5 Incredible Areas & Top Hotels
Planning your Andalusian adventures? Then hop on this guide on where to stay in Granada, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain!
I visited Granda not long ago and fell in love with the culture and architecture, and of course came back with lots of tips on how to best visit this city! So read this post and you’ll find the 5 best areas to stay for tourists and a list of amazing hotels for all pockets, that I listed from most to least expensive.
I handpicked all the hotels and only included the ones with top reviews, so you needn’t worry, you’re in good hands.
In short, El Centro is the best area in Granada, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions, fantastic restaurants, and great hotels. But as I mentioned there are 4 more areas waiting for you, if you’d prefer something else.
Definitely book your hotels in Granada In advance, this is one of the most visited cities in Spain and the good places always sell out fast.
If you are in a hurry
If you want to book now, don’t waste any time, quickly look at this list which has the best hotels all located in El Centro Sagrario:
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas that I will be talking about in this post:
1. El Centro Sagrario – best place to stay for first-timers
Start your incredible adventures in El Centro, and get ready to get lost on the beautiful streets and visit iconic attractions.
Although you’ll find many contemporary elements in Granada’s city center, you’ll still feel that authentic old local vibe that reigns over the city.
This is the best area to stay in the city if you’re not the kind of person who goes back to the hotel once the sun goes down! The vibrant city centre has lively nightlife with people roaming the streets until late, looking for a bar to enjoy some drinks!
But that’s not the only thing that makes El Centro so sought by tourists. There are lots of amazing things to see here like the Granada Cathedral with its Royal Chapel, which has a traditional Spanish Renaissance style, Palacio de la Madraza and Fuente de los Gigantones Square (map).
On the days when it gets super hot, head over to the lush Botanical Garden of the University of Granada (map) where you can hide under the ancient trees and get a breath of fresh air!
El Centro Sagrario is also pretty close to the Pajaritos area (around a 20 min walk away), which is home to the train station of Granada, so in case you’re coming by train, staying here might be super convenient for you!
Luxury hotel
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping in a UNESCO-protected 18th-century building? Because now it’s possible! This hotel, which is just a short walk away form the main sights, has one of the most beautiful gardens where you can enjoy some peace and quiet, and there’s also a spa that offers Turkish baths.
Other accommodation options in El Realejo
mid-range
With a homie and cozy design, this boutique hotel offers contemporary rooms, a buffet breakfast, and free Wi-Fi
budget
This centrally-located hotel has some amazing rooms with private bathrooms and a flat-screen Tv
airbnb
Enjoy a relaxing time in front of the fireplace of this El Realejo apartment that has 2 rooms and a kitchen
Things to do in El Centro Sagrario
- Mingle with the local people in the bars and enjoy the city’s nightlife
- Eat some tapas at Tocateja (map)
- Visit Palacio de la Madraza in Granada city center
- Admire the architecture of the San Jerónimo Monastery
- Relax in the Fuente de los Gigantones Square
- Hide from the sun in the Botanical Garden of the University of Granada
- Admire the architecture of the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel
- Check out Parque De Las Alquerías (map) in the Camino de Ronda area
2. El Albaicin – where to stay in Granada for the views
Old, historical places get me in such a good mood! I don’t know about you, but when I visit a neighborhood as rich in culture as El Albaicin, it’s like I’m transported to another universe!
This picturesque area lies in the hills, just north of Granada’s city centre (around a 30 min walk away), and it faces the impressive Alhambra fortress (which I’ll talk about soon, so stay tuned).
El Albaicin dates back to medieval Moorish times, and you can see that pretty much everywhere you go!
The atmosphere is so magical here, and there’s a bohemian vibe roaming around the hilly streets. That’s why lots of artists come here, probably to get inspired by all the beauty around!
El Albaicin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has so many attractions that you should check out like Palacio de Dar al-Horra, which used to be the residence of a Nasrid queen!
There are also lots of cool places where you can catch some scenic sunsets in this area, like Mirador Ojo de Granada (map), San Nicolas Viewpoint (map) and Mirador de la Lona (map). All offer incredible views of the city.
Make sure you also head on a walk on Gran Vía de Colón (map), a gorgeous tree-lined street that has so many iconic buildings with gorgeous architecture!
For those who want to dive deeper into Spanish culture, I highly recommend catching a flamenco show at Flamenco Granada – Tablao Jardines de Zoraya, where they also have a terrace and a restaurant, perfect for some drinks after the show.
Luxury hotel
Travel back to the Middle Ages in Granada with this luxurious hotel that has a prime location just within walking distance of the attractions! The authentic design of this former 16th-century convent will leave you breathless. Eat a traditional meal in the restaurant (which looks like a museum), and end your day with a relaxing Turkish bath.
Other accommodation options in El Albaicin
mid-range
Enjoy views of the Alhambra from the modern rooms of this hotel that is set in an 18th-century building
budget
Stay in a great hotel that offers amazing city views, a romantic design, and spacious rooms with a balcony
airbnb
You can’t beat the stunning sights of the city from this trendy place that has a patio, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
Hotel Casa 1800 – Here’s another amazing mid-range hotel in the area, where I stayed when I visited Granada. I loved spending time in the charming backyard and found the staff to be so friendly! The rooms are super spacious and have such a unique decor!
Things to do in El Albaicin
- Catch a sunset at El Mirador de San Nicolas
- Admire the beautiful Palacio de Dar al-Horra
- Visit the historic Muralla Nazari en el Alto Albaicin (map)
- Snap a pic of the Arco de las Pesas monument (map)
- Explore the Plaza de Toros de Granada in the Beiro area
- Shop for souvenirs on Calle Elvira (map)
- See Granada’s top attraction, the Fajalauza Gate (map)
- Attend a Flamenco show at Flamenco Granada
3. El Realejo – where to stay in Granada for art lovers
Welcome to the city’s former Jewish Quarter, a place that art lovers will enjoy exploring all day long!
Located south of El Centro Sagrario, around a 7 min walk away, this neighborhood is filled with so much street art and some unique Moorish buildings.
Most of it was done by Raul Raiz, or “El Nino” a famous local painter who has turned El Realejo into one of the best areas for art lovers to stay in the city.
You can find some of his work on C. Molinos (map) and then some other pieces made by a different artist on Calle Sta. Escolástica (map), but those are just some of the places. I’d recommend exploring the area at length so you can check out all of them!
El Realejo is a vibrant neighborhood with all the things I love, good art, old architecture, and a friendly atmosphere, especially at night! If you’re looking for where to stay in Granada to find the best tapas bars in Spain, you’ve come to the right place.
Taberna La Tana (map) is a fab place to start the night, in the Old Jewish Quarter! Order some cocktails, tapas and enjoy the vibe!
The area is also home to some cool attractions like the Fuente de las Batallas (map), Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo, where you can take some stunning pics, Plaza Isabel La Católica (map) and the Moorish Corral del Carbón building (map).
Luxury hotel
Enjoy a glass of sangria on a Friday night while chilling on the panoramic terrace of this hotel that boasts incredible views of the city! The accommodation offers a spa center where you can decompress after a day of exploring Granada, quadruple rooms and a yummy (free) breakfast.
Other accommodation options in El Centro
mid-range
Such a great hotel that offers comfortable apartment rental, with a kitchen and a lounge area
budget
Have a drink on the rooftop terrace of one of Granada’s best affordable hotels that has cozy rooms and a restaurant
airbnb
This modern and spacious apartment offers great sights of the city center from the balcony and has free Wi-Fi
Things to do in El Realejo
- Admire the street art on C. Molinos
- Enjoy some tapas at Taberna La Tana
- Snap some pics at Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo
- Visit the Moorish Corral del Carbón building
- Go for a walk in the Bola de Oro area
- Cool off at Fuente de las Batallas
4. Alhambra – best place to stay in Granada for history
Alhambra is one of Spain’s most beloved jewels!
Located around a 30 min walk away from Centro Sagrario, the area surrounding the palace is the perfect place to stay in Granada, Spain for those who want to visit the complex (maybe multiple times) and just be as close to it as possible).
You can even stay at a hotel inside the complex, but more on that later!
Although this is not like an official neighborhood, I wanted to make it its own area, since there are a few places to stay right near the complex and there are also some other attractions that you can visit like Manuel de Falla House Museum (map) and Carmen de los Mártires gardens (map).
For anyone who doesn’t know much about this place, Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved palaces in the world that boasts incredible Islamic architecture and some Spanish Renaissance Architecture too.
The complex is home to different palaces, dreamy courtyards with fountains, gardens and so many other incredible things! Visiting Alhambra is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll never forget!
I’d recommend booking your tickets here in advance, though. This is one of the most visited attractions in the country, and everything sells out super fast.
Luxury hotel
Stay inside the Alhambra Palace at this hotel that’s housed in a former convent! Boasting stone archways, beamed ceilings and rooms with antique furnishings, this place is definitely a keeper! The hotel also has a restaurant with a terrace that overlooks the Alhambra gardens.
Other accommodation options in Alhambra
Mid-range
Set on the grounds of the Alhambra, this hotel has vintage design and a sun terrace
Budget
Enjoy the stunning mountain views from this hotel set near the palace
Airbnb
A great hotel with comfortable rooms, air-conditioning and great views
Things to do in Alhambra
- Visit the iconic Alhambra Palace
- Explore the Carmen de los Mártires gardens
- Check out the Manuel de Falla House Museum
- See the beautiful Generalife Museum
- Admire the views from Vista Panorámica Silla del Moro (map)
5. Sacromonte – where to stay in Granada for culture
Want to dive deeper into the Flamenco culture and see a more secluded part of Granada? Maybe discover its more authentic side?
Then Sacromonte is definitely the area for you! Located a 30 min walk away from the El Centro Sagrario, this neighborhood offers incredible views of both the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Sacromonte is more of a village that has lots of cave houses and Flamenco clubs! If you want to learn more about the art of this iconic dance, I highly recommend staying or exploring this area, as there are usually nightly flamenco shows here and even guitar and dance courses.
If you want to watch some shows head over to Zambra María la Canastera or Cueva la Rocio! Both offer incredible shows.
There are also some cool attractions that you can check out here like Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte where you can see how people used to live in these cave houses back in the day and the Mirador de la Lola (map) where you can catch a breathtaking sunset!
Luxury hotel
Enjoy the sun by the outdoor pool of this accommodation that offers amazing views of Alhambra Palace. The hotel offers different apartments that have so much space, a little kitchen and some even come with a private balcony that overlooks the palace.
Other accommodation options in Sacromonte
Mid-range
Stay in a original cave house at this boutique hotel that has a kitchenette and a patio
Budget
Here’s a more affordable hotel set in a cave house that offers free breakfast and air-conditioning
Airbnb
This great apartment offers amazing views, 2 rooms, a private balcony and free parking
Things to do in Sacromonte
- Watch a flamenco show at Zambra María la Canastera
- Visit the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte
- Catch a sunset at Mirador de la Lola
- Enjoy the views over the Alhambra Complex
FAQs about where to stay in Granada
📅 How many days do you need in Granada?
I think 4 or 5 days should be enough to see Granada’s best attractions and enjoy this beautiful city in Southern Spain. Personally, I don’t think coming for a weekend will give you enough time.
🤔 What is there to do in Granada besides Alhambra?
There are tons of other exciting things to see in Granada, like the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada Cathedral, all the amazing plazas of El Albaicin, and the street art in El Realejo.
⛰️ What is the best neighborhood to stay in Granada?
El Centro Sagrario is one of the best areas to stay in while visiting Granada! There you’ll find some of the main sights and great hotels like Hospes Palacio de los Patos.
🏨 What are the best hotels to stay in Granada?
👩👦 Where to stay in Granada for families?
El Albalcin is a great area for families as it’s pretty close to Downtown Granada but not as busy and great hotels for you and the whole family (even toddlers) like Bibo Suites.
💓 Where should I stay close to Alhambra?
🚶Is Granada a walkable city?
Yes, Granada is a walkable city, with lots of compact and pedestrian-friendly streets.
🌜Is it safe to walk at night in Granada?
Yes, Granada is a safe city to explore at night but avoid secluded areas and be mindful of your belongings, as usual.
📅 What is the best month to visit Granada?
The best time to visit Granada is either from May to June when the temperatures are just right or from September to October.
🚏 Where should I stay in Granada without a car?
El Centro Sagrario, El Albaicín, El Realejo are some of the best places to stay in Granada without a car.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Granada
What an incredible city, I had such an amazing time exploring it and I’m sure you’ll feel the same!
I hope that this guide on where to stay in Granada gave you an idea of how to best plan your trip!
I included the top-notch hotel recommendations I found and I’d recommend booking them in advance, as this city in the Andalusia region is super popular!
If you need some help picking your hotels, here are my top 2 favorite ones, both set in El Centro Sagrario:
Have a wonderful holiday and don’t hesitate to ask me questions in the comment section below, if you have any. Since I’ve already been to Granada, I can definitely help you out!
Safe Travels,
Yulia
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