Sightseeing activities are top on the agenda for most holidaymakers visiting Granada and not without good reason. The magnificent Alhambra alone is reason enough to come to the city and an attraction that’s not to be missed, even if you are required to queue for some time to see it. The cathedral and its Royal Chapel can be pencilled in not far below the Alhambra on a list of must-sees in Granada.

Albaicí
Albaicín is Granada’s scenic old Arab quarter and has successfully maintained its Moorish appearance, giving visitors a good insight into what the city might have looked like during its Islamic era. The area is characterised by its labyrinth of narrow streets, fountains, old whitewashed buildings and the remains of the original old city gate. A stroll around Albaicín is like taking a step back in time and is a must for anyone interested in the city’s eventful past.

Alhambra
Unquestionably Granada’s biggest attraction, the World Heritage site that is the Alhambra is a complex of buildings dominated by a giant fortress that occupies a proud position on a hill overlooking the city. The complex dates back to the 13^th century when it was initially constructed to serve in a defensive capacity; however, the Moors later decided it was more suitable for use as a palace and it was subsequently subjected to a lavish upgrade. The Alhambra is an exceedingly popular attraction and a limited number of tickets are sold per day so it pays to arrive early in the morning if you don’t want to miss out on this impressive throwback to the city’s Islamic era.

Baños Arabes
The oldest standing structures in the city, the Baños Arabes or ‘Arab baths’ date back to the 11^th century and are a classic example of an authentic Muslim bathing centre. The baths were originally owned by Ali, the Moorish king of Jaén. The structure underwent a process of restoration in more recent times, largely to address damage sustained during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella.

Cathedral and Capilla Real
Construction of city’s magnificent cathedral began in 1521 and completion was not seen until the 18th century. The main façade and the Capilla Mayor was the work of architect Diego de Siloé. Inside the church, besides the beautiful paintings and carvings, the highlight is the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) in which the earthly remains of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon are housed. The edifice of the chapel was designed by Enrique Egas and constructed in a Gothic-Renaissance style.

Monasterio de San Jerónimo
This was the first monastery to be built in the wake of the reconquest of the city by the Catholic monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabella). The church was designed by Diego de Siloé, and since its construction in the 16^th century it has been restored to it original glory, with the damage it sustained at the hands of Napoleon and his troops successfully repaired.