Day 1: The Alhambra & Exploring more of Granada
Morning at the Alhambra
It's your first full day in Granada, and it won't feel complete without visiting the Alhambra, a UNESCO-listed palace and fortress that dates back to the Nasrid Dynasty.
Ticket price: £30 per person (booked via GetYourGuide). We had the English Audioguide included, which you can access via an app - however, we decided to walk around Alhambra at our own leisure so we decided against following the audioguide.
Time slot: You get a set time for the Nasrid Palaces, but the rest of the Alhambra complex can be explored at your own pace.
How much time do you need at Alhambra?
The Alhambra is huge, and you can easily spend from 9am to 6pm exploring. We chose the morning slot, which was ideal because:
✔ Better lighting for photos (afternoons can be too bright).
✔ Less crowded compared to later in the day.
✔ We could enjoy the serene courtyards before they got too busy.
While we paid for an audio guide, we preferred strolling at our own pace. You can also book an English, guided tour, but this will take around 3-4 hours.
Siloé for lunch
After an early start and a morning full of exploring, Siloé is the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and refuel. Grab a table outside, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy a leisurely lunch with great cocktails and delicious small, sharing plates.
Nestled in the heart of Granada, this charming spot offers outdoor seating, making it an ideal setting to soak up the sunshine while enjoying a well-earned lunch.
The menu features a selection of small sharing plates, perfect for a leisurely meal. Pair your food with one of their fantastic cocktails for a refreshing midday treat. Whether you're in the mood for classic Spanish tapas or something a little different, Siloé delivers both flavour and ambience in equal measure.
Exploring the Albacin & Sunset views
Have an evening stroll over to Mirador San Sebastián - it is one of the lesser-known viewpoints in Granada but it makes for a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.
Standing at the top, gazing at the breathtaking mountain peaks, I almost felt as if I had been transported to Italy or Switzerland. There’s something about being surrounded by nature that feels so grounding, making it the perfect place to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of Granada.
Granada’s hilly terrain means the walk-up can be a challenge, so comfortable shoes are a must, but trust me, the view at the top is absolutely worth it!
Top tip: If you prefer dining later, keep in mind that Spaniards typically eat between 9pm and 11pm, so restaurants are much quieter before 8pm.
Make a reservation: La Piccola Carmela is popular among both locals and tourists, so booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you're planning to dine during peak hours!
Day 2: Explore the Centro
After a day of exploring the Alhambra and Albaicín, spend Day 2 discovering Granada’s vibrant city centre (Centro), full of historic landmarks, charming plazas, and lively tapas bars.
Start your morning by immersing yourself in Granada’s vibrant café culture, sip on a rich coffee at a traditional café and watch as the city slowly comes to life. Once you're ready to wander, take a leisurely stroll and browse the local tourist shops. You might even find a few spiritual shops too!
No visit to Spain is complete without trying churros con chocolate, crispy, golden delights best enjoyed dipped in thick, velvety chocolate. Whether for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they’re a must-try Spanish tradition.
Optional add-on: If you have extra time, book a flamenco show in the Sacromonte caves, where you can experience authentic Andalusian dancing in a unique cave setting!
Day trips from Granada
Seville
If you have extra time and want to explore more of Andalusia, why not take a day trip to Seville?
Seville is just 2 hours and 40 minutes from Granada and can be reached by renting a car, taking a train (£40 one-way), or hopping on a bus (£20 one-way, approx. 3 hours). Alternatively, you can book a guided day tour for £66 with Get Your Guide.
Seville is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture like the Real Alcázar de Sevilla and Catedral de Sevilla is a must-see destination!
If you’re fascinated by the Arabic influences in Granada, you’ll find even more to appreciate in Seville. And if you’re craving warmer weather, Seville won’t disappoint!
Málaga
If you’ve read my Málaga travel guide, you’ll know it was the first stop on my trip. I highly recommend visiting Málaga for its vibrant shopping streets, stunning viewpoints, lush parks, and incredible restaurants and bars. The city has a lively, social atmosphere with plenty to see and do, making it a great base if you’re planning day trips to places like Gibraltar or Ronda.
Compared to Granada, Málaga felt much larger yet surprisingly less touristy, although I did visit on a weekend! In my opinion, there’s simply more to experience in Málaga, from its cultural attractions to its buzzing nightlife, making it a fantastic destination for any traveler.
Restaurante Amazonia fine food
If you're looking to treat yourself to a more upscale dining experience in Granada, Restaurante Amazonia Fine Food is the perfect spot. Offering a unique fusion of Thai, Mexican, Spanish, and Argentinian cuisines, this restaurant delivers an exciting mix of flavours that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
The interiors were beautifully designed with a Hawaiian-inspired theme, creating a tropical, cosy, and intimate atmosphere. When we visited, we were the only ones there, which made the evening feel very romantic, almost as if we had booked out the entire restaurant for ourselves.
It’s not the cheapest restaurant in Granada, but the quality of food, service, and experience makes it worth every penny.
Top Tip: If you love red wine, make sure to order a glass (or a bottle!), it was absolutely delicious.
Optional Extra: Spa day at the Hammam Al Andalus
One thing we missed out on (as it was fully booked when we arrived) but would love to experience next time is a spa day at Hammam Al Ándalus, located near the Alhambra. Visiting a spa on holiday is the ultimate act of self-care, so kick back and relax as you move between hot and cold pools, whilst sipping on traditional mint tea in a candlelit setting. After the amount of walking that you will do in 48 hours in Granada, trust me - you will regret not booking this in advance!
Price: £50 per person.
Top tip: Bring a swimming costume as it's required for entry.
Thank you for reading my blog post – The Best of Granada in 48 Hours: A Complete Travel Guide! I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in this incredible city, from breathtaking viewpoints to delicious dining spots.
If you enjoyed this guide, stay tuned for more travel-related blog posts coming soon! In the meantime, be sure to check out my latest blog on the perfect long weekend in Málaga for more Andalusian travel inspiration.
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