Granada is one of those places that just absolutely knocks your socks off. It’s completely different to everywhere else you’ll visit in Spain.

Everything in the city has been influenced by the Moors, including the food, the design and even the city planning. The city’s old town is called the Albaycin and is the reason why so many travellers flock to Granada. It is undeniably beautiful.

Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains which sets a bloody insane backdrop for an already MAGICAL city.

However, figuring out where to stay in Granada can be a daunting task, especially during the summer when the city gets overcrowded with tourists.

Lucky for you, I’ve explored this enchanting place and created this guide on where to stay in Granada. I’ll take you through the best areas to stay and what makes each unique. No matter your travel style or budget – I’ve got you covered.

After reading this guide, YOU will be the expert on where to stay in Granada, and finding the perfect neighbourhood fitting your style and your budget will be easy!

Let’s get started and explore where to stay in Granada.

Where to Stay in Granada

The sun hitting Alhambra at sunset with the mountains behind
Yes, this is what we’re all here for: Alhambra!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Historic space that captures the city | Best Airbnb in Granada

If you’re going to stay in a UNESCO world heritage listed city, why not stay in a world heritage listed apartment? You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Granada of old the moment you step into this beautifully curated space. With castle and olive grove views, you feel swept up in the vibe the moment you put your bags down.

El Granado | Best Hostel in Granada

El Granado is a lively Granada hostel located in the historical centre of Granada. Many activities, such as tapas tours and sangria nights are regularly organized so you do not have a chance to even think about getting bored! You can choose between a private room with an ensuite or a shared bathroom, or a bunk bed in a dormitory room.

Hostal Verona Granada | Best Budget Hotel in Granada

The Hostal Verona Granada offers simple rooms in the centre of Granada. Each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning, a patio and a free Wifi connection. The hotel does not serve breakfast in the morning, but it is really easy to find within walking distance.

La Casa de la Trinidad | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Granada

La Case de la Trinidad is a nice hotel in the centre of Granada. It rooms are fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV with international channels and soundproofing. The staff can welcome you around the clock at the reception and free Wifi access is provided.

Granada Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Granada

FIRST TIME IN GRANADA
El Albaicin, Granada
FIRST TIME IN GRANADA

El Albaicin

El Albaicin is the oldest neighbourhood in Granada, and also the most picturesque. It has been built in the medieval times by the Moors on the hillside facing the Alhambra

ON A BUDGET
La Chana, Granada
ON A BUDGET

La Chana

La Chana is a neighbourhood located a bit further away from the centre of Granada. However, it is strategically placed near the local university, making it very popular with students

NIGHTLIFE
El Centro Granada
NIGHTLIFE

El Centro

El Centro is the city centre of Granada and one of the most popular neighbourhoods to stay in for tourists and visitors. Indeed, it is located near all the main sights including the Alhambra

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY
Murals and Graffiti in Realejo
COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

El Realejo

El Realejo is located in the central area of Granada and used to be the Jewish quarter of the city. It is a vibrant neighbourhood and it displays a really cool modern urban vibe that I love

FOR FAMILIES
Bola de Oro, Granada
FOR FAMILIES

Bola de Oro

Bola de Oro is a quieter neighbourhood in Granada and as such is perfect for families who are looking for some rest from the hustle and bustle of the city at night

Granada is one of the most important cities in the Andalusia region in the south of Spain, and one of the most visited cities in Spain. It boasts stunning architecture dating back to the medieval times and the Moorish occupation of Spain and has a vibrant nightlife filled with tapas and flamenco.

The city centre, called El Centro, is busy all the time and the heart of everything. Lots of tapas bars are located in the area, as well as traditional restaurants and nightclubs. If you are looking for cultural sights, the neighborhood is dominated by the Cathedral.

Granada’s oldest neighborhood is El Albaicin, which was built by the Moors on the hillside facing the Alhambra. You will love getting lost in its small streets which feel like a maze and get awesome views over the landscape around. The world famous Alhambra is located right next to El Albaicin. This medieval palace and fortress have some of the most beautiful architecture I ever got to see and is an absolute must-see when in Granada.

To the south, the old Jewish district of El Realejo inspires a different vibe. Street art is everywhere around here, and so are cool tapas places and bars. If you want to experience Granada like a local, El Realejo is the perfect place to stay!

The neighborhood of La Chana is located a bit further away but is lively thanks to the students living around here, and is one of the cheapest areas to stay in Granada.

Oh look, it’s us two posing awkwardly again!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

5 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Granada

You may still feel confused about where to stay in Granada at this point. Let’s clear that up and look at each one of the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Granada.

1. El Albaicin – Where to stay in Granada your first time

El Albaicin is the oldest neighborhood in Granada, and also the most picturesque. It has been built in the medieval times by the Moors on the hillside facing the Alhambra. There is truly something magical about this place, and it is easy to understand why it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the premier attraction in Granada.

Thanks to its location, El Albaicin boasts the best views over Granada and the Alhambra. The fortress is located on the hill right next to El Albaicin. While a small castle already existed at this location before the arrival of the Muslims, it was them who really created the architectural masterpiece we know today. Make sure to get your tickets in advance as the Alhambra gets really busy, especially during the high season.

You can easily get lost in the small streets of El Albaicin; which were designed like a maze. This has been done on purpose so that the enemies would get lost.

Gotta love a reflection
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Things to see and do in El Albaicin

  1. Get lost in the maze-like streets on the hillside
  2. Visit the world famous fortress of the Alhambra
  3. Get up on a rooftop to get the best views over Granada and the Alhambra

Historic space that captures the city | Best Airbnb in El Albaicin

If you’re going to stay in a UNESCO world heritage listed city, why not stay in a world heritage listed apartment? You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Granada of old the moment you step into this beautifully curated space. With castle and olive grove views, you feel swept up in the vibe the moment you put your bags down.

White Nest Hostel Granada | Best Hostel in El Albaicin

The White Nest Hostel is a fun and friendly hostel with bright coloured rooms. Guests can choose between private rooms with either an ensuite or a shared bathroom or bunk beds in mixed or female only dormitory rooms. The hostel is clean and provides free internet access.

Hotel Macia Plaza | Best Budget Hotel in El Albaicin

The Hotel Macia Plaza offers modern rooms in El Albaicin, walking distance away from the Alhambra. The rooms are modern and fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, a flat screen TV with international channels and a tea and coffee maker. A good breakfast is served in the morning.

Hotel Casa Moresca | Best Mid-Range Hotel in El Albaicin

The Hotel Casa Moresca is a superb hotel located in an old house with a stunning view over the Alhambra. The picturesque beamed rooms are fitted with air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub, and a flat screen TV with satellite channels. The breakfast is very good and a free Wifi connection is provided.

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2. La Chana – Where to stay in Granada on a budget

La Chana is a neighborhood located a bit further away from the centre of Granada. However, it is strategically placed near the local university, making it very popular with students. As a consequence, accommodation tends to be much cheaper around here, and so do bars and restaurants. If you are traveling on a budget, this is the perfect neighborhood for you!

While there are not so many touristic sights in the neighborhood itself, La Chana is still located close to Granada’s top attractions and one can still easily visit the Alhambra when staying here.

However, there is one thing that is extremely popular around here, and it is tapas! In order to cater to a student crowd, the portions are bigger and cheaper than other areas of Granada at the same time. Come here to experience a true local feel and taste some of the most authentic regional specialities. Take the opportunity to make some new friends amongst the students hanging around!

I’d deffo live in a cave around here, just sayin’
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Things to see and do in La Chana

  1. Get some gigantic portions for a very small price in the tapas bars
  2. Get the local feel in the La Chana market

The Martin House | Best Budget Hotel in La Chana

The Martin House is a lovely guest house in La Chana neighborhood in Granada. Each room features a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV and a free Wifi connection. Some of the rooms are decorated in Moorish style. Guests can make use of the kitchen to cook and a good breakfast is served in the morning.

Camino de Granada Hotel | Best Mid-Range Hotel in La Chana

The Camino de Granada Hotel offers comfortable rooms fitted with a private bathroom with a bathtub and air conditioning. The hotel has a large terrace where guests can relax in the sun, as well as a nice outdoor swimming pool. The in house restaurant serves a nice breakfast in the morning, and regional food including tapas during the day and the evening.

Local space steep in tradition | Best Airbnb in La Chana

Make a saving and experience some Mediterranean hospitality with this bargain flatshare Airbnb in Spain. The gorgeous old-style courtyard complex and rolling poplar hills are like something straight out of the Gladiator. If you’re lucky enough to visit during a Christian holiday, expect bombastic costumes and exciting processions under your balcony.

Local space steep in tradition is one of our favourites in Granada but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

3. El Centro – Best area to stay in Granada for nightlife

El Centro is the city centre of Granada and one of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in for tourists and visitors. Indeed, it is located near all the main sights including the Alhambra, and there is always something going on in El Centro.

Many restaurants, tapas bars and regular bars are scattered in the streets of El Centro, and all of them stay busy late into the night. If you feel like partying even more after that, there are also some good clubs in the area such as El Vogue. Staying in El Centro is convenient as you will save a significant amount of money on late-night taxi fares since you can walk back to your hotel.

The Cathedral is one of the main sights in the city centre. It was built in a traditional Spanish Renaissance style where the mosque used to stand, right after the region was conquered back by the Spanish throne. It is huge and is the 4th largest cathedral in the world.

God’s got a decent gaff in Granada
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Things to see and do in El Centro

  1. Have churros on the Plaza Bib Rambla
  2. Have a late night experience in a tapas bar
  3. Visit the Granada Cathedral

Modern fitted city center studio | Best Airbnb in El Centro

This falt’s perfect for late-night fiestas and mid-day siestas. You’ll be slap bang in the heart of town, easy to enjoy the cathedral and cafes during the day, and the roaring, raucous, Latin parties at night. Sangrias abound with all the regions fresh fruit.

El Granado | Best Hostel in El Centro

El Granado is a lively hostel located in the historical centre of Granada. Many activities, such as tapas tours and sangria nights are regularly organised so you do not have a chance to even think about getting bored! You can choose between a private room with an ensuite or a shared bathroom, or a bunk bed in a dormitory room.

Hostal Verona Granada | Best Budget Hotel in El Centro

The Hostal Verona Granada offers simple rooms in the centre of Granada. Each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning, a patio and a free Wifi connection. The hotel does not serve breakfast in the morning, but it is really easy to find within walking distance.

La Casa de la Trinidad | Best Mid-Range Hotel in El Centro

La Case de la Trinidad is a nice hotel in the centre of Granada. It rooms are fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV with international channels and soundproofing. The staff can welcome you around the clock at the reception and free Wifi access is provided.

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4. El Realejo – Coolest place to stay in Granada

El Realejo is located in the central area of Granada and used to be the Jewish quarter of the city. It is a vibrant neighborhood and it displays a really cool modern urban vibe that I love. If you are looking for something a little bit different than the traditional Moorish environment for your stay in Granada, El Realejo is the place to go.

El Realejo is covered in street art, most of which has been painted by El Nino de las Pinturas, the neighborhood’s most famous street artist. Specialised tours are regularly organised so you can be sure not to miss any while learning about street art at the same time.

El Realejo is also a vibrant neighborhood at night, with lots of cocktail and tapas bars that stay open until late. Check out places like Colagallo where you can get a delicious cocktail for no more than 4€!

Some areas are hilly but the view is worth it.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Things to see and do in El Realejo

  1. Get some insight on how the Jews used to live at the Jewish Museum
  2. Get some cheap but delicious cocktails in Colagallo
  3. Hop on a street art tour to get a real feel of the neighborhood

Granada Inn Backpackers | Best Hostel in El Realejo

The Granada Inn Backpackers is a friendly and clean hostel located in the heart of El Realejo in Granada. It offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as bunk beds in dormitory rooms. Each guest has access to hot showers, an individual locker to keep your valuables safe and a personal reading light.

Hotel NH Granada Centro | Best Budget Hotel in El Realejo

The Hotel NH Granada Centro is located in a historical building with an inner patio and offers rooms decorated in traditional Moorish style. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub and a minibar.  Free Wifi is available everywhere in the hotel and a very good buffet breakfast is served in the morning.

Hotel Alhambra Palace | Best Mid-Range Hotel in El Realejo

The Hotel Alhambra Palace is a castle-shaped hotel located right at the foot of the Alhambra in Granada. Its luxurious rooms are all fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, soundproofing and free Wifi access. A very good buffet breakfast is served in the morning. The in house bar boasts a superb terrace with stunning views over the city.

Your own 5*… cave? | Best Airbnb in El Realejo

Hidden away amongst El Realejos twisting alleys, thousand-year-old chapels, and atmospheric piazzas, is a little staircase that will wind down into your own personal cave. Surprisingly airy and tastefully decorated, this Mediterranean twist on a hobbit hole will make for a memorable weekend for sure.

Your own 5*… cave? is one of our favourites in Granada but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

5. Bola de Oro – Best neighborhood to stay in Granada for families

Bola de Oro is a quieter neighborhood in Granada and as such is perfect for families who are looking for some rest from the hustle and bustle of the city at night.

While there are no cultural sights per se in Bola de Oro, the city centre is located a short bus ride away and is easy to get to. If the kids are up for it, you can walk to the Alhambra and other places of interest in around 20 minutes. It is actually a very cool thing to do on a summer evening with a belly full of tapas!

In Bola de Oro, visitors will find lots of nice pedestrian areas lined up with leafy trees and great views over the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the distance. Around here, take the time to relax and slow down the pace after crazy days of visiting Granada.

You can’t beat a sunset on a warm day
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Things to see and do in Bola de Oro

  1. Take a walk in the green pedestrian areas
  2. Take a quick bus to the city centre
  3. Soak in the views over the Sierra Nevada in the distance

Family flat in the city walls | Best Airbnb in Bola de Oro

Coming fully equipped with everything you’ll need to cater to a brood, we think this private flat is a great choice for a family. The soils rich and the fish fresh round here, so eating out is pretty cheap, but there’s a fully equipped kitchen should you need it! This place is in the literal dead centre of town, so no transport woes here!

Hotel Albero | Best Budget Hotel in Bola de Oro

The Hotel Albero is a small establishment offering comfortable rooms fitted with air conditioning and a private bathroom. The staff there is very helpful and prepares a good breakfast in the morning. Secured parking is available at the hotel and a free Wifi connection is provided.

Hotel Macia Real de la Alhambra | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Bola de Oro

The Hotel Macia Real de la Alhambra is a modern hotel offering rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, a seating area and a minibar. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers which can be used in the summer, as well as a bar and a restaurant.

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FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Granada

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Granada and where to stay.

What To Pack For Granada

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
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Keep your laundry organized and stink free
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Granada

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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Just hanging out at Alhambra, chilling, ya know!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Final Thoughts On Where to Stay in Granada…

Granada is a city full of architectural wonder in Andalusia and is well worth a visit if you are traveling through Europe. The Alhambra is a unique sight and I love getting lost in the small streets of El Albaicin.

As such, El Albaicin is my favourite neighborhood to stay in Granada, and it boasts amazing views over the fortress and the rest of the city.

My top choice in terms of hotels in Granada is La Casa de la Trinidad. The rooms there have all you need to be comfortable and are welcoming and clean.

If you are looking for backpacker’s accommodation, El Granado is a super friendly hostel with comfortable beds for the night.

Have I missed anything in this guide? Let me know in the comments! Buen viaje!

While Granada can be very safe, it’s super important to make sure you get travel insurance!

Looking for more info on travelling to Granada and Spain?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!