If you want to get to know southern Spain, Granada is a city that you cannot miss.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Granada encompasses all the best of Andalusia: vibrant colors, both beach and mountains, friendly people and amazing food\u2014of course. However, Granada is also different from every other city in the south. Granada was the last holdout during the Christian reconquest of Spain. Over 800 years of Muslim rule left an indelible mark on the city. If you want to get to know this unique city, come along with us as we outline the top 10 things to see in Granada.<\/p>\n\n\n It may go without saying that the Alhambra<\/a> is the most essential of all the things to see in Granada. This palace and fortress complex is part of the legacy left by the Muslim rulers of the Iberian Peninsula. It has three components, each one well-deserving of a visit. The Alcazaba fortress, the military part of the complex, is one of the oldest areas of the whole Alhambra. The Nasrid Palaces are the most famous and visited zone, made up of three different palaces. Finally, the Generalife is another palace with impressive gardens. Those who lived here used it as an escape from typical palace life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure that you dedicate this wonder the time that it deserves, plan to spend half a day here. The easiest way to buy Alhambra tickets<\/a> is online ahead of time. Tickets will include a 30-minute window for your entry to the Nasrid Palaces. Be aware that you still may need to wait in line to get in, so plan your arrival accordingly! You can visit other parts of the fortress before and after your scheduled entry time to the Nasrid Palaces. Once inside, you can stay as long as you need. Just make sure to arrive during your 30 minute window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calle Elvira is a colorful and lively street on the edge of the Albayz\u00edn neighborhood. This charming street is one of the best things to see in Granada to get an understanding of the city\u2019s unique atmosphere. Tapas bars, restaurants, places to shop and tea houses line Calle Elvira. Granada\u2019s Middle Eastern and North African influences are evident on this stretch of road. Take some time to explore it and pop into any shops that catch your eye. Rest at the outdoor terrace of a caf\u00e9 or with a cup of tea and a sweet inside one of the typical tea houses. At one end of Calle Elvira, you\u2019ll find the Arc of Elvira, which used to be the main entrance to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insider\u2019s Tip:<\/strong> For the best ice cream in the city, try Los Italianos<\/a>, just off Calle Elvira. They may serve Italian-style gelato, but this is as local as you can get. Definitely considered the best ice cream in Granada by residents (as evident by the long lines in the afternoon), we consider it a must while walking the streets of Granada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mirador de San Nicol\u00e1s is a must on any list of things to see in Granada. Popular with students from the University of Granada and tourists alike, this lookout is often crowded, but well worth the visit. Enjoy the soundtrack provided by the street performers as you pay a visit to admire the Alhambra at any time of day. If you don\u2019t mind the crowds, this spot provides one of the best sunsets in all of Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Free tapas are king in Granada. Make sure to add the inside of a traditional tapas bar to your list of things to see in Granada! While many cities in Spain long ago abandoned the custom of giving free tapas with the purchase of a drink, Granadinos<\/em> are holding on tight to this tasty tradition. And with Granada’s typical food<\/a>, you know it is tasty! You may get fried fish in Los Diamantes<\/a> or a piece of Spanish omelet in Bodegas Casta\u00f1eda<\/a>\u2014regardless, it\u2019s going to be delicious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n SEE ALSO<\/em><\/strong>: The Best 9 Tapas Bars in Granada<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Alcaicer\u00eda<\/a> is Granada\u2019s Grand Bazaar. The colors and atmosphere of its shops are one of the things to see in Granada! In the 15th century, a series of streets full of shops made up the original Alcaicer\u00eda. It burned down in the 19th century and, since being rebuilt, only one section of the original remains. Many of the shops sell souvenirs. If you\u2019re interested in Granada\u2019s regional fajalauza<\/em> ceramics, this is one place to look. While you\u2019re in the area, make sure to visit the nearby Plaza Bib-Rambla. It\u2019s a great place to sit down and have a drink or a bite to eat as you watch the world go by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sacromonte <\/a>is an area where the Roma community of Granada live. The houses are traditional dwellings built into whitewashed caves. As you can imagine, it is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Granada. Sacromonte has been an important place in the development of flamenco through the years, but lately the shows around here have become quite touristy. While we wouldn’t recommend seeing flamenco here, the area is still worth a visit for the lovely local hospitality and incredible views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Narrow, maze-like streets from the days before cars make up this neighborhood, which is one of the best things to see in Granada. The Albayz\u00edn is home to the Mirador de San Nicol\u00e1s. Plan in some time to explore the area before or after your visit to the famous lookout. Ditch your map and soak up the ambiance as you wander the streets. Since the neighborhood is built on a hill in front of the Alhambra, you will be treated to peeks of it around every corner. Sit down in one of the charming plazas to enjoy a drink, or just roam and see where you end up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carrera del Darro is a scenic cobblestone road raised above Granada\u2019s river Darro. A stroll down this street will make you feel like you\u2019ve traveled back in time to a Granada from years ago. One of the most famous elements of this path are its two arched footbridges that connect the street to life on the other side of the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the eastern end of the road, Carrera del Darro turns into Paseo del Padre Manj\u00f3n, also known as Paseo de los Tristes. At this point, you are treated to a view of the impressive towers of the Alhambra poking up over the tree-studded hills. Sit for a moment and take in the sights. If you can forget the buildings behind you, it\u2019s not hard to imagine that you\u2019ve been transported back to the 14th century, when the Alhambra was the palace of Sultan of Granada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to come back to the 21st century? Head to Granada\u2019s modern Science Park<\/a>! This interactive museum features exhibitions on health, the environment, astronomy, and much more. This museum has something for everyone, but visit with a child to get the most out of it. The Parque de las Ciencias also features abundant green spaces, including a butterfly house, maze, and astronomy garden. They are the perfect place to spend time on a sunny day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granada\u2019s cathedral<\/a>, like many in Spain, is beautiful inside and out. But there are two things that really set it apart. First, the cathedral was not constructed until after the Christian reconquest of the city. As we mentioned, Granada remained under Muslim rule until 1492, longer than anywhere else on the Iberian Peninsula. Many Gothic cathedrals were built during this period in Spain because that was the architectural style of the time. But by the time Granada\u2019s cathedral was to be built, the Spanish Renaissance style had begun to take hold, and was the one used in this cathedral. This different style is one thing that makes Granada\u2019s cathedral stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second unique aspect of this cathedral is that Spain\u2019s Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, are buried in the Royal Chapel next door. Isabella and Ferdinand\u2019s great cause was uniting Spain\u2019s different regions and completing the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which they achieved. Granada\u2019s cathedral was intended to be Spain\u2019s royal mausoleum, not just for Isabella and Ferdinand, but for all Spanish monarchs. If you\u2019ve ever visited El Escorial<\/a>, you know that this didn\u2019t end up happening! Philip II made El Escorial the royal mausoleum for his father, and all the kings who have come after him. Although there aren’t as many kings here as at El Escorial, it’s still one of the interesting things to see in Granada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Start](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/things-to-see-in-Granada-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n1. The breathtaking beauty of the Alhambra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"It](\"http:\/\/devoursevillefoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Alhambra-gardens.jpg\")
<\/a>2. The Arc of Elvira and more on Calle Elvira<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Sunset over the Alhambra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"One](\"http:\/\/devoursevillefoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Alhambra-featured.jpg\")
<\/a>4. The Granada tapas scene like a local<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"One](\"http:\/\/devoursevillefoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_1200.jpg\")
<\/a>5. The shops of the Alcaicer\u00eda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/devoursevillefoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_1146.jpg\")
<\/a>6. The Sacromonte neighborhood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. The winding streets of the Albayz\u00edn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"One](\"http:\/\/devoursevillefoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/corners-of-Granada.jpg\")
<\/a>8. The Granada of the past on Carrera del Darro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. The Granada of the future at Science Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. A Renaissance masterpiece<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/devoursevillefoodtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Granada-cathedral.jpg\")
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