I'm going to be in Granada on my 50th birthday. I'm trying to figure out how to celebrate that evening. My husband and I could go out to a fancy dinner (we're currently thinking about Damasqueros) or we could sign up for a Tapas tour. It feels like - when in Southern Spain, one should eat Tapas - but I also want to make sure it feels like a special evening. Any thoughts from folks who have been to Granada?
Thanks in advance!
My vote would be spending the evening at the local tapas bars! We did not take a tour; the host at our bed and breakfast gave us recommendations to establishments that were filled with the locals. Being exposed to a different culture and having a night with my husband is my definition of a "special evening". If you still want a fancy dinner, then have a second celebration once you are back at home. Granada is a magical place...enjoy!
Happy Birthday!! I'd like to spend my 50th birthday in Granada too, but in order to do that, I would first need to contract Benjamin Button disease, if you catch my drift. I was in Granada on a Rick Steves Tour in 2016, and one evening we had a lovely dinner in one of the "carmens" on the hill over-looking the Alhambra. We went early evening, so while we dined we looked over on the Alhambra, in the early evening light, then the sunset, then illuminated against the dark night sky. Think I'll go look up my photos from that evening! That would be my choice for a really special evening. Then the next morning we spent at the Alhambra itself. There are several "carmens" up there, I only know the one. The RS office would no doubt know which one they use and why, and how to communicate with the venue for reservations if you are interested.
Back in September when we visited Spain, we strolled through the Albayzin district and had tapas at a couple places (Taberna 22 is the one I remember off the top of my head), and it was a very wonderful, relaxing - and memorable - night. There wasn't really anything like it in any other town we visited (although Cordoba was a close second with its narrow winding streets). It also might be the least expensive birthday dinner you've ever had - we filled up on tapas so much it was almost (almost!) hard to order an entree. I wouldn't suggest sticking to the Plaza Nueva, as that was super crowded and pretty touristy (in my opinion), but venture up the steps and you will find several places to enjoy your birthday feasting on tapas. Have fun!
Dine at somewhere special with an Alhambra view.
http://www.miradordeaixa.com/home
This past September, we celebrated my wife's birthday in Granada with dinner at a restaurant Rick ate at on one of his videos, Estrellas de San Nicolas. They have a web site where you can check the menu. This restaurant is high on a hill and overlooks the Alhambra. When the outer walls of the Alhambra are lit at night, you cannot beat the view. It is stunning. The food is of high quality. You can check to see if it is in your price range. They have an outdoor upper terrace with a clear view for everyone of the Alhambra. Inside, on a lower level, there are two large windows that also look out in that direction, but there are only two tables there. In warm weather those two windows are completely removed so you feel like you are outdoors. The other tables in that room do not have the best view.
I emailed them early, told them it was my wife's birthday and requested a table on the terrace or at one of the windows. They did not disappoint. Make sure you tell them it is a special occasion. I know two couples that are in Spain right now and they have both booked this restaurant on my recommendation. In my view, tapas for a 50th birthday just does not cut it. This is a special day. Spend a bit more and have something to really remember. Don't forget to take your camera!
