Granada in two days

You just woke up and you're about to see one of the most visited monuments in the world, so treat yourself to a good breakfast. In and around the Bib-Rambla square, you have historic cafes where you can try the typical chocolate with churros, or other lighter options if the weather is warm.Booking tickets for the Alhambra in advance is the best thing to do to optimise your time – here we explain it to you in detail. If you enjoy walking, go ahead and walk to the entrance, up the hill where this impressive monumental ensemble sits. The walk will take you about 20 minutes. You have two options: from the Paseo de los Tristes, walking the walls of the Alhambra along the Cuesta del Rey Chico; or along the Cuesta de Gomérez, from the Plaza Nueva, an option with less slope and a pretty alameda park. If you prefer to save your strength, take a bus to Plaza de Isabel la Católica, where you can admire the beauty of the Court of the Lions and Court of the Myrtles, the Nasrid palaces, the gardens of the Generalife, the Alcazaba or the Palace of Charles V are at least three hours away. Once you leave, the descent towards the city centre while you absorb the masterpiece you have just visited will be particularly pleasant.

As it will already be an ideal time for lunch, join in on the Granada custom of going from bar to bar to enjoy the variety of tapas (hot or cold appetisers) that are usually served as a courtesy to accompany your drinks. You will discover popular flavors such as 'potato crumbs' with engañifa and egg, tripe, beans with ham, 'poor man's potatoes', pescaíto frito (fried fish) or typical cured meats, sausages and cheeses. You can go for tapas around the Romanilla and Pescadería squares since they are very close to your next destination: the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel of Granada, where the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs is located. The Renaissance-era dome of the religious monument, its baroque façade and its altarpieces and paintings are a can't-miss. Plus, its uninterrupted visiting hours will allow you to set aside the rest of the afternoon to head along the Carrera del Darro towards one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city.

Before getting lost among its narrow cobbled streets, squares and white houses, make a stop at the House of Zafra. It is a Nasrid construction from the 14th century and is currently home to the Albaicín Interpretation Centre. There, through illustrations and interactive panels, you can learn about the history of this neighborhood which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Taking in the panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada, the Generalife and the Alhambra from a viewpoint is a tradition all its own. The most famous and most popular place for a sunset is San Nicolás, but in the Albaicín, you have other options such as the nearby viewpoint in the gardens of the Granada Mosque or the San Cristóbal viewpoint, a few streets further up.You can bid the day farewell by buying some souvenirs and having dinner on Elvira Street, which marks the perimeter of the Albaicín. You will find a curious multicultural blend of dishes, with restaurants mainly serving local cuisine and Arabic cuisine.

You are in the homeland of one of the literary geniuses of the 20th century, so we recommend you start the day with the Lorca route that leads you through the city of Granada. It begins in the Federico García Lorca House Museum in Huerta de San Vicente, the place where he worked on writings such as Yerma, Blood Wedding and Gypsy Ballads. The itinerary also includes the Federico García Lorca Centre, a cultural institution dedicated to the dissemination of Lorca's literary works; the old El Rinconcillo gathering, which today is part of the Chikito restaurant; the Manuel de Falla House Museum, home of the composer and great friend of the poet; and the Plaza de los Aljibes de la Alhambra.

It's time to eat, and surely you still have yet to try delicious dishes such as zalamandroña, a vegetable and cod salad typical of Granada, eggplants with honey, Sacromonte tortilla and Granada remojón.After a day and a half of pleasant but intense tours of the city, it's likely that your body will need a plan to relax and unwind. Naturally, the mark of Granada's Andalusian past is still alive in one of the healthiest customs of the time, the hammams, or Arab baths.  The Al-Andalus baths, next to the famous Paseo de los Tristes; the Al-Haram baths, in the historic centre; the Elvira baths or the Comares Palace baths are some options where you can book in advance, relax and travel back in time through their exquisite decoration. 

After the baths, you will be in good shape to head towards Sacromonte, another of the essential neighborhoods of Granada. You have the option of walking for about 30 minutes or taking a bus from Plaza Nueva to the Abadía del Sacromonte, a temple from the late 16th century with an interesting permanent exhibition that includes a painting by Goya. The next recommendation is to visit the Sacromonte Visitor Centre, an ethnographic museum that recreates the living conditions and traditional trades of the former inhabitants. To round it all off, don't hesitate to choose one of the emblematic caves where you can enjoy the duende, or spirit, of live flamenco while you dine. Some of the most authentic shows are the zambras, where a gypsy wedding is staged in a circle, creating an emotional closeness with the audience. It has only been 48 hours, but you surely already 'keep Granada in your heart'.