Granada is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities in the southern region of Andalusia, and it offers a mix of stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re visiting to explore the Alhambra, stroll through the Albaicín district, or savor traditional tapas, you’re likely wondering how much it will cost to enjoy all this. This guide breaks down the average daily expenses in Granada, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, to help you plan your trip efficiently.
Key Insights
- Accommodation: Budget travelers can stay in hostels for €15-30 per night, while mid-range hotels cost €50-100 per night.
- Food: You can enjoy traditional tapas for free with drinks in many bars, while meals at mid-range restaurants range from €10-20 per person.
- Flights: Budget flights from Europe to Granada range from €50-150, while flights from the US often involve a stopover, costing around €400-800.
- Transport: Local buses cost €1.40 per trip, and taxis start at €5, making it easy to explore the city.
- Activities: Entry to the Alhambra costs €14, while many other historical sites and attractions are free or low-cost.
How much does it cost to visit Granada daily?
The average daily cost of visiting Granada ranges from €50-100 per day for budget travelers, including accommodation, meals, and transport. Staying in hostels can cost as little as €15-30 per night, while meals at mid-range restaurants range from €10-20 per person. Entry to attractions like the Alhambra is €14, and public transport is affordable at €1.40 per bus trip. Flights to Granada vary based on origin and season, with budget European flights costing €50-150.
Average daily Costs Granada
Accommodation Costs in Granada
Accommodation prices in Granada vary depending on the type of lodging and the season you’re visiting. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Hostels: For solo travelers or those on a tight budget, hostels are an affordable choice. Expect to pay between €15-30 per night for a dormitory bed in a hostel.
- Mid-Range Hotels: A room in a mid-range hotel costs around €50-100 per night. These typically include amenities like Wi-Fi and breakfast.
- Luxury Hotels: For travelers seeking a more luxurious experience, high-end hotels in the city center start at €120 per night, and can go up to €250 or more for top-tier hotels.
Tip: Prices tend to rise during peak tourist season (spring and summer), especially around Easter (Semana Santa), so booking early can help secure better rates. Off-season travel, particularly in autumn and winter, offers great deals on accommodation.
Daily Food Costs
One of the best things about Granada is the tradition of free tapas with drinks. This means you can enjoy great food at affordable prices, especially if you stick to local bars and cafes.
- Breakfast: A typical Spanish breakfast of coffee and a pastry will cost you around €3-5.
- Lunch: A menu del día (set lunch) is widely available for €10-15, offering excellent value with two or three courses and a drink included.
- Dinner and Drinks: Dinner at a casual restaurant costs around €12-20 per person. Many bars offer free tapas with every drink, so a couple of drinks and tapas could serve as a full meal for €10-15.
Tip: For budget travelers, eating tapas is a great way to cut down on food costs. Simply order a drink and enjoy a complimentary tapa at various local bars.
Transportation Costs in Granada
Granada is a relatively small city, and many of its top attractions are within walking distance. However, you may still need to use public transportation occasionally.
No Regrets Booking Advice
- Public Transport: A single bus or metro ticket costs around €1.40, with discounted options for multiple trips (such as a 10-trip card for €8-10).
- Taxis: Short taxi rides within the city center cost €5-10.
- Car Rentals: Renting a car for trips outside the city starts at around €25-40 per day, though parking in the city center can be challenging.
Tip: Consider using the city’s efficient bus and metro system, especially if you’re planning to visit attractions on the outskirts, such as the Alhambra.
Activities and Sightseeing Costs
Granada is rich in cultural and historical attractions, and many of its top sights are relatively affordable or even free.
- The Alhambra: A must-see in Granada, Alhambra tickets range from €14-21 depending on the type of tour and access to specific areas like the Generalife Gardens. It’s advisable to book in advance, as tickets sell out quickly.
- General Attractions: Visits to Granada Cathedral, Royal Chapel, and the Monastery of San Jerónimo cost €4-8 each.
- Free Attractions: Strolling through the Albaicín district or visiting the Mirador de San Nicolás for panoramic views of the city are completely free.
Tip: Consider purchasing a Granada Card (starting at €40), which includes access to many of the city’s top attractions, as well as free public transport.
Seasonal Price Variations
Granada’s travel costs can fluctuate depending on the time of year, with summer and spring being the most expensive seasons.
No Regrets Booking Advice
- High Season: From April to October, Granada sees a surge in tourism. Prices for accommodation, particularly near the Alhambra and city center, can increase by 20-30% during these months.
- Low Season: Winter (excluding the Christmas period) offers the lowest prices, particularly for hotels. You can find rooms for €40-60 per night in mid-range hotels.
Tip: Travel during shoulder seasons (March and November) for more affordable rates while still enjoying pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Random and Additional Costs
While major expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation are predictable, there are always unexpected or random costs that might arise during your trip.
- Souvenirs: Expect to spend €10-30 on local souvenirs such as ceramics or handmade crafts.
- ATM Fees: Many ATMs in Spain charge a fee of €3-5 per transaction, so try to use your card or withdraw cash from your home bank’s partner ATMs if possible.
- Tourist Services: Guided walking tours or day trips to the Sierra Nevada or Alpujarras typically cost around €30-70.
Tip: Carry a bit of extra cash in your budget for unexpected expenses like parking fees, tips, or spontaneous outings.
Flights to Granada: What to Expect
Flights to Granada vary depending on your departure location, season, and whether you book early or last-minute. The Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) is relatively small, so you might find more flight options to nearby airports like Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located about 90 minutes away from Granada.
- From Europe: Direct flights from major European cities (such as London, Paris, or Rome) to Granada can range from €50-150 for budget airlines during off-peak times. Expect to pay more, between €150-250, during peak tourist seasons.
- From the US or Canada: There are usually no direct flights from the US or Canada to Granada. A round-trip ticket to Málaga costs around €400-800 depending on the season, with an additional €30-50 for a flight from Málaga to Granada. Alternatively, you can take a bus or rent a car from Málaga to Granada, which costs around €10-15 for the bus.
Pro Tip: For cheaper flights, try to book tickets 3-6 months in advance, avoid peak travel times, and use budget airlines when possible.
Cost Breakdown by Traveler Type
Here’s a rough breakdown of daily expenses for different types of travelers in Granada:
- Budget Traveler: Expect to spend around €40-60 per day, covering hostel accommodation, free tapas, public transportation, and free or low-cost activities.
- Mid-Range Traveler: For those seeking more comfort, daily costs range from €90-150, including a hotel stay, meals at restaurants, and visits to top attractions.
- Luxury Traveler: High-end travelers may spend €200-300 per day or more, especially if staying at luxury hotels, dining in upscale restaurants, or taking private tours.
Saving Money in Granada
If you’re looking to save money during your trip to Granada, here are a few tips:
- Eat Tapas: Take advantage of the city’s free tapas culture. Order a drink and enjoy a free snack.
- Stay in Neighborhoods Outside the Center: Accommodation in areas like Zaidín or Chana can be cheaper than the city center but still provide easy access to main attractions.
- Book Alhambra Tickets in Advance: Buying Alhambra tickets early can save you both money and the hassle of finding them sold out during peak times.
Conclusion
A visit to Granada can be as affordable or luxurious as you make it. Whether you’re exploring the city on a budget or seeking a high-end getaway, the average daily costs in Granada allow for flexibility in planning. From enjoying free tapas to exploring world-famous attractions like the Alhambra, Granada has something for every traveler.
FAQs
What is the average cost of accommodation in Granada?
Accommodation in Granada ranges from €15-30 per night for hostels, €50-100 per night for mid-range hotels, and €120-250 per night for luxury options. Prices are typically higher during peak seasons like Easter or summer. Booking in advance and choosing to stay in neighborhoods outside the city center can help reduce accommodation costs.
How much does it cost to visit the Alhambra?
The general admission ticket to the Alhambra costs €14 for adults. Discounts are available for children, students, and seniors. It is recommended to book tickets in advance as entry is limited and the site is very popular. There are also guided tours available for an additional cost, ranging from €30-50 depending on the service.
Where can I find affordable food in Granada?
Granada is famous for its free tapas culture, where many bars offer a complimentary tapa with a drink purchase. This makes it possible to enjoy local food for as little as €2-5 per drink. Mid-range meals at restaurants typically cost between €10-20 per person, and you can find budget-friendly meals at local markets and cafes.
Why is Granada a popular budget travel destination?
Granada is popular among budget travelers because of its affordable accommodations, free tapas culture, and low-cost attractions. Many historical sites like the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts are free to explore, and public transportation is cheap, with bus rides costing around €1.40 per trip. These factors make it easy to enjoy the city on a budget.
How much do flights to Granada cost?
Flights to Granada from within Europe range from €50-150 with budget airlines, depending on the season. Flights from outside Europe, such as from the US, usually involve a stopover in a major city like Madrid or Málaga, with costs ranging from €400-800. Booking early and flying during off-peak seasons can help lower flight costs.
Will I need a car to get around Granada?
You don’t need a car to get around Granada, as the city is compact and walkable, especially in the historic districts like the Albaicín and around the Alhambra. Public transportation, including buses, is affordable and efficient, with fares around €1.40 per trip. For longer distances, taxis and rideshare services are also available.
How much should I budget for daily expenses in Granada?
For budget travelers, a daily budget of €50-100 is sufficient to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and entry to attractions. Mid-range travelers may spend around €100-150 per day, including meals at restaurants, guided tours, and staying at comfortable hotels. Budgeting for extra activities or shopping may increase daily expenses.
