Albaicín, the oldest quarter of Granada
The Albaicín is the oldest and most emblematic neighbourhood in Granada. This neighbourhood is located right in front of the Alhambra, which gives you spectacular views of the Alhambra.
The neighbourhood is made up of white houses and narrow cobbled streets that do not follow a specific order of construction, as in the past it was used as a defensive place and only the inhabitants of the neighbourhood knew how to find their way around it. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
How to get there
The Albaicín is located in the highest part of the city of Granada, but you have to keep in mind that the circulation of vehicles within the neighbourhood is restricted to residents, taxis and public transport. In fact, some streets are so narrow that vehicles are not allowed to circulate. For this reason, we recommend arriving on foot or by public transport and walking around the neighbourhood.
What to see
Albaicín has an infinite number of things to do and see; historical buildings and monuments, streets, squares, viewpoints, museums, excursions. Before visiting Albaicín you should know that it is a quiet, humble neighbourhood with small shops, where neighbours know each other, and where people live village life. As it is a Unesco World Heritage Site for being a preserved neighbourhood with a lot of history, if you come to visit it, it goes without saying that you must respect its streets, the neighbours and the hours of rest.
San Nicolás viewpoint
The Mirador de San Nicolás, located in the Albaicín neighbourhood, is, together with the Mirador de San Cristóbal, one of the most famous viewpoints in Granada. From here, you will have a spectacular view of the Alhambra, with the city at your feet and the Sierra Nevada in the background. It is especially recommended to visit at sunset or during the famous ‘golden hour’, when the Alhambra is illuminated in golden tones. If you plan to go at that time, it is a good idea to arrive early, as it is a very popular place and fills up quickly.
The Mirador de San Nicolás is an obligatory stop for the best views of the Alhambra and the Albaicín. This viewpoint always has a great atmosphere, in fact it is common to find street musicians playing flamenco. There are also bars and restaurants around it where you can have a drink.
Walk of the Sad
The Paseo de los Tristes or Paseo del Padre Manjón is one of the most charming places in Granada. Its name comes from the fact that for years funeral processions passed along this street on their way to the cemetery. Even so, despite its name, the promenade is far from being a sad place.
It is located next to the Darro River, in a square where you can have a drink on one of its terraces while enjoying the views of the Alhambra. It is the perfect place to take a break and try some of the local cuisine surrounded by the atmosphere of the Albaicín neighborhood.
The Paseo de los Tristes is ideal for a stroll at any time of day, but at dusk it has something special. It is, without a doubt, a place you cannot miss if you visit the Albaicín, especially on summer evenings, when you can enjoy the cool breeze of the river beneath the Alhambra.
The House of Chapiz
The Casa del Chapiz is located right on the Chapiz slope and divides the Albaicín neighbourhood from the Sacromonte. It is made up of two Moorish houses from the 16th century, which belonged to Lorenzo el Chapiz and Hernán López el Ferí, two Muslims converted to Christianity.
What makes the Casa del Chapiz special is the mix of Muslim and Christian elements in its architecture, highlighting its central courtyard, surrounded by galleries with columns and a pond.
If you are walking through the Albaicín, this house is an interesting stop to learn a little more about the Arab history of the city. There is also the option of seeing it on a guided tour.
The Bañuelo
Another interesting stop in the Albaicín is El Bañuelo, one of the best preserved Arab baths in Spain. This small building is located on the Carrera del Darro.
The Bañuelo, from the 11th century, was a place of meeting, relaxation and purification. Its structure, with rooms of different temperatures and star-shaped windows that filter the light, transport you to another era. Walking through its rooms allows you to imagine what life was like in Muslim Granada.
Palace of the Forgotten
The Palacio de los Olvidados is another place worth visiting in the Albaicín. Housed in a former 16th-century mansion, this museum offers a different experience, focusing on the history of the Inquisition and the Sephardic heritage in Granada. Here you can explore exhibits about torture during the Inquisition, as well as discover more about the Jewish community that lived in the city before their expulsion.
This space is interesting for those who want to delve into Granada’s lesser-known past. In addition, the building maintains the architectural essence of the period, with views from its terrace.
In addition, at the Palacio de los Olvidados you can enjoy its viewing point with views of the Alhambra, but also a flamenco stage with live music and dancing from Monday to Sunday.