Granada is a stunning, deeply historic Spanish city located in the southern region of Andalusia. It’s primarily known for its strong Moorish influence, which you can clearly admire in the jaw-dropping architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and art forms.
Granada is an ideal destination for history lovers, and it boasts such a rich heritage and fascinating legends that it will attract even those who aren’t.
The city is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which act as the perfect backdrop to the Alhambra Complex, arguably the most iconic landmark in Granada. And while it’s a must-visit when you’re there, it’s not the only thing to do there by a long shot!
There are countless attractions, both famous spots and hidden gems, to be discovered in the city, which is why I think joining a tour might be the best way to explore it – especially if you only have one day in Granada, and even more so if it’s your first visit!
I’ve done the research for you and compiled the most astounding Granada tours for first-timers in this post, to help you choose the perfect experience for your trip. Read on!
Why should you trust me? I’ve been in the travel industry for over a decade, and I’ve developed a knack for identifying extraordinary activities, which are the only ones I include in my articles.
I’ve hand-picked the tours below to make sure they’re high-quality, offer incredible value, and are led by professionals.
I generally use Get Your Guide and Viator for booking activities and tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Granada: Alhambra and Albaicin Small Group Tour |
| ALHAMBRA TOUR | Private Small Group Tour & Nasrid Palaces Skip the Line |
| FOOD TOUR | Granada Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour |
| FLAMENCO SHOW | Flamenco Show at Cuevas Los Tarantos Ticket |
| NIGHT TOUR | Night Adventure Tour Granada Original |
OUR PICK: The BEST Tour of Granada for First Timers
First time in the city? Then the Granada: Alhambra and Albaicin Small Group Tour is a great option to start with.
This 5-hour guided experience takes you to the city’s most iconic landmarks with a professional guide and a small group, ensuring an intimate setting. In the morning, you’ll explore the Alhambra, Spain’s most visited monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Skip the lines and head straight inside to admire the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress, the gardens of the Generalife, the summer retreat of the Nasrid rulers, and the Arab baths.
You’ll see some of the finest examples of Islamic art up close, including intricate mosaics and ornate courtyards, while hearing insights about the dynasty’s history from your guide.
Enjoy a break for lunch (own expense), and then head to the Albaicin, a picturesque neighborhood with narrow cobblestoned streets lined with whitewashed houses. It’s so charming!
You’ll walk past 14th-century mansions, and enjoy stunning views of the Alhambra from hidden viewpoints your guide will take you to.
Why this tour? It’s the most comprehensive excursion to discover the city of Granada, its history, and the rich Moorish heritage it boasts. It includes all entrance fees and covers every detail down to headsets, making sure you hear the guide clearly at all times.
Read what the reviews say:
“Our guide, Martha, was fantastic. Not only was she friendly and knowledgeable, she also managed to bring together so many of the aspects of the Alhambra’s story to life with human stories. Her enthusiasm for the history of the area shone through and it was hard not to be swept along. I’d thoroughly recommend this tour. The Albaicin was definitely worth while and provided a nice compliment to the morning at the Alhambra. Thank you!”
Josh – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Entrance to all attractions and a knowledgeable guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Alhambra Tours
The Alhambra is possibly the city’s most popular attraction, so you can’t leave without exploring this spectacular complex.
▶️ This Fast-Track Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Guided Tour allows you to skip the queues and explore the astounding palaces with an expert guide.
As you learn about Granada’s Moorish history, walk around the Nasrid Palaces, take in the views from the military fortress, and make your way to the Generalife Gardens. You’ll also access the Alcazaba and Charles V Palace.
Discover the meaning of the architectural details and all about the lives of the royalty that lived in the Alhambra.
This tour includes: Fast-track tickets, access to all the palaces, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ You can also visit the complex with this Granada: Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces, and Generalife Tour. It lasts three hours and includes tickets to all the palaces and gardens in the complex.
You’ll be accompanied by a guide, expert in the history of the Alhambra, and enjoy the spectacular architecture of the Palace of Charles V, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife Gardens.
The military fortress offers an unbeatable view of Granada as well! The tour can be booked as a private experience if you’d rather share it with your own group.
This tour includes: Entrance tickets, anda guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Alhambra Private/Small Group Tour & Nasrid Palaces Skip the Line is a great option for groups. Accommodating up to 9 people, it takes you to the Alhambra with a professional guide.
You’ll skip the lines to access the Alcazaba fortress, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Generalife Gardens. You’ll be learning about the history and architecture of the complex as you explore. You’ll also be introduced to stories about the lives of the Moorish kings in these magnificent palaces.
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, and you can choose between a number of starting times, from morning to afternoon.
This tour includes: Skip-the-line tickets and a private guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Granada Walking Tours
▶️ This Granada: Albaicín and Sacromonte Guided Sunset Walking Tour is the perfect way to explore the most iconic neighborhoods in the city. Stroll the narrow alleys at sunset, learning about the districts’ fascinating history and fan facts from a guide.
Take a peak at the caves of Sacromonte, where the gypsies built their homes centuries ago, and admire the views of Granada from a vantage point.
Wander around the whitewashed houses of Albaicin, and soak up the atmosphere while discovering the mix of cultures and traditions that shaped the city.
This tour includes: A walking tour of Granada, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Granada: 3-Hour Cathedral and Royal Chapel Tour takes you on a journey into the history of Christianity in Granada. You’ll benefit from the insights and interesting information provided by your guide.
You’ll get to tour the Granada Cathedral and the Chapel, as well as visit some 11th-century Arab Baths, and the Madraza University.
This tour includes: Entrance fees and a knowledgeable guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Food Tour in Granada
Going on a Granada tapas tour is a must, especially if you’re a foodie! Spain prides itself in this wonderful tradition of tapas, which are small bites served with your beer and could easily replace dinner.
If you want to sample a wide variety of tapas as well as other traditional dishes, and visit the best local spots to do so, you should join a tour!
This Granada Tapas and Wine Small Group Tour gives you the opportunity to take part in one of Spain’s favorite activities: going out for tapas!
Tapas are small bites and appetizers served at most bars in Granada, which you’ll enjoy paired with local wines. Vegetarian options, as well as alternatives to meet your dietary requirements, will be available.
The tour lasts 3.5 hours, and groups are capped at 10 people to ensure an intimate experience.
This tour includes: Vegetarian options, a local guide, food and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Segway and Bike Tours in Granada
▶️ A very fun way to explore the city is with the Zooming Through Granada: A Fun-Filled Electric Bike Tour. You’ll get to more places without getting tired, and enjoy wonderful views as you cruise through the city’s iconic monuments.
The tour operates with a small group, so you’ll benefit from your guide’s personalized attention.
This tour includes: E-Bike, free wifi, a local guide, taxes, and fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ With the Segway Your Way Through Granada’s History: The Ultimate Ride you’ll be zipping through town behind an expert local guide. Listen to their live commentary on the attractions and monuments you’ll be passing by.
It’s an exhilarating way to explore Granada’s vibrant neighborhoods, Albaicin and Sacromonte. Get a sense of the Andalusian city as you discover its hidden gems. there
This tour includes: Segway and helmet rental, a guide, taxes, and fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Flamenco Shows in Granada
No list to Granada tours is complete without a selection of Flamenco Shows: this stunning art form was actually born in Andalusia!
There are incredibly talented bailaores and musicians putting on a performance all over the city. Make sure to get your tickets for a flamenco show while in town. These are the best options:
▶️ The Sacromonte: Flamenco Show at Cuevas Los Tarantos Ticket is a 75-minute performance at one of the gypsy caves in Sacramento. Well-known artists will dance, sing, and play flamenco music in a magical location, creating a really atmospheric experience.
This tour includes: Flamenco show tickets and one drink. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Granada: Flamenco Show in La Alboreá is a 1-hour experience in a beautiful venue in the city center. There, you’ll have reserved seats to enjoy the best view of the stage.
Talented artists offer an astounding flamenco performance, a tradition that has been in place for several centuries, and that still is one of Andalusia’s main attractions.
This tour includes: Entrance, reserved seating, appetizers, and an optional cup of wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Experience the Arabian Baths
The Arabian Baths Experience at Granada’s Hammam Al Andalus is one of the most relaxing activities you can enjoy in Granada.
The city’s first Arabian baths date back to as early as the 11th century. This millenary tradition can still be experienced today at Hammam Ál Andalus. There, you’ll soak in the warm thermal waters, have a massage, and sip mint tea as you relax body and mind.
This tour includes: A 1.5-hour hammam session, water and mint tea, a massage, a towel, and toiletries. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Granada Night Tour
Fancy a night excursion in Granada? Then you’ll love the Night Adventure Tour, Play Granada Original. You’ll embark on a trip around Granada’s city center and the neighborhoods of Albaicin and Sacramonte, visiting the gypsy caves and narrow alleyways.
You’ll also get to admire the views of Granada as it lights up, and discover the history of the city from your savvy guide.
This tour includes: A flashlight, a city map, wifi, and a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tour to Granada for Cruise Passengers (from Malaga)
This Granada and Alhambra from Malaga Port for Cruise Passengers ONLY picks you up at Malaga Port, and provides a full-day shore excursion to Granada.
Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore the palaces of the Alhambra, skipping the lines and learning about its fascinating history.
Marvel at the extravagance and sheer beauty of each location before heading to the historic center of Granada for a walking tour. The trip lasts close to 9 hours, and ends back at the port, with plenty of time to board the ship before its departure.
This tour includes: Port pick-up and drop-off, a guide, skip-the-line tickets, and a walking tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Day Tours from Granada
▶️ Looking for day trips to nearby cities? That should also be on your Granada itinerary, especially Seville, Andalusia’s capital city, and a gorgeous place to explore!
The Seville Tour with Alcazar, Cathedral and Giralda from Granada takes you on a guided tour around the city. It includes visits to the Alcazar, the Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda.
You’ll also walk along the Guadalquivir River, discover the Moorish architecture in the historical center, and learn about Seville’s history. This includes Cristopher Columbus’ departure to the Americas and the birth of flamenco dancing!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Sierra Nevada Guided 4×4 Tour to 2500 Meters from Granada is the perfect way to explore the Sierra Nevada’s astounding scenery and discover the picturesque villages along the way.
You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings from several viewpoints, marvel at the Iberian Peninsula’s highest peaks, and visit Sierra de Huétor Natural Park.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, one drink, and a professional mountain guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Cordoba and its Mosque Tour from Granada takes you to explore the city of Cordoba, located around 95 miles (152 km) northwest of Granada.
You’ll tour its Mosque-Cathedral, the most prominent monument, and discover its traditions, culture, and history as the capital of Muslim Spain. You’ll also have free time to check out the city’s culinary delights and best viewpoints.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, an entrance fee, a guided tour of the Mosque, and a map. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
