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Granada -Time Needed for Attractions

Posted by on

I'm currently working on my Granada itinerary and am trying to figure out which day of the week/time of day works best for the attractions I plan to visit. I am only there for 3 nights, two full days and late afternoon/evening arrival day.

I'll be arriving on a Saturday from Cordoba. Check-in at my lodging is at 3pm. I was thinking I could possibly visit both the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, as they are an 8-minute walk from my location. The Cathedral is open until 6:15pm and the Royal Chapel is open until 7pm. Would a 4pm entry, allows for 3 hours of visitation time, work? I would not want to rush the visit.

I could also also save the two for Monday morning first time slots or the same hours as mentioned for the Saturday. I'm reading conflicting info on the Monday option-

  • less crowds than weekend
  • more visitors due to Monday closure of some other attractions. I know I do not want to visit them on Sunday, my Alhambra visit day.

And lastly, how much time is needed for -

  • San Juan Dios Basilica
  • San Jeronimo Monastery

As always, thanks in advance!

Posted by
8444 posts

I can only speak for myself, but I was unimpressed with the cathedral when compared to others in Spain (Sevilla, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, León, etc.) and probably spent maybe 40 minutes in it. I felt the Royal Chapel, even though fairly small, was much more interesting and spent about 30 minutes in it. When we visited in early September 2014 no photos were allowed in the Royal Chapel. On our visit, there was no line to get into either. Three hours allotted to those two sites should be plenty.

Posted by
491 posts

The Royal Chapel is incredibly beautiful. The Royal family caskets are on display down a lower level in front of the altar area. Isabelle's personal effects-books and artwork is near the church exit. Depending on how detail oriented you are, I would budget about 45 minutes in the Royal Chapel. We didn't go into the Cathedral--I'm sure it was impressive but at this point we had been to a few and opted for the Royal Chapel.

I think doing these 2 venues in the time you have after arrival is a good plan. 3 hours is more than adequate. That frees up 2 full days for other places that may need more time for you, especially the Alhambra. You may also be able to check in early or if not, you can store your bags. The silk road--very touristy-- is right next to the cathedral. Little Morocco is just up the street and is a fun place to roam around. Perfect if you like Moroccan food, too.

I have not been to the Basilica or Monastery you mention.

Posted by
1304 posts

We visited both in November in the mid- to late afternoon and I agree 3 hours is plenty of time.

Posted by
5988 posts

I think I perhaps spent a couple of hours each at the monastery and church. They are fairly near each other and very walkable.

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