.jpg){kind=link}
Granada
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Nicaragua
Did you know?
- Central-park kiosks serve vigorón: cabbage, onion and pork rind over yucca.
- Iglesia La Merced has a tower visitors can climb.
- Mi Museo houses over 5,000 Pre-Columbian ceramics.
See also
Managua
Nicaragua12.14°N 86.25°W · 143 m
Overview
Colorful colonial buildings and a long urban history give this city its character. Culture, nightlife and outdoor excursions make it a varied base for a longer stay.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Granada is the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua, known for its colorful colonial buildings, interesting history, and relative safety. It has a large expat community and is a major tourism hub with a vibrant mix of culture, nightlife, and outdoor activities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Granada is small and walkable; most attractions are within walking distance. For outlying areas like the Asese peninsula, taxis, 'coches' (shared minibuses), and bike rentals are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
There are six main churches: the Cathedral, La Merced, Guadalupe, Xalteva, San Francisco, and María Auxiliadora. Other sights include Fuerte La Polvora (an 18th-century fort), Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua), the local market, Central Park, and boat tours of the Isletas. Mi Museo houses over 5,000 Pre-Columbian ceramics (free entry).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Activities include the Mombacho Beach Club (US$5 entry), renting a bike from Mapache, climbing Iglesia La Merced tower (US$1), canopy tours (US$25), volcano visits to Mombacho and Masaya, and live music at Restaurant Imagine. Don't miss the Choo-Choo train (C$5) or a massage at Seeing Hands Blind Massage.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Street food is abundant: try Vigoron (cabbage, onion, pork rind on yucca) for C$120 from kiosks in the central park. Local specialties include gallo pinto, nacatamales, and fried plantains. For drinks, try flaxseed drink, hibiscus tea, or local cacao. Coffee is excellent, often organic and fair trade.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Backpacker dorms start from US$6-9 per night. Street food meals cost around C$120 (Vigoron) or less. Internet cafes charge up to C$20/hour. Bike rentals are affordable. Many attractions are free or low-cost.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Internet cafes are available with rates up to C$20 per hour. Wi-Fi is common in hostels and cafes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Nicaragua is rated the safest country in Central America. Granada is very safe, but common sense is recommended at night. Robberies have occurred on the Peninsula de Asese; keep valuables secure. Licensed moneychangers offer a good alternative to banks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
Social workers advise against giving money or food to begging children, as it may keep them from school. Orphanages and charity kitchens exist to support those in need.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Learn
Several Spanish language schools operate in Granada, including Casa Nica Spanish School, One On One Tutoring, and the Red Cross school. They offer tailored classes and home-stay accommodations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Work
Volunteer opportunities are available through organizations like La Esperanza Granada and Educación Plus de Nicaragua, which support local schools and communities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations include Masaya (handicraft market and volcano), Isla de Ometepe (volcanic island on Lake Nicaragua), and the capital Managua. Day trips to Mombacho Volcano and Laguna de Apoyo are also popular.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Casa Silas Bed and Breakfast
The casa features 2 guestrooms with wireless internet, AC, swimming pool and full breakfast.
Recorded price: US$46
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Casa del Agua
Small guesthouse a half a block from the Cathedral. Has a great pool to relax in after a long hot day in Granada. All rooms have a private toilet and bath with hot water. Each room comes with a flat-screen HD television. A/C is available in the double rooms for US$6. There is a large full kitchen with appliances and utensils so you can make use of the fresh food at the market that is a few blocks away. You can book the entire place for a group and there are studio apartments with a private entrance available as well.
Recorded price: US$15 for a single room and $34 for a double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hospedaje Esfinge
This very quiet and quite large place is fairly nice for a budget option. In early 2009 a double with shared bath was US$13, and was festively painted. A safe place, but near the worse part of town. The entrance is watched 24 hours a day by the wife and husband owners and another man. Quite time begins at 22:00, which means you have to turn the TV off and if you want to go out, you have to knock to get back.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostal el Momento
Colonial House and a brand new hostal with a really nice garden with lots of seating and lounge areas. Very good security as it is close to a bank, they also have security cameras and safe boxes in the rooms and the dorms have lockers also. The privates come with and without bathrooms but all have cable TV and there is free wifi with iPads free to use.They have a bar and cafe in the garden or you can use their guest kitchen and make use of the Spa for a massage. Great set up and willing staff looking to help in anyway.
Recorded price: US$12-16 single room and $16-26 double room
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostal la Calzada
Budget-friendly accommodations featuring shared bathrooms and a variety of amenities: Wi-Fi, professional masseuses available during the day, complimentary coffee each morning, and free access to a fully-equipped kitchen. No English spoken so your Spanish will get a good workout. Friendly dog and parrot on the premises will greet you.
Recorded price: single room $9, room with private bathroom from $15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostel Libertad
A nice, clean, quiet hostel in an airy and spacious colonial building. Well-equipped kitchen. Warm atmosphere with wifi and three computers with internet. Unlimited coffee in the morning included.
Recorded price: Dorms US$6, private w/bath US$20, w/o US$15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hostel Oasis
Very nice colonial hostel with a swimming pool and a great rooftop with 360-degree view on the historical center. Very well ubicated, clean and safe, free Internet, snack and bar. Free breakfast and free happy hour. Modern colonial style interior, hammocks, ping pong table, pool table, darts.. Weekly activities (beerpong tournament, booze cruise, trivia night for a local community project..). Daily shuttle to Paradiso hostel in Laguna de Apoyo. Whatsapp +505 76453203.
Recorded price: Dorm bed $9, room from $15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Casa San Francisco
Beautiful boutique hotel with pool, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, hot water, tv/cable. The first boutique hotel in Granada. Great staff to take care of your travel plans, also offering, longer term housing.
Recorded price: US$45-70
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet cafes cost up to C$20/hour. Wi-Fi is common in hostels.
Health
Tap water is safe. Dengue exists; use insect repellent.
Language
Spanish is primary. Some English spoken in tourist areas.
Money
Local currency is the Nicaraguan cordoba (C$). Licensed moneychangers offer good rates. ATMs available.
Safety
Nicaragua is safe overall. Take care on the Peninsula de Asese and avoid walking alone at night.
Transport
Granada is walkable. Taxis, coches, and bikes for longer trips.