"Feel of Old Islam in Spain" Top 5 Page for this destination Granada by Hopkid

Granada Travel Guide: 1,993 reviews and 4,909 photos

Doorway at the Sala de Dos Hemanas, Alhambra

How many traditions and legends, true and fabulous,
how many songs and romances, Spanish and Arabian,
of love and war and chivalry are associated with this romantic pile!

- Washington Irving on the Alhambra

Granada has a totally different feel to it than Sevilla for example. It may have to do with the large university population and that feel is more bohemian, diverse in many ways, and relaxed. Home to the famous Alhambra, where tourists flock by the thousands each year, Granada is a fascinating city that can make the visitor feel like he/she is in old Morocco, such is the strength of the past when Granada was the last outpost of the Al Andalus kingdom and the Nasrid emirate. This is seen most strongly in the architecture of the old Nasrid palace within the walls of the Alhambra, and in the old city streets in the Albayzin and Alcaiceria areas.

Besides the Alhambra, the visitor should also make time to see the grand cathedral (much nicer on the inside than the huge example in Sevilla), the Capilla Real (final resting place of the Catholic monarchs, Fernando and Isabel), and the beautiful Monasterio de la Cartuja. Also be sure to sample the wonderful tapas bars and take advantage of the free plates that come with your drink order.

Main facade of the cathedral on the Plaza de las Pasiegas.

Old world feel in the Albayzin

Pros and Cons

Pros:Shopping in the Albayzin, tapas, architecture
Cons:Crowds, heat in summer
In a nutshell:Great sampling of the old Muslim influence in Europe

Last visit to Granada: Jun 2005
Intro Updated Sep 7, 2005
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Reviews (36)

Capilla Real Things to Do (20)

Spain's Catholic monarches, Fernando and Isabel, commissioned the design and construction of this building for their own... more travel advice

Granada's Cathedral Things to Do (20)

The cathedral in Granada is really a grand affair. From the outside you can get a good idea of its immensity by going to... more travel advice

Plaza Nueva - Center of Tourist Activity - Granada

Plaza Nueva - Center of Tourist Activity Things to Do (20)

The Plaza Nueva is in the center of many of the main attractions in Granada. It's just down the hill from the Alhambra... more travel advice

Alcaiceria - Old World Market Things to Do (20)

This area was the site of a former Muslim silk market and was restored in the 19th century. Today it's filled with... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Update on Gypsies
Favorites (3)
See All Refreshing on a Hot Day!
Transportation (2)
See All Bus to/from train station
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Comments (9)

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BruceDunning Aug 5, 2009 at 3:15 PM

What a wonderful detail description of the city and its sites. Great job of presenting to us.
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mfas2000 May 5, 2008 at 4:42 AM

Nice page..Love the mosque picture in your profile..Those resturant in your list seem very trendy and cultural...love to visit one day soon
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maestrousmc Apr 28, 2008 at 6:25 PM

Great restaurant tips! I've added several for my trip in September.
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mvtouring Sep 4, 2007 at 3:02 AM

Granada has always been one of my favorite spots in Spain. So much to offer. Lovely page you have here ;-)
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easterntrekker Oct 23, 2006 at 5:37 PM

Love your Granada pages ...a place we visited before digital cameras!! Nice pics...
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nicolaitan Jul 31, 2006 at 10:35 AM

super page - great photographs and interesting historical insights. Enjoyed this - thanks for sharing. >~!
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bugalugs Apr 27, 2006 at 1:40 PM

Aeally informative page, and your photographs are really outstanding. Do only tourists drink Sangria?? I really like it :-)
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Dabs Apr 22, 2006 at 2:47 PM

Terrific page on Granada, I think I saved almost the entire page into my DIY guide :-)
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bonio Sep 2, 2005 at 12:59 PM

Excellent tips, can't wait to visit in Jan 06 thankyou