One Day in Granada, Spain: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide for spending one day in Granada, a gem nestled in the heart of southern Spain and home to one of my favourite ancient monuments; the Alhambra!

If you’re wondering what to do in Granada in one day, you’re in luck! I’ve visited the city a few times, so this guide is designed to help you navigate the city’s must-see spots, delicious cuisine, and hidden treasures.

Of course, I’d always recommend you spend more than 1 day in Granada – it’s a phenomenal city, but if you’re short on time, this guide has got you covered!

Ready? Let’s explore the wonders of this beautiful Andalusian city.

Is Granada Worth Visiting in a Day?

If you’re pushed for a Granada visit – yes absolutely.

With one day in Granada, Spain, you’ll get to see the Alhambra and a few other highlights in the city.

However,  I do always recommend anyone who’s planning on visiting Granada to allow at least two days.

To put it into context, on my first visit to Granada, I spent 4 days there. BUT I’m a history dork who is obsessed with ruins, so wanted plenty of time to explore everything in depth.

Best Things to Do in Granada

• Nasrid Palaces
• Generalife Gardens
• Alcazaba of Alhambra
• Palace of Charles V
• The Partal
• Albayzín/ Albaicin District
• Carrera del Darro
• San Nicolas Viewpoint
• Sacromonte
• Alcaicería Market
• Granada Cathedral

Getting To Granada: Travel Options 

Although you can see the highlights of Granada in one day, it might feel a bit rushed depending on where you’re starting – it’s also a great stop-off point as part of a longer Southern Spain road trip.

Below are the most popular cities to take a day trip to Granada from.

Getting to Granada From Malaga 

Malaga to Granada is the easiest city to base yourself for a day trip as it’s only around 1.5 hours away.

• 🚄 Train: Several trains are run daily. It takes around 2 hours to travel from Malaga to Granada by train.
• 🚌 Bus: You also have several options to travel by bus. To travel from Malaga to Granada by bus takes just over 2 hours.
• 🚗 Car: Self-driving takes around 1.5 hours.
• Organised tour: There are plenty of options for organised day trips to Granada from Malaga if you don’t want to worry about transportation. Some even include stops in other cities such as Cordoba or Ronda.

Getting to Granada from Seville

It’s also possible to do a Granada day trip from Seville. Although this is one of the most popular Seville day trips, it’s a long day with an early start to get the most out of it.

• 🚄 Train: The train takes around 2.5 – 3 hours to get from Seville to Granada. I recommend booking tickets in advance to get the best prices.
• 🚌 Bus: Takes a similar time to trains.
• 🚗 Car: Self-driving takes just over 3 hours depending on the route you take.
• Organised tour: There are plenty of options for organised Granada day trips from Seville

Getting to Granada from Madrid

Although you can do a day trip from Madrid to Granada, you will spend quite a bit of time travelling. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend it for just a day – instead, it would be better to stay for at least two days in Granada for a better experience.

Here are the travel options.

• 🚄 Train: The train takes around 4 hours hours to get from Madrid to Granada. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best prices. This is the best option if you want to do a Madrid to Granada day trip.
• 🚌 Bus: Taking a bus from Madrid to Granada can take anywhere between 4 and 5 hours depending on the route and company.
• 🚗 Car: Self-driving takes around 4.5 hours depending on the route you take.
• Organised tour: Due to the distance, there aren’t any small group day trips from Madrid to Granada. You would have to hire a private driver.

Map of Granada Spain

Trying to plan what to do in Granada in a day? Use this map to help plan your route.

It includes all the top places to visit in Granada which I mention in this article.

One Day in Granada Itinerary

This itinerary covers the best things to do in Granada in one day. Start as early as humanly possible to make the most of your limited time here.

One important thing to note, as soon as you know the dates of your Granada trip is to book tickets for the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces – they do sell out! Also having your Alhambra ticket booked in advance will allow you to skip the line.

A Day in Granada: Morning

The Alhambra Complex

If you bought a ticket for the Nasrid Palaces, then you will have been allocated a time slot to enter. Fit this Alhambra itinerary around your time slot starting with the most popular attractions first.

Nasrid Palaces

This is one of the most beautiful places in Granada (and quite possibly Spain).  The Nasrid Palaces were home to the Moorish sultans who ruled over Granada. 

As much as you’re ushered through by the stewards (this part is only done as a guided tour), you’ll want to take your time perusing this stunningly beautiful complex with intricately designed courtyards, gardens, reflecting pools and fountains.

Some of the must-see areas include the Court of the Lions and the Hall of the Ambassadors.

The Generalife

Another must-see in Granada is the renowned Generalife.

It was built as a retreat from the summer heat for the Nasrid sultans. The summer palace perfectly demonstrates the sophistication of Moorish garden design, symbolizing a paradisiacal oasis amidst the Iberian landscape.

The beautiful gardens feature numerous fountains beautifully trimmed hedges and flower-lined walkways.  At the heart of the Generalife is the Patio de la Acequia, a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades, and pavilions.

Alcazaba

The fortress is one of the oldest parts of the Alhambra complex.

This fortress, with its imposing towers and formidable battlements, once served as the military base of the Nasrid dynasty. Although a lot of this site is in a ruined state, you can still climb the Torre de la Vela, an iconic watchtower, for spectacular views of the city and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

Palace of Charles V

Looking slightly out of place amongst the Moorish architecture is the round Renaissance building.

The Palace of Charles V was commissioned by Charles V,  who desired a residence befitting his power and prestige within the Nasrid fortifications.

The circular patio and two-tiered columned arcade house the Alhambra Museum, with its impressive collection of Moorish artefacts and the Fine Arts Museum.

The Partal

If you want to escape the more crowded areas of Alhambra, then head to The Partal. This area of the Alhambra complex features the remains of several palaces, gardens, and a large reflective pond that mirrors the decorative architecture.

The highlight here is the Torre de las Damas or Ladies Tower, with its notable portico that looks out onto the pond.

A Day in Granada: Afternoon

The Albaicin/Albayzín Quarter

The Albayzin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit neighbourhoods when you visit Granada.

This area offers an authentic glimpse into Moorish culture with its winding streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the Alhambra. Parts of it are steep, with narrow alleys connecting the different levels.

I adored this area and spent hours exploring this neighbourhood, and if you have the time, I 100 % recommend getting lost in the streets here – it’s incredibly photogenic. If you prefer someone to show you the way, then you might prefer to join an Albaicin walking tour.

If you’re wondering what to see in Albaicin, here are my suggestions.

Mirador de San Nicolas

One of the best spots to take in a breathtaking view of the Alhambra is from Mirador de San Nicolas.

This viewpoint is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, especially at sunset when you can watch the sun dip behind the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Carrera del Darro

Another must-see attraction in the Albayzin district is the Carrera del Darro, an ancient street that runs alongside the Darro River. This picturesque route is flanked by the remains of medieval walls and Arab houses.

Sacromonte District

If you still have some time in the afternoon, then another one of the top places to go in Granada is the Sacromonte district – it’s next to Albaicin.

This area is famous for its cave dwellings, which were historically inhabited by the local Roma people.

Today, many of these caves have been transformed into intimate flamenco venues, where you can catch a passionate and authentic performance that delves deep into Andalusian culture.

Other things to see in this unique district are the Sacromonte Abbey, perched high on the hillside, offering another panoramic view of Granada.

If you’re interested in ethnography and history, be sure to visit the Sacromonte Cave Museum.

A Day In Granada: Evening

Old Town Granada

In the late afternoon head towards the Old Town of Granada. Explore the labyrinthine cobbled streets and other landmarks synonymous with the city.

Granada Cathedral

The awe-inspiring Granada Cathedral features Spanish Renaissance architecture. Stand in front of the grand façade and take in the intricate details – you can go inside, although you have to pay for this – it’s ornate with an impressive altar and decorative domed ceiling.

Alcaicería Market

After the cathedral, make your way to the nearby Alcaicería Market. This was originally a Moorish silk market. Today, this area serves as a bazaar reminiscent of those in Marrakech, Morocco, that offers a myriad of souvenirs, from colourful Andalusian ceramics and textiles to aromatic spices and traditional sweets.

Plaza Bib-Rambla

No visit to Old Town is complete without a stop at Plaza Bib-Rambla, a lively square surrounded by flower stalls, cafes, and historic buildings. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a café con leche (or cerveza), and people-watch as street performers and local life happen.

If this square is too busy then head to Plaza Nueva instead – I had no problems finding plenty of tables here. 

Getting Around Granada

The historic city centre of Granada is relatively compact – although exploring the Albaicin, Sacramonte and Alhambra complex does require some uphill legwork.

Luckily, there are plenty of transportation options to help you get around and make the most of your day in Granada.

Walking

The best way to experience the charm of Granada is by foot. This allows you to explore the narrow alleys and winding streets, and take in all the stunning architecture and hidden gems.

I walked up from the city centre to Alhambra twice – taking a different route each way – both of the routes are scenic although you’ll need a good set of knees and lungs. On the third day, I took the shuttle bus. 

Public Transport

Granada has an efficient public transportation system, consisting of buses and a modern tram. The most useful bus line for tourists is the C3, which goes from the city centre to the Albaicin and Sacromonte areas.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

The Granada Hop-on Hop-off bus is a convenient way to explore the city. The double-decker bus stops at all the major attractions and you’ll have the audio commentary along the way.

Where to Eat in Granada

Granada presents a surprising haven for vegetarian cuisine amidst the traditional tapas bar meat-heavy dishes of Andalucía.

There was no shortage of traditional tapas restaurants, serving local dishes like carrillada (braised pork or beef) and jamón ibérico (cured ham).  However, as a vegetarian, I always find the food on offer in Spain is a bit limited – there’s only so much tortilla (egg and potato omelette) and olives I want to eat without getting bored.

For me, Granada was a veggie-foodies heaven!

This is partly thanks to the international student population, but also the city’s heritage.

The Arabic influences don’t just stop at the Alhambra, it’s in their food too.

My favourite place to eat was in the Albaicín district— for both sit-down dining and street food. The area felt like a mini Morocco; shishas bubble amongst conversation while people relax on opulent rugs. The eateries here serve a mouthwatering array of Lebanese, Syrian, and Turkish delights.

For those on a budget, Granada also offers fantastic tapas deals where you can get a free small plate with every drink ordered. This is the perfect way to try different dishes and sample local specialities without breaking the bank.

Where to Stay in Granada

You’ve probably figured out by now that although you can see the highlights in a day, limiting yourself to only 24 hours in Granada is a bit of a push.

If you have a bit of flexibility in your itinerary then I really do suggest spending two days in Granada instead to enjoy more of what the city has to offer.

Check out these two options, for accommodations in Granada with views of the Alhambra.

Boutique Accommodation

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5* Haxaris Casa Boutique, Granada

✅ Centrally located

✅ Full living facilities

✅ Panoramic city views

Check Price

Affordable Accommodation

TOC Hostel, Granada

✅ Options of private or dorm rooms

✅ Onsite bar and social areas

✅ Great location close to attractions

Check Price

One Day in Granada, Spain: FAQs

Now you’ve discovered the top things to do in Granada, Spain in one day, here are a few FAQs to help you plan your trip:

Final Thoughts: How to Spend 1 Day in Granada, Spain

I hope this guide has shown you how to make the most of your time in this Andalusian gem. From exploring the majestic Alhambra to strolling through the Albaicin neighbourhood and savouring the local cuisine – it’s difficult not to fall in love with this city.

This Granada one day itinerary allows you to scratch the surface of what this city has to offer, but I highly recommend staying for at least two days to fully immerse yourself in all that Granada has to offer.

Whether you are a history buff, a foodie or simply seeking an authentic cultural experience, I guarantee Granada and the Alhambra will captivate and enchant you with its charm and beauty.