Congratulations on your decision to study abroad in Granada, Spain! Get ready to experience an exciting city in a breathtaking landscape, where there are always an endless amount of activities to do. Read on to find out more about what this gorgeous place has to offer.

About Granada:

This is the capital of the Granada Province, in the autonomous community of Andalusia (the southernmost part of Spain). It has been populated since the B.C. era, though some of the most ancient structures around today are from the Moorish conquest starting in 711 A.D. This city is known worldwide from its UNESCO World Heritage sites, most notably the fortress Alhambra, as well as for its magnificent sunsets. It is a vibrant city nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, with two small rivers cutting through.

Areas of the city to visit:

1. Alhambra– A beautifully preserved Nasrid palace city, dating back to the 13th century. It includes a citadel and fortress, with the ever-evolving Generalife During the Spanish reconquista, the Moors were driven out and the Catholic monarchs established their residence here. It’s worth getting a tour of the place and drinking in the history all around you.

2. Albayzín– This hilly, ancient neighborhood was the old Arab quarters once the walls of the Alhambra were over populated. The cobblestone streets, white-walled architecture and Arab markets are a tourist draw, but I would recommend setting aside a few hours from time to time to just get lost here. You will find chapels, carmenes (gated mansions), and miradors (look out points) hidden in the winding streets. The two best miradors are Mirador de San Nicolas (most well known, full of tourists, artisans and street performers with a fantastic view of the Alhambra) and Mirador San Miguel Bajo (lesser known and frequented by locals and traveling hippies, come here to enjoy street jam sessions and slack lines).

3. Sacromonte– Another hilly neighborhood, famous as the old dwelling place of Roma in the cave homes. The cave homes are still here- and it’s a good place to find a flamenco show. The crowning jewel is the San Miguel church at the very top of the neighborhood, with a famous look-out point from which Bill Clinton had said he saw “…the most beautiful sunset in the world”. Once you make some local connections, come here (behind the church) to enjoy some daytime cumbia dance parties.

4. Realejo– The old Jewish district is home to more beautiful architecture and the awesome graffiti of artist El Nino. Worth walking around and exploring the carmenes, and accessing the Alhambra from this side. Walk up and towards the cemetery to find Mirador de los Abogados, a great and lesser-known spot to watch the sunset. A very artsy neighborhood.

5. Bib-Rambla– The ‘hub’ of central Granada, this is the place to visit plazas and shop. A never ending supply of restaurants can be found here, as well as the impressive Cathedral.

Being Active (Parks & Outdoors):

1. Carmen de los Martires– Relatively unknown in comparison to the Alhambra, it is found right next to it and is very worth visiting. It is a hot spot for wedding receptions in the spring, has a family of peacocks, and vast lands of maintained flowers. A great place to walk around, relax, maybe do some homework.

2. Paseo de los Tristes– A main stretch next to the river Darro, a great walk that passes plaza Nueva, museums and restaurants. You can continue at its perceived end by crossing the river and continuing alongside of it into the side of the mountain. There is poetry engraved onto rock slabs here and there, and the farther along you go, the more of a hike you’ll get, entering the realm of cave-dwellers.

3. Dehesa del Generalife– (Parque Periurbano) A bit confusing to get here, but very much worth it if you’re a hiker, runner or mountain biker. Go up past the Alhambra, following the signs to the cemetery. Once you’re on this dirt road, your possibilities are endless. Run for hours on end, by the Silla del Moro, olive groves and always against the backdrop of the snowy Sierras. There are main hiking paths and less official ones to be more careful on, but a great and local place to explore.

4. Rio Genil– This river might seem dinky when you see it at edge of Realejo and Zaidin, but follow it in either direction and it’ll become green and full of dog walkers. Going towards the Sierras, you’ll find more paths to explore up the mountains, entering the red-earth foothills where wild asparagus grows. In the other direction, you’ll cross under the highway and enter the local farmlands. It’s one of the only flat stretches to run on in the city.

Being Active beyond the City:

1. Hikes in the Sierra Foothills: It is best to explore the Sierras on your own, but some of the most popular close hikes are in Monachil (hanging bridges, los Cohorros). My personal favorite is the Silleta de Padul. There are local buses that can take you to the path beginnings, and I recommend this site for comprehensive information: Trek Sierra Nevada.

2. Visit some Embalses: Relatively not popular among the locals, but the turquoise waters of reservoirs are not a sight to miss. Hike around.

3. Go to the Beach: Take a bus and visit the coastal towns of Almuñecar and Nerja. Cute, rocky beaches and opportunities to kayak.

4. Rock climbing/hiking: Go to the Málaga province and enjoy some truly great rock climbing. Do the Caminito del Rey.

Tapas:

There is really no way to go wrong with (free!) tapas in Granada. Order some cerveza, vino, tinto de verano or sangria- but ask for agua de grifo if you don’t want to pay for water. Here are some of the best spots.

1. Calle Navas in Realejo- Most touristy, but reliable. Down the far end of the street, you’ll find Il Conde and La Pajuana, which are great bets. In fact, most places deeper in Realejo (think Campo del Principe) are frequented by locals and have great atmosphere.
2. Calle Elvira- Have you had Shwarma? Have Shwarma (Kebab). A lot of great places for this street food and other tapas spots on this street in Albaycin.
3. Los Diamantes- now have three locations, the place to go if you’re craving seafood tapas.
4. Bodega Castellana, Bella y la Bestia- these are chain restaurants, sometimes less quality than you’d like.
5. Bar POË- on Calle Verónica de la Magdalena. The owner speaks English and this is a HUGELY popular location with exchange students so get there early. Great tapas. Like, really, really good.
6. Cafés & Ice Cream- Ice cream places don’t open until later in the spring, but Los Italianos is the most popular, and la Rosa by rio Genil is delicious. As far as cafés go, any and all are great but Cafe Fútbol in Realejo is the most frequented by students, while cafés in Plaza Bib-Rambla have (arguably) the best churros.

Bar & Clubs

Granada may be a small city, but its nightlife has a scene for all types of people. There are too many locations to list, but below are the most popular. Keep in mind, opening times vary depending on the time of year. Some clubs close for the summer, so it’s a good idea to check their Facebook pages before heading out for the night.

1. La Sala El Tren – Hosting some of the biggest names of the bands to come to Granada, this out-of-the-way club is well worth the taxi ride.
2. Mae West – Located on top of a shopping mall, this is one of the most popular clubs for tourists and students. Find the classic euro-student club experience here.
3. Booga Club – A personal favorite, this is a great live music scene for blues, dub and reggae. Many times, the bands you’ll see playing in the streets come here at night.
4. Other reggae/dance clubs in El Centro: Entresuelo, Planta Baja, Afrodisia, Sala Vogue.
5. Calle Pedro Antonio – All along this street, you’ll find bar after bar, each catering to a different crowd. Take a side street and you’ll find Chupitería 69, a student saturated shot bar.
6. El Camborio – if you’re ready for a bit of a hike, this popular club is found on the other side of town in Sacromonte. Lots of students and Spanish pop music here.
7. Irish pubs in town- Hannigan’s and Paddy’s. Mainly Americans frequent Hannigan’s, whereas Paddy’s Pub is a favorite among fútbol fans.
8. Explore for yourself! Although these are a selection of the most popular for students in Granada, there is an endless amount of bars in hidden corners.