Last updated on February 12th, 2026 at 04:14 pm
There are so many great things to do in Granada, it’s not at all surprising that the city is a popular destination for visitors to Nicaragua.
Located in western part of the country, the colonial city of Granada lies on the banks of Lake Nicaragua. The city was founded in 1524 and is full of colonial history with cobblestoned roads and brightly coloured buildings around every turn.
I visited Granada as part of a group trip through Central America and my time in the city was short but really enjoyable. In this post, I’ll set out 6 of the best things to do in Granada. I’ll answer a few frequently asked questions and give you some further options to add to your itinerary. I’ll also offer up a general travel guide and some tips so you too can enjoy your time in Granada Nicaragua!
Frequently Asked Questions
Before setting out my recommendations of things to do in Granada, it’s worth answering a few frequently asked questions:
1. Is Granada worth visiting?
Yes, Granada is worth visiting! It’s likely that the city will be your first stop if you are arriving into Managua and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Its history, architecture and lakeside location mean spending time in Granada should definitely be on your Nicaragua itinerary.
2. When is the best time to visit Granada?
The best time to visit Granada, and Nicaragua more generally, is in the dry season. This runs from December to April. Obviously, this is also the high season so expect prices to be a little higher and crowds a little larger. I visited in March and the weather was lovely…hot but lovely!
3. How many days should I spend in Granada?
As I mentioned above, I visited Granada as part of a larger trip through Central America. As a result, I was only in Granada for a couple of days, however I think 2-4 days in Granada would be a good amount of time to experience what the city and the surrounding area has to offer.
4. Is Granada Safe?
In my experience, yes, Granada felt safe. It goes without saying of course that no place is 100% crime free but if you are sensible, protect your valuables and money and don’t take any unnecessary risks, then your time in Granada should be uneventful in that regard. As with any trip however, you should ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance in the event that something does go wrong.
Staying online in Nicaragua
If you like to stay online when travelling, either to keep in touch with family and friends, update social media, make bookings or use google maps, but you don’t want to incur roaming charges from your home provider, then consider an eSim from Airalo.
Easy to install, an eSim avoids the need to buy a local Sim card (and risk losing your home Sim when taking it out!) and allows you to continue using your own phone number for calls and texts.
I have used data packages purchased from Airalo on several occasions now, including in Central America, and can highly recommend them. When time is of the essence as it can be when travelling, accessing online resources can be a real time saver. For solo travellers, it can also be a comfort to know you have online access all the time.
Where to Stay in Granada
Whether you’re looking for a hostel or a hotel, Granada has a range of accommodation options available. The majority of my short time in Granada was as part of a group trip which of course included accommodation.
Once my trip finished however, I had an extra day and night in the city so I booked into the Hotel Real La Merced. Located across from Iglesia de la Merced, the pink coloured hotel is full of colonial splendor and is an oasis from the heat and energy of the city…plus it has a swimming pool! It’s a special place to stay in the heart of Granada and I highly recommend it!
You can review availability for this and other available accommodation and book here:
6 Great Things to Do in Granada
Whatever stage you’re at in planning your trip, here are my suggestions for 6 great things to do in Granada which you should include in your itinerary:
1. Hang Out in Central Park
Granada is built around a central, main plaza. Known as Central Park or Parque Central, it’s a large vibrant space where you will find a bandstand, fountain and statues. Locals and tourists alike gather under the shade of the trees and local vendors and tour guides are only too happy to sell you things you may or may not need! Spending time hanging out here is a great way to rest your feet!
Horse drawn carriages line up along the western side of Central Park whilst opposite, on the eastern side, stands the imposing Granada Cathedral.
2. Visit the Cathedral
The Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral (also known as Granada Cathedral) is a catholic cathedral towering over Central Park. The first cathedral was built around 1525, but was burned twice by 1578. A second cathedral temple was completed in 1751 with the cathedral seen today having been fully completed by the early 1970s.
The Cathedral is visible from various vantage points around Granada, including from the bell tower of Iglesia de la Merced.
3. Visit Masaya Volcano….at Dusk!
The Masaya Volcano National Park, at only 54 square kilometres in area, is however Nicaragua’s largest and first National Park. Located about 20-25 km from Granada, the Park consists of a volcanic caldera with 2 volcanoes and 5 craters. It is best known for offering visitors the unique experience of seeing a glowing lava lake!
A visitors centre not far from the entry gate offers permanent exhibitions detailing the history of the Park and information about the volcanoes. Lava flows erupted from the volcanoes in 1670 and 1772, however since then lava is seen only within the Santiago crater.
The indigenous people and their Spanish colonisers were equally fearful of the active volcano. The indigenous people made human sacrifices in an effort to abate the creature they believed lived within the crater, whilst the Spanish colonisers gave it the name the Mouth of Hell and in 1529 erected a cross near the crater to exorcise the Devil.
The lava lake contained within the Santiago crater is, in my view, best seen as the sun sets. The crater does emit gas and steam, however the views were clear enough on my visit to get a good view of the lake.
The Park is open from 5pm to around 8pm for evening visits, although it is also open during the day.
Check out these organised trip options:
The nearby town of Masaya has a colourful market and is a stop off point for many tours.
4. Explore the Gorgeous Churches
In addition to the Cathedral, Granada is home to a number of beautiful, historic churches. As you explore the city, look out for:
- Guadalupe church – constructed in 1626 with reconstruction taking place up until 1965
- Iglesia de Xalteva – almost completely rebuilt in the 1890s after suffering earthquake damage. There’s a nice park on the opposite side of the road
- La Capilla Maria Auxiliadora – a 1918 gothic blue and white church, with pastel colours continuing inside
- Iglesia de la Merced – built in 1534, the church was razed by pirates in 1655 and rebuilt between 1781 and 1783. It’s famous for its bell tower that you can climb for great views over the city
5. Walk the Colourful Streets
Brightly coloured buildings and history seemingly around every corner make Granada a great place to explore on foot. One suggestion – take a walk from Central Park past the Cathedral along the well-known Calle La Calzada, home to many restaurants, toward Lake Nicaragua.
If you’ve visited my blog before you’ll know I’m a big fan of walking tours. One company I have used previously, including in Antigua Guatemala, is Guruwalk. Check out this selection of free walking tours they offer.
6. Visit Café De Las Sonrisas (the Cafe of Smiles)
A social enterprise providing work and skills development, the Café of Smiles is a café staffed entirely by deaf people. In addition to providing an opportunity to order using sign language, the yummy breakfast made for a lovely, educational visit.
In addition to the café, the staff also make hammocks and money boxes. I highly recommend stopping by the café, it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Granada and such a wonderful enterprise to support.
More Time in Granada?
If you have more time in Granada than I did or you’re looking for some other options to add to your itinerary then you may want to consider various day trips and activities such as:
- taking a day trip to Ometepe Island
- visiting Nicaragua’s deepest crate lake, Apoyo Lagoon
- joining a chocolate making workshop at Chocomuseo for $25 per person
- taking a day trip to Mombacho volcano with its cloud forest, wildlife and canopy adventures
- taking a boat trip to or joining a kayaking tour of the Isletas (the little islands in Lake Nicaragua)
- visiting the Museo del Convento de San Francisco
Travel Tips
Much like Leon, Granada is easy to explore on foot. That said, here’s a few travel tips that can help enhance your time there:
- the temperatures can be high so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
- wear comfortable shoes when you’re out exploring and be aware of cobbled and uneven streets
- be respectful when in Churches, especially when it comes to what you are wearing
- learning a few Spanish phrases beforehand will stand you in good stead
- be careful with your belongings, especially in crowded places or when traveling at night
Final Thoughts
Granada is a well established stop for travellers to Central America and for good reason.
Although it might look a little rough around the edges, its history, colonial architecture, nearby lake and location amidst some of the volcanoes of Nicaragua together with an array of wonderful things to see and do make it either a great place to meet or, as was the case for me, farewell, Nicaragua.
It’s definitely worth adding time in Granada to your Nicaragua itinerary.
If your journey to Nicaragua will also take you to Granada’s rival, the gorgeous city of León, do make sure you check out my posts 5 Exciting Ways to Spend Time in León and Volcano Boarding Nicaragua – What You Need to Know for a Thrilling Ride.
If you’re planning a larger trip to Central America then do read the other posts on my Central America page and check my Resources page for extra travel planning advice and help.
Disclaimer – Visitor information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.
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