Granada's Historic Centre, a World Heritage Site

A short walk from Puerta Real brings you to Plaza del Carmen, today home to the city hall. During the Baroque period, the site was occupied by a Carmelite monastery which, following the 19th-century disentailment, gave way to the building we see today.

A couple of streets over lies Plaza Bib-Rambla, where the market district began in Andalusi times. A short stretch of city wall once stood here too, pierced by the famous Arco de las Orejas (Arch of the Ears), now reconstructed in the Alhambra woods.

Part of that market still survives in the Alcaicería district, a great place to picture what the souk might have looked like in Nasrid times. This street was once home to the silk market of Muslim Granada.

Next to the Alcaicería stands the Church of El Sagrario, built on the site once occupied by the prayer hall of Granada's main mosque. Constructed with local materials, the church echoes the design of St Peter's in the Vatican, and its ceiling is one of the finest of any church in the city centre.

Next comes Granada Cathedral. Built from 1523 onwards, it was Spain's first Renaissance cathedral. The original project commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs was never carried out, and what we see today is the result of a new design commissioned by Emperor Charles V. It's another unmissable sight, built in the 16th century and one of the finest examples of the Spanish Renaissance.

The Royal Chapel and the Archbishop's Palace

Right opposite stands the Archbishop's Palace, along with several striking historic buildings such as the Colegio de Niñas Nobles (now the Tourist Information Office). Behind the cathedral is the Royal Chapel, the mausoleum of the Catholic Monarchs and of their daughter, Joanna I of Castile, along with her husband, Philip of Habsburg.

The Royal Chapel, resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, is also an essential visit. Entry to the Royal Chapel is through the Lonja de Mercaderes, a 1518 building that once served as a merchants' exchange.

On the same street stands the Madraza, the first public university in all of Al-Andalus, built on the orders of Sultan Yusuf I in the 14th century.

Other landmark buildings include the Corral del Carbón, a former Nasrid trading warehouse, and the José Guerrero Centre for Contemporary Art. Finally, walking towards the Genil River from Puerta Real, you'll come to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, the city's foremost object of religious devotion, which now also houses a museum of liturgical items open to the public.

Within a short radius you'll also find several convents and churches worth visiting, including San Antón, Santo Ángel Custodio and La Magdalena.

Plaza Bib-Rambla is a small square that's the perfect spot to take a break and soak up the lively street atmosphere. Its terraces and relaxed vibe fill the square with colour and freshness.

Calle Alcaicería sits right in the heart of Granada's old town, a pedestrian street just a few steps from the cathedral. Along its length you'll find a wide range of shops selling typical Granada products, from ceramics and handicrafts to sweets, spices and leather goods.

Calle Alcaicería is one of the best places to pick up souvenirs from your trip to Granada. For centuries this street has been an important centre of trade in the city, and it remains a place where you'll find shops full of typical Granada products today.

The historic centre is very well connected and easy to reach on foot or by public transport from anywhere in the city. Its proximity to other neighbourhoods means you can walk there from practically anywhere in Granada.

From the airport: direct bus to the centre or taxi (around 30 minutes).

From the train station: a 10-minute walk, or city buses.

Public transport: numerous bus lines connect the centre with every neighbourhood in Granada.

Allow 3-4 hours to see the main monuments of the historic centre.

The historic centre is pleasant to visit at any time of day. Mornings are ideal for sightseeing, while evenings are best for enjoying the tapas and terrace scene.

You can enjoy local cuisine in the bars, tea houses and restaurants scattered around the old town. Don't miss out on tapas, a Granada tradition in which a small portion of food is served free with every drink you order.

If you love green spaces, the Paseo del Salón boulevard is well worth a visit.

Most of the historic centre is accessible on foot, though some areas have the uneven cobblestones typical of an old town.

Discover the secrets of Andalusia's most impressive historic centre with our specialist guides, who know every corner, every story and every monument of this unique heritage ensemble blending Islamic, Renaissance and Baroque art.

Guided Visit to the Royal Chapel of Granada

Guided Tour of the Cathedral