City in Andalusia, Spain
Granada
Student city under the Sierra Nevada, with the Alhambra, Moorish lanes and free tapas with every drink. Cheap and easy alone; hot summers, hilly streets and tourist crowds near the Alhambra.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,690–2,360Comfortable, one person · €1,500–2,100Details
- Value for money57/100Better value than 56% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Air quality13 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent: comes from Sierra Nevada snowmelt, and locals drink it freely.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work widely; some old tapas bars, small shops and Albaicín cafés prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Granada
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro and Realejo | First-timers: tapas, student bars, Alhambra access, walkable |
| Albaicín | Medieval lanes and views; steep, quiet at night |
| Sacromonte | Cave houses and flamenco; remote and uphill |
| Camino de Ronda | Residential, cheaper, local life, university area |
| Zaidín | Calm, cheap long stays; farther from sights |
Apps that work in Granada
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are cheap and hail well at ranks. The Albaicín is steep and narrow, so many drivers drop off at the edge.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work widely; some old tapas bars, small shops and Albaicín cafés prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.