds every expectation you might have had, but walking around the massive complex can wear you out. Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at Hammam Al Andalus! This Arab-style bath house features a soothing “water journey” through cold, warm, and hot pools, all within a stunning setting that will make you feel like you’re in Moorish Granada. Go ahead and treat yourself to a massage while you’re at it, too!
After a well-deserved few hours at the hammam, head to La Casa del Arte Flamenco for one of the best, most authentic shows in town. After all, you can’t spend 48 hours in Granada without experiencing the city’s most famous and passionate art form! The 7:30 p.m. show is the perfect way to get your fill of culture before dinner.
As for dinner itself, head out for tapas! The city is full of charming, historic bars just waiting to be discovered.
