Things To Do
in Granada
Granada, Colombia is a picturesque hillside town perched above the Aburrá Valley. It blends colonial-era plazas with verdant coffee fincas and sweeping views of Medellín’s skyline. The town’s relaxed pace, colorful houses, and friendly locals make it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Outside the town, forested trails and rivers invite hikers and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through the picturesque Plaza de los Poetas, where you can admire the vibrant street art and charming colonial architecture. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local café, savoring arepas and fresh coffee. Visit the iconic Basilica Menor de San Francisco, appreciating its historical significance and beautiful interior.
Spend your afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets of Granada, exploring local artisan shops and bustling markets. Stop for lunch at a local eatery, trying the typical dish of 'sancocho' that warms the soul. As you continue your exploration, take time to visit the Museo del Oro, which showcases the rich pre-Columbian history of the region.
As the sun sets, head to a rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. Delight in a dinner of regional specialties at a restaurant that features live music, immersing yourself in the local culture. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, admiring the glimmering lights reflecting on Lake Cocibolca.
Set out early for a day trip to the breathtaking Ometepe Island, formed by two volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua. Catch a ferry from Granada, enjoying the scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, start your adventure with a guided hike up one of the volcanoes, taking in the lush flora and fauna along the way.
After your hike, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local eatery, sampling fresh fish and tropical fruits. Spend the afternoon exploring the island's natural beauty, perhaps visiting the Ojo de Agua, a natural spring perfect for a refreshing swim. Capture stunning photographs of the diverse wildlife and serene landscapes that Ometepe has to offer.
Return to Granada in the evening, where you can unwind at your accommodation before heading out for dinner. Choose a cozy restaurant that offers a fusion of traditional and modern Nicaraguan cuisine. As night falls, take a leisurely stroll through the town square, where you may find local musicians entertaining the crowd.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚆Local transport (bus/taxi short ride) | $1-4 |
| 🧭Groceries (basic staples for a day) | $4-10 |
| 🏨Hostal or budget accommodation per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, scenic base near Medellín
- Friendly locals and affordable living
- Rich coffee culture and nature access
- Good day trip options to farms and viewpoints
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Hilly terrain can be tiring
- Smaller town feel may mean fewer services than Medellín
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Estoy perdido/a" - I am lost
- "¿Puede recomendar un restaurante vegetariano?" - Can you recommend a vegetarian restaurant?
Places to Visit in Granada
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic viewpoints over the Aburrá Valley with dramatic sunsets and striped hillside villages.
Colorful plazas and traditional architecture ideal for street photography and portraits.
Rural fincas with coffee plants and processing equipment—great for close-ups of cherries, drying beds, and color in the harvest season.
Food in Granada
Granada Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, chorizo, pork belly, plantains, arepa, and a fried egg; best enjoyed at a traditional Paisa restaurant.
Must-Try!
A thick corn cake stuffed or served with hogao, cheese, or eggs; widely available at cafes and street stalls.
Crispy pork belly served with arepa and the tomato-onion hogao sauce; a local favorite in rustic eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small local market with fresh fruits, vegetables, and stalls selling arepas, empanadas, and other quick bites; great for a casual lunch.
Carts and stalls line quiet streets with specialties like arepas stuffed with cheese, fried plantains, and fresh fruit juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or a friendly nod; maintain polite eye contact and use respectful language with elders and public figures.
Politeness and warmth are valued; avoid loud conversations in public spaces; dress modestly when visiting churches or sacred sites.
Safety
Tipping in Granada
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically add a service charge; if not, a 5-10% tip is appreciated for good service. Guides and taxi drivers may also appreciate small tips.
Cash is widely accepted, as are credit and debit cards. ATMs are common in town centers, and mobile payments are increasingly available in larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Little rain, warm days and cooler nights; good for outdoor hikes and city strolls, but evenings can be breezy.
Showers are common in the afternoons; mornings are often clear; bring a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry clothing.
Granada at Night
Hiking in Granada
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Urban hill with city views; short to moderate hike suitable for a half-day outing.
Extensive network of forest trails in the Arví nature reserve just outside Medellín; trails suit various levels.
Airports
How to reach Granada by plane.
Located in Rionegro, about an hour from Granada; major hub for international and domestic flights; taxis and shuttles run to Medellín and Granada.
In Medellín; serves domestic flights and some regional connections; convenient for short hops into the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Paisa families and workers; friendly and welcoming to visitors.
Some residents commute to Medellín for work or study.
Visitors drawn by coffee culture and the town’s scenic setting.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local teams and informal games can be found in plazas and fields.
Hilly terrain and scenic routes make cycling a common activity among locals and visitors.
Played in community centers and schools; pickup games occur in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Granada.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can find bean-based dishes, plantains, arepas with cheese, and salads; communicate preference for hogao-free options and dairy-free cheese if needed.