Okay, so I just returned from Granada, and wow, I can't even begin to explain how incredible it was. You hear about places, see pictures online, and think, “Yeah, that'll be nice.” But nothing really prepares you for the reality of strolling through those sun-drenched streets. If you're looking for the best things to do in Granada, I can share my experience, but honestly, it felt more like an unpredictable adventure than a checklist.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, there I was, just wandering the Albayzín neighborhood, which is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses. I think I ended up on the right street only because my phone's GPS gave in and just didn't know where to lead me anymore — typical. At one point, I thought I was going in circles, and I started doubting myself: “Why am I not just looking for the Alhambra like everyone else? What's with this detour?”
But then, out of the blue, I stumbled upon a little plaza called Plaza de San Miguel Bajo. And let me tell you, it felt like stepping into another world. There was a gathering of locals just hanging out, musicians playing flamenco, and the smell of tapas wafting through the air. I honestly wasn't expecting much, but I found myself at this cute little bar called El Taberna. I ordered some jamón ibérico and a glass of red wine. I'm not exaggerating—this jamón was a revelation. It just melted in my mouth. I sat there, soaking it all in, and felt a sense of belonging that caught me completely off guard.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then came the afternoon where I ended up going to the Mirador de San Nicolás. I knew I had to go, but I figured it'd be a quick stop, maybe snap a pic and move on. Wrong. When I arrived, I was greeted with a stunning view. The Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background—just wow. But honestly, it was the vibe that struck me.
As I was standing there, this guy started playing Spanish guitar, and it was just the right soundtrack for that moment. The sun was starting to set, casting a warm glow on everything. I remember thinking, “This is it. This is what traveling is about.” There was a group of strangers sharing laughter over cheap cervezas, and I felt that accidental connection you can only get while traveling.
It made me realize how mundane life could feel back home sometimes, and for a second, everything I worried about felt far away. I even found myself chatting with a pair from London who had similar travel stories. A brief moment of human connection that turned this random afternoon into something memorable.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Now, I wouldn't call myself directionally challenged, but let's just say I've had my fair share of getting lost—especially in a place like Granada. There was this one morning when I set out to visit the Alhambra. I had this grand plan: see the Nasrid Palaces, take a million photos, and leave feeling like I checked off the top item on my list of the best things to do in Granada. But of course, I needed coffee first, right?
So I wander into this café and order a “café con leche.” As the barista was making my drink, I opened Google Maps to get my bearings, and somehow I ended up heading in the opposite direction. I was convinced I could just follow the signs, but then I saw a mujer, an older woman, sitting on her balcony, gesturing to me in Spanish. I wasn't sure what she was saying, but she looked concerned. It suddenly hit me—her gesture meant I was definitely going the wrong way.
Instead of a straight shot to the Alhambra, I ventured into a local market that was bustling with energy and lively chatter. And the smells! Fresh fruits, spices, and the frying of churros. I got lost in there, sampling some morcilla (blood sausage) and buying a flaky pastry that was just out of this world. Honestly, that detour ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. Sometimes getting lost leads you to the best places.
A meal that stuck with me
As my trip progressed, I had dinner at a place called Bodegas Castañeda that I'd read about. Trust me, if you ever go, order the tortilla española. It was a simple dish, just eggs, potatoes, and onions mixed together, but they nailed it. I thought I'd be eating fancy plates, but this dish was like a warm hug. I sat at the bar, surrounded by locals, and it felt so authentic.
And don't get me started on the wine—a rich Grenache that just complemented everything. A couple of college kids from New York sat beside me, and we struck up a conversation. We laughed about our travel misadventures, and in that moment, the world felt smaller and friendlier.
Reflecting on it all
Honestly, my time in Granada felt less like checking off things to do and more like embracing what the city offered. Sure, I saw the stunning Alhambra, but it was the little moments that really stuck—those unexpected detours, the people I met, and the meals that tasted like pure love.
Back at home, I find myself daydreaming about that plaza where I stumbled on music, the warmth of the late afternoon sun, and the feeling of being completely immersed in a culture that felt both foreign and strangely familiar.
So, the best things to do in Granada? Well, it's not just about visiting landmarks; it's about sips of coffee, bites of delicious food, and unexpected moments that touch your heart. I guess that's the magic of traveling. You go without expecting much, and every now and then, you find a little treasure along the way.
And now, sitting here, coffee in hand, I realize the trip will linger long after the coffee cools. It's all still swirling around in my mind, bittersweet and beautiful.
