The Albayzin is one of Granada’s oldest and most fascinating neighborhoods. While the sultans were hanging out in their palaces in the Alhambra, the Muslim citizens of Granada lived in the Albayzin.

From the first moment you step into the Albayzin, it’s clear that this is not your typical European neighborhood. The narrow streets, for the most part accessible only to pedestrians, zigzag left and right creating an enormous labyrinth. These winding streets

Many of the houses, called carmenes, are a type of house unique to Granada. These carmenes are houses with beautiful gardens surrounded by a high wall.

One of the highlights of the Albayzin is the unbelievably spectacular view from the Mirador de San Nicolás. This plaza is located in front of the Church of San Nicolás and is one of the biggest attractions of the Albayzin. From here you’ll see the Alhambra in all its glory and take capture one of those photos that are the stuff postcards are made of.

Head down to the lower Albayzin and take a stroll down Calderería Nueva street. The character of this street is unmistakably Arabic. Calderería Nueva is known as “Tea House Street” because it’s lined with dozens of Arabic tea houses. Walking down this street is like traveling back 1000 years to the time when the Muslims ruled Granada. All of the shops and shopkeepers and all their products are Arabic or Moroccan. You can by strange, exotic teas, those cool Arabic cushions and lamps, and all kinds of brightly decorated scarves.

Hundreds of years ago, the Albayzin and many other areas of Granada were surrounded by an enormous stone wall meant to protect the city from invaders. Remnants of the wall still stand today and can be seen from various parts of the city including the Albayzin.

The Albayzin is definitely one part of Granada you won’t want to miss.