Granada

enter from Gran Via just north of Plaza Isabel la Catolica; bus stop Gran Via 1· Cheap

Towering over the surrounding blocks is this spectacular 16th century structure, the second-largest cathedral in Spain and noted for its bright Renaissance interior.

enter from Calle Oficios, the small alley on the south side of the cathedral; bus stop Gran Via 1· Cheap

Commissioned after the Reconquista of the city, the Royal Chapel holds the tombs of King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I, the famed Catholic Monarchs who conquered the city and decided to be buried at the site of their victory.

South of the Cathedral is this set of winding alleyways which were originally home to a Moorish silk market under Granada's Muslim rule. Although the market initially survived the Reconquista, Philip II had it shut down and a fire…

from Calle Reyes Catolicos, head down the alley Puente del Carbon to the building with the pointed Moorish style arch at the end of the alley· Free

One of the rare bits of Moorish architecture left in the central district, this courtyard building is perhaps the oldest monument in Granada. Originally the building was used as a caravanserai - a place for merchants to rest and store…

at the intersection of Gran Via de Colon and Calle Reyes Catolicos

At the junction of Granada's two grand boulevards is this small square with a prominent statue of Columbus unfurling a contract with Queen Isabel, outlining the terms of their agreement in preparation for his first voyage to the Americas…

a block west of the Cathedral

A pleasant square with a view of the cathedral's tower, this plaza was originally the center of Moorish Granada, a bustling focus point of markets and festivals.

near Plaza Nueva, behind Iglesia de Santa Ana· Pricey

A modern spa reconstructing the ambiance and decorations of the ancient Muslim baths in Granada.

take the SN1 bus and at la Plaza de Villacantoria, there is a free shuttle bus every 15 minutes· Cheap

A local water park with man-made wave pool, slides and large floats.

Plaza de Mariana Pineda 6

An excellent restaurant that serve simple free tapas with a drink but is better known for their great dishes, especially their exquisite desserts and sweets. The churros con chocolate may be the best in the city.

c/ Verónica de la Magdalena 40

A tapas bar run by a friendly English couple. The free tapas here are excellent and make others look average in comparison, although they are a little small.

Reyes Católicos, 40

Turkish food in a sit-down setting, Shawarma King on Calle Reyes Católicos just down from Plaza Nueva is an Arabic-themed restaurant which also has a large selection of teas on the menu and hookahs available.

c/ Jardines 18

Beautiful Arabian style tapas bar. Offers alcohol unlike many other Arabian places.

Calle Elvira

One of many tapas bars on this stretch. Big tapas and young (too young) locals.

Placeta Correo Viejo· Moderate

Pleasant hostel on the edge of the Albayzin district with a lively atmosphere. 24-hr tea & coffee, welcome drink, daily activities, internet & Wi-Fi and a lovely patio and big roof-top terrace.

off Camino de Ronda - taxi recommended· Moderate

Comfortable new beds, inexpensive, clean, warm and helpful hostel. Free Wi-Fi at reception. Spanish family-run hostel where English is also spoken.

Calle Santísimo San Pedro 4· Moderate

A good budget backpackers hostel. Clean and cheap with shared or private rooms.

100 meters from Puerta real· Moderate

Deluxe dorms (which are actually shared apartments). Breakfast Included. Free Wi-Fi. Corral-style patio and many activities.

5 Vereda de Enmedio· Moderate

A true "backpacker" hostel. Provides house instruments to play with, free towels to use, and a bike you can borrow. A huge garden and terraces to enjoy.

Cuesta de Rodrigo del Campo, 13

A rowdy, central hostel set in a grand old townhouse.