Plaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva, Granada, Andalucia, 18010
Plaza Nueva has long been at the center of local life in Granada, and its location at the foot of the Alhambra palace means many tourists will pass through it. Laid out in the early Christian era, the square was built over the Darro River and once served as an arena for sporting tournaments and bullfights, as well as public executions.
The Basics
Today, this bustling plaza is best known for its abundance of stylish bars and tapas restaurants. The plaza comes alive in the evening hours when locals and tourists congregate on the lamp-lit terraces. There’s more to Plaza Nueva than its nightlife though. The elegant square is also home to landmarks, such as the 16th-century Royal Chancellery and Mudejar-style Church of Santa Ana, as well as the House of Pisa, which is home to Juan de Dios Museum.
Choose a tour focused on your area of interest—whether that’s regional food, architecture, or religious sights—and you’re bound to pass through historic Plaza Nueva.
Things to Know Before You Go
The plaza is a central location for buses, taxis, and tour buses.
Segway and walking tours of Granada and the plaza are abundant, along with tapas food crawls.
The historic Carrera del Darro, located just off the plaza, running parallel to the Darro River, is one of the oldest streets in the city and one of the busiest because of its photo-worthy architecture.
How to Get There
Plaza Nueva is a 5-minute walk from Granada Cathedral, a 30-minute walk from the Alhambra, and close to many of the city’s hotels. You can reach the square via bus routes C1, C2, SN1, SN4, or LAC. In addition to walking and Segway tours, the city’s hop-on hop-off tourist train also includes stops at the plaza.
When to Get There
During the summer, Plaza Nueva comes alive, and it’s a prime location to grab a drink and people-watch. Throughout the year, a one-hour flamenco performance takes place in a small theater at the foot of the Alhambra twice each evening. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office or online.
The Alhambra
The Alhambra palace is Granada’s top attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts a mix of Renaissance and Moorish architecture. It is divided into sections: the Generalife Gardens (a group of courtyards, pools, and fountains); the Alcazaba (the remains of a Moorish fortress); and the Nasrid Palace (the main palace complex). Travel through the plaza and up an incline, to reach the Alhambra.
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