Where to stay in Granada: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexGranada, 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!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Granada
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
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Zaidin, Beiro
- Recommended areas for families with children: Centro-Sagrario, Generalife, Albaicín, Ronda
- Recommended areas for young people: Realejo, Beiro
- 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
Guide to the areas of Granada
Granada is one of the best known cities in Andalusia, in southern Spain. Despite this, it is a relatively small city, that is very easy to visit and get used to. It extends for about 88 square kilometres and has about 230,000 inhabitants.
The main district is Centro, which includes the districts of Centro-Sagrario, where the Cathedral is located, Generalife, which houses the Alhambra, and Realejo, or the ancient Jewish quarter, today the hub of nightlife. Taking this as a reference point, it is then very simple to identify the remaining main neighbourhoods:
- Albaicín: ancient Arab quarter, northeast of the centre
- Ronda: residential neighbourhood, perfect for families, west of the centre
- Beiro: university district, north of the centre and bordering Albaicín
- Zaidín: very quiet neighbourhood south of the Centre, from which it is divided by the Genil River
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.
Centro-Sagrado
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.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €35,00 for low-cost accommodation to €400,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Inglaterra Granada | 3-star hotel 50 metres from the Cathedral and overlooking the Alhambra. Air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, traditional Andalusian courtyard, 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples |
| Granada Old Town Hostel | Hostel a few steps from the Cathedral. Air-conditioned rooms with shared bathroom, terrace and shared kitchen, free WiFi in public areas. Private rooms or dorms. Ideal for young people |
| Arte Vida Suites & Spa | Apartment complex within walking distance of the Cathedral and major attractions. Air conditioning, equipped kitchen, one or 2 bedrooms. Spa and wellness centre. Ideal for couples and families |
| Melia Granada | 4-star hotel with classic-style rooms with balconies overlooking the city or the Alhambra. Restaurant and room service, bar, WiFI . Ideal for couples and families |
Generalife
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!
Finally, 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.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €80,00 for low-cost accommodation to €400,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Alixares | Hotel located next to the Alhambra, with panoramic views over the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Seasonal outdoor swimming pool, rooms with central heating and air conditioning. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel America Granada | Small hotel located within the Alhambra estate, with restaurant and terrace overlooking the city. Traditional style air-conditioned rooms. Ideal for couples |
| Parador de Granada | 4-star hotel located within the gardens of the Alhambra, a unique experience. Restaurant and room service, view of the convent and the Alhambra. Ideal for couples and families |
Realejo
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 Principel, 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 Principel 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.
Finally, 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.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Molinos | Small hotel with the world record for the narrowest hotel in the world. Panoramic terrace on the top floor, bar, rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples and young people |
| 4u Hostel Granada | Hostel in the heart of Realejo. Rooms with private bathroom with shower. Mixed or female dorms. Ideal for young people |
| Apartamentos Real Suites Realejo | Apartment complex with studios, one or two bedrooms. Equipped kitchen, sitting area and bathroom. For up to 5 people. Ideal for couples, families and groups |
| Hotel Boutique Puerta de las Granadas | 4 -star hotel on the border between Realejo and Centro-Sagrado. View of the Alhambra, close to the main attractions. Terrace, rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
Albaicín
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.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Santa Isabel La Real | 3-star hotel in the heart of Albaicin, overlooking the Alhambra. In an ancient, terraced house, shared terrace, rooms with views and private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
| La Morada Sur | B&B with rooms with patio. Shared bathroom with shower. WiFi. Shared terrace, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and young people |
| Alojamiento con Encanto la Luna en el Alba | Hostel in the heart of Albaicin, with garden, seasonal outdoor pool and some rooms with terrace or balcony. Private rooms or beds in small dormitories, including female ones. Ideal for young people |
| Smart Suites Albaicin | Apartments overlooking the city. Elegant interiors equipped with all comforts, air conditioning, equipped kitchen, balcony. Ideal for couples, families and small groups |
Ronda
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.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €180,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Ibericabeds Granada | Apartment complex with units equipped with kitchen with microwave and refrigerator. Flat-screen satellite TV, ironing facilities, desk and seating area with sofa. For 4 to 6 people. Ideal for families and small groups |
| Albergue Inturjoven Granada | Hostel 200 m from the train station. 24-hour reception, double or quadruple rooms, hearty breakfast. Ideal for young people |
| Sercotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada | 4-star hotel with heated indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre, restaurant and free WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel Urban Dream Granada | 4-star hotel in Camino de Ronda. Modern air-conditioned rooms, satellite TV and private bathroom. Restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families |
Beiro
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.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €30,00 for low-cost accommodation to €100,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| B&B Hotel Granada Estacion | Hotel not far from the station. 24-hour reception, parking, air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples | |
| Ca' Vaschino | 72 sqm apartment for 4 people, close to the University. Two bedrooms, kitchen with microwave, flat-screen TV, seating area and bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
| Real de Cartuja Apartments & Suites | Apartment complex with units featuring seating area with sofa and satellite TV. Kitchen equipped with stove and microwave, bathroom with bath or shower. For up to 4 people. Ideal for couples, families and small groups | |
| Allegro Granada | 4-star hotel 10 minutes from the station. Seasonal outdoor pool, restaurant, room service and bar. Ideal for couples and families |
Zaidin
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.
Finally, 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.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €150,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Andalucia Center | Hotel with seasonal swimming pool, 24-hour reception and restaurant. Air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
| Apartamento Granada Ontario | 100 sqm apartment with 3 bedrooms, living room, equipped kitchen, washing machine and bathroom. Pets allowed, WiFi. Ideal for families and groups of up to 8 people |
| Casa la Fontana | Townhouse with sun terrace and garden. Units with patio and kitchen with dishwasher. Shared bathroom. Ideal for young people |
| Senator Granada Spa Hotel | 4-star hotel near the convention centre. Spa and wellness centre, restaurant, gym and parking. Ideal for couples and business travellers |
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.