If You Go: Granada

We had such a great place meandering the streets of Granada!  We were there during low season, so there were no lines for any of the attractions.  A few notes on general Granada tips:

• Granada Card: We bought the Granada card and this was worth it if you plan to visit all of the attractions.  It covers everything as well as public transportation - it also covers your admission to the Alhambra 
• Advanced Tickets - Alhambra: Even if you are not a planner, make sure to buy tickets to the Alhambra before you arrive.  They sell a limited number for each day and most days, they sell out. You can do it as part of your Granada Card or separately... but do it! 
• Tapas: Granada is the only place in Spain where they still do traditional tapas with your drink.  For every round of drinks you order, restaurants bring you a tapa.  This ranged from fancy (anchovy on french bread with roe to basic things like stewed pork!)

Hotel

• NH Victoria: This had the best location in the middle of the center of town.  Our room was small, but very modern.  The service was excellent...the front desk showed us where all of the attractions were on a map when we arrived and helped us call a taxi when we went to the bus station    Definitely recommend (~$120/night) 

Restaurants

• La Botilleria: This is a lovely upscale Spanish restaurant that is a top 10 restaurant on Trip Advisor.  The service was excellent as was the food.  I loved the croquettes and had some amazing tuna.  Highly recommend! Note: call for a reservation before you go 
• Carmela: We went here for a delicious brunch - food was fresh and beautifully presented.  Right in the center of town, a great spot for a bite!
• Bernina 1930: This is a cute cafe with amazing pastries and drinks.  Pro tip: Try the spiked hot chocolate - I had the Irish version and it was amazing 
• Gran Taberna: This is a traditional, no-frills drinks and tapas spot.  We had two rounds of drinks and tapas here - both were delicious and heavy.  

Sites

• Alhambra: The reason you come to Granada.  One of the most amazing places I have been in the world - the architecture is incredible and the gardens in the spring would be lovely.  Amazing views from the castle over Granada.  Must visit. 
• San Jeronimo Monastary: This was a very cute monastary in the center of town.  It had a grove of orange and lemon trees in the center.  The architecture is beautiful and it's a great, quiet spot 
• Tea Rooms: There are Arabic tea rooms scattered around the city that serve traditional mint Moroccan tea as well as a variety of other loose leaf teas.  It's a really neat experience that is very very unique to Granada. We went to Alfaguerra and it was fabulous.
• Moroccan-Style Shopping: There are two sets of shops that have Morrcan-style stalls with typical ceramics and trinkets.  One is on Calle Caldera Nueva and the other is in a spot called the Alcaiciera downtown.  They are a fun stop for souvenirs. 
• La Madraza: This is a neat look back in time at the Moorish school system.  The tour is in Spanish, but it's very easy to understand and the architecture is lovely.