Introduction
Granada was our second stop during our Andalusia road trip — right after Seville and a quick day trip to Córdoba. It’s one of those cities that instantly captivates you with its mix of Moorish heritage, Spanish charm, and snow-capped mountain views from the Sierra Nevada.
In this Granada itinerary, we’ll show you exactly how to spend two days in Granada, covering the city’s most famous landmarks and hidden gems at an easy, enjoyable pace. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re coming back to dive deeper, this 2 day Granada itinerary will help you make the most of your stay:
- On Day 1, you’ll discover the Alhambra, Spain’s most visited monument, and spend your afternoon exploring peaceful gardens away from the crowds.
- On Day 2, this Granada itinerary takes you through the heart of the old city — from Andalusian monuments to the vibrant Sacromonte district and its best viewpoints.
We designed this Granada itinerary to help you explore efficiently without rushing. It’s based on our real experience — and honestly, how we wish we had done it if we’d planned ahead. But as always, we didn’t… and that’s part of the fun.
Read: Our complete 10-day Andalusia Itinerary: The best of the south of Spain
Where to Stay
Granada offers a wide range of accommodations — from cozy family-run guesthouses to luxurious palaces with views of the Alhambra. Whether you’re a backpacker or looking for a romantic getaway, there’s something for every travel style and budget.
(€) Hotelito Suecia: A charming budget-friendly hotel just a short walk from the city center. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and some have balconies with beautiful city or mountain views. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for value and a quiet atmosphere.
(€€) NH Collection Victoria: This elegant 19th-century building sits right in the heart of Granada, close to the Cathedral and main attractions. The rooms are modern, the breakfast is excellent, and the location couldn’t be better for exploring the city on foot.
(€€€) Seda Club Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels – Small Luxury Hotels of the World: A luxury boutique hotel combining Andalusian charm with modern sophistication. Located near Plaza de la Trinidad, this hotel offers beautifully designed rooms, refined service, and a rooftop terrace perfect for evening drinks.
Here are all your accommodation options in Granada
Granada Itinerary Day 1
The Alhambra
Introduction
Let’s start this Granada itinerary with the city’s crown jewel — the Alhambra, one of the most spectacular monuments in Spain. It’s the highlight of any 2 day Granada itinerary, and visiting it first thing in the morning is the best way to experience its beauty without the biggest crowds.
Before going, make sure to book your ticket a few days in advance, as access to some areas (like the Nasrid Palaces) is limited to specific time slots. You can buy your ticket online or get the Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Guided Tour for a richer experience.
The Alhambra is not only the most visited monument in Granada, but also one of the most famous in Spain — attracting visitors from Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga on day trips. That’s why planning ahead is key for a smooth visit, especially if you want to see all its sections.
The Nasrid Palaces
Your Granada two day itinerary should always start early at the Nasrid Palaces — the most breathtaking part of the Alhambra complex. This opulent royal residence features intricate Moorish courtyards, stunning reception halls, and peaceful royal quarters that once hosted the Sultans of Granada.
We recommend booking your time slot for 8:30 a.m. and arriving at least 20 minutes early to secure a good spot in line. If you’ve opted for an audio guide, note that it must be picked up near the entrance before entering.
Every corner of the Nasrid Palaces feels like a living piece of art — from the delicate stucco carvings and colorful tiles to the soft light filtering through arabesque windows. It’s truly the soul of this Granada itinerary and one of those places that stay etched in your memory forever.
Tip: Get your ticket in advance or get the Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets
The Partal
After visiting the Nasrid Palaces, continue your Granada itinerary by exploring The Partal, a peaceful and picturesque area within the Alhambra complex.
The Partal Gardens are among the oldest surviving parts of the Alhambra, filled with reflective pools, elegant arches, and quiet paths lined with cypress trees. It’s a lovely place to slow down after the more crowded palace visit and enjoy the view of Granada from above.
As you wander through this section, you’ll see several towers and pavilions, though keep in mind that most of them are only open on special occasions. Even so, the Partal Palace and its gardens are worth taking your time in — it’s one of the most serene spots in this 2 day Granada itinerary.
Visit the Generalife’s Gardens
On your way to the Generalife, the next stop of this Granada itinerary, the former summer residence of the Nasrid rulers, you’ll first walk through its magnificent gardens — a true highlight of any Granada itinerary. The gardens are beautifully arranged with fountains, cypress trees, and flowerbeds, offering peaceful paths and incredible views of the Alhambra across the valley.
If you spot a sunny bench, take a moment to rest and simply soak in the serenity — it’s one of the most relaxing spots in this Granada itinerary.
Tip: Get your ticket in advance or get the Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets
The Generalife
Next on your Granada itinerary is the Generalife, the summer palace and gardens of the Nasrid sultans. On your way there, you’ll pass through the Generalife’s gardens, one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of the entire complex.
These gardens were designed for relaxation — filled with fountains, geometric flowerbeds, and terraces overlooking the Alhambra and the city below. The views from here are absolutely breathtaking, especially on a clear morning when the Sierra Nevada peaks stand out in the distance.
Take your time to stroll slowly through the paths, enjoy the scent of flowers, and listen to the sound of running water — it’s all part of the charm of this Granada two day itinerary. And if you find a sunny bench, sit down for a moment and soak it in. This is the kind of place that makes you want to pause and truly appreciate where you are.
The Promenade of the Tower and Medina
As you continue your Granada itinerary, follow the promenade of the towers and the Medina, a path that gently leads you back toward the Alhambra’s main entrance. This walk is a perfect way to end your visit, combining history, architecture, and panoramic views.
Along the way, you’ll pass the ruins and foundations of the old Medina, which was once a small city within the fortress walls. This area used to house artisans, soldiers, and families who lived and worked inside the Alhambra during its peak. Though only the outlines of buildings remain today, you can easily imagine what life might have been like centuries ago.
It’s a calm and scenic walk that adds depth to your 2 day Granada itinerary, showing another side of the Alhambra beyond its grand palaces — the everyday life that once gave this monumental site its soul.
Tip: Get your ticket in advance or get the Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets
Palace of Charles V
Before leaving the Alhambra complex, make a short stop at the Palace of Charles V, one of the most striking Renaissance buildings in Andalusia and an essential stop in any Granada itinerary.
Commissioned by Emperor Charles V in the 16th century, this palace was intended as a royal residence within the Alhambra but was never fully completed. Its design is fascinating — a massive square on the outside with a perfectly circular courtyard in the center, surrounded by two levels of elegant stone arches. The contrast between the Renaissance style of this palace and the Moorish architecture of the Nasrid Palaces makes it especially unique.
You won’t need much time here — a short 15–20 minute visit is enough to walk around the courtyard, admire the acoustics, and take a few photos. The building also hosts two small museums (the Alhambra Museum and the Fine Arts Museum), which are worth a quick look if you have the time.
Here are all your accommodation options in Granada
The Alcazaba
To wrap up your morning at the Alhambra, make your way to The Alcazaba, the oldest part of the entire complex and a must-see on any Granada itinerary.
Dating back to the 11th century, the Alcazaba served as the military fortress of the Alhambra, protecting the royal palaces and the city of Granada from invaders. As you walk through its ancient walls, towers, and ramparts, you’ll get a sense of the site’s strategic importance — and some of the best panoramic views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The most famous lookout is from the Torre de la Vela, the Watchtower, where you can see the entire city unfold below you. It’s a perfect spot to pause, take photos, and breathe in the history that shaped southern Spain.
The complete Alhambra visit — including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, and Alcazaba — usually takes around 3 hours, but if you take your time wandering, resting in the gardens, and soaking in the views, it can easily stretch to 4 hours or more.
Tip: Get your ticket in advance or get the Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets
Lunch break
After spending your morning exploring the Alhambra, it’s time to relax and recharge before continuing your Granada itinerary.
If it’s around lunchtime, head back toward the city center and stop at Wild Food, a cozy vegan restaurant located inside a boutique hotel. Even if you’re not vegan, this place is absolutely worth it — the food is creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is calm, stylish, and perfect for a mid-day break after hours of walking through the Alhambra.
You’ll find a great mix of plant-based tapas, bowls, and local-inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Pair your meal with a refreshing juice or local wine before continuing your 2 day Granada itinerary.
Wild Food is located conveniently near many of the city’s main attractions, making it an easy and delicious stop before heading out to explore more of Granada in the afternoo
Explore the Alcaicería
Once you’ve had lunch, take a gentle walk through the Alcaicería, one of Granada’s most iconic spots and a must on any Granada itinerary.
Located right in the historic center near the Cathedral, the Alcaicería is a maze of narrow alleyways filled with colorful stalls and souvenir shops. This lively bazaar dates back to Moorish times, when it was the silk market of the Nasrid Kingdom. Today, it still carries that same vibrant energy — with shops selling handcrafted ceramics, lanterns, spices, textiles, leather goods, and other Andalusian treasures.
Even though it’s quite small and can get busy, the Alcaicería is full of charm. You don’t have to buy anything — just stroll through, enjoy the scents of incense and spices, and admire the Moorish-style decor that takes you centuries back in time.
It’s the perfect light stop after lunch and an easy way to experience a piece of Granada’s living history before moving on with your two days in Granada.
Visit the Cathedral and Royal Chapel of Granada
Continue your Granada itinerary with two of the city’s most significant historical landmarks — the Cathedral of Granada and the Royal Chapel of Granada.
The Cathedral, built in the 16th century, is an impressive mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture, showcasing the city’s transition from Moorish to Christian rule. Its grand facade and vast interior make it worth a quick visit, even if you just admire it from the outside.
Right next door stands the Royal Chapel of Granada, a smaller but historically important site. Built in the 15th century, it serves as the burial place of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II, the Catholic Monarchs who completed the Reconquista and financed Columbus’s voyage to the Americas.
Both can be visited separately, with tickets costing around €5 each. If you’re short on time during your two days in Granada, you can simply stop by to appreciate their architecture and historical significance without going inside.
While we didn’t find them the most breathtaking monuments in Andalusia, they are still worth passing through as you make your way through the heart of Granada.
Relax at Carmen de los Mártires
To end your first day in Granada with a peaceful escape at the Carmen de los Mártires, one of the city’s best-kept secrets and a perfect final stop on your Granada itinerary.
Located near the Alhambra, this quiet garden offers a welcome break from the busy streets and tourist crowds. Entrance is completely free, and the place feels like a hidden oasis overlooking the city.
Inside, you’ll find several distinct sections that make it a joy to wander through:
- A French garden with elegant flowerbeds and statues.
- A British-style garden featuring a three-tiered fountain surrounded by palm trees.
- A Nasrid-inspired patio and maze that echo Granada’s Moorish past.
- And a serene lake often visited by peacocks and ducks.
Carmen de los Mártires is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., making it ideal for a late afternoon stroll as the sun begins to set.
Finish the Day with a Flamenco Show
To wrap up the first day of your Granada itinerary, spend the evening experiencing one of Andalusia’s most iconic traditions — flamenco.
Granada has a deep flamenco heritage, especially in the Sacromonte and Albaicín neighborhoods, where the art form has been passed down through generations. You can find intimate performances in cuevas (cave-style venues) that offer an authentic atmosphere and incredible acoustics.
Some of the most recommended places to see a show include:
- La Alboreá – Located right in the city center near Plaza Nueva, this intimate venue offers a passionate, authentic flamenco show without the touristy feel. The dancers, singers, and guitarists perform just meters away from the audience, creating an intense and emotional experience.
- Granada Flamenco Theater – A beautiful setting for a slightly larger production, this theater blends traditional flamenco with a modern stage design. The performances are powerful, elegant, and full of Andalusian spirit.
Each show typically lasts around one hour and costs between €20 and € 30, depending on the venue and whether you choose to include dinner.
Granada Itinerary Day 2
Start at Corral del Carbón
Begin the second day of your Granada itinerary with a visit to the Corral del Carbón, one of the city’s oldest and most fascinating Moorish buildings.
Located right in the city center, this 14th-century structure was originally a storehouse and lodging for merchants trading wheat and other goods. Its name, which means “coal yard,” comes from the time when it was later used by charcoal sellers.
Today, it’s beautifully preserved and offers free entry, making it the perfect quiet stop to start your morning. Step through the impressive horseshoe arch entrance and into the peaceful courtyard — a hidden reminder of Granada’s rich Moorish past.
It’s a short visit, but a great introduction to the day’s theme: exploring the Andalusian monuments that reveal the city’s layered history.
Stroll Through Plaza Nueva & Iglesia de San Gil y Santa Ana
Next on your Granada two day itinerary, make your way to Plaza Nueva, one of the city’s most beautiful and lively squares. Despite its name, it’s actually the oldest square in Granada, built during the Christian reconquest.
The plaza is framed by elegant buildings and bustling cafés — a great spot to grab a quick coffee before continuing your day. The highlight here is the Iglesia de San Gil y Santa Ana, a stunning 16th-century church that adds charm and character to the square with its Mudejar-style bell tower.
Even if the church is closed, it’s worth taking a moment to admire its façade and the view from the bridge nearby, where you can catch a glimpse of the Darro River flowing quietly below. It’s one of those quintessential Granada moments — history, architecture, and atmosphere all blending together. Right there, you can also find a nice little shop selling cookies.
Visit El Bañuelo — Granada’s Ancient Arab Baths
Continue your 2-day Granada itinerary with a visit to El Bañuelo, one of the oldest and best-preserved Arab baths in Spain. For just €5, you’ll get a combined ticket that also includes entry to Palacio Dar al-Horra and Casa Horno del Oro, which you’ll visit later in the day.
Dating back to the 11th century, El Bañuelo was more than just a place for bathing — it was a central part of social life during the Moorish era. People came here not only to wash and relax but also to meet, talk, and even conduct business.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful brick arches, marble columns, and star-shaped skylights that let in soft, magical light — a design that inspired many later hammams in Andalusia. The site is small and can be visited in about 15–20 minutes, but it’s an incredible window into the daily life of Muslim Granada and a must-see for anyone interested in Moorish architecture.
Explore Casa Horno del Oro — A Glimpse into Moorish Daily Life
Your Granada itinerary continues with a visit to Casa Horno del Oro, another stop included in the Andalusian Monuments ticket. This small Nasrid-era house offers a fascinating look at how families once lived during Granada’s Moorish period.
Built around the 15th century, it’s a simple yet elegant residence with a charming courtyard, delicate stucco decorations, and traditional wooden balconies. The house’s design reflects the essence of Andalusian domestic architecture — intimate, peaceful, and centered around light and water.
It doesn’t take long to visit, but it’s worth stopping by to soak in the quiet atmosphere and imagine what life was like here centuries ago. Together with El Bañuelo and Palacio Dar al-Horra, this visit helps bring the Moorish history of Granada vividly to life.
Wander Through Sacromonte — Granada’s Gypsy Quarter
No Granada two day itinerary is complete without exploring Sacromonte, one of the city’s most distinctive and atmospheric neighborhoods. Perched on the hillside opposite the Alhambra, this area is famous for its whitewashed cave houses, or cuevas, carved directly into the rock.
Traditionally home to Granada’s gitano (gypsy) community, Sacromonte is where the vibrant flamenco culture truly comes alive. As you walk along its narrow, winding paths, you’ll find viewpoints overlooking the Alhambra, cozy taverns, and homes that have been transformed into cave museums or intimate flamenco venues.
Here are all your accommodation options in Granada
Admire the View from Mirador de San Nicolás
Your Granada itinerary wouldn’t be complete without visiting Mirador de San Nicolás, the city’s most famous viewpoint. Located in the Albaicín district, this spot offers the best panoramic view of the Alhambra, with the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada rising in the background — a scene that looks like it belongs on a postcard.
The atmosphere here is always lively, with street musicians, local artisans, and travelers all gathered to admire the sunset. It’s especially magical in the late afternoon when the light turns golden and the Alhambra glows in the distance.
Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.
Discover Mirador Placeta de Carvajales
After soaking in the view from San Nicolás, continue your Granada two day itinerary with a little “mirador crawl” — hopping from one viewpoint to another as you explore the upper Albaicín.
Start with Mirador Placeta de Carvajales, a peaceful hidden gem compared to the crowds of San Nicolás. From here, you’ll get another stunning angle of the Alhambra, reflected beautifully in the small pool that sits in front of the viewpoint.
The surrounding area is quiet and charming, full of whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes, and small local cafés. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather and enjoy Granada’s authentic side — away from the tourist rush. Continue wandering uphill or downhill to discover even more viewpoints sprinkled across this historic neighborhood, each offering its own unique perspective of the city.
Visit Palacio Dar al-Horra — A Hidden Gem of the Andalusian Monuments
Wrap up your visit of the Andalusian monuments with the Palacio Dar al-Horra, one of Granada’s most atmospheric historic sites. Meaning “the home of the honest”, this palace was once part of the larger residence of Zirid King Badis and later became the home of Aixa, the mother of Boabdil — the last Nasrid ruler of Granada.
It’s smaller and quieter than the Alhambra but beautifully preserved, with elegant arches, intricate details, and a calm central courtyard that captures the essence of Moorish architecture.
Don’t miss the upper floor — it offers one of the best views of the Alhambra and the Albaicín. The peaceful setting and history-filled walls make it one of our favorite stops in this 2 day Granada itinerary, a perfect place to pause and reflect before continuing your exploration of the city.
Stop by Mirador Ojo de Granada on Your Way Back to Town
As you make your way back down toward the city center, take a short detour to Mirador Ojo de Granada — one of the lesser-known but equally beautiful viewpoints in your Granada itinerary.
This small lookout point offers a more intimate and relaxed perspective of the city, with sweeping views of Granada’s rooftops and the distant Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s usually quiet, making it the perfect spot to take a break, snap a few last photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful vibe after a full day of exploring.
It’s also conveniently located on the way back to the center, so you can easily end your two days in Granada here before heading for dinner or an evening stroll through the lively streets of Albaicín.
Take an Alternative Route — Visit the San Miguel and San Cristóbal Viewpoints
If you still have some energy left in your Granada itinerary, take the alternative scenic route from Sacromonte before heading back to town. This detour will lead you to two more breathtaking viewpoints in the city — Mirador de San Miguel Alto and Mirador de San Cristóbal.
San Miguel Alto is the highest viewpoint in Granada, offering a panoramic view that stretches across the entire city, the Alhambra, and the distant Sierra Nevada peaks. It’s a bit of a climb, but the reward is one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.
On your way back down, stop by San Cristóbal Viewpoint, which gives you a closer, yet equally magical view over the old Albaicín neighborhood and the Alhambra glowing in the evening light. All of those should be enough in your Granada itinerary.
Read: Our complete 10-day Andalusia Itinerary: The best of the south of Spain
About the authors
We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.
We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.
Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.
We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.
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