After the bustle of Barcelona, our next stop was Granada—a city that ended up stealing our hearts. Funny thing is, it didn’t exactly start on the best note.

We had taken an early morning train, leaving around 6:45 AM and reaching Granada by early afternoon. Sleep-deprived but excited, we rushed out of the station and straight into our first little misadventure. Google Maps told us to catch Bus No. 4 towards the Cathedral. As luck would have it, the bus showed up just as we reached the stop. Without checking the direction, we hopped on. A few minutes later, we realized we were heading the wrong way. With our limited Spanish, we couldn’t really explain ourselves to the driver—but a kind elderly gentleman came to our rescue, speaking to the driver on our behalf. Eventually, the driver told us where to get down, and it only cost us an extra five minutes of walking. Not too bad, and honestly, a fun story in hindsight.

Finally, we reached our hotel, which sat right opposite the Cathedral. The location couldn’t have been more perfect, with countless cafés and tapas bars nearby. Our room even had a small balcony overlooking the bustling street below—a sweet surprise after the long journey.

That first evening, we kept things simple. A quick lunch at a nearby café gave us the energy to wander through the streets. We strolled down to Plaza Nueva, walked along the Carrera del Darro, and soaked in the city’s charming old-world vibe. By the time evening fell, we found ourselves back at Plaza Nueva, where a giant Christmas tree was lit up at exactly 6:30 PM. Watching the lights come alive against the backdrop of Granada’s historic buildings was pure magic.

A Day at the Alhambra

The next morning was reserved for Granada’s crown jewel—the Alhambra. We started the day with what turned out to be the best breakfast of our trip at Hotel Inglaterra. Knowing we had a full day of walking ahead, we left early and reached the Alhambra on foot. That’s the beauty of Granada: everything feels close by.

Our timed entry for the Nasrid Palaces wasn’t until 11 AM, so we explored the Generalife gardens first. For two nature lovers, this was paradise. Lush greenery, fountains, and flower-filled courtyards—it felt like stepping into a painting.

The Nasrid Palaces, however, were on another level altogether. Intricate carvings, Moorish arches, and hallways that seemed to whisper stories from centuries past—we were absolutely awestruck. Afterward, we explored the Alcazaba fortress, climbing its watchtowers for panoramic views of Granada. Even under the afternoon sun, the city sparkled below us. We spent nearly four hours wandering through the Alhambra complex, and if it were possible, we would have happily revisited the gardens again.

Albaicín, Sacromonte & Tapas Nights

The afternoon was for exploring Granada beyond the Alhambra. After a quick shawarma lunch near Plaza Nueva, we headed to the Albaicín neighborhood. This was our first real encounter with the whitewashed houses and cobbled stone streets so often pictured in European travel books. Getting lost in its winding lanes was part of the fun, and the reward was waiting at Mirador de San Nicolás—a viewpoint offering a postcard-perfect view of the Alhambra against the Sierra Nevada backdrop.

From there, we walked further into Sacromonte, known for its cave houses. We just managed to catch the Sacromonte Caves Museum before closing, exploring the preserved homes that once belonged to the gypsy community. It was a fascinating glimpse into a very different side of Granada’s history.

That evening, we finally dove into the tapas culture the city is so famous for. We’d read about La Riviera, a buzzing little bar near our hotel, and it did not disappoint. Unlike most places where tapas are chef’s choice, here you get to pick your own. Over a beer and a glass of wine, we dug into fried octopus legs and chicken wings glazed with honey. The place was crowded, noisy, and absolutely perfect—exactly how tapas is meant to be enjoyed.

Looking Back

Granada wasn’t just another stop on our itinerary—it became one of our favorite places of the entire trip. Between the history of the Alhambra, the charm of Albaicín, the character of Sacromonte, and the delicious simplicity of tapas nights, the city had everything we were hoping for and more. What started with a wrong bus ride ended with us falling head over heels for Granada. And honestly, that feels like the most fitting way to experience a city as full of surprises as this one.