Home Travel An Insider’s Guide to Where to Stay in Granada in 2023 – The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

An Insider’s Guide to Where to Stay in Granada in 2023 – The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

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An Insider’s Guide to Where to Stay in Granada in 2023 – The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

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Where to stay in Granada? For such a small city, there are a lot of amazing options! Do you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time in the picturesque, whitewashed “village” of the Albaicín? Maybe you prefer five-star luxury at the city’s stunning Parador? Or perhaps a more bohemian bed and breakfast downtown, or one of Granada’s many excellent budget hotels?

Granada’s gem, the Alhambra

Having stayed in Granada countless times for work and pleasure over the past several years, I’m highly familiar with its accommodation options.

There are a lot of great places to stay in Granada at a variety of budgets—that’s the most important thing! But there are many differences when it comes to location and the general vibe. And since Granada is a small city, booking in advance is highly recommended (especially in the high season from March to October).

So whether you’re here for one night to visit the Alhambra, or you’re staying for a couple of weeks to explore the area, this guide on where to stay in Granada will help you choose the perfect accommodation.

Where to Stay in Granada’s Historic Center

One of the best areas to stay in Granada is undoubtedly the historic city center. When I lived in Granada (back in 2007!) I considered the center to be everything from the Plaza Nueva down to Camino de Ronda. It includes the area around the cathedral and the beautiful Plaza de Bib-Rambla, where you’ll find my favorite café for churros.

While arguably the most touristy part of town, the center is a great place to stay; it’s convenient and right in the middle of the action. As for food, traditional bars offering Granada’s famous tapas (which come free with each drink) are scattered among its winding streets and alleyways.

The ornate facade of the Granada Cathedral, with a bell tower in the background
Granada’s ornate cathedral
A bride and groom sitting on the stairs outside of the cathedral in Granada
Not a bad place to get married!
A sculpted fountain in the Plaza de Bib-Rambla, illuminated at night
Plaza de Bib-Rambla, one of Granada’s prettiest squares

Where to Stay: You’re spoiled for choice in this historic part of the city, as it’s filled with both beautifully restored and newly remodeled hotels and apartments that have a uniquely local personality.

Recommended: Hotel Casa 1800 is a truly incredible boutique hotel in between the center and Albaicín. It can be pricey (but worth it!) in the high season, and is a true steal in the low season.

For location, try the NH Collection Victoria, which is as central as a hotel in Granada can be. I stayed here with my parents once, and while it was slightly noisy at night, the location more than made up for it.

An elegant hotel room with a balcony and views of Granada's historic buildings
Now that’s luxury. Photo credit: Hotel Casa 1800

Where to Eat: Calle Navas is full of touristy restaurants and Spanish students, but Bar Los Diamantes is well worth the detour for its incredible fried fish and seafood tapas, served free with every drink. Don’t let the crowds scare you—squeeze in and order a couple of Alhambra beers.

For more recommendations, check out my Granada Gastro Guide—full of my personal picks for where to eat in Granada!

Where to Drink: One of my favorites is the classic Bodegas Castañeda: a true Granada institution in every sense of the word. The tapas aren’t the highlight here (please don’t judge paella based on their version!) but the local wines and ambiance are unbeatable.

Several older men stand at a bar with legs of cured ham hanging above it
Bodegas Castañeda, a true “old man bar”

Where to Stay in the Albaicín

This is the part of Granada that I’d choose if I were staying here for an extended period of time, or if I just wanted something completely different for my trip. It’s pure magic—not to mention a UNESCO World Heritage site!

However, the Albaicín has its pros and cons. While gorgeous and unique (and home to some great boutique hotels), it’s a bit of a hike from many of Granada’s top sights, bars, and restaurants. And watch out: the cobblestone streets can be slippery!

A view of Granada's Albaicín neighborhood from above, full of whitewashed houses and trees
The Albaicín as seen from the Alhambra
A woman and child walk down a cobblestone street between whitewashed buildings in the Albaicín
The windy, hilly streets of the magical Albaicín

Where to Stay: When I’ve stayed here in the past I’ve always gone for a week-long apartment rental, but there are also plenty of quaint bed and breakfasts.

Recommended: One highly recommended spot is the three-star Palacio de Santa Inés. And if boutique luxury isn’t within your budget this time (it generally isn’t for me!), there are some wonderful and affordable apartment rentals to choose from.

Whitewashed buildings, tiled roofs, and a palm tree in the Albaicín
The view from my last apartment rental in the Albaicín—not too bad, huh?

Where to Eat: Eating in the Albaicín is all about the views—which angle of the Alhambra would you like to enjoy? One of my favorites is Carmen Verde Luna, which has not only awesome views but also great local cuisine.

Read More: Top tourist attractions in Granada that are worth the hype!

Where to Drink: Bar Lara is a traditional Spanish terraza in one of the Albaicín’s most charming plazas. It’s not known for its food or service, but if you come for a couple of beers while relaxing in the warm Andalusian sunshine, I guarantee you’ll love it as much as I do.

People sitting at tables under umbrellas in a traditional square in Granada
A traditional Granada terrace—heaven on earth!

Where to Stay in the Alhambra

There’s only one place to stay that’s actually inside of the spectacular Alhambra complex, and that’s the Parador de Granada. This former monastery is absolutely stunning, and I’d love the opportunity to sleep here one day!

Read More: Top 10 things to see in Granada (including tips for visiting the Alhambra)

One of the buildings of the Alhambra, with intricate archways and a small pool in front
Can you imagine staying inside the Alhambra complex?
A long fountain in a courtyard of the Alhambra with a building in the background
The Alhambra alone is worth the trip to Spain!
The inside of a building in the Alhambra, with high windows and ancient tile fragments
Pure magic

Where to Stay in Realejo

Realejo is the old Jewish quarter, and definitely one of the best areas to stay in Granada. Nestled in between the busy city center and the Alhambra, this historic district is filled with some of the best and most authentic Granada tapas bars.

Realejo also has a great street art scene! Don’t miss the murals by “El Niño de las Pinturas.” This is an area I frequent when staying in Granada (mostly for its awesome nightlife—it’s chock-full of bars and restaurants), and a place I’d love to explore more of during the day. 

A wall full of colorful murals and street art beside a cobblestone staircase
Street art in Granada

Where to Stay: There’s no shortage of awesome places to stay in Granada’s Realejo neighborhood. From luxury hotels to budget options, this area offers a prime location and great nightlife.

Recommended: Gar Anat Boutique Hotel is one of the city’s best places to stay for a touch of luxury and total sense of place. Other cheaper options are the quaint Carmen Real del Realejo, a fantastic bed and breakfast with an outdoor pool and terrace, and Palacio de los Navas, a gorgeous boutique hotel set in a restored 16th-century palace.

Where to Eat: Bar Avila is one of Granada’s gems, with delicious tapas and a totally local ambiance!

Close-up of meatballs in an orange sauce with fried potatoes on the side
Meatballs in a delicious sauce
Small slices of bread topped with goat cheese and pear, with potato chips on the side
Tapas in Granada? Yes, please!

Where to Drink: One of my favorite bars in all of Granada is Taberna La Tana. It’s tiny, but if you can squeeze in, be prepared for an impressive wine selection and awesome tapas!

Read More: Salud! Top Wine Bars in Granada

Where to Stay in Sacromonte

This magical part of Granada is located above the Albaicín district. Although it’s just a short walk from the center (about 20 minutes to the closest part), it feels much more remote. I recommend you take the time to wander around, ignore the touristy shops and restaurants, and make your way up to the beautiful Sacromonte Abbey—well worth the hike.

Where to Stay: Many people are lured in by the idea of staying in one of Sacromonte’s famous cave dwellings. There are a few that have been made into nice guest houses, though I personally would rather stay closer to the center. If you must, they say Cuevas el Abanico is the place to stay!

FAQs on Where to Stay in Granada

What’s the best part of Granada to stay in?

It depends on your preferences, but I generally recommend staying in the historic center or the Realejo neighborhood. These areas are centrally located and full of great tapas bars!

How many days should I spend in Granada?

I could spend weeks exploring Granada, but a few days is generally enough time to see the main sights. I would suggest spending at least two days here, or a full week if you also want to discover the surrounding area.

Is Granada walkable?

Yes! Granada is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot. Just keep in mind that it’s also quite hilly, especially if you want to walk around the Albaicín or up to the Alhambra.

What’s the best time of year to visit Granada?

I would recommend visiting Granada outside of the main tourist season, ideally in the spring or fall. May, June, September, and October tend to offer nicer temperatures and smaller crowds than the busy summer months.

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