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Practical info for Granada

Granada is easy to visit once you know a few basics. Spain uses the euro, most places take cards and tipping is optional. Many small shops close in the afternoon, lunch is late and dinner later. Plugs are the two-pin European type, tap water is safe to drink and 112 is the emergency number. Here is the short version, with links for the rest.

3 min read
EuroCards widely accepted
230 VPlug types C and F
112Emergency number in Spain
Tap waterSafe to drink
Quick facts

The basics at a glance

A street of craft and souvenir shops
A street of craft and souvenir shops
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Spanish; English is common in tourist areas
Time zone
Central European Time, one hour ahead of UTC, two in summer
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz; plug types C and F (two round pins)
Tap water
Safe to drink
Emergency
112 (police, ambulance and fire)
Phone code
+34
When things happen

Opening hours and the daily rhythm

A shopping street in the city centre
A shopping street in the city centre
  • Lunch is typically served from about 14:00 to 16:00 and dinner from about 21:00, later than in much of northern Europe.
  • Many small shops close for a midday break, often from about 14:00 to 17:00, and many are closed on Sundays. Larger stores and supermarkets usually stay open through the day.
  • Bars and terraces stay lively into the evening. Plan your Alhambra visit around its fixed time slot. See Opening hours⁠.
  • Free tapas come with your drink in many bars. See Free tapas⁠.
Paying

Money and tipping

A street of craft and souvenir shops
A street of craft and souvenir shops
  • Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small bars, markets and shops.
  • When paying by card or at a cash machine abroad, choose to pay in euros, not in your home currency, to avoid poor exchange rates.
  • Menu prices include VAT, and tipping is optional. Leaving small change or rounding up the bill for good service is common.
On the ground

Getting around

An arcaded street in the city centre
An arcaded street in the city centre
  • The centre and the main sights are walkable, but the Albaicín, the Sacromonte and the Alhambra are uphill. See Walking times from Terraza 6 for walking times.
  • Small minibuses climb into the Albaicín and up to the Alhambra. Routes were being diverted by roadworks in 2026, so check the current lines with the city bus operator (Alsa / Transportes Rober).
  • Taxis are the easy option with luggage or late at night.
  • If you drive, read Low-emission zone first, and see Getting to Granada for how to arrive.
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

What currency is used in Granada?

The euro. Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small bars and markets.

Do I need to tip in Granada?

No, tipping is optional. Menu prices include VAT, and leaving small change or rounding up for good service is common.

What plug do I need in Spain?

Spain uses plug types C and F, the two round pins, at 230 V and 50 Hz. Travellers from the UK, the US and elsewhere need an adaptor.

Can I drink the tap water in Granada?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink.

Do shops close for siesta in Granada?

Many small shops close in the afternoon, often from about 14:00 to 17:00, and many are closed on Sundays. Larger stores and supermarkets usually stay open.

Checked on 13 November 2026
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