Lots of activities in Granada are worth the cost, absolutely. But everyone loves FREE, right? If you’re looking to balance out your budget so that you can splurge on the Alhambra guided tour, paella, and a Flamenco show, this is the list for you. Here are the best FREE things to do in Granada, Spain!
Explore the Medina
You don’t have to shop to enjoy it! This is a small Medina compared to others in old cities across the Middle East and North Africa, and far less confusing. You won’t get lost in here unless you want to. I loved perusing the jewelry, ceramics, post cards, sweets, clothing, and even the kitschy “touristy” items in the shops around here. A walk through the Moorish archways and past the brightly colored scarves, dresses, and shoes will make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a distant time and place. Also, take the samples of roasted nuts when offered!
Also here: The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Granada
Peek into Iglesia del AdoraciĂłn
Many of the churches around Granada require you to pay €4-€7, which adds up if you like to visit churches in Europe. However, this chapel attached to Granada Cathedral is absolutely FREE! It’s small, of course, as it’s a chapel and not a cathedral, but it’s very beautiful inside. As chapels go, it’s quite ornate, with high ceilings and intricate detail work. I lit a candle for my husband while we were here for just €1, but that’s optional. I highly recommend a visit; you can stay as long or as short as you like.
More here: Why I Chose to Travel in My First Year of Widowhood
Step Inside the Iglesia de San AntĂłn
Looking for something a little larger? Head over to Iglesia de San AntĂłn on Calle de San AntĂłn. This large church in between two main thoroughfares is completely FREE to visit. From the gold trimmings to the bright white walls, this seventeenth century church will be a bright spot in your day. Even better, y can enjoy all the grandeur without shelling out the extra Euros.
(Coming soon) More here: What to Know Before You Visit Granada
Walk through Portions of the Alhambra
This might shock you. Are you ready? Portions of the Alhambra, the most visited site in Spain, are FREE to visit! The most sought-after areas are available only for ticket holders (it’s worth the €23 price for the full experience), but if you just want a taste and the ability to say you’ve been there, you can visit portions of the Alhambra for FREE! The gardens and wide-open spaces are the perfect atmosphere for a picnic or simply a break from the day. Charles V’s Palace and the Alhambra Museum are FREE to visit, as well as portions of the grounds.
(Coming soon) All the details: Your Guide to Visiting the Alhambra in Granada
Try the Sweets at Sabor a España
Need a little something to get you through until suppertime? Stop into any Sabor a España location (they’re scattered throughout the city) and take them up on those samples! We tried bits of chocolate, nuts, nougat, macaroons, sunflower seeds, coconut, and more. But be aware: This is a strategy to entice you to buy these things… And it works! I brought home several items from this store as gifts for friends, family, and myself. No regrets here.
You know what goes well with FREE sweets? Here are the Best Coffee Shops in Granada
Take a Walking Tour
There are multiple FREE guided walking tours to take across the city, so you could potentially try them all! A quick Google search will give you plenty of options in a variety of languages. We enjoyed our English tour with Walk in Granada, but there are others to choose from if their tours are full. You do need to book in advance, but there is no charge for reserving or taking the tour. It is customary to “pay what you want” or “tip” at the end, however you prefer to think of it. Our tour was just over two hours, and we truly went all over the city. It was a great way to get a lay of the land and learn a little local and world history!
More here: The Best Coffee Shops in Granada
Hike Up to Mirador de San Nicolás
I love a good hike. This one won’t take you through the woods, but it will take you up, up, up! The view at the top will be well worth the climb, though, and it’s the best view you’ll get of the Alhambra, for sure. We went up multiple times and loved the experience every time. At night you’ll get a dramatic view, early in the morning you might have it mostly to yourself, and at mid-day, you’ll find vendors selling trinkets, and buskers will be singing or playing Spanish guitar for tips. It’s a great vibe!
Also helpful: The Ultimate List of Hiking Tips
Peek into the Mezquita Mayor de Granada Mosque
While you’re at Mirador San Nicolás, you might be a little surprised that San Nicholás Church requires a fee. Luckily, the Mesquita Mayor de Granada (Grand Mosque of Granada) next door is FREE! The grounds of this mosque are truly peaceful and beautiful, but you won’t want to miss a peek inside as well. Don’t forget to look up! We were not allowed fully into the mosque for religious reasons, but we were welcomed into the entry to have a look.
Essential info: How to Respectfully Visit a Mosque
Observe the Cloistered Nuns at Monasterio de Santa Isabela la Real
If you’re not sure what “cloistered” means in this context, it means that the nuns here never leave the convent. They spend every minute of the day singing, praying, or reading their Bibles. This small monastery inside the Albaicin welcomes visitors for FREE, and if you’re there at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of the cloistered nuns, all draped in white. You may even hear them singing.
Keep reading: The Best Tips for Long-haul Flights with a Baby
Try all the Scents at Patio de Los Perfumes
I’ve saved the best for last! I loved visiting this perfume shop and museum multiple times on my trip to Granada. Visitors can try any and all perfumes (definitely spritz on the Granata scent), as well as visit their FREE museum! Located at the back of the shop, downstairs, you can find out how their perfumes are made, the history of perfumes, and even play a little guessing game–how well do you know your scents? You’ll also see their “scent organ,” where all their essential oils are organized and ready to create new scents. If you like what you see and smell, you can even make an appointment to create your own scent! The real jewel, though? Their namesake outdoor patio. How beautiful is this?
More here: How I Planned to Spend a Month Abroad with a Toddler
Want more? Check out my dedicated Spain Page!
Love this post? Pin it for later!
