When visiting the historic city of Granada in southern Spain, there is so much to consider and so many incredible sights to plan for so that you get the most out of your visit, including sorting out the accommodation. I am here to help you sort out the most important part, where to stay in Granada, Spain.
While it isn’t a huge city, the different areas to stay in Granada differ and some neighborhoods might suit you better than others.
A lot of travelers choose to see Granada in a day and use the city as a base to explore the surrounding nature and towns. Truth is, there are a whole lot of day trips from Granada that are worth it which makes the city a great base for your Andalucia itinerary.
I am sure you want to see both the Alhambra and the historic center if it is your first time in the city, but if you are visiting for a second time, maybe you are more interested in shopping. You might prefer a luxurious stay or you might be on a budget.
Either way, I’m here to help you!
Whether you prefer staying within the winding, cobblestoned streets of Albaycin or near the best shopping areas, this post will help you decide what the best area to stay in Granada is for you.
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HERE ARE MY TOP PICKS FOR WHERE TO STAY IN GRANADA SPAIN
LUXURY: Parador de Granada – Set inside the Alhambra complex, you will stay in a 15th-century convent with a restaurant, family rooms, private parking, and facilities for disabled guests.
MID-RANGE: Áurea Catedral by Eurostars Hotel – a modern and stylish hotel with family rooms and a restaurant on site. It also has private parking.
BUDGET: Palacio de Santa Inés – set in a 16th-century palace in Albaicín, this is a beautiful place to stay with an Andalusian courtyard. There are plenty of restaurants and bars within a short walking distance.
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Where to stay in Granada, Spain
Albaicín – Best area to stay in Granada Spain for first timers
Albaicín is the oldest neighborhood in Granada and also the most charming. The old Moorish area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and without a doubt where to stay in Granada for anyone that wants the authentic Andalusian experience.
there is no better place to take in the spectacular views of the Alhambra than the San Nicolas Viewpoint and narrow cobblestoned streets, whitewashed houses with colorful flowers cascading down the walls embrace you as you stroll around.
There are bars and restaurants as well as Flamenco joints to spend your evenings. Among the top sights in Albaicín, you find the Bañuelo de Granada, Arab Baths from the 11th century, Palacio de los Cordova, and Plaza Larga.
WHERE TO STAY IN GRANADA – ALBAICÍN
MID-RANGE: Hotel Casa 1800 Granada – an incredibly enchanting boutique-style hotel with an inner courtyard.
BUDGET: Palacio de Santa Inés – set in a 16th-century palace in Albaicín, this is a beautiful place to stay with an Andalusian courtyard. There are plenty of restaurants and bars within a short walking distance.
HOSTEL: Oripando Hostel – a super cozy hostel with both shared and private rooms. There is plenty of common spaces to meet other travelers too. Surely one of the best hostels in Granada!
Alhambra – Best place to stay in Granada Spain for seeing the Alhambra
Would you like to stay inside the Alhambra complex? Well, it is possible. There is only one choice and it is the Parador de Granada.
A Parador is a luxury hotel set in a restored historical building. It can typically be a castle, convent, fortress, or palace. If you are looking for unique accommodation on the higher end, this is the one and only place to stay.
The Alhambra is also the best place to stay in Granada for anyone going to the city mainly for visiting the Moorish palace.
WHERE TO STAY IN GRANADA SPAIN – ALHAMBRA
LUXURY: Parador de Granada – Set inside the Alhambra complex, you will stay in a 15th-century convent with a restaurant, family rooms, private parking, and facilities for disabled guests.
Granada Centro – Best area to stay in Granada for shopping and nightlife
Granada Centro is one of the best places to stay in Granada, stretching from the cathedral to Plaza Nueva. This is where you will find shopping, restaurants, and bars in abundance.
But you also have some of Granada’s top attractions at your doorstep, like Granada Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, Bib Rambla Square, and the Alcaiceria.
I really enjoy staying in this area as you got everything nearby, but it is also a short walk to Albaicín and about a 25-minute walk to the Alhambra complex. If you prefer, you can also get on the local bus.
Downtown is without a doubt a little bit more upscale than the other places to stay in Granada Spain and prices are usually a bit steeper than in other neighborhoods in Granada.
BEST AREA TO STAY IN GRANADA SPAIN – GRANADA CENTRO
LUXURY: Hospes Palacio de los Patos – situated in a UNESCO-protected 19th-century palace, this is the ultimate place to stay in Granada Centro with a spa and wellness center, charming courtyard, and private parking.
MID-RANGE: Áurea Catedral by Eurostars Hotel – a modern and stylish hotel with family rooms and a restaurant on site. It also has private parking.
BUDGET: Hotel Macià Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites – a lovely and clean hotel with a rooftop pool with views. the hotel also has a spa and wellness center, fitness room, and private parking.
Sacromonte – best neighborhood to stay in Granada in a CAVE DWELLING
Known as Granada’s Gypsy Quarter, Sacramento is one of the most iconic places to stay in Granada Spain with its old cave dwellings.
It is situated above the Albaicín neighborhood and is one of the best places to stay in Granada Spain for anyone looking for something cultural.
Among the top attractions are the Cave Museum and the Flamenco joints. This is a little further away from the city center, but if you are drawn by the mystics of the Andalusian cave dwellings and Flamenco shows there is no better place to stay.
If you have never stayed in a cave house before, I really recommend it as it’s an experience of a lifetime! I love how they keep the temperature pleasant so whether you visit Granada in winter or in the summer, the temperatures inside are comfortable.
BEST AREA TO STAY IN GRANADA SPAIN – SACROMONTE
CAVE HOTEL: Cuevas El Abanico – a fantastic opportunity to stay in a cave house! The hotel offers 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom cave houses for 2-6 persons.
Realejo – stay in the most trendy area of Granada
When you might think you have figured out where to stay, Granada hides one more neighborhood worth looking into. Realejo is the old Jewish Quarter in Granada and home to many authentic tapas bars with cool, shady terraces.
Among the top sights in Realejo are the Palace of La Casa de los Tiros, Museo Sefardí, the Palace of Los Condes de Gabia, and the former mosque, the Church of San Cecilio. The neighborhood is also home to epic street art!
Realejo might be the lesser-known among the top places to stay in Granada, but should not be underestimated. Its steep, winding streets hide history long forgotten from when the Jews settled long before the Moors as the synagogues and other traces of the Hebrews were demolished during the reconquest.
BEST AREA TO STAY IN GRANADA SPAIN – REALEJO
MID-RANGE: Gar Anat Hotel Boutique – a beautiful boutique hotel from the 17th century. It is within easy walking distance from Granada’s attractions.
BUDGET: Palacio De Los Navas – a lovely, light boutique-style hotel with an enchanting inner courtyard.
Reflections on the best areas to stay in Granada Spain
When looking for where to stay, Granada Spain has a wealth of cool locations to choose from. With the above tips and recommendations, I hope you have found the spot that attracts you the most.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Albaicín, but much so because I just love the really old Andalusian neighborhoods.
While you are in the city, make sure you check out some of these awesome day trips from Granada.
Happy travels!
