This post is about what to do and see if you only have one day in Granada. While Alhambra is its greatest draw, Granada is a fabulous destination in and of itself. This city has its own character and charm that you won’t want to miss. Yes, this one day in Granada itinerary is ambitious but doable. It crams some of the best features into one long day, allowing you to experience both the massive Alhambra complex and the city of Granada during your stay. If you have more time, you can slow down, and really experience everything listed here without the strict schedule to move you along. My family spent two days in Granada, and could have easily stayed longer. Be sure to read to the end of this Granada travel guide where I provide an estimate for what this one day in Granada will cost.
The allure of the Alhambra in Granada
If you are anything like me, Granada popped onto your radar only after you decided to visit the Alhambra. So, let’s talk a bit about the Alhambra. Yes, it is truly amazing; It is everything you think it will be, and more. You can easily visit only the Alhambra in one day, and the journey here will be worth it. But you may leave with some regrets once you realize what you are missing by skipping the town below the great Alhambra. And that is just it. Granada can be overlooked by the busy tourist, a hidden gem in Alhambra’s shadow. Yet, it’s a place that would still be awesome, even without the Alhambra complex towering above it. There is so much to see and do, especially if you have only one day in Granada. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in culture and history for a few days while you take in the allure of the Alhambra (because it is there but it is not the only thing that makes this city so unique).
Spend at least one night in Granada
If you can add a night to your Andalusia trip, this is the place to do it. I recommend adding two nights, so you have a full day in between. You can enjoy some of the sights after the day tourists have left and the city gets its second wave. This one day in Granada itinerary offers suggestions from morning till night, just in case you are still hanging around to see the sun go down over the Alhambra. If you stay one night, you can move the late afternoon to night ideas to the day before, and do them the day you arrive.
I recommend staying near Plaza Nueva or in the Albaicin neighborhood. We chose to stay on Plaza Nueva and were really happy with our choice. And if you are looking for a place to stay, my family stayed here.
Morning: One Day in Granada Itinerary
8:00am | Fuel your day with breakfast (eating out in Granada)
If you are staying near Plaza Nueva, consider starting your day in Granada at Cafe Baraka. It’s a cute cafe with yummy food, and just a short walk from Plaza Nueva. Try a tostada with tomato, avocado, or ham. They also have fresh pastries and yogurt and fruit bowls.
If you are staying in the Albaicin neighborhood, grab a bite at Cafe 4 Gatos. Try the Andalusian toast with tomato and olive oil.
9:00am | Head to the Alhambra
Beat the crowds by getting an early start. The Alhambra opens at 8:30am. You can take the small red touristy bus from Plaza Isabela la Catolica, bus C30, if you are staying in the center or near Plaza Nueva. Take bus C32, if you are staying in the Albaicin neighborhood. You can also walk, but these buses are inexpensive and quick little shuttles that will get you to the Alhambra complex. It’s going to be a long day, so if you want to save some energy (you can always walk back down). You can buy your tickets on the bus. Get off at the Gate of Justice stop, or Pta. de La Justica, which is nearest to the Alcazaba (and also really close to the Nasrid Palaces if you are starting your visit there due to your timed entrance).
Photo above: The monument of Isabela la Catolica and Cristobol Colon (also referred to as the statue of the queen) near the new bus stop to Alhambra.
Photo above: The closest bus stop to the Alcazaba. This is NOT the first Alhambra bus stop.
9:30am to 12:30pm | Explore the Alhambra complex
Begin your visit to the Alhambra complex with the Alcazaba and take in the panoramic views. Then, head to the line for the Nasrid Palaces with your timed entry ticket. You need to purchase this in advance and be sure to bring your ID card or passport you provided when you purchased your ticket. A 10am entry time to the Nasrid Palaces gives you some time to see Alcazaba beforehand.
After the Nasrid Palaces, visit the Charles V Palace and Alhambra museums.
Then, make your way to the Generalife gardens. Alhambra tickets are around 20 EUR for the full ticket that includes the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Charles V Palace, and the Generalife gardens. I highly recommend you buy your ticket in advance. If you don’t, allow for more time to purchase your tickets and get off at the first Alhambra stop (not the one closest to the Alcazaba). Also keep in mind that you might not get your preferred entry time to the Nasrid Palaces, or you might miss seeing it altogether if tickets sell out. So really, get these tickets before you go!
Photos of the Acazaba
Photos of the Nasrid Palaces
Photos of Charles V Palace
Afternoon: One Day in Granada Itinerary
1:00pm | Enjoy lunch (eating out in Granada)
Splurge on lunch at Parador de Granada inside the Alhambra complex for Andalusian food while taking in the views of the Generalife Gardens. While a rough estimate, expect it to cost approximately 30 to 50 EUR per person.
If you aren’t looking to spend so much for lunch, but still want amazing views and Andalusian food, enjoy lunch at Restaurante Ruta del Azafran. It is located at the Paseo del Padre Manjon (also called the Paseo de los Tristes). Its location is very close to the Alhambra and its terrace offers the best views. Expect to pay closer to 15 to 25 EUR per person, or less, if you choose one of their set menus. Cuesta de los Chinos is a 15-20 minute downhill path leading directly from the Alhambra to Paseo de los Tristes. Book your table on the terrace in advance, or accept a table indoors where the atmosphere is also nice.
2:30pm | Visit Granada's Cathedral
If eating lunch at Parador de Granada, take the C30 or C32 bus or walk down Cuesta Gomerez path (15-20 min) to the Granada Cathedral. If you ate lunch at Restaurante Ruta del Azafran, walk to the Cathedral via Plaza Nueva. Spend about 30 minutes here admiring the renaissance interior for an entry fee of 6 EUR per person.
3:30pm | Shop at the Granada Alcaiceria
Purchase your souvenirs while visiting Granada’s old silk market, and what is often referred to today as the Moroccan Souk in Granada. This once grand bazaar has been a cultural hub for many centuries and offers visitors a colorful sensory experience while sorting through Moroccan and Andalusian crafts, trinkets, and goods. Exploring the Alcaiceria is free, unless you buy something.
Late Afternoon/Evening: One Day in Granada Itinerary
4:30pm | Explore the Albaicin neighborhood
The Albaicin neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into life in Granada during the heyday of the Alhambra. You can walk up by foot or take bus C31 or C32. Of course, walking around and exploring is part of your experience in this neighborhood, so if the weather is favorable and you are in decent shape, I recommend the walk. You will be rewarded with ever better views of the Alhambra, as you climb up. Exploring the neighborhood is free, unless you buy something.
6:00pm | See the sunset over Alhambra
Make your way to Mirador San Nicolas in time to watch the sunset. This is a popular spot in the Albaicin neighborhood fills up fast, so get their early for the best views. The view is free and local musicians add to the vibe here. Or, watch the sunset with a glass of wine at El Balcon de San Nicolas, just below the viewing platform. Glasses of wine were 5 EUR each when we visited.
Find out in advance when sunset will take place during your visit. You can use Time and Date’s Sunrise and Sunset tool. If you are visiting in the cooler months, sunset should be somewhere around 6pm. In the hottest months, it could be closer to 9:30pm. If you need to swap something around, consider swapping slots with an early Flamenco show.
Photo above: View of Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolas.
Photo above: People gathering at the San Nicolas lookout point to watch the sunset.
Night: One Day in Granada Itinerary
8pm | Moroccan food on Elvira Street (eating out in Granada)
Choose a restaurant serving Moroccan food for tonight’s dinner. Restaurante Arrayanes or Bab Mansour are both excellent choices, and you can eat somewhere in the ballpark of 15-25 EUR per person.
Photo above: The colorful decor at Bab Mansour.
Photo above: Try the Moroccan tea service at Bab Mansour.
10pm | Experience Flamenco in Granada
Finish the night strong with a flamenco show at Cueva Flamencas El Camino, located at the foot of Alhambra. The show with a drink will cost 30 EUR (kids half price). Our family really enjoyed the show here.
Quick List: Book your one day in Granada itinerary
These are the things you can do in advance:
- Book your travel to Granada by bus, train, or rental car. If you are traveling from Seville, see my post of how to travel from Seville to Granada. I also have a post about traveling in Spain on the ALSA buses.
- Book your accommodation through Booking.com, Expedia, or another provider.
- Book your Alhambra tickets online
- Check the time sunset will occur during your stay
- Reserve a table for lunch at either Parador de Granada or Restaurante Ruta del Azafran
- Reserve a table for dinner at either Restaurante Arrayanes or Bab Mansour.
- Book your flamenco tickets for either the early or late show (depending on when you will watch sunset)
These things can wait until you get to Granada:
- Breakfast at Cafe Baraka (near Plaza Nueva) or Cafe 4 Gatos (Albaicin district)
- Purchase your bus tickets or travel card onboard the bus. Single tickets are 1.40 EUR each, but you may be able to save money by purchasing a travel card and loading 5 or 10 EUR on it.
- Purchase your ticket for Granada’s cathedral onsite.
Budget for this one day in Granada itinerary
It’s difficult to provide an exact budget. However, this itinerary is estimated to cost approximately 106-170 EUR, depending on where and what you eat. You can reduce your transportation costs further by walking most places.
This breaks down to:
Activities and entrance fees: 50 to 75 EUR
Meals and snacks: 50-85 EUR
Transportation: 6-10 EUR
These costs are per person. Children will be less expensive as they may be able to enter some sights for free or get highly discounted tickets. And they might eat and drink less.
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