In response to numerous appeals from first-time visitors to various destinations we ve caved in to the pressure and decided to publish a series of articles highlighting the popular sights actually worth your time in a given city.
Well, yes and no. Many of the places we cover will be the best known attractions but there may be also be a few that were originally lower down your list which we think should be given a higher priority. For the more unusual things to see and do especially for cities you ve visited before premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland refer to our very cool Been there, haven t done that series.
Exactly. But that s not really a snappy title, now is it? After starting with our definitive guide to what to see in Porto, Portugal we moved over to Spain for what to see in Madrid . Continuing in that country our attention has now shifted to another beautiful and popular city destination.
Granada is the coolest city in Andalucía, with a great location against the dramatic Sierra premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland Nevada mountains. Sure, you ll be drawn to the stunning Alhambra and wandering the labyrinthine streets of the Albayzín. But there s so much more to discover in this vibrant mix of ancient premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland Moorish and modern Christian premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland influences. This is one place where the original premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland concept of free tapas still exists; premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland after sampling some of the local Spanish cuisine and experiencing premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland flamenco in dingy clubs you can enjoy Arabic tea and cakes before having a blast on a shisha pipe, should premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland you so desire. Granada s Islamic past is kept alive by its growing North African population and its clashing cultures are reflected in the diversity of its people artists, business folk and musicians rub shoulders with poets, painters and the devout. If you plan to stay a few days it s worth knowing that you can find cheap apartments in Granada as an alternative to a hotel. Here s what you should start with when exploring the city:
The Alhambra feels like it comes straight from Tales of the Arabian Nights , rising from the woods against the mountainous backdrop. Yes, it does get crowded premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland so try to come early or late to avoid the worst. The Alhambra consists of two fabuolous sets of buildings: the Palacio Nazaríes and the Alcazaba (Citadel); the Iglesia de Santa María de la Alhambra, the Palacio de Carlos V, a couple of hotels, several bookshops, souvenir shops and gardens, including the Generalife premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland are also contained within its walls. The original premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland Alhambra (the name comes from the Arabic for red castle ) was a 9th century fortress. It was expanded and altered in the course of its 1000 year history and now enjoys Unesco World Heritage status.
These days what s left of the Alcazaba (Moorish citadel) is mainly the ramparts and several towers, the tallest and most important and tallest being the Torre de la Vela (Watch Tower), reached by a narrow staircase. Excellent views await those who climb to the top. The bell is rung on special festive occasions by young girls in the hope of ensuring they do not end up alone.
Generalife ( Architect s Garden ) is the best way to wind down after visiting the Alhambra. Wandering premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland the paths between premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland the pools, terraces, fountains, trees, hedges and flowers is a supremely premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland relaxing experience.
The Realejo quarter is a neighbourhood perched on the southeastern premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland slopes of the Alhambra hill. After visiting the main attraction premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland spend some time exploring this district which is famous premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland for its large mansions with their walled gardens. The Carmen premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland de los Martires is a well-restored premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland example with its sprawling yet romantic grounds it s very popular for weddings.
Best for those visitors with children in tow, the extensive Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park) provides hours of interactive fun with a high educational value. You ll find the place close to the Palacio de Congresos conference hall, a little less than a kilometer from the city centre.
Granada s Cathedral is an impressive Gothic and Renaissance building dating from the 16th century. As well as the decor in the main cathedral, don t miss the cathedral museum where you can view Cano s San Pablo sculpture and the golden gift to Granada from Isabel La Católica. premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland Adjoining the cathedral is Granada s most revered premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland Christian building, the Capilla Real or Royal Chapel a mausoleum containing the simple premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland lead coffins of the monarchs in the crypt underneath their marble monuments in the chancel, enclosed by an amazing premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland gilded wrought-iron screen made by Bartolomé de Jaén.
Make your way to the Mirador San Nicolás for the best views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada in Granada at sunset the place is swarming with like-minded tourists but it s worth it for the photo opportunity. Just keep an eye on your possessions as highly-skilled pickpockets work the area night and day.
Granada s old Muslim quarter, the Albayzín, stands on the hill opposite the Alhambra and its cobbled streets are worth getting lost in for half a day or so. You ll feel like you re visiting an al fresco museum and the area is indeed steeped in history it survived the Christian conquest of 1492, remaining the Muslim part of Granada for decades. Landmarks include the Arco de las Pesas, an imposing gateway in the 11th century defensive wall and the Colegiata premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland del Salvador, a 16th century church built (of course) on the site of the Albayzín s main mosque; only the terrace of the mosque remains.
The Moors may be long gone but plenty of legacies remain including the wonderful Arabic teterías — tearooms decorated with puffy cushions, lanterns and drapes. The best teterías are again in the Albayzín quarter Calle Calderería Nueva is the most well-known street. You ll find it hard to resist trying the shisha (water-pipe) but if whether or not you indulge you should of course try one of the many teas and snacks on offer.
Plaza Bib-Rambla used to be the place to come to watch jousting, bullfighting and people being burned at the stake during the Spanish Inquisition (NOBODY expects premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland the Spanish Inquisition!). Happily these days it is a peaceful place replete with flower stalls, restaurants and a fountain at its centre.
Good for souvenir hunters, the Plaza Nueva area is populated by jewellery vendors selling their wares from rugs laid out on the pavement. It is also the place to come to browse for ethnic clothing in the many shops specialising in such products.
About two kilometres northwest of the city centre is yet another of Granada s architectural masterpieces. La Cartuja Monastery dates from between premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland the 16th and 18th centuries and includes a church filled with gold, marble and sculptures and a rather over-the-top sacristy.
Now we re not advocating that you go and watch a bullfight (although many visitors do). Indeed you could be heading to the arena to watch a rock concert (Bruce Springsteen-scale acts perform here on a regular basis making for an unforgettable experience). But even if neither appeal, it is worth checking out the Plaza de Toros purely for its architectural merits, whether by joining a tour or just appreciating it from the outside.
The entire left bank of the River Darro is known as the Carrera del Darro and is one of the most beautiful walks in Granada. There are two brick and stone bridges (Cabrera and Espinosa) which link Carrera del Darro with the Churra neighborhood. The street dates from the 17th century. Many interesting original buildings are still standing including the remains of Arab houses.
Don t worry, this is not the hardcore hammam experience that you may have enjoyed in Marrakech yet Granada s best bathhouse is a long way from the anonymous, corporate spas which have become so common in Europe. It s easy to fall into a Lawrence of Arabia daydream as you sip mint tea and luxuriate in the semi-dark underground waters. You will have to book in advance and remember, this isn t Germany you won t get in without a bathing costume .
When considering where to stay the night in Granada you have a rather unique option. Rather than a boring chain hotel why not sleep in a house cave? According to some estimates more than 3000 families in Andalucia live in this way and you can try it for yourself at one of the thirty-odd establishments which are regulated and catalogued like regular tourist accommodation. Contact the tourist board in Granada for details or try this place which is considered one of the best: Las Cuevas El Abanico .
As you d expect from such a hip city there s nightlife to match. premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland Glamour hounds will feel at home at Granada 10 a converted cinema which is the place to see and be seen for the poseurs who seem to love seriously premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland cheesy Spanish pop. Way cooler is Planta Baja which has a far more diverse crows and big-name premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland DJs. The music is far more varied too and it has a great lounge to chill out on the top floor.
Cynical visitors to Spain (including, often, myself) will tell you that the good old days of free tapas with your drinks are long gone. In Granada, we d be wrong. Probably due to the abundance of cheapskate students, the city is now one of the only places this custom continues. Good places to start are Calle de Elvira or Calle Navas; then make your way to the classic and slightly chaotic Bodegas Castañeda for an old-school premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland tapas experience. Just like before, a free tapas plate accompanies each round of drinks.
Given the Moorish history of Granada premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland you d expect there to be ample opportunity to sample Moroccan food. There certainly is, but this place is the best of the bunch. Don t pass up the chance to try the amazing tagine casseroles but equally don t forget that they don t serve alcohol here. You can survive, you really can.
For an authentic flamenco experience, navigate the maze of streets of the Albayzín to find this club and see how Granada has created its own twist on the musical premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland style. The Granadina describes the stucco decor and trickling fountains of the Alhambra in musical form and there s no better place to hear it than in this part of the city. There are performances on Thursday premier travel inn metro glasgow scotland and Saturday nights and the club has been going str
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