Free tours in Granada

• Neighborhoods connected by history. These aren't separate spots on a map, and you will be able to understand them better with a local.
• Layers of history. Granada has been ruled by both Christians and Muslims at different times. Your guide can explain how this has shaped the city.
• Walking routes with scenic views. If you want, you can take the Albaicín and Sacromonte walking tour. While the path is steep, it is well worth each step.
• Book ahead. Since spots fill quickly, we recommend that you reserve a free tour in Granada through FREETOUR.com in advance.

Granada as a City of Elevation: Three Perspectives

The Alhambra Facing the City

The Alhambra and Generalife complex completely dominates Granada’s skyline, acting as the city's ultimate focal point. And a walking tour in Granada quickly makes that obvious. This was the last remaining stronghold for the Nasrid Kingdom, which was the last Muslim government to remain in power in Spain.

The Albaicín as the Memory of Islamic Granada

Crossing the River Darro makes all the difference. The Albaicín is what remains of the old Islamic part of town, featuring white walls and streets so narrow that you might sometimes need to step aside to let others pass. Most visitors go directly to the viewpoint. However, there is a place many don’t see. It is the Dar al-Horra Palace, which was home to Moorish royalty. A knowledgeable tour guide will show you where this is, as well as give you an explanation of what you are seeing.

Sacromonte as the Edge of Granada

Sacromonte is where real people lived in caves, cut into the hillside. And this is where the Zambra Flamenco originated. It originated when the Romani community (who resided in these hills) combined their own musical traditions with other traditions that were already part of the culture of the city. Because of this, it seems like an integral part of this neighborhood. As you walk up the hill, the view gets better and better — white cave door colors and cacti everywhere. It feels different than anywhere else.

Choose Your Storyline: Different Routes for Different Travelers

Different tours work for different people. Here is an easy way to select your own:

• For Beginners. The "Essential Granada Free Tour" provides you with the main sights of the town center and doesn’t require as much uphill walking. It can be called a great starting point. 
• For Atmosphere Seekers. Take the Albaicín and Sacromonte route. If possible, request this time later in the afternoon since the sun will strike the Alhambra wall, and the entire town will look surreal. 
• For History Buffs. Choose tours that contain the Royal Chapel (where Isabella I and Ferdinand II are buried) and the adjacent Cathedral of Granada. This quarter alone has a great deal to tell about the city's past. 
• For Deep Heritage Seekers. Ask if tours can take you to the Monastery of San Jerónimo. Most visitors never get there, which is exactly why it's worth going.

The Real Strength of Granada: Viewpoints Are Part of the Story

Viewpoints are common in most cities. However, Granada takes the views seriously enough to make them part of your story. There is no question about which is the best or largest one — Mirador de San Nicolás offers an incredible view; to the left, there is the Alhambra, and behind, there are the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

A tour guide will help you understand what you are looking at. For example, why did Granada build its city on top of hills? What importance did the hills hold for building the city? How can you be standing in the middle of Europe, looking at two complete opposites staring each other down across a valley? Context gives you a much deeper picture than the visual landscape alone. 

Between Islamic Heritage and the Age of Discovery

Between an Islamic heritage and the age of discovery, Granada has a history that isn’t discussed enough:

• The New World Connection. While many people remember 1492 for the departure of the Moorish rulers from Spain, it is also the year that Christopher Columbus received the money he needed to travel westward. The funding for this voyage came directly from the Catholic Monarchs, who had agreed to fund his voyage just as the city was being handed over to their control. This coincidence of events is almost unbelievable. It is one year, one city, two historical events that would forever change the course of history.
• Archaeological Layers. Granada didn’t begin with the Moors; there are Roman ruins beneath the modern city, which most visitors walk over without realizing. The medieval city is merely the most visible of several layers.

Practical Rhythm: How Free Tours in Granada Work Best

A few things to know before you show up:

• Preparation for Slopes. Granada is very hilly. Most of our free walking tours in Granada take place in Albaicin (the oldest part of town). And because it is so old, there will be stairs, uneven surfaces, and some pretty steep areas. Please, wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Booking Essentials. Before booking, check out the different walking tours we offer on FREETOUR.com, as well as their start time and number of people per tour. The smaller the number of people attending, the better you can see/hear your tour guide while walking narrow old streets.
• Tipping & Evaluation. Our walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-want system. After completing the walk, you get to decide how much the experience was worth to you. Tips encourage guides to provide the best experience possible, which most often occurs.

Why Granada Feels Different From Other Andalusian Cities

People who've done walking tours in Granada will feel the difference between other Spanish cities pretty fast. For example, Cordoba is small, Seville is large and flat, and Granada never seems to end — literally, around every street corner, there is a new surprise.

The Alcaicería sits today as it did centuries ago, right in the center of this city. The teterías on Calle Elvira serve their mint tea the same way as they have for decades. And almost all bars serve complimentary tapas when you order a drink — no one invented this as a visitor-friendly idea, it is simply how people behave here.

You will experience all of this on our free walking tours. They provide information on everything you want to know. And this is generally what sticks with you long after your visit.