The beautiful Plaza Nueva, always full of life, is one of the centers of these noisy, always moving city (265 000 pop.). Distinctive landmarks offer the Sacromonte and the city center near the Albaicin hill with the old Moorish quarter. Landmark in the old city is the Cathedral. South of the Plaza Nueva, is the shopping district, behind, as in the struggle until the last few decades grown into large-scale new neighborhoods staggered, where the majority of the granadians live. For Granada visitors recommend the tourists pass bono turístico. The card costs 22,50 Euro.

Albaicin Arabia in Europe: the narrow winding streets and squares in the northwest district of Alhambra located correspond to the grid an Arab Medina. Granada's oldest neighborhood is a maze without a guide and road. Just behind the church of San Nicolas a mosque emerged.

Alhambra Facades are tapestries made of stone. On walls, dancing flowers, leaves, stars - and in between the name of Allah, thousands of times in white marble. With over 2 million visitors each year is the best preserved castle of the Islamic world, Spain's most visited attraction. The oldest part is the fortress Alcazaba. The space between the Alcazaba and Nasridenpalace, however, is the best vantage point to see over Granada. The outstanding building is the lionhead, the artistic heart of the Alhambra, originally a thriving garden, through the - as the four rivers of the Islamic paradise - the water from the four directions flows through channels to the center. The twelve-round lions are made of marble. From the Plaza Nueva, you reach over the foot of the Cuesta de Gomerez the castle hill, or with one of the minibuses 30 and 32, with the car on the new access to the Ronda Sur Parking Alhambra. Each day in summer only 7700 people get access to visit the palace in winter only 6300.

Banos Arabes This Badeanlage from Arabic is even older than those in the Alhambra: Already in the 11th Century the washing, bathing and rest rooms, which testify to the importance of physical culture of the Moors and the cleaning ritual as attached. Tue-Sat 10am-2pm, entrance. Carrera del Darro 31

Generalife The long-range system, the garden of the Alhambra, is a masterpiece of garden architecture, a refuge full of jasmine, roses, oranges and myrtle. From its main promenade offers a unique view of the slightly lower-lying Alhambra complex. Hang up is the Patio de los Cipreses and the Escalera del Agua (water stairs): In the stone railings wonderfully cool water flows through gutters down.

Cathedral Santa María de la Encarnacion/Capilla Real As one of the major churches in Andalusia, the Cathedral of the 16th century counts to the magnificent sacred buildings of the Spanish Renaissance. Nearly 200 years lasted the works. The west facade has three monumental arches that are up to the total amount of the Cathedral. The square tower on the left side is 60 m high and remained a flat covered fragment.

Sacromonte The high quarter closes uphill through the valley of the River Darro after the Albaicínquarter. To the holy mountain ( "sacro monte") you take from the center the easiest the Plaza Nueva, the Carrera del Darro and the Cuesta del Chapiz. Sacromonte is an old gypsy quarter. Today they belong unique to this city.

San Jeronimo The monastic complex is only a few hundred meters northwest of the Plaza Bib-Rambla, with its monumental fountain. It was doomed 1496 as the first church after the expulsion of the Moors. Mon-Sat 10am-1.30pm and 4pm-7.30pm, Sun 11am-1.30pm and 4pm-7.30pm. Calle Rector Lopez Argueta 9

shopping                                                                                                                                                                     Guitars The hand-built guitars, especially flamenco guitar, has a long tradition in Granada. A reliable address: Antonio Morales Lopez, Cuesta de Gomerez 9

Departementstore Locals like to recommend the Corte Ingles, because people here have on several floors everything nicely together. Some articles can be found elsewhere, however, cheaper. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. Entrances Acera del Darro and Carrera del Genil.

Leather Various shops with leather bags, belts, etc. are concentrated in the area of the roads Alhondiga, Puentezuelas, Mesones and Recogidas.

Clothes Granada chic fashion-sloping supply is overwhelming. Whether star clothes designers, classical spanish women's fashion, men's clothing or shoes - all the small boutiques and shops are close together in the area southwest of the Cathedral, between Gran Via de Colon, Calle de los Recogidas and Plaza Puerta Real.

Souvenirs In the Alcaiceria in the cathedral you can get nice presents in the small shops. The original Moorish silk bazaar still shows the character of an oriental souk.

food                                                                                                                                                                            Bodegas Castaneda Here are a tapas cult by locals loved. Calle Almireceros 1, daily.

Caballero Slightly off near the old bullring located. Inexpensive menu, traditional, simple kitchen. Calle Jilguero, daily.

Chikito The historic former haunt of the literary circle "El Rinconcillo," to which also belonged García Lorca, has an excellent selection of dishes. Plaza del Campillo 9, Wed closed, www.restaurantechikito.com

Cunini In popular entertainment area, is always pretty full. Culinary stars are the seafood. Plaza de la Pescadería 9, Sun and Mon closed

Meson Gregorio Dining tradition since 1955 with a hearty, varied cuisine. Paseo de los Basilios 2, daily.

Mirador de Morayma Delicious regional cuisine in Albaicín with a lovely view of the Alhambra. Calle Pianista García Carrillo 2, Sun evening closed.

Pilar del Toro Extremely popular address near the Plaza Nueva, a combination of a bar, cafeteria and restaurant in a mansion from the 17th century. Calle Hospital de Santa Ana 12, daily.

where to stay                                                                                                                                                              Alhambra Palace Luxury Hotel at Castle Hill with stunning views over the city. Dignified teasalons, beautiful terraces, elegant rooms. 126 rooms. Plaza Arquitecto García de Pare-des 1, www.h-alhambrapalace.es

Antares Simple hostal in the historic center, is often used by backpackers. Strategically located near the Cathedral and Plaza Nueva. Rooms with bath or only with a washbasin. 10 rooms. Calle Cetti Meriem 10, www.hostalantares.com

Camping Reina Isabel Probably the best place in the managed environment of Granada. Clean, with swimming pools (usually May-Oct.) and inexpensive restaurant. With beautiful views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. Carretera de Zubia, 4 km outside. www.reinaisabelcamping.com

Juan Miguel A functional hotel in a prime location close to the Puerta Real, but the rooms are not too large. With restaurant. 66 rooms. Acera del Darro 24, www.hoteljuanmiguel.com

El Ladron de Agua "The water thief": That's the name of the palace from the 16th century, the modern elegance of its old has refreshed. Personally held ambience. 15 rooms. Carrera del Darro 13

Macia Plaza Old, modernized town house located in the heart of the city. 44 rooms. Plaza Nueva 4

Meridiano Pleasant, clean hostel in the historical center. The choices are rooms with or without private bath. 17 rooms. Calle Angulo 9