Practical tips for visiting Granada 

In this article you will find practical tips you should know about visiting Granada.

You have been waiting for a long time to fulfil one of your dreams. Now it’s time to prepare everything to make it come true. With this post I want to offer you some very useful information to start your trip.

Let’s get started……

Entry requirements to Spain

Depending on the country from which you travel, you will be asked for some documents or others. The best thing you can do is consult it at the Spanish embassy in your country, as it is the place from which they will best inform you.

Another option is to visit the official website of the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores (the disadvantage is that the site is only in Spanish).

However, I anticipate some of the ones they may ask you for depending on where you come from:

• Passport in order with a validity of more than six months from the time you arrive in the city.
• Round trip ticket to prove that you are traveling as a tourist.
• Visa.
• Lodging reservation.
• Medical insurance, which is essential if you want to be well cared for in case of illness or accident.

Best time to visit Granada

The best times to visit the city are spring and autumn. In any case, I recommend you avoid the months of July and August. In summer the temperatures can become quite uncomfortable during the day. Often exceeding 40 ºC!

Regardless of the date of your visit, always keep in mind that there is a big difference in temperature from day to night.

Although visiting Granada at Christmas time is not a bad idea either, as I told you in this other article about what to do at Christmas time in Granada.

How many days to visit Granada

The city of Granada deserves to dedicate time and energy to it if you really want to know its history, its corners, its most picturesque landscapes and living the city as a local.

But if I have to recommend a minimum of days, I would say at least 3.

It deserves more, but to get the most out of an express trip that you can organize, I recommend at least three days to give you time to visit, minimum the essential places. You can read this other article in my blog to know what to do in Granada on a weekend.

How to move around Granada: Practical tips on transport

One of the most importantly practical tips you need to know before visiting Granada is how to move around the city and the area.

Bus Granada Airport – Granada Center

To go from Granada airport to the city center there is no metro or train, however there is a bus service that works wonderfully.

It is comfortable, cheap, and leaves you in the center in about 45 minutes for only €3.

The bus stop is just outside the arrivals terminal, you can’t miss it since the airport is tiny, and you buy the ticket directly from the driver.

Cab

The taxi is an option to go to the Granada airport to the center to consider.

If your hotel is not close to the bus stops, if you are in a hurry, or you simply want to be comfortable and do not mind paying the difference in price, the taxi ride is about 30-35 minutes long and can cost around €30.

Rent a car

Renting a car is another option for travelers.

However in Granada it is only recommended if you are going to move around the region, because if you only come to visit the city, your own car is not so necessary.

If you are interested in renting a car you can do it at the airport terminals. The main car rental companies are present at its facilities.

Before driving in Spain

Keep in mind the International Driving Permit:  some countries may not recognize your driver’s license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You may also need supplemental auto insurance. Read more about driving and road safety abroad before you go.

Budget to travel to Granada

That will not be a practical tip for visiting Granada common for all the people, because each has his own budget. But you have to know that there are options for everybody.

The plane ticket, of course, depends on your place of origin.

I recommend you to look for good prices for your flight ticket with time in advance, there are many options from different countries.

In any case, Granada airport is very well connected to the two biggest airports in the country: Barcelona and Madrid, with daily connecting flights.

Sleep in Granada

In Granada you can find many accommodation options, located in the centre of the city with a good relation between price and quality.

In this post you will find a list of where to stay in Granada according to the characteristics of each traveller.

To eat in Granada

Throughout the Spanish territory, midday menus are very typical on weekdays that you can find for an average of 15-20  euros per person.

Dining can be a little more expensive, but in Granada and throughout Andalusia you always have the option of going out for tapas, which depending on how it can be cheaper.

If you want to know more about the food and gastronomy of Granada visit these three articles on my blog to find out where to eat in Granada and the guide to the best tapas in Granada.

Transport in Granada 

Public transport in Granada works very well, the bus costs an average of 1.60 euros.

The city of Granada does not have a metro, but there is a tram that crosses the city from north to south, but it is not an option for going to the history center.

But if you want to go more on your own and not depend on schedules or stops, there will always be the option of a taxi. Taxi’s in Granada are not expensive at all.

Tickets 

To visit the most emblematic places in the city, you must have an average budget of 39€ per person.

In this article on my blog I talk about how to buy tickets to the Alhambra: How to buy the Alhambra tickets in 5 easy steps

Other tips for visiting Granada 

Language

Spanish is the official language and used by 100% of the population.

In some tourist areas of the city you can communicate in English, but not all the population is bilingual.

I recommend you learn at least the basics to be able to communicate in Spanish with waiters and store clerks.

Apart from this, to visit the most important monuments of the city, you will find guides who speak English (or even other languages).

Currency exchange

Like all the countries of the European Union, the currency is the Euro (€). If you need to change coins, I recommend you do it at authorized establishments in the city center, better than at the airport.

Security

Granada, in general, is a safe city, but as in all cities in the world, you must take care of your belongings.

I recommend you always have your bags under control, and especially in places with more people and tourists, extreme caution for possible theft by pickpockets.

Granada has a service aimed at tourists and it is:

SERVICE OF ATTENTION TO THE FOREIGN TOURIST (SATE)

Lower Jail, 3

Phone: +34 958278816

The agents deal with, among other issues, the prompt attention to any tourist affected by the commission of a criminal act, as well as contact with embassies and consulates, or the management to locate lost objects.

Health & what to do in an emergency in Granada

It is always advisable to carry health insurance on your trips.

Do not forget to take your medications with you. Although you can find pharmacies throughout the city.

In any case, if you have an emergency in Granada, here is the list of the most important numbers that you should take into account:

Emergencies – 112

Firefighters – 080

Guardia Civil – 062

National Police – 091

Local Police – 092

Electricity Socket (H3)

230V AC electricity.

Power outlets are usually two-prong round sockets. Be sure to pack a universal travel adaptor so you can still use all your electronic gadgets.

The last tip: How to know all the secrets of the city of Granada 

With your tour guide!

I offer personalized routes through Granada for groups, solo travelers, couples or families.

If you are a lover of art and history, with me you will learn everything that is hidden behind the most important monuments of the city.

If your visit to Granada is with children, I also have options for them! We are going to make the tourist route a game for them.

If you would like to have a private guide for your visit, do not hesitate to contact please me.

Let’s discover Granada together!