Take a look at the best free things to see in Granada: the city of the Alhambra is the perfect getaway if you want to save some money but you don’t feel like giving up discovering a thousand-year-old culture.
Granada can be explored in two days, but if you want to take it easy, you should know that some museums and monuments open their doors for free during specific days and hours. Take a look at all of them, and take notes about your next Granada itinerary.
ALHAMBRA
1. Museum of the Alhambra
Located on the ground floor of the palace of Carlos V, this museum is a trip down memory lane, where you will discover the Hispanic-Muslim culture and art. It is open for free year-round with the following hours:
- From October 15th to March 14th
- Wednesday to Saturday: 8.30 am – 6 pm
- Sunday and Tuesday: 8.30 am – 3 pm.
- From March 15th to October 14th
- Wednesday to Saturday: 8.30 am – 8 pm
- Sunday and Tuesday: 8.30 am – 2.30 pm
2. Fine Arts Museum
On the first floor of the same palace, you will find the “Museo de Bellas Artes”, which houses masterpieces from the 15th-20th centuries, representing the city of Granada. The museum is free for EU residents, otherwise, it has a cost of €1,50. The opening hours of the Museum are the following:
- From March 16th to June 15th / from September 16th to October 15th
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9 am – 7.30 pm
- Sunday and Holidays: 9 am – 3.30 pm
- From October 16th to March 15th
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Sunday and Holidays: 9 am – 3.30 pm
- From June 16th to September 15th
- Tuesday to Sunday, and Holidays: 9 am – 3.30 pm
3. Carmen de los Mártires Gardens
A triumph of Romantic, English and French gardens in the southern area of the Alhambra, the gardens of Carmen de los Mártires are open for free with the following hours:
- From October 15th to March 31st
- Monday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm, and 4 pm – 6 pm
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10 am – 6 pm
- From April 1st to October 14th
- Monday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm, and 6 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10 am – 8 pm
4. Silla del Moro
The “Silla del Moro” (literally, the “Moor’s Chair”) is a surveillance construction built to protect the Generalife. It is also known as “Castle of Santa Elena”, and it is open for free on Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm.
5. Cemetery
This 19th-century cemetery is located in the Alhambra, and it is known to be the second oldest urban cemetery in Spain. It is open for free from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm.
ALBAYZÍN AND SACROMONTE DISTRICTS
6. Carmen del Aljibe del Rey
This building houses the see of the Fundación Agua de Granada and the Interpretation Centre of Agua (Water). The permanent exhibition focuses on the importance of the water during the Moorish times. It’s open for free from Monday to Friday at 12 o’clock.
7. Carmen de Max Moreau
The Belgian painter Max Moreau had his house built following the canons of the Carmens (a house typical of Granada characterised by a garden and a vegetable garden, enclosed by high, whitewashed walls). When the painter died in 1992, he left all his patrimony to the City Council of Granada.
In 1998, his house was converted into a Museum, which is now open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, and from 4 pm to 6 pm.
8. Carmen de la Victoria
The Carmen de la Victoria is part of the University of Granada, and is now a Guest Residence, whose gorgeous gardens can be visited for free year-round.
9. Casa de Zafra
This magnificent 14th-century Moorish palace houses the Interpretation Centre of the Albayzín, and it is meant to become the “entrance door of the Albayzín district”. You can access the building for free, from 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days per week.
10. Palacio de los Córdova
This Renacentist palace is surrounded by gardens and features a gorgeous indoor patio. Nowadays, it is the see of the Municipal Archive of Granada, and it also welcomes formal events. The gardens can be visited for free:
- From October 15th to March 31st:
- Monday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm, and 4 pm – 6 pm
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10 am – 6 pm.
- From April 1st to October 14th:
- Monday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm, and 6 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 10 am – 8 pm.
11. Sacromonte Abbey
The “Abadía del Sacromonte” lies on top of Mount Valparaíso. It is built on the catacomb where Granada’s Patron Saint, San Cecilio, was martyred. The abbey can be visited for free Monday to Friday at 10 am, upon booking here.
12. Museum of the Gypsy Woman
Located in the neighbourhood of Sacromonte, the “Museo de la Mujer Gitana” houses a permanent exhibition regarding the women of the Gypsy culture. It can be visited for free from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 1 pm.
13. Mosque of Granada
The Mosque of Granada was inaugurated in 2003. It is composed of a praying site, the Gardens and a Centre of Islamic Studies. You can access the Mosque for free, although donations are accepted, as they help take good care of the building. It is open from 9 am to 11 am, and you will have to book your visit by sending an email to [email protected]. Keep in mind that this is a place of worship, so you are advised to act consequently.
CITY CENTRE
14. Cathedral of Granada
The spectacular Cathedral of Granada can be visited free on Tuesdays and keep in mind that it’s mandatory to book your visit on the website. You’d better check it out at least 24 hours before your planned visit to Granada, as there is a high demand.
15. Real Chapel
The Real Chapel of the Cathedral of Granada welcomes the eternal rest of the Catholic Monarchs. It was built in 1504 and it has been keeping countless masterpieces enclosed in its walls for more than five centuries. You can visit the Chapel for free on Wednesday from 3.15pm to 6.30pm. In both cases, you will have to make a reservation at least 24 hours prior to your visit, by clicking here.
16. Cultural Centre “Federico García Lorca”
The cultural centre “Federico García Lorca” houses exhibitions throughout the year, and it is open for free:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 am – 2 pm, and 5 pm – 9 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 2 pm
17. Centre “José Guerrero”
Another cultural centre that opens its doors for free is the “Centro José Guerrero”, whose exhibitions you can visit:
- Tuesday to Saturday and Holidays: 10.30 am – 2 pm, and 4.30 pm – 9 pm
- Sunday: 10.30 am – 2 pm
You can also take advantage of the guided visits, on no-festive Tuesday, at 7 pm.
18. Corral del Carbón
The Corral del Carbón was used to store grain, to be used in case of needs by the workers and the neighbours of the area. This “alhóndiga” (the name with which this kind of buildings is known) is perfectly preserved, and it is the only one in the whole Iberian Peninsula. You can visit it for free from Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 7 pm.
19. Botanic Garden of the University of Granada
If you’re a lover of plants and nature, you can’t miss out on this pretty botanic garden, located in the patio of the University of Granada. Free visits are available from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 10 pm.
REALEJO DISTRICT
20. Carmen de Conchita
Conchita Barrecheguren lived and died in Granada when she was only 22 years old. Despite her short life, she wrote numerous religious texts and she awe-inspired everyone for the strength with which she faced her illnesses. In the Carmen where Conchita used to live, you can now find a museum where all her belongings are kept. You can visit it for free, on each month’s 13th, from 11.30am to 2 pm, and from 6 pm to 8.30pm.
21. Cuarto Real
The Cuarto Real is the predecessor of the Alhambra, and you can spot the same leitmotif that would later be brought to fame by Granada’s most famous building, especially the Nasrid Palaces. The visit is free with the following hours:
- October to April: 10.30 am – 2.30, and 4 pm – 8 pm
- May to September: 10 am – 2 pm, and 5 pm – 9 pm
22. Museum “Casa de los Tiros”
This museum welcomes a library and a newspaper and periodicals library regarding the life of Granada. It is free for EU citizens, and you may enter:
- From September 16th to June 15th
- From Tuesday to Saturday: 9 am – 8 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
- From June 16th to September 15th
- From Tuesday to Sunday, and festive Monday: 9 am – 3 pm
OTHER DISTRICTS
23. Alcázar del Genil
This 13th-century fortified palace was built by the Caliph al-Muntasir, and it was later remodelled by the Nasrid kings. Nowadays, it welcomes the “Fundación Francisco Ayala”, where exhibitions regarding the life and works of the writer are being held. Free visits are allowed Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 2 pm.
24. Museum of Brother Leopoldo de Alpandeire
Brother Leopoldo de Alpandeire (a town in Malaga province) dedicated his whole life to the poors. He was beatified in 2010, 54 years after his death, which occurred on February 9th, 1956. The friar was so loved, that his tomb is Granada’s second most visited monument after the Alhambra. You can visit it from Monday to Saturday, from 8.30am to 1.15pm, and from 4.30pm to 8 pm.
25. Gardens of Quinta Alegre
The Palace of Quinta Alegre lies on a hill in the centre of Granada. Its Palladio-style structure mingles with the 6.000 sq-mt filled of gardens, which were renovated and brought to their ancient splendour only in 2006. They welcome important events for the city and are accessible for free with the following opening hours:
- From April 1st to October 14th
- Monday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm, and 6 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 10 am – 8 pm
- From October 15th to March 31st
- Monday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm, and 4 pm – 6 pm
- Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 10 am – 6 pm
26. García Lorca Park
The spectacular park that surrounds the summer estate of the poet is the perfect place to relax after touring around Granada’s monuments. You won’t have to pay to visit it, and the opening hours are the following:
- November to March: 8 am – 8 pm
- April and May: 8 am – 10 pm
- June to September: 8 am – 1 am
This information has been revised and confirmed by Granada City Council website at the moment of the publication of this post.
Places to stay in Granada
If you’re looking for a place to stay and enjoy the beauties of Granada at best, here you can find a selection of the best villas in Granada. Choose one of them and see how your trip gets more real!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of what to see in Granada for free. If you have any addition to make, comment below!
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