10 Things to Do in Granada at Night

Granada is a truly magical place, the city has an undeniable charm, both by day and by night, and if you don't believe me come with me on a tour of its tapas bars, a very different and intimate Alhambra, the flamenco dancers and its most picturesque neighbourhoods, I assure you that you won't regret it. I assure you that you won't regret it.

In this article you will learn about Granada's nightlife, its best spots, where you can enjoy this other city so different from the daytime. Granada never sleeps, and you will discover that it has something for everyone.

If you've been to Granada before, get to know the majesty of its most characteristic monument. As you can imagine, planning a guided tour of the Alhambra is a must. This city-monument is one of the wonders made by man. Built on the site of an Andalusian palatine city, its architecture, fountains and gardens never cease to amaze. It is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and, without doubt, one of the most beautiful.

However, you probably think that this beauty closes its doors at night, but you would be wrong. For some time now, the Alhambra has been open at night for those who wish to reserve their place and enjoy a different kind of visit. But make sure you book your night visit to the Alhambra in advance because it is the star attraction in the city and it sells out very quickly.

I can assure you that after having seen it many times during the day, walking through the Patio de los Leones, the illuminated Nasrid palaces and the gardens, at night it is a completely different place. To be there without the hustle and bustle of the day and without the crowds, watching the columns cast their weary shadows on the calm of the night, is a truly unique experience not to be missed.

Opening hours

The opening hours for night visits to the Alhambra are:

• From April to 14 October: 22:00 to 23:30.
• From 15th October to 31st March: from 8pm to 9.30pm.

One of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Granada, and the oldest and, in fact, a must see and do in Granada. Don't listen to those who say that it is unsafe at night, I can assure you that you can walk until late at night without danger, and you will meet many more people who also enjoy the night. The Albaicín has a reputation for being a bohemian and artistic neighbourhood. Strolling through its little streets illuminated with its yellowish light and rediscovering the places you have seen during the day is an adventure in itself.

One of the must-sees of this night walk through the Albaicín is to see the Alhambra and the Generalife illuminated from above, as well as a large part of the Sierra Nevada from the Mirador de San Nicolás. It is also essential to walk along Calderería Vieja, better known as La calle de las teterías.

You'll find that the Albaicín has a lot to offer at night, although the best part is the walk itself to see the other side of the city. Visiting the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbour hoods is one of those things you can't miss on your visit to Granada.

To say Granada is to say flamenco. This world-famous musical style originated in this city, more precisely in the caves of the Sacromonte neighbourhood, where the gypsies lived for centuries. As a result of this profane mixture of Muslims, Gypsies and Christians, this very Spanish expression appeared, which was later popularised by artists such as Paco de Lucía, Tomatito, Camarón de la Isla and many others.

If you want to see a real flamenco show, Granada is the city for you. Every night the flame is lit, the glasses are filled and the atmosphere becomes more and more intense. The Jardines de Zoraya or the Tablado de la Alborea are two excellent options, as well as, of course, any of the city's typical caves. In both the Sacromonte and Albaicín neighbourhoods you can enjoy some of the best shows in Spain.

As you will see, flamenco is in the air, and it is not unusual to find cantaores or bailaores (flamenco singers and dancers) in the street. Guitars, hand clapping, foot tapping and gypsy singing, it is impossible not to be moved by a flamenco show, because it is not just another musical style, it brings with it all the suffering of a people.

The best options to enjoy flamenco in Granada

• Flamenco show at Tablao La Alborea in Granada - from CAD 22.
• Flamenco showin the Zoraya Gardens in Granada - from CAD 41.
• Flamenco showin a cave-restaurant in Granada - from CAD 48.

If you want a different kind of relaxing experience, visit the best hammam in Granada. No matter how many spas and relaxation centres you may have been to, I can assure you that none of them compare to these Arab baths.

Although these baths can also be enjoyed during the day, at night you will be able to wash away the tiredness of a whole day of walking around Granada. It is what I call an ideal plan. In 1998 they were reopened after no less than 5 centuries of being closed! Here you can enjoy an experience through water, with baths at different temperatures, massages and other incredible activities.

You can be sure that you will thank me, as this hammam located just metres from the Alhambra is something out of this world. Between the massages and baths, you can also be served a delicious tea that will help you relax both inside and out.

Practical information

• Opening hours: The evening opening hours for these relaxing sessions are not available every day, only on Fridays and Saturdays from 11.30pm to 1.15am.
• Address: Calle Sta. Ana, 16

Another of the must-do's of Granada's nightlife is undoubtedly going out for tapas. For those of you who don't know, going out for tapas in Granada is almost a must. You sit in one of the terraces and order a drink, and with it you get a tapa (yes, absolutely free!).

There are many different areas to enjoy this tradition, and of course, many bars. In some you can choose the tapa, in others you can't, but I assure you that if you know where to go there won't be a single one you won't like.

• La Bella y La Bestia: It is famous for its XXL tapas. The place is quite small but cosy. I recommend you not to go too late or you won't find a table.
• Bar Los Diamantes: ideal if you like fried fish and other seafood delicacies. Here everything, absolutely everything is delicious.
• Bar and Restaurant Los Manueles: Just around the corner from La Capilla Real and La Madraza and open since the beginning of the last century (since 1917 to be more precise), this is another must on our tapas night in Granada. It is very common that as you order drinks (and leave your good euros, of course) the importance and size of the tapas also grows.
• La Esquinita: famous for its fried prawns and other delicacies.

If gastronomic tourism is your thing, I recommend you take the tour of the best tapas bars in Granada, and put yourself in the hands of a guide specialised in the subject, who will take you to those places that you can't miss for anything in the world.

Granada's nightlife is not just about flamenco and tapas, as there is a wide range of discos and pubs with live music if you want to dance until dawn. Granada is a city full of students, many Erasmus students come to study here every year, so you will never be short of places to have fun.

The most amazing nightclubs in Granada are:

• Mae West: With three rooms and two floors with very different music and styles, this club is located in the centre of the city and is one of the must-visits of the nightlife in Granada, where you can always find good dj's playing live.
• Forum Plaza: Another discotheque with a great atmosphere, although a bit far from the centre. Located next to the incredible Parque de las Ciencias de Granada, it is one of the most sophisticated and elegant in Granada, with sets by renowned DJ's and theme nights. You simply can't miss it if you like to dance and spend an intense night of pure dance.

There are also many bars with live music shows, where you can dance and mingle with the locals. Some of them are Lemon Rock Granada, La Tertulia or, for jazz lovers, Bohemia Jazz Café.

If you are one of those who prefer theatre or concerts, Granada also has a night for that. With a large number of theatres in the city centre and old town, you can see award-winning, independent plays, concerts and international musicals.

Theatres such as the Alhambra or the Isabel la Católica theatre renew their billboard every month, so you can enjoy different shows.

The city always has an important influx of renowned artists, so I advise you to try to buy your tickets in advance.

To enjoy the best signature drinks, with all the chill atmosphere of Granada's nightlife, and with the attraction of having one of the best views of the whole city, you must go to 62 Acera del Darro street, and go up to the most incredible rooftop in the city.

B-Heaven, located on the rooftop of the Hotel Barceló Carmen Granada, is definitely a must on your night-time visit to the city of Granada. With live music shows, some gourmet snacks and a view of the illuminated Alhambra, this rooftop takes all the plaudits. The view of the city alone is worth it, but add to that the incredible service and atmosphere and there's not much else to think about.

To end the day in luxury, B-Heaven Granada is not just a bar, it's an experience in itself. Wear your best, because this is where your night begins.

In addition to the free tours you can take around the city, you can also book a night tour of Granada. These tours are quite atypical and a lot of fun, as the guides usually make a special effort to make the tour original in every way.

If you want to experience a night tour-adventure in Granada and cross the city with maps and torches on your forehead discovering the secrets of this beautiful city, do not hesitate, you will know its other side and you will not stop having fun with the most extravagant guides of Andalusia. 100% recommended.

I have left this tour for last as it is the most curious. On this guided tour of Granada's necropolis you will meet some of the most important personalities of Granada's history, who will take you to incredible places full of history such as the garden of the Alixares, while you learn a little about the city and its past.

The San José cemetery in Granada is one of the oldest cemeteries in the whole country, so it has plenty of stories to tell. I know what you're probably thinking: "this is not for me". Visiting a cemetery is not something you usually do at night, it's true, but I assure you that this dramatised visit to the San José Cemetery in Granada has nothing gloomy about it, quite the opposite.

Thanks to the performances of the actors and actresses you will discover the powerful attraction of the place and you will be surprised how many secrets it can hold. If you ask me, this is a highly recommended excursion.