Glam but first coffee
I spent two days in Granada. Is it worth it? Very difficult question because I would say it is not worth it at all! Two days is not enough for Granada and I would say that Granada deserves more attention. However, it is not my first time in Granada and I hope not the last one!
What you are going to find out in this blog article? After reading the blog post, you will know where to stay in Granada, where to eat in Granada, what to see in Granada, and take your best pictures. As well as, what to wear and some fashion tips. One of the most exciting things about traveling for me is to plan my outfits!
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Let’s talk about Granada
Granada is located in the South of Spain, in the region of Andalusia. I would say that Granada is the most beautiful and exciting city in Andalusia. Granada has a very strong Arabic influence and you can still see it. Not only because of architecture like Alhambra, but also some bars, tea houses have an Arabic atmosphere. However, the most impressive Arabic feel you can get in their Arabic market.
Where to stay in Granada?
The reason why we visited Granada was because of hotel prices during summertime. In summer tourists and Spanish people prefers to spend vacations next to the sea rather than stones and cities. Therefore, we found a really good deal (around 50 EUR) for a nice hotel in the city center. The hotel is called Hotel Universal.
Why we chose Hotel Universal?
Location. The hotel is located in the center, very close to Alhambra and other tourist attractions.
Price. Obviously, the price was a good reason.
Great customer service. We read reviews and people were saying of very good attitude and I can only say that they did not lie!
Parking. In Granada, you always need to pay for the parking. The city parking is around 20 EUR for 24h but the hotel offered 15 Eur in private parking.
Breakfast. I love good hotel breakfast. The Hotel Universal offered breakfast on a beautiful roof terrace. This time it was not a buffet type of breakfast but it was good enough. I ordered toast with “Jamon” (Spanish ham) and tomato, but my boyfriend some croissants filled with chocolate!
Where to eat in Granada?
Local Spanish lunch (Fogon de Galicia)
We arrived in Granada right before lunchtime. Firstly, we checked in to leave all our belongings and go lunch hunting. We found some quiet streets with a few options. In summer I always want a good terrace to eat. Fogon de Galicia did not have free tables on the terrace but we did not have to hurry. Therefore, we drank some beers at the bar, got some free tapas with the beer (yes, in the South of Spain it is normal to bring free tapas with the drink).
When the table was free, we moved and got another free tapa (very tasty local fish). For lunch, my partner ordered some juicy steak (“Entrecot”) and I ordered some mussels (“Mejillones”). Lately, my favorite meal to eat is some mussels with potatoes- tasty, interesting and I do not stuff my mouth full!
Drink some dinner? (Pulperia Noray)
As we ate so much during the day and with all the beers we drank, we wanted to only snack something for dinner. Therefore, we were especially searching for a tapas bar that gives free tapas with drinks. After some time wondering, we got lucky and found a tapas bar where you need to order your drink and can choose your own tapa with it! The place is called “Pulperia Noray” and was pretty busy with people even on working day!
For drink, I ordered Tinto de Verano (a Spanish wine drink)! Very fresh tastes like juice and is great for summer days! However, like tapas, we ordered some squids (“Calamares”), chicken wings, rice, and potatoes with meat! Everything tasted amazing, fresh, and was enough for a normal dinner!
Two days in Granada is not enough to taste everything that the city offers.
Cocktails with a view
After dining, some gelatos, and walk we returned back to our hotel but not to sleep. We went straight to the roof bar that has a little view over Alhambra and ordered some tasty cocktails!
What to see in Granada?
Alcaiceria- Arabic Market
Our hotel was located very close to Alcaiceria (Arabic market). Alcaiceria makes you feel like you would be walking around Morocco. So much Arabic clothing, scents, and different tastes, and even Arabic music.
Market Plaza Nueva- local market
However, if you like more local markets then Market Plaza Nueva is for you. We passed by it many times but did not enter due to a lot of people and as we are now in 2021 and need to wear masks. The market is not worth the mask!
Alhambra- Arabic castle
Obviously, the most important tourist attraction in Granada is Alhambra- the Arabic palace. Granada in general is the city of two cultures. If you want to see Alhambra from the inside, I suggest booking tickets a few days prior. However, we only got half-tickets for around 7 EUR, where we could visit only gardens, Generalife and Alcazaba. Full ticket costs around 14 EUR! I would say that it was more than enough- we saw a lot, beautiful views, photos and walked for a few hours!
Carmen de los Martires
The next day, I wanted to see Carmen de Los Martires- a park and garden that is located next to Alhambra. The entrance is for free and is not related to Alhambra. However, I did not know it has working hours and it only opens at 10 am (we were there at 9 am). Therefore, Carmen de Los Martires we will leave for the next time!
Sacromonte
Another place we left for next time is Sacromonte. Sacromonte is the district up in the hill (just like Alhambra), which gives amazing views over the city and to Alhambra itself. We climbed up in Sacromonte but the view to Alhambra was not as good as from Albaicin. Sacromonte is beautiful for sunset views and that is what I would suggest you- visit Sacromonte during sunset like we will the next time!
Albaicin
Albaicin we visited the first time we were in Granada and now after supper. The best view of Alhambra in my opinion is from Albaicin either during the day or at night. At night can see Alhambra lit up and looking beautiful and bright during dark night hours! Two days in Granada is enough to see everything. However, I like Granada so much that I could do more!
Instagrammable spots
For me, travels are not just sitting and relaxing. I am trying to choose the best outfits that are beautiful but also comfortable for walking and exploring. Therefore, for me is important to dress well and find good spots for my Instagram photos.
The best Instagrammable spots are:
Gardens of Alhambra
Cathedral of Granada
Arabic market
Albaicin
Sacromonte
Follow my Instagram HERE for more fashion and travel photos for your inspiration!
Fashion and outfits of the trip
Granada is like a rollercoaster- all ups and downs. Therefore, I definitely suggest you wear sneakers or very comfortable sandals. For two days in Granada, I did not need a lot but I still managed to create a few outfits.
Exploring outfit
Some cities in Spain force me to wear red more than others. One of them was Sevilla and another one in Granada. Choosing the outfit for Alhambra was difficult: I needed to choose comfortable, footwear, something comfortable and great for a hot summer day!
In the end, my main Granada outfit consisted of the spaghetti strap top in red from Vero Moda (the softest top I have ever had). Paired with a white mini skirt from Shein. If you wonder- mini skirt to travel? Yes, because it has sewn in short part that makes it comfortable and secure to walk in. Last but not least, paired with Converse sneakers that are comfortable and look great with the outfit. My new summer bag from Guess I wear with everything!
Night outfit!
For my night and dinner outfit, I chose my black mini skirt from Na-kd paired with a yellow neon top from Vero Moda. Wore my favorite summer sandals from Kendall & Kylie, and obviously- my Fuschia Guess bag!
Second-day outfit!
For the last day and walk around Granada, I wanted something simple but feminine. Therefore, I wore a white basic shirt from Massimo Dutti with a denim ruffle skirt from the boutique in Spain. For accessories as always Guess bag and Kendall & Kylie black and what sandals.
As you see we had beautiful two days in Granada. Is it worth it? Granada is the city that I would suggest to visit as one of the first placesi in Spain! I have visited a lot of places in Spain and Granada is in my TOP5 (maybe TOP3). Have you been to Granada or maybe you have some questions that I did not answer? Let me know in the comments section!
Read more about my travels:
- What to see and do in Oropesa del Mar?
- Hiking weekend in the Pyrenees (Benasque)
- Three days in Cadiz- what to see?
- Weekend in Sevilla- what to visit?
