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Get Groovy in Granada

Last summer I spent a sizzling five days pootling around the cobbled streets of Granada. A criminally underrated city, far too many folk pop in for a peep at the Alhambra and scarper within a mere day or so. However, if you are a student I would recommend sticking around. Not only are the nibbles cheap (you get scrumptious free tapas for each beverage you buy), but the clothing, culture and climate are all worth your pennies. Since we can all agree I’m in no position to be snootily asserting where ‘the best’ places in this city are, this guide aims more to tell you what I did – and skip all the boring tourism trifle which I’m sure you can easily google.




WHERE I STAYED - SAN NICOLÁS APARTMENT



This two-man apartment is situated at the tip top of Granada, making for unimaginably beautiful views, and extremely sweaty, strenuous walks. If you are not geared up for something of a hike to this humble abode, it is not the place for you. That being said, Pedro’s place was perfect for us, and I’m far from fit. Situated in a terracotta courtyard, the outdoor area is equipped a rustic round table, simply ideal for sipping on refreshing Fanta límon’s after a hard day’s tourism. The indoors is designed as one big, airy, room that has everything one could yearn for: A plush double bed, sofa, loo, and kitchenette – all the humble necessities.


I’ve briefly touched upon the location, but without paying proper homage to the crippling beauty of the area. It is brimming with idyllic churches, sweet spots to graze in the evenings, and the constant hum of a Spaniard strumming upon his guitar. Although not strictly the city centre, it is a brisk 10 min walk away (downhill), and charming enough to warrant a stay.


Price breakdown: £25 a night per person.

Total for 1 week: £350 (175 each).



WHERE I PEERED – MIRADOR DE SAN NICOLAS

18010 Granada


A mere 5-minute trundle from our lodgings, this view is breath-taking. Although it is deeply touristy, with it being next to impossible to even pop a perch on the ledgings due to the sheer amount of lardy tourist’s arses there at all times, It’s worth a visit. If you have the time, go both at night and in the day. At night this area turns into something of a busker’s haven: with traditional Spanish songs being sung, flamenco being danced, and much more going on every evening. Bring a couple of drinks and hunker in for the night if you are up for some free entertainment with the most unbelievable backdrop of the city.


WHERE I SHOPPED – MOSAICO VINTAGE

C. Gracia, 8, 18002 Granada


Granada offered the most fruitful vintage shopping I have ever had the honor and privilege to experience: my suitcase bore the brunt of this. The clothes are cheap, the shops are superbly stocked, and the pick is ripe. The crème de la crème of these second-hand havens was Mosaico Vintage. Once a year, Mosaico vintage offers a second-hand sale to trump all sales: their exquisite garments become a mere 50p. This served as a sort of torture for me. The prices were so cheap, and the clothes so amazing that I wanted to greedily snatch them all and dart away, spilling colourful clothes on the cobbled streets of Granada. Other places were good: Ropero vintage, Flama vintage, Papalagi Granada – but none quite compared to the value of Mosaico vintage. If you are a fashion fanatic, my advice would be to find out the date of the sale and coincide your trip with this for a tan and a whole new wardrobe.


Top tip: If you sell clothes on Depop, this is the place of your dreams - you can haul back huge cases full of amazing clothes and sell them for a small fortune.


WHERE I ATE:


Meson El Yunque

Pcta. de San Miguel Bajo, 3, 18010 Granada


We were fretting that this restaurant would be a bit of a tourist trap when we first stumbled upon it, as it is situated in the most idyllic location. A short wander from our apartment, it can be found in a beautiful Spanish square, smattered with other similarly authentic restaurants and a quaint church. This was our favourite purely because of the tapas (us English are suckers for a bargain). With each Tinto de Verano we ordered (the most delicious Spanish drink – a less touristy version of Sangria) we were offered a plethora of scrumptious appetising wedges.


El Picoteo Casa Torcuado

C. Agua del Albayzín, 20, 18010 Granada


The ambience in this quaint and delicious food haven is second to none. Not only was there a local band tinkering while we tucked in, but the general aesthetic of the restaurant was so chic. The tables were decorated with a newspaper theme tablecloth, and the square dotted with leafy trees and balconies. It is a tad on the pricey side – but if you want to spoil yourself on holibobs, this is the place for you.


FLAMENCO SHOW – TABALO JARDINES DE ZORAYA

Calle Panaderos 32, 18010 Granada






Hunting down culture like an animal to its prey, we managed to sniff out a flamenco show. We willingly shelled out a hefty 20 euros each for the show and arrived at the venue and eager as a pair of beavers; however, it was only when we stepped our trotters into the room that the show was to be held in, that we knew we had heartily cocked up. Not only was the bar so expensive that all we could afford was a pathetic glass of tap water to sustain and nourish us throughout, but we were crammed right at the back of the room with what can only be described as a shocker of a view. I will say that what I saw of the show was good, (when the greasy haired British man in front of me decided to move his head out the way), but all in all I wouldn’t recommend. Firstly, the show was long: Yes it was passionate, yes it was cultural, but the novelty wears off when you’re 20 minutes through, struggling to see, and can’t muster up the nerve to ask for another free tap water. Secondly, if you pootle into just about any square in the evening, they almost always have flamenco shows which are the perfect cocktail of enjoyable, free, and short - so don’t waste your precious pennies on a flamenco nightmare.


SO...


If this has tickled your taste buds for the sweet streets of Granada then I have achieved my aim! I think it's such a fun, affordable, and friendly place to visit at any age, but particularly as a student (when the cash flow isn't too healthy), and you are keen to meet new people (especially the suave Spanish men if you're a girl). If this article was a slice of you - follow our instagram page @the_wanderingstudents (said in a pushy manner) and for God's sake subscribe!


Article written by Rosie Beckwith-Smith

Instagram: @the_wanderingstudents




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