What to do in Granada?

1. The Alhambra

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Here is THE must-see monument of Granada, the pride of the inhabitants, and more broadly of Andalusia itself. The Alhambra is a historical complex that was originally considered a military fortress built between the 9th century and the 12th century. Its name comes from the Arabic language "alhamrã", which means red due to the red clay mixed with stones for construction. Today, it's a place to visit endowed with a very beautiful construction ensemble surrounded by grandiose gardens. Visiting this historic landmark means taking at least two good hours, or even five (for history enthusiasts), to better understand what was once "the greatest historical and aristocratic center of the Muslim West". Little info: the place being very popular with visitors, it's better to book your visit several weeks in advance, to be sure to get a place during your stay in Granada. The hours vary regularly, but the Alhambra generally opens its doors from 8am until about 8pm.

2. Cellar visits and Wine tastings

Category: €€/Gastronomic/Cultural

Description: After discovering THE emblematic place of the city, Ryo offers you a little break...Food! And yes, Granada is known for its divine gastronomy as well as its exquisite wines. Notice to all oenophiles, you might very well make the most beautiful discoveries of your life! If you want to deepen your knowledge in terms of Spanish wine, you're in the right place. Why not a cellar visit and wine tasting, accompanied by some dishes from local cuisine? If you're worried about crowds, no worries! Ryo thinks of everything, and has inquired: this kind of activity is done in small groups to accentuate the cozy and intimate side of the visit. On the program, tasting of at least four Spanish wines, while savoring some award-winning cheeses and local specialties of the city, while listening to expert advice. In addition to this, the food has been carefully chosen to pair with the type of wines you'll be tasting at the moment. So revive your taste buds by getting acquainted with the vineyards and wine estates of the city!

3. The Madraza Palace

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Mixing both art and history, the Madraza Palace is one of Granada's emblematic places. Also nicknamed the "House of Science", it was built in 1349 under the order of Nasrid king Yusuf I. Even before entering, you'll be immediately seduced by its solid architecture: the entrance door made of white marble gradually opens to reveal a splendid interior, unveiling a gigantic central patio and several rooms around. One can find the "Knights' Hall", which houses a powerful mudéjar armor, dating from the 16th century. Today, the building belongs to the University of Granada: something that is not insignificant, since at its beginnings, the palace was a great school of Theology and Law. Its hours vary depending on the period: in summer, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and in winter Monday to Saturday also from 10am to 7pm. With a reasonable price, meet in the center of Granada, right next to the Royal Chapel.

4. The Sacromonte Caves

Category: €/Cultural/Unusual

Description: Starting from downtown, it's possible for you to visit the famous Sacromonte Caves (it will only take you two small kilometers of walking). Of course, you can also go there by bus taking line C32, or even get there by car. The history of the caves goes back at least to the 15th century. During this period, a group of gypsies lived for a long time on the hill of Valparaiso. They built inside the hills a whole bunch of small houses arranged in the rock, by the sole force of their fists and their tools. Over time, the dwellings were abandoned one by one: this gradually marks the installation of gypsies in the city, in classic houses. The Sacromonte Caves are a bit like a private museum: it presents many objects of Gypsy culture, explaining their way of life, their customs, and their traditions. You'll also discover many secrets that hover around these mysterious caves... It's possible to visit them from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm in winter, and from 10am to 8pm in summer.

5. The Cathedral of Granada

Category: €/Cultural

Description: The Cathedral of Granada opens its doors from 10am to 6:15pm Monday to Saturday. Located on "Calle Gran Vía de Colón" street, it is dedicated to the Virgin of the Incarnation. For connoisseurs, its architecture gives much information about the time of its construction: during the 16th century, in full Renaissance. The building is one of the tallest and most imposing buildings in the city, counting in total 67 meters wide and 115 meters long. The part that welcomes the most curious is undoubtedly the circular priests' choir, surrounded by several chapels. A real spectacle for the eyes! All mixed with a touch of Gothic art, this building was built under the orders of the Catholic kings following the "reconquista". It will also be possible for you to visit separately the "royal funeral chapel", where the royal couple Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon still rest. Needless to say that the aura that escapes from the place is both magnetic and electric.

6. Attend a Bullfight

Category: €€/Cultural/Unusual

Description: If we know Spain well for one thing (apart from its delicious food), it's for its bullfights. It's a tradition as old as the world taking place in every city in the country. Head to the "Plaza de Torros" to see three bullfighters fight two bulls each. Yes, it's possible! The arenas of Granada are among the most important historical buildings in Andalusia. Many of them are classified as "Historical Monument", making the pride of the city's inhabitants. Almost always, the public crowds by the hundreds to attend the shows, which can be concerts, artistic performances, and of course bullfights. To hope to get a good seat, it's better to book and buy your ticket online, in advance. It's time for you to come and witness one of Spain's greatest traditions, and this, in the city of Granada.