Are you thinking of visiting Granada? Visiting this city is, without a doubt, a unique experience that blends history, culture, gastronomy, and incredible landscapes.
Granada is possibly one of Spain’s most complete tourist destinations. Every year, thousands of travellers come drawn by its rich heritage, its atmosphere, and its famous tapas tradition.
If you’re thinking of travelling to Granada, there are a few tips you should keep in mind if you want to enjoy everything this city has to offer.
Granada isn’t visited, it’s felt. At Tablao Flamenco El Albayzín, we want your time in our city to be as deep and moving as a defiant flourish on the boards.
Here’s our ultimate guide:
Footwear is your best ally
If you’re coming to Granada to really “live it”, get yourself some very comfortable shoes and leave the heels or stiff shoes behind. Granada is best explored on foot, and many corners—like the Albayzín neighbourhood—have steep streets with “Granada cobblestones” (small river stones): beautiful, but treacherous. A good pair of trainers with grip will let you go up and down without missing a step.
The Alhambra: book with your heart (and in advance)
If you’re coming to Granada with the intention of seeing the Alhambra, you need to book your ticket well in advance. Tickets for the Nasrid Palaces sell out months ahead. If you miss out, try getting night passes; the lighting and the silence of the Generalife under the moon is a mystical experience.
The tapas ritual: go with the flow
In most bars, you don’t choose the tapa—it’s “assigned” to you. It’s considered a complimentary treat with your drink. That said, in many places you can choose. Don’t just look for the trendy spots; the best gems are in the taverns around Plaza de la Pescadería or the little streets that run down from the Cathedral.
Beyond the San Nicolás Viewpoint
Granada has many viewpoints. Although the most famous is San Nicolás, there are others with plenty of charm, like the San Cristóbal Viewpoint—or look for the Verea de Enmedio in Sacromonte.
Watching the Alhambra turn red from there is priceless.
Flamenco is best experienced up close
If you’re coming to Granada, we recommend you enjoy a Flamenco show. Flamenco is an energy that’s transmitted through closeness. Look for a tablao where you can feel the vibration of the footwork and see the sparkle in the artist’s eyes.
At Tablao Flamenco El Albayzín, that closeness is our reason for being.
Water: the city’s soundtrack
Pay attention to the sound of water. Granada is full of Arab cisterns, fountains, and irrigation channels. A stroll along Paseo de los Tristes at sunset, with the Darro River on one side and the Alhambra above, is the pure definition of “Granada beauty”.
Don’t be afraid of getting lost
The Albayzín is a labyrinth designed to confuse. Put Google Maps away for a while and follow your instincts. The best square, the most flower-filled carmen, or the quietest corner usually appears when you stop looking for it.
Dessert has a name: Pionono
If you’re stopping for an afternoon treat, you have to go to Santa Fe or look for the authentic Piononos in the bakeries in the city centre. It’s a small, sweet bite with a lot of history. It’s impossible to eat just one!
Respect the neighbourhood’s rest
Albayzín and Sacromonte are living neighbourhoods where locals keep centuries-old traditions alive. Enjoy their joy, but remember that the silence in their little streets is part of their charm. Respect their rest so the magic doesn’t break.
The Sierra and the Coast, just a step away
Few cities in the world let you ski in Sierra Nevada in the morning and watch the sunset on the beach in Salobreña or Motril. If you have an extra day, escaping to the mountains or the sea is the perfect contrast for your trip.