Where to stay in Granada: best areas and neighborhoods

Granada, a wonderful city in Andalusia in southern Spain, is a place that knows how to make anyone who visits fall in love with it. There are so many attractions and places of interest to explore, such as the wonderful Alhambra, and they are mainly located in the centre of Granada, one of the best areas to stay. In this city you can get to know Andalusian traditions and experience a truly unforgettable holiday.
Here are all our tips on where to sleep in Granada!

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Granada

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Not recommended areas: Granada is a safe city. From a tourist point of view, it is better to avoid districts that are too peripheral due to the limited tourist offer and travel times by public transport.

If you are visiting Granada for the first time or are only staying in the city for a few days, the best solution is to sleep in the historic centre, or Centro-Sagrario, close to the main attractions. Unfortunately, this is also the most expensive area to stay. Another great area to stay, especially if you are traveling on a high budget and are looking for tranquillity, is the Generalife district, which is the hill where the Alhambra is located.

If you are looking for nightlife, the best neighbourhood to stay is Realejo. A great alternative is Beiro, the university district of Granada. Besides being very lively, both day and night, it also has accommodation at very affordable prices! Along with Beiro, Zaidin is also a great neighbourhood if you are on a budget, located south of the historic centre.

Finally, if you are traveling with your family, we recommend Centro-Sagrario, Generalife, Albaicín and Ronda. Albaicín is the most authentic neighbourhood in Granada, while Ronda is a wonderful residential neighbourhood.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Granada. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

If you are in Granada for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com

Centro-Sagrado, Best for First-Timers

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• Pros: Right in the action, walkable, top sights
• Cons: Can be pricey, busy vibes
• Main attractions: Cathedral, Alhambra
• Average prices: From €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

The Centro-Sagrado neighbourhood is the best area to stay in Granada. Here you will find the main attractions of the city, such as the Cathedral, the Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo and, within walking distance, the Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo and the Alhambra. The beating heart of the city, the beautiful and lively Plaza Nueva is also here. Finally, staying here will make it easy to get around on foot.

It is a neighbourhood suitable for everyone, albeit one of the most expensive areas, but you can find offers and very affordable accommodation! If you are traveling with your family and are looking for quieter areas, then we recommend that you look for accommodation in the streets around the Catedral de Granada, which are lively during the day but really quiet in the evening.

Recommended Accommodation

Generalife, Elegant and Luxury

• Pros: Unbeatable views, exclusive vibe, close to the Alhambra
• Cons: Super pricey, few options
• Main attractions: Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, short walk to the Cathedral
• Average prices: From €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Generalife is a very small neighbourhood and is the most expensive area of Granada. This is because it develops on the Alhambra hill, the symbol of the city. Staying here is a unique experience, as some hotels are located inside the Alhambra property.

It is a neighbourhood recommended for those traveling on a high budget. The available hotels can be counted on the fingers of one hand and, consequently, the prices are really high. But this is an experience to do if you have the chance, as you will find yourself right under the Alhambra when you open your bedroom window!

Staying here will allow you to move on foot. The neighbourhood is within walking distance of the centre and attractions such as the Cathedral and the Realejo nightlife district.

Recommended Accommodation

Realejo, For Nightlife

Foto di Psicobyte.

• Pros: Fun vibes, tapas galore, central location
• Cons: Noisy at night, not for peace-seekers
• Main attractions: Plaza Campo de Príncipe, Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo, Palacio de los Condes de Gabia
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Realejo is the old Jewish quarter. This is a strategic area to stay as it is close to the main attractions. The beating heart of the neighbourhood is Plaza Campo de Príncipe, and you can also find attractions such as the Palacio de los Condes de Gabia and the Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo here.

This neighbourhood is especially recommended for young people. Plaza Campo de Príncipe is the hub of nightlife, with its clubs and numerous tapas bars that surround them. You can also find excellent offers for accommodation, such as hostels or small hotels. It is a neighbourhood not recommended for those looking for peace and quiet; in this case, it is better to opt for Centro-Sagrado.

Staying here will make it easy to get around on foot. Realejo is located between the Centro-Sagrado district with Granada Cathedral, and Generalife with the spectacular Alhambra.

Recommended Accommodation

Albaicín, For Local Vibes

• Pros: Unique vibes, stunning Alhambra views, feels authentic
• Cons: Not many options, steep streets
• Main attractions: Alhambra views, Sacromonte, Cathedral
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

If you are looking for an authentic experience, then we recommend the quaint neighbourhood of Albaicín. It is located north-east of the historic centre and develops on a hill, with a spectacular view of the Alhambra! This is the ancient Arab quarter, so it has an Arab-style architecture and atmosphere, you will feel like you are in Marrakech! You will also be a stone's throw from the small and characterful Sacromonte district, a place rich in history and tradition, where mainly flamenco dancers and musicians once lived.

It is an ideal neighbourhood for those who want to immerse themselves in the traditions of the city. For its beauty and its authenticity, the district has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are fewer accommodations here than in the Centre, but almost all of them have spectacular views of the city.

Staying here you can easily move on foot: you will be within walking distance of attractions such as the Cathedral and the Alhambra. Alternatively, the district is mainly served by bus lines C31 and C32.

Recommended Accommodation

Ronda, Best for Families

• Pros: Quiet, family-friendly, good prices
• Cons: No big attractions, more residential
• Main attractions: Parque de las Ciencias, Camino de Ronda
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Ronda is a quiet residential neighbourhood that develops west of the centre. There are no major attractions, but it is in a very strategic position. The only major attraction in the area is the Parque de las Ciencias, a large science park that is ideal for visiting with children. The main street is Camino de Ronda, a long avenue that crosses the district from north to south, full of hotels and accommodation.

This is an ideal area for families, as it is mainly a residential area. It also develops mainly on the plains, and not on the hills like Albaicín, so it is also ideal if you have small children with a buggy. It is also an excellent compromise between price and location, with excellent offers while not being too far from the centre.

From here, it is easy to get around on foot! Staying along Camino de Ronda you will find yourself just ten minutes from the Cathedral. However, the area is also well served by numerous bus lines.

Recommended Accommodation

Beiro, To Stay on a Budget

Foto di Ввласенко.

• Pros: Cheap, lively vibes, near train station
• Cons: 20 min to the centre, mostly students
• Main attractions: Certosa de Granada, University of Granada
• Average prices: From €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Beiro is the university district of Granada, which develops north of the historic centre. It is a very lively area, both day and night, given the presence of so many students. Also here is the Certosa de Granada, one of the 4 surviving Charterhouses of Spain, not to be missed!

It is an ideal neighbourhood for young people and those on a lower budget. The prices are very competitive, but you can find good accommodation at affordable prices. Furthermore, the area is very lively due to the presence of the University.

The neighbourhood is in a truly strategic position: it includes Granada train station and is also excellent for those reaching the city by car, several accommodations offer parking. From here, however, you will have to move mainly by bus and the centre is 20 minutes away.

Recommended Accommodation

Zaidin, Green and Quiet

Foto di Andreuvv.

• Pros: Peaceful, green parks, family-friendly
• Cons: Far from the centre, quiet nightlife
• Main attractions: Palacio de Congresos, parks
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Finally, a recommended neighbourhood to stay is Zaidin, located in the southern part of the city and divided from the centre by the Genil River. It is a very quiet area where silence predominates. There are no particular attractions, but there are several green parks.

It is an ideal neighbourhood for those on a budget. It is further away from the centre but allows you to find excellent solutions between hotels and apartments. It is also recommended for families for its tranquillity and the presence of several parks and play areas for children. Finally, Palacio de Congresos de Granada is here, so the area could also be convenient for business travellers.

Staying in Zaidin you will have to use public transport: the area is well served by several bus routes that will take you to the centre in less than 10 minutes. If you find accommodation in the area near the river you can also get around on foot. For example, from the Palacio de Congresos to the Cathedral it is about 13 min.

Recommended Accommodation

Places to stay near Granada

If you are planning a trip to Granada, your best bet is to look for accommodation in the city. As we have seen, there are several neighbourhoods with completely different characteristics, which can satisfy any traveller. Furthermore, the prices are never excessive, so you can find excellent solutions even in the centre. If you arrive by car, you can easily find accommodation with parking in the districts of Ronda, Zaidin and Beiro.

Furthermore, staying in the city is the best solution because Granada is surrounded by nature. Just outside the city, to the east, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Parque Natural Sierra de Huétor extend, the coast is really far away too, about 65 km (1 h by car, or around 1 h 45 min by public transport). Furthermore, all the villages around the city are really small, with little tourist offer and few connections between them.

Granada accommodation price map

Booking.com

Travel tips

1. Transportation: walking is the best way to explore Granada's historic areas like the Albaicín and Sacromonte. For longer distances, city buses cover most areas, including routes to the Alhambra. Taxis are readily available for convenient travel.
2. Wifi Access: free wifi is commonly available in public spaces, cafes, and hotels throughout Granada. Look for networks in popular tourist spots and dining establishments.
3. Nightlife and Entertainment: enjoy Granada’s vibrant nightlife in the Albaicín district with its traditional Flamenco shows, or visit Calle Elvira for a lively bar scene. Don’t miss a relaxing evening at the Moorish tea rooms (teterías) in the city center.
4. Dining: sample traditional Andalusian cuisine including tapas, which often come free with a drink in many bars. Granada is also known for its Moroccan influenced dishes, especially in the tea rooms around Calderería Nueva street.
5. Shopping: Alcaicería, the old silk market, is perfect for unique souvenirs like Spanish ceramics and Arab crafts. For more contemporary shopping, head to Calle Reyes Católicos.
6. Outdoor Activities: hike in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains or explore the Generalife gardens for a touch of nature.
7. Local Festivals: attend the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance for a cultural experience, or enjoy the festivities of the Holy Week and the Crosses Festival in May.