tourist info granada nicaragua

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22 fantastic things to do in granada [nicaragua] in 2024.

Granada is a beautiful colonial city in Nicaragua, and is one of the most-known cities in the country.

Located right on the shores of Lake Nicaragua - Granada has so much to offer with its fun, charm, and laid-back atmosphere .

We stayed there for 4 wonderful nights, and had the adventure of a lifetime! 

No Nicaragua backpacking itinerary would be complete without a visit to Granada and, with so much to see and do you'll want to allow at least a couple of days here.

To help you plan your visit, I’ve taken the time to write out the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua!

Plus some extra information that you will hopefully find useful!

Travellerspoint

How to get to Granada?

Granada is the central point of the typical Nicaragua itinerary , so it’s usually a middle spot for people and easy to get to.

• ‍ Fly : You can fly to Managua (the capitals airport) and get a transfer to Granada for about $25-30 via car, or hop on a chicken bus/shuttle. ‍
• Drive : If you’re driving around Nicaragua, you can easily get to Granada via the highway. ‍
• Buses: If you're coming from Guatemala , El Salvador or Costa Rica, you can get a bus to Granada. Sometimes they will take you to Mangauga then you will have to transfer yourself. ‍
• Shuttle : Some tourist companies run shuttle services to Granada, this is quite common from San Juan Del Sur , Ometepe and Leon (all worthy stops!)

Getting around Granada

Just like the rest of Nicaragua, there is no Uber or ride sharing apps (unless you’re in the capital), so you will need to get around by Tuk-tuk, taxi or foot within the city .

If you're taking a tour, then your transport will be included, and if you’re visiting sights within the Granada city, you can get to everywhere via foot.

Taxis are much more expensive than other parts of Nicaragua, so haggle hard for a good rate.

Another popular way to get around Granada is by horse-drawn carriage and you will find them all over the city. This form of transport usually consists of a 1.5 tour that will show you best sites.

However, as with anything to do with animals we also say to look at the condition of the horse first. If they don't look like they're being well looked after - definitely give this a miss! 

Some people even choose to hire a moped to explore but that's not really necessary here as you will find local buses running in the city. Although it can take a while to get around by bus the tickets are so cheap! 

Where to stay in Granada

Granada has lots of different options when it comes to hotels. Everything is actually well-priced and you will be spoilt for choice.

I’ve recommend 5 top hotels in Granada, including the hotels Bradley and I stayed in which are both perfect for couples.

• ‍ Hotel Adela Boutique : Bradley and I stayed here for 3 nights! It’s a beautiful 4 star hotel in a colonial building that's been transformed into a small and inviting hotel. Offering a great swimming pool, beautiful and spacious air conditioned rooms and a great breakfast; it's perfect for couples and families! Read our full review of Hotel Adela Boutique here . ‍
• Selina: If you want a backpacker vibe but with air conditioned rooms, then this is a great spot. They also have a games room, library and cinema, oh and a swimming pool too. Perfect for backpackers. We stayed here for a couple nights and loved their coworking space (great for digital nomads). ‍
• Hotel Dario : I actually discovered this place from having lunch in it one day. The building is breathtaking, probably my favourite in all of Granada. The grounds are stunning, and as I looked further, the rooms are too. It’s a great price, in a great location. ‍
• Mansion De Chocolate : It’s part of the chocolate museum, so chocolate lovers should stay here. Rooms are nicely decorated and a spa and swimming pool are on-site. ‍
• Oasis Hostel: When I was looking at hostels, this is the one i liked best. I know them because they organise great tours to the Laguna. The rooms are really nice and it has a nice vibe. It was really busy when we went!

You can find our roundup of the best hotels in Granada (Nicaragua) here .

22 Top things to do in Granada, Nicaragua

Okay, so now for the part you came for: the top things to do in Granada. You can easily see all these things within a 3-4 day period!

1. Explore the Main Plaza

If you're looking for things to do in Granada then don't miss out on visiting the main plaza or Parque Central de Granada as it's often known.

This part of the city is famous for its beautiful fountains and market stalls selling souvenirs so allow some time to just wander around.

You'll also find plenty of restaurants and ice cream vendors here so you've got lots of dining options.

However, the main plaza is most famous for its spectacular cathedral as its architecture is pretty special. With its colonial design and bright yellow/orange color - this cathedral is definitely worth a visit! 

Although you can visit here during the day, this area of Granada gets lively at night so I'd recommend spending some time here after the sun has gone down. 

You can also head on this memorable carriage tour , where you’ll visit the plaza and nearby attractions in style whilst your local guide teaches you everything you need to know.

2. Visit the famous Cathedral

The Granada Cathedral is probably the most beautiful building in all of Nicaragua (in my opinion).

It’s bright, stunning and well worth a visit, especially with its wonderful colonial design and bright yellow/orange and white coloring. 

This cathedral dominates the city skyline with two distinctive bell towers and a dome. Of course you can get your pictures from the outside, but it’s actually very beautiful inside too. 

Even better - it's FREE to enter so it is the perfect attraction to visit if you're looking to save some cash . 

Try and visit when a service is on too and you’ll get to experience everyone singing hymns which is quite memorable.

Trust me - visiting this cathedral is one of the top things to do in Granada!

It’s located right in front of the main plaza , and is open from 9:00am until 6:00pm all days of the week (aside from any religious events that may be on at the time).

3. Check out the Cathedral from above

When you get to the cathedral, you’ll notice you will have a hard time trying to get a picture of this magnificent building from the front without the trees blocking it.

However, don't worry as I've got the perfect solution for you! 

You can head up to Iglesia La Merced which is another beautiful church nearby and walk up its bell tower. At just $1 it's a steal to enter, especially once you get to see the views from the top . 

Once you've climbed up the bell tower, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Granada Cathedral and the city in general! 

This makes for a beautiful sunset location so it could be a nice romantic place to go in Granada if you’re traveling with a partner. Remember that the bell tower is only open until 5:30pm though, so try not to leave it too late.

You'll also want to make sure you've got a great-quality camera to capture the moment!

READ MORE: Getting around Nicaragua

4. Take a day trip to Apoyo Lagoon

This is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Granada!

The Apoyo Lagoon is like a “crater lake” and it’s nestled between volcanoes. It’s a massive lake that has perfect temperatures for swimming, and it’s great to tube in, paddleboard and also kayak. 

This is an excellent day out to unwind and chill! 

When you’re chatting to the tour agencies, they will quote you around $20-25 for a day trip to this area. 

That will include your transport, your entrance to the hostel on the lakefront, use of kayaks, tubes and that’s it. 

The name of the hostel you go to is Paradiso and it’s the standard place all the tours go to . It’s right on the beach front and it’s the hostel that gives you free access to tubes, sun loungers and kayaks (small fee for paddle boards) included in the entrance price. 

Actually if you message them on Facebook and book DIRECT it costs $10 per person, for transport there and back, all the stuff I mentioned above, and free tea and coffee.

The agencies are charging $20-25, when it actually costs $10 . They pick you up from your hotel/hostel and drop you back there. 

Pick up is around 9 am, and you get taken home at 4pm. You can actually do a volcano tour with them (that I mention below) for $25, and you go to the volcano and then they drop you at your hotel (including the day at the lake too and everything mentioned above).

The hostel itself is great, there is an awesome bar serving a wide range of fantastic food of different cuisines. Dishes are around $6 but the food is fresh and delicious. I had a mozzarella salad!

Drinks are available and excellent. It’s $2 for a nica libre (Which is white rum). 

You can simply spend your day relaxing as you wish. Catch up on your tan, swim in the lake, float in tubes in the lake, kayak around the lake, or read a good book, play cards or board games, play pool or paddle board! 

I warn you, it is super warm there. I put layers and layers and layers of suncream on, and I still got badly burnt (I write this 10 days later and I still have burn marks - yes seriously). 

Eventually I just had to stay in the shade to avoid burning. So be careful. 

The Apoyo Lagoon is located around 7 km west of Granada , which you can get to within 20 minutes from the city center.

If you like having everything organized for you (and not have to worry about using public transport), then you can also book this private tour to Apoyo Lagoon . This tour is customisable depending on how much time you want to spend here, where you’ll also visit Masaya Volcano and the highlights of Granada’s city center.

5. Go see real life magma in Masaya Volcano

So, I love volcanoes, I really do. I’ve been fascinated by them since I learnt about them in Geography lessons as a child and on my bucket list I wanted to climb volcanoes (check), see a crater lake (check), surf down a volcano (check) and see REAL magma...CHECK!

You take this tour in the evening, and it doesn’t involve any hiking.

You drive to the national park, and you stop at a museum to learn about the volcanoes in the area and Nicaragua in general. Then you drive up to the top of the very active Masaya Volcano (which is small- hence why you can drive).

Going at night is obviously better so you can see the bright color of the magma!

You look down into the crater and you’ll see burning lava. It’s not lots and lots and it’s not “close” to you, but you can see it clearly and see it move as it burns red. It’s AMAZING and one of the best things to do in Granada.

I found it to be a memorable experience. You only spend about 15 minutes up at the crater because the sulfur starts to get really strong (to the point you’re choking) and you have to drive away.

The tour costs $25 ish, and that includes the $10 entrance fee into the park at night . It’s quite pricey since it only lasts 2 hours, and you could arrange a taxi to take you up and down (but I doubt it will be cheaper)

But it’s worth every penny and a must-see whilst in Granada!

If you'd prefer to pay extra and have a certified guide with you at all times, then this epic night tour is one of the best options! You'll also have hotel pick-up and drop-off included, as well as transport.

Those who have more free time can instead head on this alternative day tour , where you’ll visit the crater as well as the beautiful town of Catarina. You’ll have all transport and entrance fees included in the tour.

Masaya is located some 30 km away from Granada , and on public transport (or using the tour shuttles) you can be here within 40 minutes.

Visiting Masaya Volcano is one of the top things to do in Granada - so don't leave it off your itinerary!

6. Party at Selina on Saturday Night

Selina is a popular hostel chain that is found all throughout Central and South America. They provide really cool rooms for all types of travelers, and their hostel in Granada is located in a prime location right on the Parque Central.

But, that’s not what you’re really here for though! Every night they hold different events (like beer pong tournaments) , but on Saturday night they host a BIG party that everyone in the area (including the locals) heads too. The music is LOUD, the drinks are flowing and the party is going.

If you stay at Selina then you’ll have free entrance to these parties. So if you plan on having a few wild nights in Granada, then this is your spot.

Another side note: if you’re a digital nomad, Selina has a co-working space you can pay to spend 24 hours in and it’s awesome.

High speed wifi, in an air conditioned room with meeting rooms, comfy chairs for laptops, and everything you need - plus coffee, a fax machine and printer.

$5 for non-visitors.

$2.50 for those staying.

7. Check out the colorful colonial buildings

Granada is filled with bright multi-coloured buildings that are really worth exploring when here.

You can simply wander around the streets and take photograph after photograph with a backdrop of greens, blues, pinks and yellows!

Some of the most iconic colonial buildings in the city include the Granada Cathedral , San Francisco Church , and Iglesia Xalteva . You'll also want to walk past the San Francisco Convent .

However, it's not just the main buildings you'll want to photograph as some of the houses are beautifully coloured too.

Remember that Granada is a really safe and touristy spot, so don’t be afraid to wander off by yourself!

Along the way, you’ll find quaint and unique little coffee shops to relax in and plenty of quirky buildings. We recommend heading off around 4pm with your camera, as the fading sun really makes these colors stand out even bolder.

You can also explore these colonial gems with this city walking tour , where you’ll visit many of these top delights including the Church de la Merced and the San Francisco Convent. You’ll also ride around in a traditional horse carriage whilst taking in the awesome city views.

Speaking of which…

8. Take a walking tour

Walking tours are a great way to learn more about a new destination, and also to discover spots that you may otherwise not have heard of.

There are countless tour agencies selling walking tours of Granada , and they usually take 3-4 hours as you head to all the best spots that you’d want to visit from a “top things to see in Granada” list.

A tour will give you the chance to ask questions and get real answers from people who live here. They generally cost around $15-20, although you can find cheaper ones if you're good at negotiating (and speak some Spanish).

When we were discussing tours with an agency, they said if we booked two other tours with them, they’d throw in a city tour for free...so you could do that if you wanted.

Or you can book tours that include extra destinations too, which is always a good decision! 

We highly recommend heading with this guided day tour , where you will see the city's highlights as well as having a boat ride around the Islets of Granada.

You can also take a look at this Granada city tour , which includes a guided tour of the city, a visit to Masaya Volcano, as well as a boat trip around Nicaragua Lake !

9. Visit the Islets of Granada

This is one of the things to do in Granada that Bradley and I missed out on. I wanted to do it initially, then I just simply decided against it. We were tired from traveling and I wanted to sleep haha!

But, it looks fantastic and great. The Granada Islets are made up of hundreds of little islands and you can go via boat (or your own kayak) to visit them .  

The boat will take you to a few islets that allow you to spot an array of animals (including curious monkeys and a wide range of marine birds). The tour via boat only lasts a couple of hours, but if you decide to kayak yourself, it will take longer (make sure to wear good sunscreen given the sun can be really hot here!).

Either way, it looks beautiful and I spoke to a couple who went and they said it was amazing, so definitely include it if you want a unique experience here in Granada.

The Islets of Granada are located on Lake Nicaragua , just a few kilometers off-shore from the city.

It’s around $25 for a tour, or you can arrange your own transport (it’s only about 15 minutes away) and rent out a boat or kayak from the “dock”.

If you'd prefer to do a tour, then this sunset tour of the islets is the perfect option! Not only will you go on a cruise of the lake, but you'll get to see the 'Island of Monkeys' and El Castillo Fortress.

10. Take a Cooking Class

What better way to experience local culture than by learning how to cook the local cuisine?

With a cooking class in Granada, you’ll have the chance to buy fresh ingredients from the markets, then learn how to make a variety of authentic Nicaraguan dishes .

These include local staples like Gallo Pinto and Nacatamales, as well as regional specialities like Vaho and Tajadas.

It’s a cool skill to learn and you can recreate the dishes at home for family and friends, or if you’re craving the food - which you definitely will once you leave!

Nicaragua as a country has delicious food and there are so many incredible dishes to try! 

You'll find plenty of cooking schools in the city to choose from, but you'll just need to compare the prices to find the best deals.

One of the most popular options is Spanish School Express who are primarily a language school, however, they do offer cooking classes!

If you have a serious sweet tooth, then you can also book your spot on this chocolate workshop , where you’ll learn how to make some tasty chocolate - Nicaraguan style.

11. Hit up the markets

Wandering around the markets is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Granada!

There are a variety of markets in the area that run on different days, so there will always be one to explore.

Whether you're looking for a food market, to buy clothes, or you're after a souvenir - this city will have something for you!

You can even find market stalls that sell local chocolate so make sure that's at the top of your list.

Those who want awesome souvenirs will definitely want to head to the Cultural Center Old Craft Market , which is located in nearby Masaya. It only takes 25 minutes to get there by car, and is open 9:00am until 5:00pm all days of the week.

If you're looking for something specific or you're unsure, you can always speak to a local or your accommodation owner. Seriously, they’ll point you in places you didn’t know existed!

Just make sure you head to the main market during your trip. It’s located just a couple of blocks south of the Parque Central , and is open from as early as 5:00am until 5:00pm all days of the week.

12. Dive into a Volcano

This is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Granada, and can be done at the Apoyo Lake that we mentioned above.  

It’s a project run by Volcano Divers Nicaragua and is a must for any adventure-seeker out there !

Although diving into a volcano sounds super crazy, you'll actually be diving into a crater lake which sounds much more pleasant. 

You’ll get to discover crazy rock formations left over from ancient eruptions, and see numerous thermal vents releasing hot water from deep within the Earth’s crust.

As well as this, during the dive in the Apoyo Lagoon you can also spot a variety of crabs and rare fishes.

If you choose to do this you won't regret it!

Volcano Divers Nicaragua are actually hoping to increase the number of crater lakes possible to dive into, so there may be more opportunities in the future too!

If you want to read more about diving in this volcano lake, then read about this guy's experience !

13. Learn Spanish

Granada is actually one of the cheapest places in Nicaragua to learn Spanish, so whether you’ve got a week free, or a month, you can spend some time learning the language.

It will be super useful if you plan on backpacking the rest of Central America , South America, and Spain of course.

You’ll learn quicker in an environment where everyone speaks the language, than say learning at home. So it’s well worth it!

There are plenty of awesome language schools to choose from including Casa Nica Spanish , SOL Spanish School , and Casa Xalteva .

Just have a shop around and decide how long you're staying in the area. This way, you can decide how many lessons you want and can compare packages.

14. Visit the Chocolate Museum

Chocolate lovers rejoice! I’ve found the best thing to do in Granada for you….

You can visit the ChocoMuseo , take a chocolate workshop and create your own masterpiece , or even take a trip to a cacao farm.

You’ll get to learn about the history of chocolate making first, and then you can take chocolate in its pure form and make your own! You can even make it how it was first used in Central America, before it was further sweetened after the arrival of the Spanish.

Whilst you can take chocolate tours in other countries, Nicaragua is an especially great place to do it. This is because it's just one of nine countries worldwide that has been recognised as a 100% fine cocoa origin by the International Cocoa Organisation.

This is a great way to learn about one of Nicaragua's most popular productions, and create a unique souvenir for family or friends back home (or eat yourself!)

Chocolate workshops ( Direct purchase on website ) is $21 per person lasting 2 hours, and the Farm tour costs $89 per person.

Those who want everything sorted for them can pre-book their spot here , which includes round-trip transportation from their accommodation as well as having all entrances and tastings included!

The ChocoMuseo is located just a couple of blocks north of the Parque Central , and is open from 10:00am until 6:00pm all days of the week.

15. Check out the Mombacho Volcano Cloud Forest

Over the years, Mombacho Volcano has transformed into a unique cloud forest region. 

You can visit the volcano on your own, but with tours coming in at around $30, it’s often more convenient to just go with a guide .

As you walk through the beautiful, cool cloud forest you’ll find lots of wonderful trees and animals, and it’s good to have a guide to tell you more about them.

If you’re lucky you might even spot tree frogs! 

You can climb to the peak of the volcano, or you can just wander through the cloud forest. Either way it’s one of the great things to do in Granada and you can read more about it here...

You'll find plenty of tour operators who offer this activity, but this guided tour of Mombacho is a fantastic option! Here you’ll visit the volcano along with Masaya and the Apoyo Lagoon all on the same tour.

PS, you can also take a zip line tour through the trees in Mombacho and as someone who ADORES ziplining, I really wish I did this.

You book your spot here which includes access to all 17 platforms, and also includes your transportation and entrance fees. I think it’s a really good thing to do in Granada with kids.

The Mombacho Volcano is located some 30km south of Granada , which takes around an hour to arrive by car. The park is open from 7:00am until 4:00pm all days of the week.

16. Visit some of Granada's Museums

The best way to learn about a new country or city is to explore the nearby museums!

Luckily, Granada has lots to choose from so I'd allow plenty of time to wander around and get to know the area's history.

The museums in Granada are all pretty small so they won't take too long to visit, and they're cheap too.

You've got the choice of Casa de los Tres Mundos , Mi Museo , and the San Francisco Convent .

Each one has something unique to offer, and exhibitions tend to change throughout the year! 

Casa de los Tres Mundos is more of a cultural center, but they do have displays you can explore making it worth the visit.

It’s located right next to the Parque Central , and is open from 8:00am until 6:00pm, Monday through to Saturday.

17. Hire a bicycle to explore the Waterfront

Although many people choose to explore Granada by foot - hiring a bicycle is a great alternative option!

It offers you a quick and easy way to get around, and you'll be able to visit more attractions.

One of the best places to explore by bicycle is the waterfront so you can take in the breathtaking views.

If you make your way down to Calle Calzada, you can then cycle along the Malecon which is a beautiful area overlooking Lake Nicaragua.

Hiring a bicycle is easy in the city as there are plenty of rental shops to choose from! Just make sure you shop around for the best deals.

You can also pre-book online with Nicaragua Travel Guide , who offer daily hires for as little as $3!

18. Visit La Polvora Fortress

Exploring La Polvora Fortress is one of the best things to do in Granada so don't miss this place off your itinerary!

This fortress has been around since the 1740s and was originally built to protect the city from pirates. Today however, it's a military museum and there are plenty of awesome exhibits to see.

Not only is this fortress FREE to visit but you'll get spectacular views from here too.

During your visit, make sure you walk up the fortress tower as the views from the top will truly take your breath away .

You'll get panoramic views of the city of course, but you'll also get epic vistas of Lake Managua and Mombacho Volcano.

If you're wondering what to do in Granada, make sure you head up this tower! 

La Polvora Fortress is located just a block away from the Xalteva Church , which is around a 5 minute drive west from the Parque Central.

It’s open from 8:00am until 5:00pm, Monday through to Saturday (however is closed on Sundays).

You can also head to the Polvora Fortress with this guided day tour , which also includes visits to other key sites throughout Granada. 

19. Visit some of the city's awesome restaurants

Now, all this exploring is going to make you extremely peckish! 

Luckily, Granada is full of awesome restaurants and cafes serving a wide variety of cuisines (including both Nicaraguan and international).

One of the most popular spots in the city is the famous Garden Cafe which focuses on sustainability and wholesome foods. They prioritize the environment by providing filtered water instead of bottled, and by having a 'skip the straw' campaign. It’s open from 7:00am until 9:00pm all days of the week.

Another fantastic restaurant in Granada is the Monna Lisa , which serves delicious thin crust pizzas. It's the perfect place to eat if you're craving some international cuisine. Opening hours here are somewhat varied, so it’s best to double-check on the day. They are open from Friday until Monday (12:00pm until 10:00pm), and on Tuesday and Thursday (from 4:00pm until 10:00pm). They are closed on Wednesdays.

Both are located close to the Parque Central, so it’s just a case of picking whatever takes your fancy on the day.

If you're still not convinced then you can head to Kathy's Waffle House , Restaurante El Zaguan , or Pita Pita ! 

So, if you're wondering where to eat in Granada - just pay some of these places a visit.

Day trips from Granada

If you’re only spending your main bulk of time in Granada, then it’s possible to take some great day trips from there. Below I discuss my favourites.

Leon is about 2.5 hours from Granada and one of the most popular reasons for visiting here is to learn about the Nicaraguan revolution and try your hand at Volcano boarding!

Aside from those two, there are plenty of things to do in Leon as well! 

Whether you're looking to hike up a volcano, relax on the beach, or party the night away - this small town has something for every type of traveller.

You'll also get to visit the largest cathedral in Central America so there's lots to see! Just make sure you start your day trip early as you won't want to rush your time here.

To reach Leon you can hire a moped, take the tourist shuttle, or hop on one of the local minibuses.

21. San Juan Del Sur

‍ Want to surf!? Then head to the coast of San Juan Del Sur ! Even if you don’t want to surf, you can relax by the beach and dine at one of the beach front restaurants - with 2-4-1 margaritas you can’t complain.

Like with Leon, to reach San Juan Del Sur you can take a tourist shuttle, hop on a local bus, or hire a moped . You can even take a taxi but expect to haggle hard for the price!

The journey will take between 1.5-2 hours , and you'll want to get there early!

There are tons of fantastic things to do here like hiking up to the Christ of Mercy, heading out on a catamaran ride, and horseback riding on the beach. Sounds like a dream right?

22. Managua

‍ If you want to visit the capital to explore the area or visit a TGI Fridays (I know I know, but we visit them all across the world and it’s new!), then Managua is only an hour away via shuttle bus that leaves every 15 minutes just off the central plaza .

This makes it the perfect day trip from Granada!

Managua is one of the largest city's in Central America so it's quite the experience.

Located on the shores of Lake Managua, this city is beautiful and has so much to offer!

You'll find plenty of attractions to visit here including the iconic cathedral, the scenic waterfront, and Revolution Square. Here's some more information on the things you can do in Managua !

Granada Travel Tips/FAQ

When is a good time to visit granada.

The “peak” season to visit Granada is during November to April as this is the dry season which greets you with long days of hot sun...very hot sun!

It does mean some waterfalls aren’t going to be the best, so some people choose to visit between April and June.

However, we visited in March and the weather was perfect!

How long should you spend in Granada?

There are so many awesome things to do in Granada so I recommend staying at least 4-5 nights . This will give you plenty of time to see the best attractions and head out on some day trips without having to rush.

However, if you're looking to relax as well then it might be wise to add an extra day or two onto the end of your trip!

What is a good budget for Granada?

As with many other countries in Nicaragua, Granada is very cheap! You'll find endless budget-friendly accommodation options, cheap food, and many of the attractions are FREE too.

For this reason, you can get by on around $35-40 per day , but add a bit more to this if you want to go on plenty of tours! 

Can you just book a tour for Granada?

You can certainly book a tour for Granada and you'll find plenty of options! This fantastic city tour offers you the chance to explore Granada with a guide, but you'll also have a trip around Las Isletas included too .

Or why not check out this Granada city tour ? Not only will you get to explore the city's colonial architecture, but this epic tour also includes a visit to Masaya Volcano, and a boat trip around Nicaragua Lake .

Where to next?

After visiting Granada, you have a few choices of your onward destination, depending on the way your route through Central America has taken you.

If you have come from Costa Rica, then you may find yourself wanting to visit San Juan Del Sur , or heading to Leon , which is a natural stop before venturing into El Salvador (don’t skip El Salvador and head straight to Guatemala, you’re missing out on one of the greatest little countries !)

If you have come from El Salvador/Guatemala/Honduras direction, then head to Ometepe next and discover more stunning volcanoes, hot springs and epic sunsets.

So there you have it, my guide to the top things to do in Granada. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found it informative.

If you think there is anything I have missed out, then please do comment below.

Happy travelling!

Read More: Our Ultimate Backpacking Nicaragua Travel Guide

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Maddy's Avenue

By: Melanie Gordon (Contributor) · Last Updated: February 12, 2024

10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Granada, Nicaragua

Planning to visit the charming colonial city of Granada? As a top destination for travelers adventuring through vibrant Nicaragua, it’s no wonder why. With countless amazing things to do (and eat) in Granada, you’re in for an unforgettable stay.

In Central America’s oldest colonial city, you’ll find decadent chocolate (cacao) drinks, plenty of delicious Nicaraguan food, colorful streets, an authentic local market, multiple grand churches, and of course, buzzing city squares and green parks. Not to mention, with the active Masaya Volcano, massive Lake Nicaragua, and the Apoyo Lagoon all nearby, outdoor adventures await!

Ready to explore Granada? Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua! These 10 things to do, see, and eat are sure to put Granada straight to the top of your list of favorite cities.

Where to Stay in Granada, Nicaragua

Before we dive into the top 10 things to do in Granada, Nicaragua, let’s talk about where you should rest after your full days of exploring!

This colorful city has many hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs to choose from. And luckily, Granada lodgings cater to the backpacker, digital nomad, romantic getaway couple, and luxury traveler. No matter your price range, there’s something here for you.

Affordable Luxury Accommodation

If you’re looking for luxury , Granada hotels, then we’ve got you covered. Here are our top recommendations for luxury accommodation in Nicaragua (just, without the typical luxury price tag!).

• Hotel Plaza Colon : This boutique hotel is in front of the main plaza and boasts a huge blue tiled swimming pool, gorgeous verandas, and chic bar “El Bar”. Plus it is the only hotel certified in sustainable practices by the Rainforest Alliance in the region! Click here to book your stay at Hotel Plaza Colon.
• Hotel Dario : You can’t miss this iconic blue and white colonial building turned boutique hotel. The history of this Neoclassical architectural hotel makes it a heritage site to the city of Granada. You’ll not only appreciate the ambiance and central location of this 5-star hotel, but the great food at their El Travía restaurant, too. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Dario.
• Tribal Hotel : In the heart of Granada, you’ll find the definition of stylish indoor-outdoor living. Tribal Hotel’s tropical garden oasis and plush rooms are complete with cool textiles, earthy tones, and a touch of whimsical charm. On a balmy evening, there’s nothing better than lounging beside Tribal Hotel’s beautiful torch-lit pool and sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail from your private cabana. Chic, luxurious, and easily our favorite hotel in Granada.

Click here to find other amazing deals on Granada hotels and apartments.

Budget Accommodation

Hostels and budget accommodation in Granada are aplenty, and we easily recommend:

• De Boca en Boca : Free breakfast & fabulous location right next to Iglesia de la Merced. This hostel also offers tons of fun activities and excursions. Click here to book your stay at De Boca en Boca.
• Treehouse : Come here for the jungle vibes and stay for the one of a kind sunsets. Never slept in a treehouse? Now is your chance! Click here to book your stay at Treehouse.
• Selina : Selina’s Granada location is front and center on Parque Central and is known for excellent internet and co-working spaces. Plus, free yoga! Click here to book your stay at Selina.

How to Get to Granada

Taxi or shuttle.

If you want to visit Granada, the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua, you’ll find it is a breeze! Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua is the only airport with scheduled flight traffic in Nicaragua, and a short 47-minute drive from Granada makes travel easy. There are plenty of taxis to choose from when you exit the airport, and like most travel in Nicaragua, it is inexpensive .

Generally speaking, taxis and shuttles are super affordable throughout the country. If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Nicaragua, such as from San Juan del Sur, arranging a shuttle or taxi through your hotel is just as easy.

If you’re feeling adventurous, then you may prefer to book a rental car so you can explore more of the country with ease – and maybe even drive down to Costa Rica . If that’s the case, Discover Cars is our go-to rental car company worldwide, but locally, Dollar Rent a Car Nicaragua is also a great, cheap option.

CLICK HERE to book your rental car now! Free cancellation is usually included, so lock it in.

Best 10 Things to See & Do in Granada, Nicaragua

Okay, let’s get into it! From visiting La Iglesia Merced and browsing the local market, to strolling down Calle La Calzada and eating at the Garden Cafe, here are our top picks for the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua! Plus, a few hot tips along the way.

#1 Discover Las Isletas on a Boat Tour

Lake Nicaragua, or Lago Cocibolca, is the largest lake in Central America (but it looks more like an ocean!) . Without a doubt, of all the things to do in Granada, Nicaragua, exploring this lake and its many islands is #1.

You won’t have a hard time booking a tour of the isletas , as it is the most popular excursion and offers a relaxed, fun way to explore the many mini islands (isletas) of the lake.

Simply catch a taxi to the Asese Port and ask around, click here to book a boat tour , or find a tour through your hotel… and hop aboard to explore Las Isletas on the edge of Granada! If you’re extra adventurous, you can book a kayaking tour . Or you can opt for a party catamaran (book through your hostel, this ends at famous “party island”).

Have fun swimming in the freshwater, feeding monkeys hanging off trees, and sipping a drink as you watch the sunset (the best time to do the Isleta Tour ).

Las Isletas Tours:

• Boat Tour of the Isletas
• Kayak Tour of the Isletas

#2 Afternoon Trip to Active Masaya Volcano

Unlike most active volcanoes in Central and South America, here in Nicaragua, you can get eerily close to the molten lava just about an hour from Granada! It’s easy to book a Masaya Volcano trip . You can either book it online , ask your hotel to help you, or speak to any of the city’s certified tour operators lining the Central Plaza.

We recommend doing an afternoon or “night tour” , this ensures you’ll see the red bubbling lava as the sky begins to darken. How captivating !

The fee for entering the Masaya Volcano National Park is $10 for the evening tours, so a bit steeper than the $2 daytime fee, but well worth it !

Masaya Volcano Tours:

• Masaya Volcano Night Tour
• PRIVATE Masaya Volcano Night Tour

#3 Day Trip to Laguna de Apoyo

Indisputably, the Laguna de Apoyo is one of the top things to do in Granada. ( Okay , technically it’s not in Granada, but the municipal of Catarina in Masaya, Nicaragua.) Still , being just a quick 20-minute ride away, it’s a frequently booked day trip for visitors in Granada – and often a favorite day in Nicaragua!

The Laguna de Apoyo is a freshwater, mineral-rich crater lake formed by volcanic implosion 23,000 years ago. Epic , right? Many of the hotels around the laguna offer day passes to the city folk for a small fee.

We highly recommend Paradiso Hostel for those looking to have major fun in the sun and Casa Marimba if you want a more relaxing, tranquil jungle environment on the beach (with an amazing restaurant, too). Both places offer kayaks, inner tubes, food, drinks, and floating docks. Don’t skip this trip!

P.S. If you want to extend your stay in Laguna de Apoyo (we wouldn’t blame you), then Casa Marimba is one of the best places you could possibly stay!

READ MORE: Laguna de Apoyo, Nicaragua Travel Guide: Where to Play, Stay & Eat

#4 Sunset at the Bell Tower of Iglesia de la Merced

It’s true that Iglesia la Merced is beautiful on the inside, but a $1 climb up the spiral staircase to the bell tower, especially at sunset, offers peak viewing pleasure!

This colonial church was built way back in 1534 and offers panoramic views of downtown Granada as well as the magnificent Mombacho Volcano.

Hot tip: If you’re a fan of meandering through colonial church halls, we recommend the two-kilometer walk down Calle La Libertad from Chapel Maria Auxiladora to Guadalupe Church .

You’ll pass Iglesia Xalteva , Iglesia la Merced , and the Cathedral of Granada on the way. What a lovely afternoon!

READ MORE: Why Visit Nicaragua? 10 Reasons to Travel to Nicaragua ASAP!

#5 Explore the Local Market

If authentic , local experiences draw you to travel, then you already know that the local mercado is a must !

Just a five-minute walk from the city center, down Calle el Comercio, you’ll run into the distinct sounds and scents of the local, open-air market of Granada. Here, you will find avocados the size of your head, freshly picked mangoes (or pitaya, depending on the season), huge blocks of fresh Nica cheese, and all kinds of exotic, organic fruits and vegetables.

Be sure to try some street food from the local market stands! We recommend tajadas (fried plantain chips) and vigaró , a traditional Nicaraguan dish that comes wrapped in a banana leaf. So authentic!

#6 Hop on a Horse Carriage City Tour

Perhaps the most romantic way to explore the city of Granada, Nicaragua, is to sit back and relax in one of the classic horse-drawn carriages . Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just too hot out to enjoy a long walk, and why not kick up your feet for while? For a low cost of around $10 per hour, it’s hard to pass up!

Appreciating the colorful buildings and antique colonial houses surrounding the city streets is much easier while you let someone else take the reins ( literally ) . The carriages are pulled by two horses and can comfortably fit a group of four for a city tour or quick ride to your isleta boat tour !

#7 Party at Treehouse Jungle Rave

If parties aren’t your thing, move down to #8 on our list of the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua. However, if you enjoy dancing late into the night surrounded by lush jungle , look no further than the classic Friday Night Treehouse Party at the Treehouse Hostel .

As you walk across the drawn bridge to Treehouse Hostel at sunset, you’ll begin to feel the palpable energy of nature and the beat of the speakers. Get ready to get down!

The Townhouse Hostel offers shuttles from Granada to the Treehouse Hostel and back, including multiple nighttime return trips to the city. Why not celebrate? You’re in one of the coolest countries in Central and South America!

Hot tip: The Treehouse Hostel is one of our top budget accommodation recommendations in Granada! Why wouldn’t you want to stay in a treehouse in the jungle? (Hint: Choose the “Deluxe Double Room.”) Click here to book your stay at Treehouse.

#8 Eat a Tostone Burger at Tostometro

The perfect day-after food ! Picture it, a big juicy burger sandwiched between two huge tostones , not buns. If you haven’t had a tostone before, don’t worry, you’ll fall in love with this local food (fried, smashed green plantains).

Tostometro is an adorable little local restaurant nestled between stalls at the beginning of the local market. Finding it is almost as exciting as taking your first bite!

Of course, they offer an exceptional veggie tostone burger too, for all of our plant-based friends!

And did we mention, Tostometro is a great location for people-watching, too?

#9 Learn All About Cacao (At ChocoMuseo)

The famous Chocolate Museum, ChocoMuseo , located just one block northwest of Parque Central, is a quick and fun thing to do while in Granada, Nicaragua. The grand building of the museum also has a hotel and restaurant, with a beautiful foyer to enjoy your cacao drink and rich brownie .

They offer a “Bean to Bar” workshop as well as a “Chocktail” workshop – in addition to the free museum.

We recommend checking out this interactive and informative museum while having a day exploring the city of Granada!

#10 Visit the Garden Cafe

This next spot is absolutely iconic. If you’ve heard of The Garden Café in Granada, Nicaragua, you probably know it as the spot where “influencers” love to take aesthetic photos – and for good reason! After all, this place was designed around a beautiful garden.

People rely on the Garden Cafe’s dishes to be healthy, local, and light on the stomach (okay, maybe not the calala cheesecake, but I digress) . The staff always serves with a smile and enthusiasm, and we love that!

Frothy green matcha drinks photograph well in the open-air dining area – where butterflies also love to mingle in the sun. The Garden Cafe also has an adorable gift shop with beautiful clothing, jewelry, and leather works. If you’re not interested in buying new, definitely scope out their excellent used bookcase. There are many gems!

Top 10 Things to Do in Granada, Nicaragua

Well, friends, there you have it. Those are the 10 best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.

Granada is not only the oldest, but in our opinion, the most beautiful colonial city in Nicaragua .

It’s impossible not to appreciate Granada on a sunny afternoon as the sky clears over Mombacho Volcano. Or as you simply people-watch in Parque Central in front of the regal Granada Cathedral.

No matter what you choose to do, even crossing just one of our “to-dos” off your list will leave you with lasting memories of this unique place. Just don’t forget to take pictures! Granada is Nicaragua’s most popular city to visit for a reason!

FIND MORE NICARAGUA INSPIRATION HERE!

• Is it Safe to Travel to Nicaragua? A Solo Female Traveler’s Perspective
• The Ultimate Nicaragua Itinerary (For 1, 2, or 3 Weeks)
• Laguna de Apoyo, Nicaragua Travel Guide: Where to Play, Stay & Eat
• 10 Reasons to Visit Nicaragua ASAP: Central America’s Hidden Gem
• Nicaragua Rainy Season: What to Know & Why You’ll Love It!
• 11 Best Things to Do in Popoyo, Nicaragua + Must-Know Travel Tips
• Ometepe Island, Nicaragua Guide: Best Things to Do, See & Eat!

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Granada, Nicaragua Travel FAQs

There are so many amazing reasons to visit Granada. A hidden gem, smack in the middle of Central America, Granada has it all: beautiful colonial buildings, stunning nature (like the Masaya Volcano, Lake Nicaragua, and the Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserve), authentic culture, friendly locals, and delicious traditional food. With this list of the best things to do, see, and eat in Granada, you can’t go wrong.

When it comes to safety, Nicaragua doesn’t have the best reputation. However, when you arrive in Granada, we think you’ll be quite surprised by how safe you feel. People in Granada are warm, friendly, and welcoming – and there’s an obvious community of digital nomads and ex-pats living here too. Overall, Granada is safe enough , but as with anywhere else, you should be cautious and follow general safety guidelines. Like… Be aware of your surroundings and keep your wits about you. Don’t be flashy with your cash or other valuables. Use common sense. And remember, there’s always safety in numbers – especially at nighttime. It’s also worth noting that you should steer clear of any political events or protests in Nicaragua. If you can do those things, you should feel (and be) perfectly safe in Granada.

There are no ride-sharing apps in Granada. The city center is small, so you can easily get around on foot. Otherwise, taxis and tuk-tuks are at the ready! Feeling something a little extra? You can also opt for one of Granada’s iconic horse-drawn carriages.

Define “beach”! If you’re asking about ocean beach, the answer is no . But if you’re asking about lake beaches, then the answer is yes ! There are beaches in Granada! This beautiful colonial city lines the shore of the largest lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua (or Lago Cocibolca ). In fact, one of most fun things to do in Nicaragua is taking a boat tour to the many mini islands (isletas) on the lake. The beautiful Apoyo Lagoon (a freshwater, mineral-rich crater lake) is also nearby. Taking a day trip here is another one of the most popular things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.

Founded in 1524, Granada is the oldest colonial city in all of Central America (that still remains in the same place it was founded). Granada’s centuries-old, colorful buildings and cobblestone streets give the city its charm, while the surrounding volcanoes, lakes, lagoons, and rolling hills offer endless natural beauty. Not to mention, the city’s authentic culture, good food, museums,

There are so many incredible things to do in Granada! Some of our favorites include strolling down the Calle La Calzada, trying Nicaraguan food, and exploring the city via horse-drawn carriage. Not to mention, visiting Masaya Volcano, spending a day at Laguna de Apoyo, and touring the tiny islands of Lake Nicaragua by boat. This guide details all of the best things to do and see in Granada – as well as the best places to stay in Granada!

As far as affordable luxury in Nicaragua goes, you can’t find much better than the Hotel Plaza Colon. This cozy boutique hotel is located right in front of the main square and features a beautiful blue-tiled pool, lovely verandas, and chic bar. Plus it’s the only hotel in the region that follows sustainable practices, certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Plaza Colon.

Have you been to Granada before? What are your favorite things to do there? Visiting Granada and have a question? Leave your comments for Melanie below!

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About Melanie Gordon (Contributor)

Melanie contributes travel writing and photos to Maddy's Avenue. Melanie began traveling after life threw her a major curveball in the form of a condo fire. Losing everything (including her beloved cat, Moby) presented her with the opportunity to turn a tragedy into a catalyst for growth. With nothing to lose, she set out for a solo “soul searching” journey. Turns out, this curveball set her path straight in the direction of her destiny. Through work like website design, travel writing, and sharing her passion of teaching yoga and hula hooping, she’s found the life she’s always envisioned. Follow along for more of Melanie’s travel writing, and reach out through her website or Instagram (livinginflowco.com & @livinginflowco).

You’ll Also Love

October 31, 2022 at 12:41 am

i spent two weeks in granada, lived with a local family and took spanish classes at casa xalteva. it was just fabulous. i also volunteered to teach some english classes to some of the local students. it was a blast. there was also the opportunity to take several different trips with some of my fellow students. just a wonderful experience.

November 14, 2022 at 3:47 am

Thanks for sharing, Doug! Those sound like some some wonderful memories.

May 25, 2023 at 6:58 am

Bate Bate Chocolate just around the corner on Calle Libertad is much better than ChocoMuseo. The presentation, ambience, menu, and staff are fresh and new, and the chocolate they create is out of this world.

June 6, 2023 at 5:48 pm

Hi Karen, I’ll have to try Bate Bate next time I’m in Granada. Thanks for the tip!

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4.1 From Costa Rica
• 2.4.2 From Honduras
• 2.5 By boat
• 3.1 By taxi
• 3.3 By coche
• 3.4 By boat
• 3.5 By bike
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 9.4 Groceries
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 13 Stay safe

Granada is the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua and the all-time-rival of Leon . It is on the northwest side of the Lago Cocibolca. Its colored colonial buildings, interesting history and relative safety make it an important tourism destination. It is the city in Nicaragua with the largest presence of expats and one of the most developed for tourism compared to other cities in Nicaragua. Both these things will be immediately apparent to the visitor.

Understand [ edit ]

Granada, nicknamed La Gran Sultana after her Muslim-influenced namesake in Spain, was founded in 1524 and is the oldest cities of Nicaragua and the oldest European settlement in the Americas mainland that lasted (the only older cities are Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and Panama, which moved afterwards). A rich town for most of the colonial period, Granada has always been and continues to be a conservative city. As a (sort of) "Caribbean port", connected to the ocean by the lake and the Rio San Juan, Granada was attacked by pirates several times in its early history. However the attack that left the biggest mark on the city was carried out by an American in 1856, when the city was burned down.

The town recovered however and became the dominating force culturally and politically for the next three decades until the liberal general Jose Santos Zelaya took control of the country. You can still see a lot of the wealth and power Granada once had in its colonial houses and churches. And there is still a monument for some former president or other who was born here at almost every corner downtown.

Granada still is very much a conservative town and the ruling Sandinistas are not as well liked here as they are in León, which contributes to their ongoing rivalry. But nowadays, Granada is also notable for winning awards in American magazines as supposedly one of the best places on earth to live, and many retired Gringos have made Granada their second home. Many colonial houses and even some small islets just out of town in Lake Nicaragua are still for sale, so ask the locals if you want to move here long term and have the necessary cash on hand.

Although the Gringo influence here is stronger than in most other places in Nicaragua, Granada has lost nothing of its charm and continues to attract tourists, locals and expats alike.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Fly to Managua International Airport ( MGA  IATA ) and from there make your way by bus (every half hour from Mercado Huembes or the UCA station) or taxi (around US$35 from the airport depending on your bargaining skills). As an alternative, you can take an air conditioned shuttle for US$15 from the airport to Granada. In most cases, the shuttle will deliver you to any point in Granada. There is a tourist information counter as soon as you clear immigration. Ask the representative and s/he'll point you to a reputable shuttle service. The trip by taxi or shuttle is about 40 minutes. Another option may be to fly to the Liberia Airport over the border in Costa Rica, but it would involve about 5 hours of travel and a border crossing. Rental cars are not allowed to cross the border, but agencies will arrange for car swaps and pickups on the other side of the border. Managua is by far your best option.

The small Las Lajas Airport a few miles from Granada on the highway to Masaya does not have any commercial flights as of Oct 2020.

The airport on Ometepe ( OMT  IATA ) receives domestic flights (from Managua, and from San Juan de Nicaragua (Greytown) ( SJN  IATA ) via San Carlos ( SCA  IATA ) twice a week (Su and Th) as of Oct 2020 on La Costeña Airlines (US$58 one-way). There is a boat from there to Granada that takes roughly three hours.

By train [ edit ]

The train was shut down during the era of Violeta Chamorro (1990-1996). So, no, there's no possibility to take any train to get there. Nevertheless, you can have the chance to visit the old train station, which is used as a technical school sponsored by the Spanish Cooperation.

By car [ edit ]

Yes you can get there by rental car, which is often really expensive to hire, since imported cars are expensive too and the risk of theft is high. Most of the principal highways are in excellent condition, however other obstacles (cows, horses, people, people on horses) can surprise you - especially at night, so be alert. Secondary roads range from paved to gravel. The roads from the airport are excellent on the most direct route.

From Costa Rica, take the Panamerican Highway, which leads from San José through Liberia, the border crossing at Peñas Blancas, the first bigger town in Nicaragua is Rivas , after Nandaime take a right onto the Granada-Nandaime road. Look for Granada-related signs.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses from Managua to Granada leave from the UCA Terminal (C$25 ( córdobas ) and from Mercado Huembes as of April 2016. If you have oversized baggage you might be asked to pay an extra C$25) and Mercado Huembes on a very frequent basis The trip takes about 2 hours. There is no scheduled public transport that does the León-Granada run directly, so you'll have to change buses in Managua. If you take the chicken bus from Leon your last stop in Managua will be the Israel Lewites Terminal from where you will have to go to either the UCA Terminal or Mercado Huembes. Minibuses from Leon to Managua depart from the same location in Leon but terminate at the UCA Terminal so they might be a more convenient way to reach Granada as they lessen the need to change terminals in Managua. Granada can also be reached by first-class buses from neighboring Costa Rica and Honduras.

From Costa Rica [ edit ]

There are two main options, either take the ordinario buses which cost half the price (US$10) and fuzz your way through, experience a lot of interesting sights and the heat or hop on one of the (often agonizingly) air conditioned coaches, which are comfortable, take you there in about 8-10 hours (crossing the border might take a while, and you will have to exit the bus twice for passports and customs) and cost US$20. The best options going from Costa Rica to Nicaragua are Central Line, TransNica and Ticabus . Back from Granada to Costa Rica you might as well take the Tica Bus or NICABUS. Just ask any taxi driver in whatever city you are in to take you to the Nica or TICABUS-station.

From Honduras [ edit ]

From Tegucigalpa , you can also get the TICA bus, which leaves daily around 09:00 for Managua , for around US$20. Then take another bus (at a different station), or taxi, to Granada.

By boat [ edit ]

There's a boat running twice a week from San Carlos via Ometepe to Granada and back. It leaves San Carlos at Tuesday and Friday at 14:00. The trip to Ometepe takes about three hours. San Carlos-Granada is roughly 12 hours one-way. There is a ferry running between Granada and Ometepe, but as of July 2016 it was canceled until further notice, as the lake levels are too low. In general the ferry may be canceled due to low lake levels as well as storms, so enquire locally if possible.

Get around [ edit ]

Granada is a small city; everything can comfortably be reached by foot. For some outlying points (e.g. the Asese peninsula) taxis, coches and bikes come in handy.

By taxi [ edit ]

Local taxis work on set prices: C$10 by day, and at night after 9PM C$20 per person, wherever you go within the town's borders.

Buses (old stylish US or Canadian school buses) go just about everywhere at about every time, you see them and if you slightly look like anybody wanting to go anywhere, be sure they'll load you on their bus. Another option are the mini buses which have a bit more set time, they're more comfortable and also faster but cost a bit more. The buses leave either west of the Central Market building (50 m into Calle Yo Yo) or near the petrol station UNO. Just ask around, people are very friendly and tell you where you need to go. Also, many people know at least partially the timetables.

By coche [ edit ]

Horse-drawn carriages, known as coches , are a wonderful way to see the extent of the city limits. From the cemetery in the southwest, to the converted Rail Station in the north, to the water front in the east. US$30 for an hour and a half tour. They can also be hired just like taxis.

Granada's islets are not to be missed, and the way to see them is by boat. Boat tours leave from Puerto Asese, about 5-10 minutes from downtown by taxi. Try to book them as a group as it gets cheaper for each individual. Also a boat that is almost full might make special deals for a single traveler or a small group

By bike [ edit ]

Most hotels and hostels rent bikes and if yours doesn't, some are willing to rent to people staying elsewhere. You should pay roughly US$10 a day. As the city is rather flat and traffic is manageable it is a good way to get around, although the heat might get uncomfortable. Robberies and assaults at machete - point have happened along parts of península de Asese.

See [ edit ]

There are six main churches  : the Cathedral, La Merced, Guadalupe, Xalteva, San Francisco and María Auxiliadora, which all have interesting historical backgrounds and are in very different states.

• Fuerte La Polvora is an 18th-century fort (built in 1748) that's open for tours. A few historical exhibits are available on the main level, you can climb the towers for views of the quiet city streets, or wander through the lovely courtyard.
• Lake Cocibolca (also known as Lake Nicaragua and, locally, as Lago de Granada), is the 10th largest fresh-water lake on earth and is inhabited by Bull Sharks, informally named the Nicaragua Shark, and sawfish. The beach area is not the safest area in town at night and comes with a rather unpleasant smell during the day. However, during the day this is a nice place to catch a breeze, and there are many Nicaraguan families that come here to pass the time. Vendors pass selling all kinds of food. Tours of the islands are available from Puerto Asese, near the pleasant Asese restaurant (known for its boneless fish).

A bit further along the shore is the Centro Turistico, a park like area complete with bars and restaurants. It's a bit cleaner then the beach right down from the city.

• The local market is definitely worth a glimpse, it's chaotic little market stands where you can get almost everything. The market is open everyday except holidays around and in the old Market hall, you can't miss it.
• The Central Park with the Cathedral and the Colonial houses surrounding it. The lively center of town with a lot of handicrafts or snacks to buy, or just sit down at a bench and watch the city and its people. Next to it is the Parque Independencia with a monument to the independence movement of 1811 and the famous "Puerta de los Leones".
• The streets with their charming colored Colonial houses are always worth a wander themselves.
• Take a boat tour of the Isletas. Boats leave from the marina at Puerto Asese. Your guide will tell you how all the islands are owned by millionaires. You will even visit an old fort that is on the island. Not to mention you will see adorable monkeys that live in the tree.
• Mi Museo , Calle Atravesada 505 ( In front of Bancentro ), ☏ +505 2552-7614 . Daily 08:00-17:00 . Private collection of over 5,000 Nicaraguan Pre-Columbian ceramics. Free .  

Do [ edit ]

{ Mombacho Beach Club . The heat in Nicaragua is hard to stand, so you'll love refreshing yourself in the 60-foot pool. On top of that, it's located in a gorgeous courtyard, with a bar and free WiFi. Enjoy a range of massages from aromatherapy to Shiatsu to ChocoTherapy, or just have a manicure, pedicure or facial. Entry to pool US$5. Spa treatments $9-28.

• Rent a bike from Mapache on Calle Cisne, 2nd left off Calle La Calzada. You can bike the entire city in one day.
• Go up the church tower at the Iglesia La Merced (US$1) and watch the sun go down over the bustling city.
• Take a Canopy Tour , where you will go flying on cables through the rainforest trees on the side of Mombacho Volacano. (US$25)
• Try interesting drinks at local market stands (such as cacao de leche, linseed drink or red beet drink, beware: often painfully sugary!).
• Take a bus to Masaya and visit the local and giant hand craftmarket (good advice: better see the new than the old market, same stuff, half the price).
• Get a very inexpensive table or seated massage at Seeing Hands Blind Massage , located in Computadoras de Granada, Calle 14 de Septiembre, 1/2c. south of the Firehall (Bomberos).and the other location they have is on Calle La Calzada before Guadulpe Church.
• Visit the Mombacho volcano (that's the one next to Granada). There's a paved road all the way to the top and a tropical rain forest inside the crater. Allow several hours to walk inside the crater. There's a great view of Lake Nicaragua from the top.
• You can also go to the Masaya Volcano reserve and watch over the wide land, see the Managua lake and maybe get some stinky smoke in your lungs and be happy about the beautiful nature surrounding the Volcano.
• The Choo-Choo train There's that weird train that goes all around town, designed for kids, but hey, it's great fun: it plays the latest reggaeton-tunes over and over again and it only costs C$5. Hop on whenever you find it.
• Casa de los Tres Mundos ( Casa de los Leones ),The Foundation "Casa de los Tres Mundos" is an institution created to initiate, support and promote cultural projects in Nicaragua and Central America. Besides these artistic, musical and educational activities, which emphasize support for the poorer segments of Nicaraguan society, the foundation finances and coordinates an integrative rural development project in Malacatoya.
• Horse and carriages circle the city center.
• Live music at Restaurant Imagine 1st left off Calle la Calzada, going towards the lake on Calle la Calzada from the Cathedral turn left first block (right after Cafe de Arte). One of the only places playing live classic rock (unplugged version) in the city. Live music starts at around 9PM almost every day of the week. Check the sign posted on the door daily to see who is playing. Very relaxed atmosphere and great food although a little bit pricey. No cover charge.
• ChocoMuseo . Take a free tour of the Museum learning where chocolate comes from and the history of the evolution of chocolate. Get a hands-on lesson of how to make your own chocolate in a chocolate workshop for US$24.15 at 09:00, 11:00, 14:00 or 16:00. For the extreme chocolate enthusiast, the Museum and Factory also offers tours to a cacao plantation on the Mombacho Reserve. You also get a chance to swim in the thermal waters, see the Isletas and ride on horseback. Tour cost US$65 on horseback, $55 to hike. Try the daily all-you-can-eat breakfast for $6 + tax.  

Learn [ edit ]

There are several Spanish language schools in Granada:

Casa Nica Spanish School is a cooperative of women that has been teaching Spanish since 1998. They tailor Spanish classes according to students' skill level and interests, and you also get to meet people at afternoon activities. They can also provide home-stay accommodations and connect you with their favorite local organizations if you want to volunteer.

One On One Tutoring Spanish School , One on One Tutoring Spanish school by Roger Ramirez On Calzada Street # 450 near to Guadalupe Church is the only Spanish school in Nicaragua that uses a unique teaching system where each student has four different instructors per day of class (the same four instructors for as long as the student stays at the school) if you decide to take 1-4 hours a day for five days or more. Having four instructors makes the course much more intensive and much less boring for the student. Open every day including holidays. +505 7678 9305

The local Red Cross school is also a good option to go to, because you can buy 1-on-1 Spanish lessons from them and so support them. For more options, look around for flyers.

Work [ edit ]

Volunteer opportunities abound. La Esperanza Granada is an organization that sends volunteers into local schools to help out, or supports women's working groups, built a community center, etc., for the impoverished outskirts of Granada. Volunteering is completely free of charge, minimum commitment is generally eight weeks but shorter stays are possible. Another volunteer option is Educación Plus de Nicaragua , a local NGO that educates and feeds children in the marginalized outskirts of Granada.

Buy [ edit ]

Granada is known around the world for its high-quality rocking chairs which can be seen all around town. The main vendors a bit out of town on the road to Masatepe .

If you want to go cheaper, there's the option to buy local and famous Nicaraguan pottery , which you can buy in town, but the better option is to go to San Juan de Oriente where there's a more varied selection and the experience of meeting the artisans.

Also very typical are the hammocks , there are several hammock stores and factories in Masaya, but you can find them made in Granada on Calle Xalteva, a half bloc west of the central park at Tio Antonio https://tioantonio.org/en/home/ .

You can buy heaps of mangos at the market for about C$1 each.

Eat [ edit ]

There are many street vendors selling quesillos, tamales, revueltas, carne asada, and other local specialties such as gallo pinto (rice & beans), fried plantains, nacatamales, bajo (yucca, plantain, beef mix). Very inexpensive. The local specialty is Vigoron : cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and fried pork rind (or roast pork) on mashed yucca for C$40 from the kiosks in the parque central. Great value and taste (provided you are not a vegetarian).

Budget [ edit ]

• The Garden Cafe , Calle La Libertad ( 1st left off Calle La Calzada, One block north ), ☏ +505 2552 8582 . 11:00-23:00 . Friendly and relaxing. US$3.50 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Charly's Bar & Restaurant , 4 blocks west of Old Hospital , ☏ +505 2 5522942 . German cuisine and best BBC. Draft beer and homemade cheesecake by owners Charly and Maria Elena.  
• NEcTaR , Calle La Calzada ( 1½ blocks E of the cathedral ), ☏ +505 2552 6095 . They arrange the local traditional meals into tasteful and beautiful dishes. They offer a selection of freshly made juices and cocktails.  
• Las Jarras , Calle Libertad ( from Central Park, 2½ blocks up Calle Libertad ), ☏ +505 8582-4943 . Chicken, beef or pork, marinated and char-grilled, served on a bed of fried plantains, and topped with salad, with optional side orders of gallo pinto and fried cheese. The portions are hearty, to say the least. In addition to the tables on the street, there's a nice interior patio with a bar. US$2.50-4.00 .  

Splurge [ edit ]

• Puerto Asese , ☏ +505 8957 5936 . Has a beautiful location, on the edge of Lake Nicaragua, with lush foliage surrounding it and a rustic, spacious dining area. Boneless fish platters are the house specialty.  
• Café De Arte ( Parque central 1c al Lago, 1/2 C. Norte ), ☏ +505 7659 6508 . Offers delicious international (some organic) food and excellent drinks. Snacks and meals are between C$40-150. Surrounded by local art. Daily specials.  
• El Zaguan ( on the street along the back/E wall of the cathedral ). The best churrasco, the delicious Nica grilled steak, cooked over an open grill. Set in beautiful colonial open-air garage. US$8 .  

Groceries [ edit ]

Granadans do most of their grocery shopping in the huge chaotic central market (along Calle El Comercio, aka Calle Atravesada, a few blocks south of downtown) or in a similarly chaotic Palí supermarket (same area).

Besides Palí, the city has two other supermarkets, cleaner, less crowded, and more upscale: La Union and La Colonia, which are next to each other in Calle La Inmaculada about a kilometer northwest of the central square. La Colonia is the more upscale of the two, with a better selection of products such as wine, ice cream, or exotic (to non-Nicaraguans) fruit. There is also a good bakery a block or two west of La Colonia (on the same, southern, side of the street). In 2018, La Colonia started selling their own baked bread - try their baguettes!

Drink [ edit ]

Great drinks can be purchased from local vendors at the corner in Parque Central , such as flaxseed drink, hibiscus ( jamaica ) iced-tea, or red beet drink or anything else, completely overloaded with sugar. Nice alternative: The local Cacao drink, milk and powdered chocolate beans, almost like chocolate milk, available in most cafes. Also Raspados made with crushed ice and raspberry syrup are very delicious and are usually sold by vendors around the Central Park.

And then of course, the local coffee! You have the biggest range: organic, shade grown, fair trade....

• 11.92926 -85.956 1 Café de las Sonrisas , Calle Real Xalteva, next to Hotel Real Merced , ☏ +505 8559 8315 . Tu-Sa 8AM-8PM, Su 8AM-1PM . Supports deaf, blind, and mute Nicaraguans through the sale of their coffee, food, and hammocks. ( updated May 2022 )
• 11.93264 -85.95379 2 La Sultana y el Café , Calle Corrales , ☏ +505 7542 9848 . Daily 7AM-7PM . Breakfast and some very embellished coffees. ( updated May 2022 )

Here are a few bars worth mentioning:

• El Bar , Hotel Plaza Colon ( in front of the main square ). 12:00-22:00 . El Bar offers a select wine list, classic cocktails and appetizers. Outdoor sitting and indoor AC sitting. splurge .  
• Chichería París at the top of the Calle Real, across from La Pólvora fortress. Chicha and natural drinks.
• 11.93086 -85.95706 3 Sandbar , C. El Hormiguero ( next to the party-atmospheric Townhouse Hostel ), ☏ +505 8793 3836 . Tu-F 4PM-2AM, Sa 4PM-Midnight . Here you can come and schmooze with lots of like-minded refreshment-seeking patrons in their open bar setting with food, drinks, music, and games. ( updated May 2022 )
• 11.93058 -85.95275 4 Clandestino Bar & Grill , C. La Libertad , ☏ +505 8597 3526 . Mojitos, beer, food available here in a relaxed courtyard environment. ( updated May 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• 11.928036 -85.955705 1 Hostel Oasis , Calle Estrada 109 ( from Parque Central, 1 block south, 1½ blocks west ), ☏ +50525528005 , [email protected] . Very nice colonial hostel with a swimming pool and a great rooftop with 360-degree view on the historical center. Very well ubicated, clean and safe, free Internet, snack and bar. Free breakfast and free happy hour. Modern colonial style interior, hammocks, ping pong table, pool table, darts... Weekly activities (beerpong tournament, booze cruise, trivia night for a local community project...). Daily shuttle to Paradiso hostel in Laguna de Apoyo. Whatsapp +50576453203. Dorm bed $9, room from $15 .  
• 11.93147 -85.95466 2 Hostal el Momento ( Calle el Arsenal, close to Calle Atravesada, 1 block north of Parque Central ), [email protected] . Colonial House and a brand new hostal with a really nice garden with lots of seating and lounge areas. Very good security as it is close to a bank, they also have security cameras and safe boxes in the rooms and the dorms have lockers also. The privates come with and without bathrooms but all have cable tv and there is free wifi with iPads free to use.They have a bar and cafe in the garden or you can use their guest kitchen and make use of the Spa for a massage. Great set up and willing staff looking to help in anyway. US$12-16 single room and $16-26 double room .  
• 11.92878 -85.95346 3 Casa del Agua , Avenue Guzman ( SE corner of Central Park, S ½ block on Avenue Guzman ), [email protected] . Small guesthouse a half a block from the Cathedral. Has a great pool to relax in after a long hot day in Granada. All rooms have a private toilet and bath with hot water. Each room comes with a flat-screen HD television. A/C is available in the double rooms for US$6. There is a large full kitchen with appliances and utensils so you can make use of the fresh food at the market that is a few blocks away. You can book the entire place for a group and there are studio apartments with a private entrance available as well. US$15 for a single room and $34 for a double .  
• 11.9265 -85.95529 4 Hospedaje Esfinge ( across from the Mercado on Calle Atravesada ). This very quiet and quite large place is fairly nice for a budget option. In early 2009 a double with shared bath was US$13, and was festively painted. A safe place, but near the worse part of town. The entrance is watched 24 hours a day by the wife and husband owners and another man. Quite time begins at 22:00, which means you have to turn the TV off and if you want to go out, you have to knock to get back. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 11.93128 -85.95657 5 Hostel Libertad , Calle 14 de Septiembre , ☏ +505 8168 9661 . A nice, clean, quiet hostel in an airy and spacious colonial building. Well-equipped kitchen. Warm atmosphere with wifi and three computers with internet. Unlimited coffee in the morning included. Dorms US$6, private w/bath US$20, w/o US$15 .  
• 11.933879 -86.054545 6 Laguna de Apoyo , [email protected] . Day trip or overnight stay in a crater lake. Swim in fresh water. Restaurants and bar available on site. 30 minutes from Granada. Shuttles leaves from Oasis Hostel (calle Estrada, Granada) at 09:00 and 15:00 daily. Book the day before. Whatsapp +50581874542 US$25-70, breakfast included .  
• 11.93345 -85.9524 7 Hotel Il Padrino , From the S. Francisco square, 1½ blocks north, in front of the Gymnasium Sport , ☏ +505 8777 4478 . A small, family-run hotel with en-suite rooms and a large tropical garden. $35 .  
• 11.93271 -85.95284 8 Hotel Casa San Francisco ( [email protected] ), 207, Calle Corrales ( diagonal from the San Francisco Convent ), ☏ +505-2552-8235 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Beautiful boutique hotel with pool, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, hot water, tv/cable. The first boutique hotel in Granada. Great staff to take care of your travel plans, also offering, longer term housing. US$45-70 .  
• 11.9273 -85.9568 9 Casa Silas Bed and Breakfast , 206 Calle La Concepcion ( at Calle La Concepción 1½ blocks west of the market ), ☏ +505 8883 6834 , [email protected] . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 11:00 . The casa features 2 guestrooms with wireless internet, AC, swimming pool and full breakfast. US$46 . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 11.93094 -85.95766 10 Hotel El Club , at Calle La Liberdad and Avenida Barricada , ☏ +505 2-552-4245 , [email protected] . The hotel features 11 rooms with wireless Internet. This hotel doubles as a disco, so be ready to party.  
• 11.93389 -85.95353 11 Hotel con Corazón , at Calle Santa Lucia 141 , ☏ +505 2552 8852 . Hotel con Corazón is a beautiful hotel (15 rooms) in the center of Granada. A double for US$64/71 including taxes and a extensive breakfast. Swimming pool and WiFi included.  
• 11.92831 -85.94848 12 Hotel Casa Vivaldi , Calle El Caimito, from the Alcaldía, 4½ blocks to the lake . Discover one of the most comfortable hotels in Granada, Nicaragua: an oasis with the biggest pool in town surrounded by tropical vegetation will offer to you beautiful moments of relaxation, away from city daze. US$44-54/night  
• 11.93252 -85.95405 13 Hotel El Almirante , Calle Corrales 111, Granada , ☏ +505 2552 4628 , [email protected] . In a renovated colonial house in the historic center of Granada. The hotel rooms have bathrooms, flat screen TV and safe deposit box. Swimming pool, free wireless internet access and cable TV. US$60 .  
• 11.92782 -85.95151 14 La Islita Boutique Hotel , Calle El Cisne, 3 blocks south of Calle La Calzada . Chic, Intimate, Stylish; cozy boutique hotel; eight rooms with comfortable beds, AC, WiFi, cable TV, private bathroom, continental breakfast; stunning rooftop terrace. US$50-75/night .  
• 11.92896 -85.95029 15 Hotel La Pergola , from City Hall, 3 blocks towards the lake , ☏ +505 2-552 - 4221 , [email protected] . An antique colonial house built in the 19th century that has been restored conserving the characteristic of the wonderful houses of Granada.  
• 11.93089 -85.95462 16 Hotel Colonial Granada ( 50 meters from plaza ), ☏ +505 552 7581 . from US$55 .  
• 11.92982 -85.95451 17 Hotel Plaza Colon ( across the street from the central plaza ), ☏ +505 2552 8489 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Beautiful boutique hotel. US$79-104 .  
• Jicaro Island Eco Lodge , ☏ +505 2558 7702 , [email protected] . On Lake Nicaragua. Very close to downtown with easy access to Granada. Private all-inclusive. Secluded 2-story casitas. Swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi. Yoga retreats. from US$300 .  
• 11.93035 -85.95447 18 Selina Alhambra , ☏ +505 2552 4486 . In the middle of town. Beautiful. US$50-$80/night. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 11.92891 -85.95366 19 La Gran Francia , ☏ +505 2552 6012 . In the middle of town, across from the Cathedral. Beautiful. US$90-$200/night ( updated Sep 2020 )

Connect [ edit ]

Internet -- up to C$20/hour.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Nicaragua is rated the safest country in Central America. Granada, the sixth largest city, is very safe but using common sense and always walking with someone else at night here and everywhere else in the country is recommended.

Robberies are known to have occurred along the Peninsula de Asese. If you plan a tour keep your wits about you and maybe leave the camera in the hotel.

In Granada, the moneychangers are licensed and provide a terrific alternative to the banks.

Cope [ edit ]

Social workers in Granada strongly advise to not give money or food to begging children. In Granada the homeless situation is moderate. Orphanages and charity organizations take care of homeless children, and poor people have access to charity kitchens. The kids that beg and sell items to tourists do this to make easy money, and are being exploited by adults. Anything you give to these children keeps them from the place they belong: in school.

Occasionally inclement weather will create an outage, as you'd expect anywhere.

Urban tap water is fine.

Insect repellent is widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets. Use as required. Nicaragua does have dengue . This is especially a concern during the wet season. In the early morning, and at dusk cover up or spray on as a precaution against insects.

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Navigation menu

Must-see attractions in Granada

Convento y Museo San Francisco

One of the oldest churches in Central America, Convento San Francisco boasts a robin's egg–blue birthday-cake facade and houses both an important convent…

Museo de Chocolate

Granada's new chocolate museum is excellent if you're traveling with children: the 'beans to bar' chocolate workshop, where participants learn to roast…

Iglesia La Merced

Perhaps the most beautiful church in the city, this landmark was built in 1534. Most come here for the spectacular views from the bell tower – especially…

Casa de los Leones & Fundación Casa de los Tres Mundos

Founded in 1986 by Ernesto Cardenal, the Fundación Casa de los Tres Mundos moved to elegant Casa de los Leones in 1992. Casa Los Leones was built in 1720,…

Cementerio de Granada

Used between 1876 and 1922, this beautiful cemetery on Granada's outskirts has lots of picturesque mausoleums and tombs, including those of six Nicaraguan…

This museum displays a private collection of ceramics dating from at least 2000 BC to the present. Hundreds of beautifully crafted pieces were chosen with…

La Capilla María Auxiliadora

This gorgeous 1918 Gothic church with white-and-blue trim is worth a look for its interior – arguably the most beautiful of all of Granada's churches –…

Iglesia de Xalteva

The dilapidated but attractive colonial church that houses La Virgen de la Asunción was almost completely rebuilt in the 1890s after suffering serious…

Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril

Nine long blocks north of town along Calle Atravesada you’ll find Parque Sandino, next to the old train station, now a technical vocational school. It was…

Mercado Municipal

Head to the overflowing and lively Mercado Municipal, a neoclassical building constructed in 1892, for a chance to observe locals haggling over fresh…

Catedral de Granada

The cathedral, on the east side of the plaza, was originally built in 1583 but has been destroyed countless times since. This most recent version, built…

Fortaleza La Polvora

Originally called the Fortaleza de Armas when it was constructed in 1748, this lavishly turreted Spanish fortress still has the best views in town, over…

Iglesia de Guadelupe

The imposing, twin towered Iglesia de Guadalupe was originally built as a fort in 1626 and refurbished in 1945.

Centro Turístico

This lakefront tourist center has restaurants, discos, sandy beaches, kids' play areas, and picnic spots, though the location is no good for swimming and…

Plaza de la Independencia

North of Parque Central is Plaza de la Independencia, also known as the 'Plaza de los Leones.' The obelisk is dedicated to the heroes of the 1821 struggle…

Antiguo Hospital

The city's old hospital ruins are a landmark locals often use when giving directions.

More destinations you need to see

Granada, Nicaragua: Ultimate Travel Guide

• Author david
• Date August 1st, 2023

The city of Granada, Nicaragua , situated on the shores of the mesmerizing Lake Nicaragua, offers a captivating blend of timeless beauty, colonial heritage, and vibrant culture. Known as one of Central America’s most important cities, Granada is often referred to as the “Great Sultan” due to its Moorish namesake in Spain. The city’s enchanting past is visible in its Spanish colonial architecture, brightly colored houses, and majestic churches, all of which are nestled among lush vegetation and stunning landscapes.

Each cobblestone street in Granada is a gateway to a rich history, a testament to the city’s resilience and charm. This is a place where you can traverse centuries just by turning a corner. From the echoing bells of the ancient cathedrals to the bustling marketplace filled with local artisans’ crafts, Granada is a sensory feast.

I visited this beautiful colonial city, and the nearby cities of Masaya and Masatepe back in the spring of 2022. Along with my guide, Carlos from Visita Nicaragua, I explored the bustling markets, stunning architecture, vibrant culture of these cities, along with the warmth of the Nicaraguan people. These are the top things you must experience in Granada, Nicaragua!

Granada, Nicaragua

Enjoy nicaraguan street food at the central market.

I’ve often said if you want to experience local life in any destination, visit a local market. In the Central Market in Granada, Nicaragua, you’ll find countless vendors and an array of authentic local street foods. Local frito, or fried pork or pork rinds, is a must!

You’ll also find massive whole chicharrones and chancho con yuca (made with marinated pork, yucca, and cabbage). The tortillas rellenos stuffed with rice and meat are also savory and filling! For a more unique offering try the pinol de iguana, a corn stew containing iguana meat, onions, and egg. You’ll also find spice and produce vendors, as well as those selling home goods and clothing!

Go on a carriage tour of Granada, Nicaragua

Another phenomenal way to experience Granada, Nicaragua is by horse-drawn carriage! I went on a spontaneous carriage tour that took me around this beautiful colonial city. We started by passing historical homes and seeing Pedro Joaquin Guardia Chamoro Plaza and the Park of Galteba.

We continued past the Monument of Ruben Dario , dedicated to a renowned Nicaraguan poet. In the Xalteva area, our carriage driver showed us Calteba Church, which dates back to 1731. It’s a fascinating historical tour and only costs 350 Cordoba, or about $10 USD!

Go on a food and attraction tour of the city

You don’t have to go to the Central Market to experience great street food in Granada, Nicaragua. At Central Park, I highly recommend trying vigorón , a popular local dish made with cassava, yucca, cabbage, and fried pork. Add some pickled chilies and wash it down with some coyolito, a refreshing drink similar to grape or cherry juice.

You may also find vendors selling traditional sweets like coyolito candies and candied papaya. If you’re looking for artisanal beers, visit Nectar Bar & Restaurante, where you can also sample the national drink, macuá. Elsewhere are vendors selling everything from gallo pinto to fried cheese to fresh plantain chips!

Get a pampered in Granada, Nicaragua

If you’re staying at Hotel Real La Merced in Granada, Nicaragua, there’s a luxurious pampering experience waiting for you right across the street! There, you’ll find a barber shop that offers one of the most amazing self-care experiences I’ve ever had in Latin America.

My barber, Asiyadora, gave me a refreshing neck, face, and head shave, along with a mud mask to tighten my skin. But the highlight of my experience was the massage, where Asiyadora used a machine to knead my head, face, neck, arms, chest, and hands. I felt rejuvenated afterward! Best of all, the entire experience only costs 500 cordobas ($14 USD), a fraction of what I’d pay for just a haircut in my hometown of Miami!

Elsewhere, you can find fantastic local spas where you can enjoy manicures, pedicures, and foot massages. I visited one on a free night in Granada, Nicaragua, and the women there were fantastic. They soaked and exfoliated my feet, clipped and buffed my toenails, gave me a manicure, and even massaged my feet, all for 500 cordobas, or $14 USD!

Masaya, Nicaragua

Try traditional nicaraguan sweets at freddy chavez dulceria.

I’ve never been a huge sweets person, but when they’re as tasty as the ones in Nicaragua, I make an exception! At Freddy Chavez Dulceria in Masaya , I sampled a traditional sweet called almíbar. These candied fruits are typically made during Easter week and have a sticky consistency and extremely sweet taste.

They use several different fruits, including mango, coconut, papaya, and jocote. The process involves boiling the fruit to ensure it is safe to consume and then combining it with sugar. The mixture is slow-cooked for several hours until it transforms into a thick and sugary fruit marmalade. The almíbar captures the unique flavors of each fruit and is a saccharine and surprisingly meaty treat everyone should experience!

Explore Masaya Market

No trip to Granada, Nicaragua is complete without visiting Masaya Market in nearby Masaya. One of the largest markets in Nicaragua, is a must-visit for those driving between Managua and Granada. There, you’ll find a variety of unique crafts, including masks, woven baskets, wooden toys, dolls, guitars, and figurines. Vendors there also sell traditional foods like rosquillas, cerdo con yuca, and chicharron.

If you’re looking for clothing, you’ll find leather sandals, dresses, jerseys, shirts, belts, wallets, and coin purses. Some of my favorite highlights were trying chicharron, morongo, and an earthy pork organ dish called chanfaina. And if you want to buy some unique souvenirs, check out the mask vendors. They sell beautifully crafted animal and traditional masks that make a great gift for friends and family!

When in the Granada, Nicaragua area, you must try one of Masaya’s most popular dishes, baho . It’s a flavorful combination of beef, yuca, sweet and green plantains, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers, steamed together in a large pot with banana leaves. I recommend trying it at Baho Vilma, a famous restaurant that specializes in this dish.

After watching the cook, Doña Vilma, prepare the dish—which looked incredible—it was time to eat. The baho came served on a banana leaf and was an explosion of flavors and textures. The meat was tender, the cabbage provided crunch, and the plantains added sweetness. The yuca contributed a starchy element to the savory-sweet combination.

I also tried a corn-based drink with cacao called tiste, gallo pinto with tortillas and leche agria, a thin Nicaraguan yogurt. The leche agria added creaminess to the gallo pinto. If you have room, try some creamy meringue or a coconut candy called cajete de coco for dessert!

Personally, I went with both, as well as buñuelos, sweet yuca fritters topped with honey and filled with cheese!

Visit the mask makers of Masaya

During our visit to an exhibition hall and gift shop, we had the opportunity to witness the artistry of local mask makers. The collection showcased a diverse range of masks, including those depicting animals, skulls, and people.

You’ll find masks made from wood and papier mache, both of which go through an intricate manufacturing process. The papier mache masks are molded and left to dry in the sun for 72 hours before being meticulously painted. I couldn’t help but appreciate the talent and dedication that goes into making the. I bought two for 800 Cordobas, or roughly $22 USD!

Masatepe, Nicaragua

Eat mondongo.

In nearby Masatepe, near Granada, Nicaragua, I suggest visiting El Rancho del Mondongo, a rustic, open-air restaurant that specializes in making mondongo. This local specialty is a soup containing tripe, corn, cassava, ginger, lettuce, and squash.

The tripe was spongy and delicious, with a rich earthy flavor and a hint of iron. Along with plenty of fat and vegetables, the soup also included calf ribs, cabbage, and various types of corn. On the side, we had fresh tortillas, avocado, lemon, salt, cheese, and rice. It’s a fantastic dish that you must try if you like meat, especially organ meats!

Meet the furniture makers near Granada, Nicaragua

You can’t pass through Masatepe without meeting its sensational furniture makers. To meet them, I headed to Mercado de Artesanias Mazatepelth, a furniture factory in the central part of town. Here, I found a wide variety of furniture, including wicker chairs, wicker baskets, wooden tables, wooden chairs, storage ottomans, and more. The craftsmanship and beauty of the pieces were truly impressive.

At a nearby shop called Muebles Zulema, I got to see the workers sanding pieces of gorgeous carved wooden furniture. The rocking chairs immediately caught my eye with their intricate horse carvings on the sides. Each piece exuded beauty and expert craftsmanship and was a sign of the heart and soul of the people of Masatepe!

Book a trip to Granada, Nicaragua

When you visit Granada, Nicaragua, be sure to explore the city, but before moving on, take some time to visit Masaya and Masatepe as well. These three unique cities provide different aspects of Nicaraguan culture and are must-visits.

From their markets to their attractions to their mouthwatering cuisine, they’re full of the types of experiences that entice curious travelers. Book a trip to Granada, Nicaragua today to explore all three cities as soon as possible!

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Granada Itinerary (3 Days) in Nicaragua: Complete breakdown

A visit to Nicaragua wouldn’t be complete without spending at least 3 days in Granada. It’s one of Nicaragua’s most iconic cities, and for good reason! Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, it’s the oldest colonial city in the country, bringing with it much European influence. Granada’s politically-charged past as the opposition to the more liberal and revolutionary León , has further shaped the city we see today. Whilst there are similarities between these two major backpacking hubs, Granada has its own distinct character which I grew to enjoy! Streets laden with colourful colonial architecture, their faded walls providing a dated charm. The clopping of hooves against tarmac as work-horses tow their carts and carriages. And the juxtaposition of quiet, ornate streets with the bustle of daily Nicaraguan life that you can find with the turn of any corner. If this is your first time visiting this wonderful city, then look no further. This 3-day Granada itinerary will cover everything you need to know, including the best things to do; how to budget, and tips for your stay.

Let’s get started!

Granada Itinerary in Short

• Day 1 : Explore the city and see the lava at Masaya Volcano
• Day 2 : Islets Boat Tour
• Day 3 : Visit Mombacho Volcano (+ Optional Treehouse Party)

How to use this Granada Itinerary:  This itinerary compiles what I think is the best 3 days in Granada for first-timers. The days and activities can easily be shuffled around to suit your needs. There is plenty more to do in Granada if you want to add additional days (I wouldn’t blame you!).

Granada Itinerary in Full

How many days do you need in granada, nicaragua.

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Granada. This will give you a chance to see all the main sights that the city has to offer, without being rushed off your feet.

Having said this, if you prefer to travel slowly, you could easily spend another couple of nights here. If you intend to stay for the Treehouse party on a Friday night, you may also need to extend your stay. Either way, there are still even more things to do in Granada if you have time !

If you want to compare the length of your stay in León with your stay in Granada. My honest view is that you should allow similar amounts of time to explore each. I found Granada to be prettier and larger, while León had more character (though a little rough around the edges), and a more obvious connection with its revolutionary history. Both cities offer options outside of town to extend your stays closer to day-trip activities such as Las Peñitas for Leon, and Apoyo or Mombacho for Granada.

3-Day Granada Itinerary

Day 1: explore the city + masaya volcano.

Your first day in Granada will allow you to familiarise yourself with the local area and your surroundings. Plus you’ll get a taste of Nicaragua’s unmatched volcano scene!

AM: Explore the city

When visiting any new city, I try to either join a walking tour or explore independently with my camera.

Dubbed as the prettiest city in Central America (alongside its sister city of Antigua in Guatemala), Granada is not one to be missed!

This colourful colonial city is best explored at street level, exploring its array of churches and cathedrals; witnessing the workhorses in action; smelling the aromas of the city; and maybe even stopping off to try some street food!

You can join one of the many walking tours around the city, which normally last anywhere between 2 and 4 hours. You can either book online or with tour operators.

NOTE : Another popular option for tourists is the horse-drawn carriage tours, which last around 90 minutes and cover Granada’s main sights. Having seen the way the horses are ‘looked after’, I can’t really endorse this activity.

Main Sights

Walking tour or not, here are some of the best things to see whilst walking around Granada. What’s great is that they’re all so close together!

• Parque Central de Granada : The main plaza is filled with market stalls, fountains, ice cream vendors and more! It’s a great place to get souvenirs and grab food, but I recommend returning again after dark as there’s a buzz of activity.
• Granada Cathedral : Situated on the edge of the main plaza is Granada Cathedral (aka Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral). This well-preserved, colonial building in yellow and white stands majestically in the centre of town. It’s the main landmark of the city, plus it’s FREE to enter!
• La Iglesia de la Merced : This beautiful church offers 360-degree views of Granada. It costs $1, to go upstairs to the bell tower, which is 100% worthwhile to get a different perspective of the city.
• Sidestreet Markets : If you are looking to see a more authentic side of Granada, take a wander down some of the sidestreets. Here you will see a hub of activity as people go about their day-to-day lives and sell things. Though avoid going down any back alleys at night!
• La Polvora Fortress : This medieval fortress on the edge of the city was originally built to protect Granada from pirates as well as store gunpowder! Now you can explore the lookouts and wander the exhibits as it’s been converted into a museum. Once again it’s FREE to enter and offers impressive views of the city.
• Xalteva Church : Perhaps not as iconic as Granada Cathedral or La Iglesia de la Merced, but Xalteva Church is certainly one of the prettiest in the city. With a bright orange exterior and baroque and Islamic influences, this reconstructed church really stands out.

TOP TIP : If you are considering booking a walking tour of Granada, decide what other activities you want to do while you’re here. Most operators offer a variety of different tours, so you can use the walking tour as a bargaining tool to get the price down for other activities.

PM: Masaya Volcano

No Granada itinerary is complete without a visit to the Masaya Volcano. Whilst there are many volcanoes in Central America, this offers a unique experience as you can look directly into the crater to see the bubbling lava within .

Tours of Masaya Volcano cost approximately $25 , including transport from Granada and a guide to show you around. Whilst you can arrange your own transport, with the park entrance fee of $10, it probably works out somewhat similar.

Arrive just before sunset to explore the multiple craters and watch the sun go down. It’s a short walk up to the best viewpoint. You can also take a sneak peek at the Masaya crater during the daylight to compare it with night.

After dark, return to the main crater. This time you should be able to see the glowing red lava. Visibility varies depending on the wind blowing the fumes.

Day 2: Visit Las Isletas de Granada

Las Isletas, which translates to ‘the little islands’, are a series of land formations scattered across the surface of Lake Nicaragua.

Formed by the eruption of Mombacho many years ago, 365 islets are now dotted across the lake. Over time their surfaces have become habitated with lush plant life and wildlife.

There are various ways to explore the islets in Granada. The most popular being by boat!

There are a variety of tours available, from day tours to sunset rides or even booze cruises. They can last anywhere from 1 hour to half-days. Pretty much all tour operators and hostels in Granada will offer excursions to Las Isletas.

Alternatively, you can explore a smaller section of the islets by kayak if you would prefer to rent and explore at your own pace. Kayak rental costs a similar amount ($20-$25).

Day 3: Mombacho Volcano + Treehouse

On the outskirts of Granada is the mighty Mombacho volcano.

It’s a volcano unlike any that I’ve visited! So much so that it almost doesn’t feel like a volcano! Home to a cloud forest with dewy plants and an abundance of life. Keep a look out for monkeys, sloths, and a variety of bird species (including the quetzal).

You can either hike up to the volcano from the very bottom (it’s a steep climb up winding roads) or get a lift most of the way. We decided to hitch a ride with a very kind local who was heading in that direction. This helped avoid paying the additional cost for vehicle entry and the sweaty uphill walk.

Once you’re at the reserve, there are three well-maintained walking trails to fully explore Mombacho.

• Crater Trail : A 1.5km loop circling around the main crater of Mombacho. It’s free, doesn’t require a guide, and heads out to a couple of epic viewpoints looking back towards Granada, Lake Nicaragua and Apoyo Lagoon.
• El Tigrillo Trail : This is a continuation of the Crater trail leading to two additional viewpoints. It wasn’t the best signposted and I didn’t realise I’d completed it until we circled back.
• El Puma Trail : The hardest trail on Mombacho takes you deeper into the forest along a 4.5km route. The walk requires a guide and an additional entry fee. You will see the Puma trail cordoned off from the other hiking trails.

There are tours available to visit Mombacho from Granada, however I chose to explore independently which I was grateful for. I also opted to hike without a guide to save on cost which was perfectly fine as the trails are easy to follow. The only downsides of no guide was that I couldn’t complete the Puma Trail (however tempting hopping the un-manned fence seemed), and I couldn’t get the local knowledge and stories about the volcano.

While you are in the Mombacho area, there are places to zipline or explore a coffee plantation. These can often be booked alongside the tours.

There’s also a cafe ( Cafe Las Flores ), halfway up to Mombacho which offers a place to grab food and refreshments. It’s not always open so avoid relying on this and bring your own water and snacks.

Treehouse Party

If you align your stay in Granada with a Friday night , you can head to the Treehouse party in the canopy aside Mombacho Volcano. This party has a reputation spanning the whole of Central America. I’ve written a more detailed post about it here .

The hostel where the rave takes place lets guests watch the sunset before the party starts. You can buy all your food and drinks there and enjoy the music until it finishes at 3am. The music is predominantly techno and house music but varies each week.

Granada Itinerary Map

Granada Budget

Since I didn’t follow this exact 3-day Granada itinerary (extending longer and staying in the Treehouse), I have broken down the costs of each of the individual aspects to calculate how much you should expect to spend during this 3-day Granada itinerary.

The breakdown is approximately as follows:

Day 1 – £43

• Iglesia de la Merced: $1
• Masaya Volcano Tour: $25
• Accommodation: $9

Day 2 – $40

• Islets Boat Tour: $25

Day 3 – $49

• Transport to Mombacho: $4
• Entry to Mombacho National Park: $5
• Treehouse Party: $25

NOTE : Alcohol not included. Breakfast was included with my hostel.

While Nicaragua felt cheaper than other Central American countries, it’s easy for activities to add up. It was probably one of my more expensive stops in Nicaragua. While, I could quite easily tell you that it costs $30/day to travel in Granada (which is entirely possible, especially if you stayed longer), I want to give you a better representation of how much a backpacker could be spending to do the activities they wanted. I averaged approximately $44/day during my time. Probably slightly more including the unaccounted-for alcohol and personal items.

What to do if you have more time in Granada?

If you are not on a strict timeline; are killing time before the Treehouse on Friday night, or want to experience more than just the ‘highlights’ of Granada, here are a few more options for your Granada itinerary:

Apoyo Lagoon

If you are in the mood for a relaxing day, head over to Apoyo Lagoon, a crater lake just outside of Granada. You can swim, rent kayaks, bob around in an inner tube, or simply chill out on the beach! I think there’s even scuba diving available!

If you have seen a lot of Central America already, this might be an activity to skip to save money. However, if the idea of swimming in a crater lake excites you, then go check it out!

Most tours will drop you off at El Paradiso, a hostel on the beachside of the lagoon. Tours are approximately $20-$25, though you can contact the hostel directly for a cheaper price. Another way to make the visit cheaper is to combine it with an evening excursion such as the Masaya Volcano tour.

Booze Cruise

If you like to party, the booze cruise in Granada is definitely something to add to your list! Every Wednesday from 16:00 til midnight, the boat sets sail into Lake Nicaragua for an evening of partying. Heading out towards the islets and watching sunset before returning to shore for a beach party.

Spanish Schoool

Like many of the other Central American cities, Granada offers the opportunity to improve your Spanish. What’s great about learning Spanish in Nicaragua is that it’s cheaper than the likes of Guatemala or Costa Rica with all the same benefits. There are plenty of options with homestays, language schools, or 1:1 lessons available.

Where to go after Granada?

Once you have seen all that Granada has to offer, you have a number of choices for where to go next. The south of Nicaragua is generally well-connected so  you have lots of flexibility .

If you are travelling east through Nicaragua, your next stop could be in  Ometepe or San Juan del Sur . Ometepe is the closer of the two

Whereas, if you are travelling west through Nicaragua, your next stop should be in Leon where you can try out volcano boarding !

Alternatively, you could check out  Managua  for a day before flying out and exploring somewhere else entirely! Take a flight to the idyllic  Corn Islands  in the northeast of Nicaragua.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my 3-day Granada itinerary in Nicaragua. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to  my blog page  to find out more.

If you are new to  Matt’s Next Steps , check out the  About Me  page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!

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10 Things to do in Granada, Nicaragua and Why We Loved this City

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The city of Grenada was one of our favourite places we visited on our month long trip to Nicaragua.  In this post we want to show you our top 10 things to do in Granada Nicaragua and why we think it is such a great destination.  Since we visited as a family, we will also explain why it was a great family destination.  You can easily spend a few days visiting the city and the nearby attractions.

Need convincing to visit Nicaragua?  Check out our 12 best things to do in Nicaragua and see for yourself why this is such a hot destination right now.

Looking to plan your Nicaragua itinerary?  Head to this post for 1, 2 and 3 week Nicaragua itinerary ideas .  You can also read about our experience at a Spanish School in this post .

The city is rich with history and although the Spanish dominated the area, at times the British, Dutch and French pirates attempted to take control of the city.  Add to that the wild west show that went on when William Walker tried to rule over Central America and there is lots to learn about this colonial city.

Granada is probably the most visited place in Nicaragua and you can immediately see why when you arrive.  There is a good blend of authentic Nica and western style amenities and services.

• 1.1 Parque Central
• 1.2 Wander the Colonial City
• 1.3 Go for a Carriage Ride
• 1.4 Explore the Churches
• 1.5 Try the Local Foods
• 1.6 Stroll Calle la Calzada at Night
• 1.7 Go Zip-lining (nearby)
• 1.8 Visit Masaya Volcano (nearby)
• 1.9 Take a Dip in Laguna de Apoyo (nearby)
• 1.10 The Isletas
• 2 Where to Stay Granada
• 3 Getting to Granada
• 4 Granada with Kids
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10 Things to do in Granada Nicaragua

Parque central, wander the colonial city, go for a carriage ride, explore the churches, try the local foods, stroll calle la calzada at night, go zip-lining (nearby).

Visit Masaya Volcano (nearby)

Take a dip in laguna de apoyo (nearby), the isletas, where to stay granada.

Casa del Agua (budget) was such a great find that we returned there twice.  Located a couple minutes from Parque Central, this truly was a home away from home.  The friendly owner Gerry is super welcoming and a great resource for planning your time in the area.  Located in a quaint heritage building with a court yard pool and common area (with kitchen), there is so much to love about this place.  We really enjoyed meeting travellers from all over the world.  For families, they have a lovely family room with a queen bed and bunk beds.  All of this at a very reasonable $50 USD/night.  It is a small guesthouse and they book out quickly, so book in advance.

Click here to book this awesome guesthouse .  

Hotel Plaza Colon (mid-range) is located fronting on to Parque Central so right in the heart of the city.  The colonial architecture, large rooms and refreshing pool make this place a great choice.  Ask for a room with a balcony overlooking the Parque.  For families, some rooms have 2 queen beds.

Click here to check the latest prices.  

Hotel Casa San Francisco (mid-range) is another top performing hotel in Granada.  It is centrally located in a quiet neighborhood.  You will appreciate the small pool, friendly staff and complimentary breakfast.  This small boutique hotel is charming and peaceful.

Getting to Granada

If you are coming from the capital Managua and the airport, the quickest and easiest way to get to Granada is by organizing a private taxi in advance.  It is only a 45 minute drive, but when I land in a new country, I appreciate having someone there waiting with my name on a sign.  You can organize this with your Granada hotel at a very reasonable rate.

Granada with Kids

At times Granada might feel like it is purely a city of tourists, but when traveling with kids parents will appreciate the good amenities it offers.  We felt completely safe in Granada and it was a city the kids really enjoyed.  There were some stray dogs around, so make sure you teach your kids to not approach them.  Nicaragua can get really hot so make sure the kids are drinking lots of fluids and take a break and re-hydrate by enjoying the many cafes.

For a very reasonable price, you can get a hotel with a pool, which is always a hit with our kids. They really enjoyed the carriage ride and of course the zip lining.  They were feeling a bit sick of beans and rice and were thrilled to see some Western food choices on the menus here.

There are so many wonderful day trips that kids will love.  Visiting a volcano, swimming in a crater lake and exploring the markets and villages in the surrounding countryside all passed our kids expectations.

Make Granada your Next Destination

We loved Nicaragua and Granada embodies so much of what you think about when you think of Central America.  The city has so much to offer, but don’t forget to visit the surrounding areas for your nature and adventure fixes.  We hope this post has given you lots of great ideas of what to do in Granada and Nicaragua.

You can also read our travelogue of our time in Nicaragua:

• A week at Spanish School
• Exploring Granada
• The Twin Volcanic Island of Ometepe
• West Coast Beaches and the Highlands
• Leon and Far Northwest Nicaragua

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15 Fun Things To Do In Granada, Nicaragua: On The Gringo Trail

Posted on Last updated: August 6, 2021

Categories Nicaragua

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Granada in Nicaragua is practically a living museum, a picturesque colonial town nestled on the banks of Central America’s largest lake – this is one place you can’t afford to miss when traveling in Nicaragua!

Granada also makes a perfect base for checking out the surrounding region, while offering a laid-back quiet vibe to return to every night for twilight snaps of cobblestoned streets or insta-worthy food.

However for some reasons the average traveler to Granada only spends a day or two here and fails to truly take in this historic city – a long-time rival to Leon in the north –  but with a far more authentic feel!

Having recently spent 2 weeks in Granada getting a feel for this elegant city, full of life and beauty I felt compelled to share more about it. Unquestionably a Nicaragua must see, even if it lacks the excitement of seeing two volcanoes in one day like Leon.

I have put together this list of 15 things to do in Granada, Nicaragua to inspire you to spend longer here, relax, and uncover it’s secrets! Let me know what you think, and feel free to leave some of your favorite things to do in Granada in the comments at the end!

15 Fun Things To Do In Granada, Nicaragua: The Best Of The Gringo Trail 🇳🇮

#1. discover nicaragua food and the nicaraguan chef inside you at la tortilla cooking school..

#2. Take a relaxing boat ride through the islets of Granada – the Hollywood of Nicaragua.

#3. Relax pool-side complete with delicious cocktails and escape the midday heat at La Gran Francia Hotel, a splash of luxury in an incredible location.

#4. Shop till you drop at one of the cities many second-hand clothing retailers. Who needs a mall when you have fashion and prices as good as these!

#5. Experience the raw intensity of a molten lava river at night in the crater of nearby Masaya Volcano with Nicaragua’s Best Guides.

#6. Discover amazing new tastes, cheap cocktails and a whole lot of fun on Calle La Calzada – the cities premier dining street!

#7. Dive in a volcano and help save the world with Volcano Divers.

#8. Wander the streets aimlessly and see real Nicaraguan life on display.

#9. Learn about the plight of disabled people in Nicaragua and support the deaf community (while tasting delicious food) at Cafe de las Sonrisas.

#10. Brush up on your Spanish, or start from scratch, at one of the cities many Spanish Schools – some of the cheapest in the world!

#11. Wander the old Granada cemetery, the oldest in Central America, which is watched over by the nearby Mombacho Volcano.

#12. Treat yourself to a delicious meal or a drink at one of Granda’s foremost dining locations – La Gran Francia Restaurant.

#13. Get the best view of the action in Granada atop Iglesia La Merced.

#14. Find yourself a bargain or just aimlessly wander the Central Market of Granada – an experience you will never forget.

#15. Experience Granada during Semana Santa – the holiest week of the year!

So, what were your favorite things to do in Granada, Nicaragua? Have I convinced you to spend long at this highlight of Central America? Let me know in the comments below your favorite attractions and must-do sites!

If you have more time why not also check out one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Nicaragua  or Cerro Negro volcano boarding?

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Things to do in granada, nicaragua in 2 days.

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The day I arrived in Granada, the first thing I noticed was, how bright and colorful the city was. Buildings are painted vivid colors, which combined with the sunshine, made me happy instantly. As I walked down random streets I saw pink, purple, green and yellow everywhere. Our trip to Nicaragua was centered around two islands: Ometepe and Little Corn . But after seeing a few images of this picturesque city, I knew I had to work Granada into our itinerary, even for just a couple of days. With so many things to do in Granada Nicaragua, you can definitely make your visit longer.

One of the things I really liked about Granada, was that this lively city, is in close proximity to many wonders of nature. Volcanoes, lakes, Natural Reserves just to name a few, and they are all within a 30 minute drive. There are plenty of opportunities to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Granada and enjoy the outdoors.

About Granada, Nicaragua

Granada is a very vibrant, colonial city in western Nicaragua. It’s the 2nd oldest city in Central America, and 3rd in all Americas. It was founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, who named it after his home town in Spain. And as you probably guessed it, the local currency Cordoba was named after him.

The heart of the city is Parque Central. This lively park is people’s favorite hangout spot. It’s great for people watching or trying some Nicaraguan delicacies from one of many food stands there. Colorful horse drawn carriages line one side of the park, while a beautiful bright yellow Cathedral overlooks the park on the other. Granada Cathedral, built in 1583 is a landmark, and you’ll be able to see it from almost anywhere in the city.

Top things to do in Granada, Nicaragua

Climb the bell tower of iglesia de merced.

It comes as no surprise, that the catholic city of Granada is home to quite a few churches. One you can’t miss is Iglesia de Merced, mostly because of the spectacular 360 degree view of the city from its bell tower. The climb is very easy, and it costs just $1.

The Bell Tower closes at 5.30 pm. The church is free to visit, but there’s a fee of $1 to climb the tower.

Walk Calle La Calzada

This pedestrian street, lined with cafes, bars and restaurants, is where the activity is at night. It starts right at Parque Central and goes on for several blocks. Yes, it might be touristy, but the atmosphere is great, and it’s not a bad place to enjoy a cold beer and dinner. Most restaurant have outdoor tables and the many street performers up and down the street will provide entertainment.

Visit Granada Cemetery

This cemetery is believed to be the oldest in Central America. It’s quite impressive with large, white graves and tombs. It’s the final resting place of former presidents, poets and other important Nicaraguans, as well as wealthy residents.

The most lavish tombs and graves are right near the entrance and the chapel. As you walk the cemetery grounds, the tombs get noticeably smaller. To some, visiting a cemetery might seem eerie, but I found it very peaceful and beautiful. The scenery around is beautiful as well, with the forest and Mombacho Volcano in the distance.

The cemetery is located about 1 mile from the city center, and it’s one of the free things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.

Take a boat through Las Isletas

When Mombacho Volcano erupted thousands of years ago, and scattered huge rocks across the lake, about 365 little islands were formed. They are known as Las Isletas : islets of Granada. They differ in sizes, and who resides on them. Some are uninhabited, others have one of the most expensive homes on them.

Taking a boat ride on the lake and going past many of the Isletas, was one of my favorite things to do in Granada. It was interesting to see, that many of these islands have the most expensive homes on them, while right around the corner some of the poorest people live in shacks. And you can’t miss the Monkey Island. I think the resident monkeys got quite used to the steady stream of boats coming by to feed them.

Boats leave from Puerto Asese. Many companies offer all kinds of tours from 1hr to half a day. The average cost of a 3 hour boat tour is $30. You can also do the tour of the Isletas on a kayak .

Laguna de Apoyo

One of the most popular day trips from Granada is Laguna de Apoyo. In just under 30 minutes you can go from the busy city, to a place that feels world’s away. Laguna de Apoyo is a crater lake, which was formed over 20,000 years ago as a result of volcano eruption. The water is naturally warm, crystal clear and perfect for swimming. I sure wished we had more time, so we can spend an entire day there.

The are a lot of hotels around the Laguna, many offering day passes, that usually cost around $6. We spent a few hours at Laguna Beach Club , which was a very nice spot. There were plenty of lounge chairs, picnic tables, and a café to grab a snack or a drink. Kayaks, paddle boards and tubes were available for guests’ use. With all these amenities, you can easily spend an entire day at the Laguna.

Many hotels offer shuttles from Granada to Laguna de Apoyo. you can also take a taxi, it shouldn’t be more than $15. If you are on a budget, the cheapest option is a chicken bus.

Try Vigorón

If you are into seeking out local food in your travels, Vigorón would be one of the traditional Nicaraguan meals to try. It’s made out of cabbage salad called curtido , boiled yucca and chicharrones ( fried pork rings ), all wrapped in a banana leaf. You can get it at many places, but as always my preference is to get it from a local food stand. It’s the most authentic and cheap.

Visit Masaya Market

Whether you are looking to buy something, or just want to browse, this is a great hand crafts market. The place is full of colorful blankets, hammocks and every souvenir imaginable. Many say, that since Masaya Market became a popular spot for tourists, a lot of stuff is way overpriced, at least compared with true local markets. It’s probably true, but the place is still worth a glimpse if you have limited time in Granada, and don’t have time to venture out to visit other markets.

See Masaya Volcano at night

If you visit a country that is know for its many volcanoes, it would be a shame not to visit at least one. Especially that one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, Masaya Volcano is just outside of Granada. You can visit throughout the day, but I highly recommend visiting at night. It was hands down one of the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua. Looking down at an active volcano and seeing the bubbling lava down below, was quite a surreal experience. Santiago crater is the one you will see, and it is currently the only one open to public.

Visiting Masaya volcano at night was one of the stops on our full day tour around Granada, but you can also book it as a separate activity. This Masaya Volcano Night Tour from Granada is a perfect choice, if you want to see the glowing lava at night.

If you want to visit independently, be prepared to wait in line. Seeing the volcano at night is very popular, and cars start lining up before it gets dark. If you show up late, you might have to wait up to 2 hours. From the main gate to Plaza de Oviedo ( where the viewing platform is ), you have to go up the road for 5 km. Cars line up in order in which they arrived, and every 15 minutes a certain number of them is let in. This means you only get 15-20 minutes ( depending on number of people visiting ) at the top of the volcano, but it was sufficient to enjoy the experience. This way the exposure to the sulfur is limited, and it controls the crowds, which is always a good thing.

Masaya Volcano National Park is open 9 am – 4:45 pm for daytime visits. The entrance fee is 100 Cordobas ($4). For nighttime visits the park is open 5-8 pm. It costs $10 to enter.

Where to stay in Granada, Nicaragua

Hotel Plaza Colón – this is an upscale Colonial style hotel, perfectly located right in front of Parque Central. Even though this is the nicest hotel in Granada, it’s a great value for money. The rooms are spacious and there’s a beautiful courtyard with a pool.

Room tip : If you are a light sleeper, ask for rooms on the other side, away from the front. The rooms facing Parque Central have great balconies, but it can get really noisy really early in the morning. The noise doesn’t come from people, but flocks of birds that gather in the park at dawn ( around 4 am while I was there ).

Hotel Dario – a great mid range hotel located on La Calzada Street. Its location guarantees you’ll be close to everything, but naturally the street gets busy and noisy at night.

READ MORE :

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12 thoughts on “ Things to do in Granada, Nicaragua in 2 days ”

What a thorough itinerary! You fit in so much into two days – love it! I’d love to visit but as you say at the moment with all that’s going on, that trip will have to wait, especially since we travel with a child. Keeping my fingers crossed that things will get better soon. Loved your post. Your photographs are amazing!

Thanks for all the nice words. Yes, it’s such a shame, what’s going on in Nicaragua right now. Hopefully things will get better soon, as it really is a beautiful country.

Oh wow this plae looks so interesting with many things to do there! I love the markets, it looks so colorful! Such an informative post, thanks for sharing 🙂

It definitely is a city with lots to do.

I’m already loving Granada because of you post! I like to take one tour at least and connect with locals, I would go with your recommendation. We love nature and I love taking pictures of markets, food, vibrant colors of South America. You have it all outlined for me. Thanks!

Ramon is great, and I can’t recommend his tours enough. And I’m not really a person who takes tours usually.

Oh wow! Granada looks so interesting and colourful! Thank you for writing this up.

It’s definitely worth at least a quick stop!

Nicaragua is my dream destination. I always wanted to be there. Thanks for your amazing travel guide with so many beautiful photos.

Great review. I do have a suggestion. Up top, where the date is listed as February 2019 would be a great place for your note about when you actually visited. Not everyone will read to the end and the assumption will be that the reports of violence/crime are overblown. I was really excited until I reached the note at the bottom.

That is a great suggestion. Thanks for bringing it up.

Bell Tower of Iglesia de Merced is a magnificent thing that every tourist should see while traveling in Nicaragua. Be sure to give it a try.

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Granada is undoubtedly one of Nicaragua’s best destinations with exceptional arrays of diverse attractions and activities. This captivating region is located in the southwest part of the country on the Pacific Basin, enjoying warm tropical weather between November and April, while the rest of the year the region turns lush and green because of the rainy season.

A fascinating mixture of history, nature and culture makes it one of the “must see” destinations in Central America. Granada city itself is charming with its colonial and neoclassical buildings standing on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, but we must not forget the surrounding area, where nature provides a mix of stunning attractions such as Mombacho Volcano National Park, Apoyo Crater Lagoon, and the famous Islets or islands scattered in the great Lake Nicaragua.

Apoyo Lagoon

Granada Colonial Center

Mombacho Volcano

Plaza colon.

Patio del Malinche

Real la Merced

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Granada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nicaragua. It is a town known for its rich history, dating back to the days of the spanish conquistadors and the days of William Walker, and its tradition and culture. The city surrounds you with unique colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages and friendly people sitting in rocking chairs, enjoying a cool breeze.

Granada feels like a trip back in time. We welcome you and encourage you to explore the rich natural beauty of Lake Nicaragua, Volcano Mombacho, and surrounding natural attractions. We invite you take a tour of the old cathedrals, immerse yourself in the culture, the language, and overall to enjoy your trip as you experience this unique place in time.

Have a great vacation and we hope your trip to Nicaragua is one of your best trips ever!

Featured Attraction

Parque central.

The Central Park is where you can find a quick view of what Granada is all about, beautiful colonial buildings, shops, restaurants, arts and crafts and much more. For a real cultural treat, enjoy an evening sitting at one of the park benches and enjoy the cool breeze coming up from the lake. You might even try “Vigoron”, a traditional dish for which Granada is known for.

Featured Property

Casa tortuga.

FOR SALE BY OWNER. Casa Tortuga is a beautiful colonial house located 2.5 blocks from the Central Park. The house features three rooms, a deck and a pool. Close to the Central Park, La Calzada and other attractions.Great for turning into a rental property or calling it a new home.

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Featured Deal

Free drink at pure gym and spa.

Free veggie juice (made fresh at PURE ) with a 90 minute masaje.

Featured Stories

Breakfast at Claudia’s

Claudia’s offers a delicious Nicaraguan breakfast special. Great meal, great price.

Stromboli at Pizzeria Don Luca

Great pizza, great stromboli. Great location on La Calzada.

Quesadillas at El Garaje

Delicious, healthy, and a great price. Can’t go wrong at El Garaje.

New Business

Laguna Beach Club

Located at Laguna de Apoyo, The Laguna Beach Club hostel features private bedrooms, a private villa, dorm accommodations, a restaurant and diverse activities including swimming, kayaking, bocce ball, ping pong and more.

Events in Granada

See all events

Featured Businesses

Bistro Estrada

Bistro Estrada is the perfect space to share a good culinary experience and enjoy distinguished company in an elegant and relaxed environment. We are a point of reference for the quality of our installations, the selection of flavors and the exquisite attention given.

La Calzada Art Center

If you are looking for something fun to do, learn something new or just enjoy working with other artists, drop by the NEW La Calzada Centro de Arte located on Calle La Calzada.

Living Colonial

Living Colonial is a website where individual home owners can list their Colonial house in Granada, Nicaragua. Please visit our website.

Enjoy Granada’s most famous dish.

Hop on a carriage and see Granada the old fashioned way.

Take a boat tour and see different wildlife, homes, restaurants and more.

Newest Blog Post

This past weekend rugby players from all over Central America gathered in Granada for a day of Rugby. Men and women’s teams played as people cheered. Here are a couple of photos from the days events. The event was put on by Granada Sevens.

Videos of Granada

See some of the sites, and hear some of the sounds of Granada.

Catch the crazyness as Granadinos support their local team!

This short video was taken at a recent tour of the isletas. The tour is offered by No Rush Tours.

• Useful Links
• El Nuevo Diario
• Granada Travel Club
• The Nicaragua Dispatch
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Things to do in Granada

Activities and places to visit, featured business.

Balance Spa and Medicina Alternativa

Accommodations in granada.

Find the perfect place to stay. Browse our listings of accommodations for all budgets. Hostels, hotels and vacation rentals available.

Featured Hotel in Granada

Hotel La Mesa del Padrino

This family run hotel is in the very center of Granada, Nicaragua, in a quiet and safe area of the city.Il Padrino provides a unique and personal experience for guests who are looking for more than a hostel or hotel, but a place to make their home.

Real estate in Granada

Invest in granada, welcome to your new home.

Find some of the best, most reliable real estate agents in Granada. Take advantage of great opportunities.

Featured Real Estate Partner

Casa granada real estate.

Specializing in real estate, in Granada, San Juan del Sur, commercial reaal estate, fixer uppers and more.

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Granada: colonial city (nicaragua).

Granada is a city in southwestern Nicaragua that lies on the shore of Lake Nicaragua and at the foot of the Mombacho Volcano. It is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities, both economically and politically, with a rich colonial heritage, as seen in its architecture and structure.

Granada, Nicaragua

Granada is a city in southwestern Nicaragua that lies on the western shore of Lake Nicaragua and at the foot of the Mombacho Volcano. The city is the capital of the Department of Granada and Nicaragua's sixth most populous, with an approximate population of 105,000 as of 2021.

Granada is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities, economically and politically. It has long been a center of commerce, including timber, gold, and silver. The city's economy continues to grow as it becomes a tourism hub.

Though Granada remains Nicaragua's sixth largest city, it is widely known for preserving some of the finest colonial-era architecture in the country.

Historically, the city had a thriving Indigenous population. In 1524, the town was renamed Granada, ostensibly the first European city in mainland America.

Unlike other cities that claim the same distinction, the city of Granada was not only the settlement of the conquest but also a city registered in official records of the Crown of Aragon and the Kingdom of Castile in Spain.

Granada, Nicaragua, was historically the sister capital in Central America to Antigua, Guatemala . During the colonial period, the city maintained a flourishing level of commerce with ports on the Atlantic Ocean, through Lake Nicaragua (a.k.a. Cocibolca) and the San Juan River.

The city has been witness and victim to many battles with and invasions from English, French, and Dutch pirates trying to take control of the region by sailing up the San Juan River.

Granada was also where William Walker, the American filibuster, took up residence and attempted to take control of Central America as a ruling president.

Walker usurped the presidency of Nicaragua in 1856, making Granada the center of his attacks and headquarters. He sacked and burned the city in 1857 when and where a coalition of Central American armies ultimately defeated him.

For many years Granada was a political and trade rival with León, competing to be the dominant power center of the country. The Conservatives favored the city of Granada, while the Liberals favored Léon. As a result, there was a conflict that sometimes became quite violent for many years between the cities' families and political factions.

In the mid-19th century, a compromised site was agreed on, and the capital was finally established at Managua, located between both cities. As of 1850, Granada had a population of approximately 10,000.

Colonial Heritage

Most of Granada's streets are narrow, as the city evolved centuries before the advent of motorized vehicles. It is typically Spanish in appearance and is laid out in a rectangular grid. Among its houses are many fine mansions. The city's churches are massive, and some are ornate.

Following many years of neglect, primarily due to the nation's economic collapse in the 1980s, most of the city's buildings and infrastructure began to deteriorate. Roads and public utilities fell into disrepair.

In the following decades, however, the city government directed funds toward recognizing and restoring many of the city's historic structures. In addition, the Spanish government has provided financial cooperation for the refurbishment of the town.

In 2003, the government of Nicaragua submitted the city of Granada for consideration as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mixed cultural and natural designation.

Some of the relevant historical and architectural attractions in the city are as follows:

• San Francisco Church and Museum
• Xalteva Church
• Plazuela de los Leones
• Plaza de la Independencia
• Central Park
• Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral
• Guadalupe Church
• Calle La Calzada
• Calle Atravesada
• La Merced Church
• Fortin de San Pablo
• Fuerte La Pólvora
• Episcopal Palace
• Alcaldía Municipal
• San Antonio College
• Diocesan College
• Old Social Club
• Old Railway Station
• Central America
• Cities & Towns in Nicaragua
• Cities & Towns in Central America
• Historical & Cultural Landmarks in Central America
• Historical & Cultural Landmarks in Nicaragua
• World Heritage Tentative List

©2024 LAC Geographic

Nicaragua » Destinations » Granada

Nature and history. These are the elements that prevail in Granada, a small yet interesting department of Nicaragua's Pacific area. An extinct volcano, elongated coasts on Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua), an archipelago and the oldest city in the country, which still preserves original historic colonial center, are some of the attractions.

The city of Granada is one of the most important and most visited destinations in Nicaragua. The colonial architecture of its old center, many museums, galleries, hotels, restaurants, bars and a cosmopolitan ambiance make this city a destination itself. However, it also be could be a good starting point to explore the region.

The Mombacho Volcano, which features an exotic cloud forest, is situated in this department. Some water sports can be practiced around the shores the department has on Lake Nicaragua, which asre also ideal for a good swim. The interesting and easily accessible archipelago of 'Las Isletas', constituted by more than 300 small islets, is also located here. Furthermore, the enigmatic Zapatera Archipelago - which preserves part of its forest and an archaeological pre-Columbian treasure, is situated on the lake.

Other interesting sites are the peasant farms that offer rural tourism activities, such as those located in the city of Nandaime, Diriá and Diriomo. The last two cities are also part of the 'Bewitched Villages', together with other cities of Masaya. The Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve covers some of the territory of this department.

Granada is 1,039.68 Km². Its population is divided almost evenly between the urban and rural areas (65.2% urban). The department has a tropical savanna weather, with very warm temperatures in most of its areas, except for the 'Meseta de Los Pueblos'. Granada only has four municipalities, which makes it the only department with the least quantity of those in the country.

Municipalities

The municipality of Granada is home to the oldest colonial city established on mainland. Its territory includes lagoons, an archipelago, natural reserves, the Mombacho Volcano and an elongates shoreline in Lake Nicaragua. Its rural area, which is constituted by 17 villages and the Zapatera Island, is known for ecotourism and petroglyphs. Its religious festivities are held in honor of the 'Virgen de la Asunción', from August 14th to 20th.

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• Hotels (26)
• Attractions (29)
• Restaurants (5)
• Language Schools (2)
• Tour Operators (10)
• Tour Providers (1)

Diriá

This small municipality is located at the summit, slopes and surroundings of the Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve. Its urban center, which is enclosed by nine villafes, has antique houses, an old church, a central park and a nice viewpoint with a panoramic scenery of the Apoyo Lagoon. San Sebastian is the patron saint of the municipality, which celebrates its religious festivities in his honor from January 19th to 21st.

Located on a plateau near the Mombacho Volcano, Diriomo is part of the "Bewitched Villages". The religious fervor of its inhabitants changes the calm ambiance of the urban center and 25 rural communities. These festivities are held each February 2nd in honor of the 'Virgen de La Candelaria', with traditional dances, processions and sweets.

• Attractions (2)

The agro-industrial municipality of Nandaime is the second most important of the department of Granada. With a coastline in Lake Cocibolca and close to three natural reserves, Nandaime also has pre-Columbian ceramic stones in its rural areas. Also, the urban center has small stadiums and a municipal library. The traditional festivities are held on July 26th in honor of Santa Ana.

• Attractions (1)
• Tour Providers (2)
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Map of Granada — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Granada, Nicaragua for travelers! Check out Granada’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Granada? See our Granada Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Granada. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Granada map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Granada by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 10 attractions in Granada

Chocolate museum of granada, guadalupe church.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Iglesia Xalteva

Marina cocibolca.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Nicaragua Butterfly Reserve

House of the three worlds, san francisco convent museum, finca el rayo, pico de garza, top 10 restaurants in granada, the garden cafe, restaurante el zaguán, restaurante el garaje, kathy's waffle house, bistro estrada, bocadillos tapas kitchen & bar, transportation in granada, nearby airports, augusto cesar sandino international airport (mga), highways and major roads.

• Carretera Masaya
• Carretera a Estelí
• Carretera a Managua
• Carretera Granada-Nandaime
• Avenida Los Poetas
• Avenida Héroes y Mártires
• Calle El Consulado
• Calle El Caimito
• Calle La Libertad
• Calle Jorge Salazar.

Popular road trips from Granada

What's the weather like in granada.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Granada for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Granada in January
• Weather in Granada in February
• Weather in Granada in March
• Weather in Granada in April
• Weather in Granada in May
• Weather in Granada in June
• Weather in Granada in July
• Weather in Granada in August
• Weather in Granada in September
• Weather in Granada in October
• Weather in Granada in November
• Weather in Granada in December

All road trips from Granada

• Granada to Arenal Volcano National Park drive
• Granada to Mexico City drive
• Granada to Playa del Carmen drive
• Granada to Panama City drive
• Granada to San Jose drive
• Granada to Manuel Antonio drive
• Granada to Cancun drive
• Granada to Tulum drive
• Granada to Chichen Itza drive
• Granada to Tamarindo drive
• Granada to Leon drive
• Granada to Antigua drive
• Granada to La Fortuna de San Carlos drive
• Granada to Oaxaca drive
• Granada to Merida drive
• Granada to Playa Samara drive
• Granada to Puebla drive
• Granada to San Salvador drive
• Granada to Cahuita drive
• Granada to Tortuguero drive
• Granada to Palenque drive
• Granada to Guadalajara drive
• Granada to Guanajuato drive
• Granada to Coba drive
• Granada to Copan Ruinas drive
• Granada to San Miguel de Allende drive
• Granada to Huatulco drive
• Granada to Monterrey drive
• Granada to Acapulco drive
• Granada to San Cristobal de las Casas drive

Explore nearby places

• La Laguna de Apoyo
• Niquinohomo
• Santa Teresa
• Las Salinas
• San Rafael del Sur
• Playa Gigante
• Playa Santo Domingo
• Playa Maderas
• San Juan del Sur

All related maps of Granada

• Map of Diria
• Map of La Laguna de Apoyo
• Map of Catarina
• Map of Masaya
• Map of Niquinohomo
• Map of Nindiri
• Map of Masatepe
• Map of Santa Teresa
• Map of Jinotepe
• Map of Ticuantepe
• Map of Diriamba
• Map of Tipitapa
• Map of Managua
• Map of Moyogalpa
• Map of Las Salinas
• Map of San Rafael del Sur
• Map of Tola
• Map of Rivas
• Map of Popoyo
• Map of Altagracia
• Map of Playa Gigante
• Map of Playa Santo Domingo
• Map of Montelimar
• Map of Masachapa
• Map of Santa Cruz
• Map of Balgue
• Map of Boaco
• Map of Playa Maderas
• Map of San Juan del Sur
• Map of Miramar

Granada throughout the year

• Granada in January
• Granada in February
• Granada in March
• Granada in April
• Granada in May
• Granada in June
• Granada in July
• Granada in August
• Granada in September
• Granada in October
• Granada in November
• Granada in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Granada?

Get inspired for your trip to Granada with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Granada Itinerary
• 2-Day Granada Itinerary
• 3-Day Granada Itinerary
• 4-Day Granada Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places