Nestled on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and founded in 1524, Granada is one of the most breathtaking travel destinations in Nicaragua and combines a pristine natural setting with the city’s vibrant colonial history.
While not the largest city in the country, Granada is Nicaragua’s most popular travel destination and features one of the best infrastructures for hosting international tourists. Granada offers everything from fabulous hotels to natural attractions and historical landmarks.
From the top accommodation options and local eateries to the must-see nearby attractions, this traveller’s guide to Granada, Nicaragua, is the perfect spot to begin planning your next trip to this colonial city gem.
Check out my comprehensive Nicaragua Travel Guide for more information and inspiration as you plan your next adventure to the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.
Getting to Granada, Nicaragua
As Nicaragua’s most popular travel destination, Granada is an easily accessible city with several bus networks and transportation options with routes through the city.
Most travellers to Granada access the country via the international airport in Managua. From here, visitors need only take one of the many taxis outside the airport to the bus terminal in front of the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA).
Buses leave the station to Granada every 15 minutes starting at 5:50 am with the last bus leaving at 8:00 pm. The trip to Granada is about an hour long and costs C20 (0.75 CAD/0.55 USD). Visitors can also commission a taxi to take them directly from the airport to the city. Still, this private transport does accompany a higher rate to be negotiated with the driver.
While most visitors to the city arrive via the international airport, Granada is still very accessible for those who travel by land along the Nicaraguan leg of the celebrated Central American Gringo Trail.
Most trekkers along this route travel to the city from either Rivas or San Juan del Sur in the South or Leon in the North. Several buses connect these destinations to Granada for cost-effective transport. However, private taxis and smaller shared shuttles are also available for travellers seeking slightly more comfort.
Finally, those travelling to Granada directly from nearby Costa Rica or further Honduras in the north do not have the luxury of using Nicaragua’s convenient local bus network. Instead, these international travellers must book transportation with an operator offering border crossing services, such as the Tica, Nica, and Transnica buses.
Accommodation Options in Granada, Nicaragua
As the central destination of Nicaragua’s tourism industry, Granada boasts extensive infrastructure for hosting international visitors. As a result, the city boasts a massive accommodation catalogue with rates fitting all travel budgets, including some of the country’s most comfortable hostels and luxurious resorts.
While there are cheaper hostels in Granada, none give you quite the value for your hard-earned Cordoba as the opulent Oasis Hostel. At $15 CAD per night, guests to this hostel enjoy a private bed in a 4-bed mixed dorm and access to several onsite amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a bar.
Additionally, while the hostel offers a fantastic social setting, it is also a great spot to grab some sleep, with the accommodation enforcing quiet time by 11:00 pm every evening. After a well-earned rest, guests wake up to a complimentary breakfast of pancakes, bananas, and oatmeal before continuing their day of exploring the city.
Speaking of exploring the city, the hostel’s onsite tour desks make it easy for guests to plan excursions and tours to the region’s many highlights.
Located about halfway between the Parque Central de Granada and the city’s picturesque docks on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, the Boutique Hotel Maharaja is an attractive mid-range accommodation option for visitors seeking more comfort for only slightly elevated nightly rates.
Starting at $42 per night, visitors to the hotel enjoy a Double Room with a fan and either two single beds or one double bed. Each room features additional amenities, including a private bathroom, a balcony with a pool view, and a flatscreen tv.
Other services featured within the hotel’s facilities include a quiet garden and terrace area perfect for lounging, an onsite restaurant, and the added conveniences of an onsite tour desk, currency exchange, and airport shuttle services.
Those seeking absolute comfort during their stay in the city should book their accommodation at the luxuriously opulent Hotel Plaza Colon. Once the historical home of many of the city’s most notable families, the Hotel Plaza Colon is now the premier accommodation option operating right out of the heart of Granada, Nicaragua.
Starting at $157 per night for a Queen Room, the hotel offers several onsite amenities and comforts, including an extensive outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and a bar area serving a diverse catalogue of delicious cocktails and local beers.
In their rooms, guests enjoy luxury amenities, including private bathrooms, a/c, flatscreen TVs, bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries. As a Rainforest Alliance Certified Hotel, all of Hotel Plaza Colon’s amenities engage only biodegradable products for a sustainable travel experience.
Things to Do in Granada, Nicaragua
Tour the Islets of Granada
Created thousands of years ago when Mombacho Volcano erupted, shooting out rock formations across the region, the Islets of Granada consist of 365 islands formed together to produce a maze of waterways surrounding the city’s docks.
Many islands remain uninhabited today, while others have been engaged for centuries and house historical forts, local fishing communities, and even small eco-friendly resorts.Exploring these beautiful islands is one of the best activities in Granada.
Commonly offered excursions include kayak, paddle boarding, and boat tours. Regardless of your traversal mode, most island tours include stops at famous fishing villages and wildlife hotspots, including Monkey Island, a revolutionary fort, and common nesting areas for native bird species.
The easiest way to experience everything the islands offer is via a boat tour. While several operators provide the tour within the city, visitors can also drop by the docks, where they can find several boatmen offering the tour for about C1,500 (50 CAD).
Take a Walking Tour of the City
Granada itself is a destination of colonial aesthetics and historical landmarks. In fact, many of its top attractions are just iconic landmarks scattered throughout the city, including some breathtaking cathedrals and unique street performances.
For this reason, one of the best ways to witness all of Granada’s fantastic attractions is via a walking tour of the city. While several resources online are available to help facilitate a self-guided tour of the town, arranging a guide via a local operator is the best way to receive an in-depth understanding of the city’s historical relevance and cultural evolution.
Depending on the operator, these tours typically cost between $15 and $20, and many can be combined with a tour of the Islets of Nicaragua for a discounted rate.
Visit the Chocolate Museum
Speaking of a unique museum, visitors staying in Granada should plan to stop by the city’s Chocolate Museum to explore the history of the chocolate-making industry in the region.
Throughout the tour, visitors will take a trip through the facility’s cacao farm before trying their hand at creating their own concoction using the authentic Central American practices that European crafters later adopted.
Check out this list for more fun and exciting things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
Where to Eat in Granada, Nicaragua
One of the best things to do when visiting Granada is to sample the delicious Nicaragua cuisines at the various eateries scattered throughout the colonial city. While it is hard to go wrong when choosing where to eat, these are just some of the most popular local restaurants in Granada for various budgets.
Located right in Parque Central de Granada, El Gordito is the most accessible place to find street food in Granada and is perfect for budget travellers seeking a quick bite. While affordable, El Gordito is also one of the best spots to explore local Nicaragua cuisine, including the country’s national dish, Gallo Pinto. Moreover, guests can enjoy their delicious meals while admiring breathtaking views of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral Church.
Operating out of a quaint colonial home, The Garden Café is owned by an American/Nicaragua couple. It is one of the city’s most popular places to grab a quick but delicious meal.
The restaurant focuses on sustainable environmental practices while providing several work opportunities to the local population, artisans, and designers. As a result, eating at The Garden Café is one of the best ways to give back to the community while sampling some genuinely delicious traditional dishes.
Located within the opulent Hotel Dario, the Restaurant el Tranvia is the premier gourmet restaurant in Granada for visitors to the city seeking a fine dining experience. The restaurant’s menu includes many appetizers, soups, and entrees blending Nicaraguan and Caribbean flavours with international influences.
The result is some of the city’s most delectable meals. While slightly more costly than other eateries in the area, the Restaurant el Tranvia offers an adventure that your tastebuds won’t soon forget.
When to Visit Granada, Nicaragua
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | |
Avg. Temperature | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C |
Avg. Rainfall | 4.0mm | 4.0mm | 4.0mm | 34.0mm | 91.4mm | 120.9mm | 68.0mm | 92.9mm | 165.0mm | 149.4mm | 45.1mm | 7.9mm |
Granada is a fantastic destination to visit year-round due to its constant warm temperatures and manageable volumes of rainfall. However, despite its year-round viability as a travel destination, Granada does feature a distinct wet and dry season that provides for two different travel experiences.
For starters, Granada’s dry season also happens to be its peak tourist season. This often results in the streets and popular attractions being much more crowded between November and April than at other times. However, this also means there are plenty of socialization opportunities in the city and plenty of sunshine for exploring the region’s outdoor landmarks.
Nevertheless, travelling to Granada during the off-season offers visitors its own unique benefits. Despite hosting most of the city’s rainfall between May and October, the region’s wet season is the perfect time to visit Granada to escape the crowds while enjoying off-season discounts. Furthermore, rain in the area is much less than in other parts of the country and is still manageable for outdoor adventurers.
Granada, Nicaragua Travel Budget
Accommodation | Food | Transportation | Activities | Total | |
Backpacker | $10 | $10 | $5 | $5 | $30 |
Mid-Range | $40 | $15 | $10 | $20 | $85 |
Luxury | $150 | $25 | $15 | $40 | $230 |
As the country’s most popular tourist city, Granada boasts plenty of infrastructure that provides a comfortable experience for visitors of all travel budgets. In fact, a visit to the colonial town is absurdly affordable, and visitors travelling on a shoestring can get by on as little as $20 per day.
This number is based on the absolute minimum amount needed to stay in the city and eat three square meals a day, leaving very little room for added activities or indulgences. Those looking to embark on a planned excursion or tour should budget closer to $30 or $35 per day to enjoy everything the city offers.
Nevertheless, if you are willing to stay in a rustic hostel while enjoying affordable but delicious street food and visiting only free or low-admission attractions, then you can enjoy the city for a relatively inexpensive fee.
Granada, Nicaragua Safety Advice
As a famous city highly dependent on its tourism industry, Granada is typically safe for travellers. Still, like any destination, Granada has its risks. When visiting the colonial city, it is vital to remain vigilant and follow these basic travel safety tips:
- Avoid walking alone at night: It’s always best to stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups, especially after dark.
- Keep your valuables safe: While Granada is generally safe, it’s still essential to be vigilant with your belongings. Keep your wallet, phone, and camera close to you and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
- Be cautious with street food: While the local cuisine is delicious, it’s essential to be mindful of food safety when trying street food. Look for stalls with high turnover and avoid anything that looks undercooked or has been sitting out for a while.
- Stay hydrated: Granada can get hot and humid, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Research before booking tours: While Granada offers many exciting tours and excursions, it’s important to do your research and book with reputable operators. Ask for recommendations from your accommodation or fellow travellers and read reviews before committing to a tour.
Popular Day Trips from Granada, Nicaragua
While Granada boasts several local attractions right within the city, a further exploration of the country’s brave landscapes is only a short journey from the region’s developed borders.
Take the Masaya Volcano Night Tour
Visiting the Masaya Volcano at night is not only a must-experience tour when visiting Granada, but it is actually one of the best things to do in Nicaragua in general. Located about 40 minutes from the city, Masaya Volcano is open for day hikers.
However, the volcano truly comes to life after the sun sets. Protected as the Masaya Volcano National Park, the colossal caldera is encompassed in total darkness at night, allowing for the subtle glows of the crater’s active lava flow to reach those standing at the volcano’s edge.
Peering over the crater’s edge, visitors watch as magma melts the rocks away from the volcano’s walls, slowly flowing beneath the earth’s surface. It is truly a phenomenon one must witness to appreciate fully. Luckily, several tour operators are available within the city to help plan your excursion to the park.
Visit Apoyo Lagoon
Located in yet another volcano crater nearby, Apoyo lagoon offers an entirely different experience than that found at Masaya Volcano. Instead of an active lave flow, visitors to Apoyo Lagoon find a massive lake in the center of the dormant volcano. As a result, they can engage in outdoor adventures, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Tucked away from the development and commercialization of the city, Apoyo Lagoon is a fantastic spot for escaping the bustling city while enjoying the serenity of Nicaragua’s more preserved landscapes.
Explore the Masaya Artisan Market
While the colonial city offers a great window into the region’s history, the nearby Masaya Artisan Marker is a fantastic way to experience modern Nicaragua’s authentic small village culture.
At the market, visitors can stroll through shops and vendors selling all sorts of locally crafted products, including food, leather shoes, woven goods, and much more. And since the market is located only 25 minutes from Granada, visiting the shops offer a fantastic cost-effective day trip from the city.
Where to Next?
As mentioned earlier, Granada is one of the main destinations along the famous Central American Gringo Trail. And while the city is the heart of the country’s tourism industry, Nicaragua offers a plethora of other fantastic destinations just waiting to be explored.
Located towards the center of the country towards the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, most visitors to Granada either continue their journey north to Leon or Ometepe or San Juan del Sur to the South.
As popular travel routes, several bus networks connect Granada to each of these travel destinations. Those headed to Ometepe require a short stopover in Rivas, where they can catch a ferry to the quiet island.
Alternatively, visitors can continue further around Lake Nicaragua to complete a multi-day rafting tour of the breathtaking beautiful San Juan River, or they can head back to the airport to catch a flight to the pristine Corn Islands in the Caribbean.
While Nicaragua’s internal transportation options are fantastic, those seeking to carry on to further Central American destinations in either Honduras or Costa Rica will instead have to plan their onward travel via a bus network or airline offering international border crossing services—these bus networks including the Nica, Tica, and Transnica buses.
Those headed towards the north should check out my Leon, Nicaragua City Guide for more information regarding their next destination. Also don’t forget to check out my complete Nicaragua Travel Guide for everything you need to know for planning your next adventure to the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.
