Granada is one of my favorite cities in Spain. I’ve had the chance to visit it several times, whether on a city break or during a full road trip through Andalusia. The city isn’t that big, so
it can easily be explored on foot. That said, it stretches up into the hills with the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods.
If you’re planning a trip there, you might be wondering: where to stay in Granada? In this article, I’ll share my tips by neighborhood along with a selection of hotels I really like, so let’s dive in!
Staying in Granada’s city center
This is the touristy, commercial heart of Granada, around the cathedral, Gran Vía, and Plaza Nueva. Super convenient for seeing everything on foot, packed with tapas bars, but it’s also the liveliest (and sometimes noisiest) neighborhood at night. Ideal if you want everything within reach without walking miles.
Here’s my selection of places to stay in Granada’s city center:
- Boutique Luna Granada Centro €€€: Ultra-central design hotel with a rooftop pool and view of the Sierra Nevada, Andalusian patio.
- BiBo Suites Almona (Casa Nawal) €€: Modern apartment with kitchenette, just steps from the cathedral, in a quiet alley of the historic center. Tested and approved during my last stay. BiBo has several properties in Granada.
- Sercotel Granada Suites €€: Studio with a full kitchenette and a small rooftop pool with a city view, tasteful decor.
Or maybe in the Albaicín
This is the old Arab quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its cobbled alleys, cármenes (houses with gardens), and the iconic view of the Alhambra. That charm comes at a price (not in euros, but in leg muscles, haha): the streets are steep, cobbled, sometimes stepped, and it takes about 10-15 minutes on foot to reach the center. In the evening, it’s quiet and incredibly photogenic.
My picks:
- Apartamentos Gloria €: Authentic apartment in the Albaicín, 18 minutes on foot from the Alhambra, open view over the countryside/city.
- Santa Isabel la Real €€: Renovated 16th-century townhouse, rooms with a spectacular view of the Alhambra, interior patio with a fountain.
Or in the Realejo-San Matías neighborhood
This is Granada’s former Jewish quarter, residential and quieter than the center, with its own more authentic, less touristy tapas bars. It’s still just a short walk from the center and the Alhambra (via the south approach), making it a good compromise between calm and accessibility.
My picks:
- Barceló Carmen Granada €€: A great reliable Spanish choice, rooftop pool with view of the illuminated Alhambra in the evening, 251 rooms.
- Hotel Carlos V €: Budget-friendly and well located just steps from Calle Navas and its tapas bars, terrace with city view.
Sleeping at the Alhambra
Yes, it really is possible to sleep literally within the walls of the monument! Sure, it’s pricey, and once night falls and the tourists leave there’s nothing to do on foot without heading back down into town, but for one night I think it’s worth it (I’ve never done it myself).
Parador de Granada €€€: Former convent of the Catholic Monarchs, literally within the Alhambra’s gardens.
Sleeping outside the center: Sacromonte
And finally, the gypsy and flamenco quarter, with its famous cave houses dug into the hillside. Outside the center (10-20 minutes on foot, uphill), fewer amenities nearby, but the view of the Alhambra from some terraces is among the most beautiful in the city, and the atmosphere is one of a kind.
2 recommended places to stay:
- Apartamentos Montesclaros €: Apartments and cave-houses in Sacromonte, large shared pool with a direct view of the Alhambra and the Generalife.
- Cuevas El Abanico FreshApartments €: Authentic renovated cave houses in Sacromonte, terrace with mountain view, flamenco vibe just steps away.
A few tips for choosing where to stay in Granada
Plan for 2 nights to see the essentials (Alhambra, Albaicín, historic center), but 3 nights are ideal if you want time to wander through Sacromonte and maybe take a trip to the Sierra Nevada, less than an hour’s drive away.
Between €60 and €100 a night for a comfortable, well-located hotel or aparthotel. Budget travelers can find something around €40-55, and high-end options easily climb to €150 and more.
Yes, definitely! I find that the supply remains limited, especially for hotels. So if you want quality accommodation at a good price, it’s best to book ahead. And above all, book your Alhambra tickets at the same time as your accommodation: they sell out fast!
From the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods. That’s where I think the Alhambra looks its best.
Go for the city center: it’s the most practical area for seeing everything on foot without wasting time traveling.
