A day plan on foot
Central Granada: the Madraza, La Alcaicería and the Corral del Carbón
- From and to
- 10:00 to 15:45
- Duration
- ~6 hours
- Distance
- 4 km
- Steps
- 9
A cultural morning on flat ground in the heart of Granada: the Palacio de la Madraza, La Alcaicería, the Corral del Carbón (Andalusi khan), the Royal Chapel from the outside, Bib-Rambla Square, and the Hospital Real. Easy for families and older people. Best Monday to Friday. ~6 hours.
Drawn by Dr. Abdulmajeed Al-Mudarra
- Start
- Madraza Palace (Palacio de la Madraza)
- Finish
- Royal Hospital (Hospital Real)
The Madraza and the library are closed on Sundays; the best days for this plan are Tuesday to Friday. The lanes are very crowded in peak seasons — watch out for pickpockets in La Alcaicería.
- 10:00
Visit
Palacio de la Madraza (Nasrid Madrasa)
Palacio de la Madraza
The madrasa founded by Yusuf I (1349 CE) — its decorated mihrab and dome survive. 40 minutes. Monday–Friday 09:00–21:00, Saturday 11:00–14:00 and 17:30–20:30, closed Sunday.
Gran Vía bus / Catedral metro (nearby) - 10:45
Visit
Capilla Real
Capilla Real de Granada
Where the Catholic Monarchs are buried — a landmark best seen from outside, with its Gothic façade between the madrasa and the cathedral. 10 minutes.
- 11:00
Walk
Alcaicería de Granada
The Nasrid silk market (rebuilt), with its narrow lanes: lanterns, wooden marquetry (taracea) and pottery. 45 minutes.
- 11:50
Walk
Plaza de Bib-Rambla
A wide square named after the Andalusi Bib-Rambla gate, with a fountain and flower kiosks. 20 minutes; try the chocolate with churros.
- 12:20
Visit
Corral del Carbón
The only Andalusi inn still intact in Spain (the 14th century), with a splendid muqarnas portal. 25 minutes. Daily 09:00–20:00, entry free.
- 13:00
Meal
López-Mezquita Pastry Shop
Pastelería López-Mezquita
A light snack or traditional sweet (piononos) — or hold off for a full lunch.
- 13:30
Meal
Bodegas Castañeda
Bodegas Castañeda
Traditional tapas lunch on Almireceros street near Plaza Nueva. Halal alternative: Riad Elvira or Arrayanes. An hour and a quarter.
- 15:15
Walk
The Way to the Hospital Real
Gran Vía de Colón
Taxi or bus (10 minutes), or walk 25 minutes north via Calle Elvira.
- 15:45
Visit
Hospital Real
Hospital Real de Granada
Renaissance building (the rectorate of the Universidad de Granada) with its four courtyards and historic library of Arabic manuscripts. Entry to the courtyards is free; the library Tuesday–Thursday 08:30–20:30 and Friday until 16:30 (closed Monday and at weekends). 45 minutes.