Day or night, there’s always something to do in downtown Granada.

Puerta Real

Perhaps the most important intersection in Granada (Reyes Católicos, Recogidas, Acera del Darro, Calle Mesones and Ángel Ganivet), Puerta Real was built in the eighteenth century atop an arched tunnel through which runs the Darro River. Puerta Real is without a doubt the commercial center of Granada. You can do a little shopping at El Corte Inglés, Zara, or any of the hundreds of major shops in the area. If you ever get a craving for some good old fashioned American fast food, head over to Burger King. Then grab some dessert next door at Haagen Dazs.

For obvious reasons, Puerta Real is where we’ll usually meet whenever we have an event or activity.

Plaza del Carmen

Plaza del Carmen is one of the most important courtyards in Granada. Whenever there’s a festival, Plaza del Carmen is sure to be the center of the action. For example, during the Día de la Cruz festival, you’ll find hundreds of Granaínos here dancing Sevillanas, the famous folk dance. On one end of the courtyard is Calle Navas, one of the best streets for tapas.

Reyes Católicos and Gran Vía

This intersection is the gateway to many of the cities attractions. Here you’ve got Plaza Isabel la Católica and the unmistakable statue of Queen Isabella granting Christopher Columbus the ships that would eventually carry him to “the New World”. You’ll also find the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, Plaza Nueva, and Calle Elvira (another great street for tapas).

Cathedral and Royal Chapel

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the tombs of none other than King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. That’s right… The guys who sent Columbus to discover America are buried right here in Granada.

Alcaicería

Surrounding the Cathedral is the Alcaicería. For hundreds of years this part of town has served as a marketplace for the Arabic residents of Granada. The name “alcaicería” developed here in Al-Andalus (the part of Spain that was ruled by the Muslims) and referred a marketplace where silk was sold wholesale. Later, merchants began to sell retail silk products, and finally a variety of textiles and other products. Although there were other Alcaicerías in Andalusia, the most important and well-known Alcaicería was and is the one in Granada.

Corral del Carbón

Corral del Carbón (“coal warehouse”) is one of the most important relics of the Nazarí reign in Granada. Thanks to its being used for various purposes since its construction, this last remaining Nazarí warehouse consequently has been well preserved. Today, Corral de Carbón serves as the main office of the Andalusí Legacy Foundation who currently manages ticket sales for the Orchestra of Granada.

Plaza Nueva

This historic courtyard is the gateway to some of the most fascinating areas of Granada. From here you can access the Albayzin and the Sacromonte, Calle Elvira, Cuesta de Gomérez (where all the guitar makers have their shops), and, of course, the Alhambra.