Founded by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in 1523, Granada is the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua and the third oldest in all of the Americas. Today’s visitors can still explore the city’s historical past through its colourful buildings, towering cathedrals, and numerous landmarks that retell the destination’s colonial heritage.
As such, it is no wonder that Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most popular travel destinations and boasts numerous activities and attractions for visitors to explore.
From touring historical monuments and natural landmarks to hidden gem excursions scattered throughout the countryside, these are the top things to do in Granada, Nicaragua, for your next adventure to this colonial gem destination.
Planning a trip to the city? Check out my complete comprehensive Granada, Nicaragua City Guide.
1. Take a Walking Tour of the City
As one of the oldest colonial cities of the Americas, Granada is an attraction in and of itself and boasts numerous historic buildings, cathedrals, and landmarks. As such, one of the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua, is to explore everything the colourful city offers with a walking tour.
While self-guided tours are available online, the best way to explore the authentic heritage of the historical landmarks is along an arranged tour with a local guide. By engaging an informative local, visitors receive not only a physical tour but a cultural one as well as they share in their guide’s enthusiasm and admiration for the city.
Several operators offer a private walking tour of the town, with most averaging around 20 CAD.
Alternatively, those looking to explore the colonial buildings without the hassle of walking can instead arrange for a 30-minute or 60-minute carriage ride, which leads visitors through the landmarks but lacks the personalization and insight of the informative guide.
2. Tour the Isletas de Granada
Another of the top things to do in Granada, Nicaragua, is to take a tour of the celebrated Isletas de Granada. Formed from a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago that saw Mombacho Volcano shoot rock formations across the region, the islets consist of 365 different islands that form a maze of waterways around the city’s docks.
While many of the eponymous islands remain uninhabited, others have been used for centuries and continue to host historical forts, local fishing communities, and a collection of eco-friendly resorts.
There are numerous ways to explore the water routes around Granada, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and boat tours. Typical stops along these tours include visits to famous fishing villages and wildlife hot spots, such as Monkey Island, and exploring a revolutionary fort.
Several operators within the city peddle boat tours of the islands. Still, the easiest (and most cost-effective) way to arrange these excursions is by heading directly to the Granada docks. Whether booking in the city or with the guide themselves, touring the Isletas de Granada is by far one of the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
3. Take a Night Excursion to Masaya Volcano
While technically 40 minutes outside of the city, all visitors to Granada should plan an excursion to the crater of Masaya Volcano for an evening tour of the site’s lava flow.
Protected within the Masaya Volcano National Park, the colossal volcano features numerous hiking trails and adventures for visitors throughout the day. However, the park truly comes alive at night, when following a breathtaking sunset, the entire park is encompassed in total darkness.
Along with vibrant stars filling the Central American skies, visitors at the volcano’s caldera can peer down over the side of the crater, where they can observe the underground lava flow illuminating the otherwise dark environment.
A truly spectacular phenomenon, putting the experience into words is not easy. Nevertheless, these night tours of Masaya Volcano remain one of the most popular and breathtaking things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
4. Explore the Masaya Artisan Market
Another fantastic thing to do in Granada, Nicaragua, is to explore the sprawling artisan markets that operate out of the Masaya region. While the city offers a window into the region’s colonial past, the Masaya Artisan Market allows tourists to explore Nicaragua’s modern cultures.
Featuring artisans from across the region, the market features numerous authentic handcrafts, including food, leather shoes, woven goods, and much more.
Whether shopping for a souvenir to bring back home or connecting with the day-to-day commerce of the local population, visiting the market is a fantastic way to escape the city’s tourist traps to engage with an authentic Nicaragua.
5. Sample the Local Cuisine
Boasting numerous eateries ranging from international fusion menus to authentic Nicaragua Cuisine, exploring the city’s culinary dishes is one of the best and most delicious things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
From delectable authentic street food directly in Parque Central de Granada to fine gourmet dining at the Hotel Dario restaurant, it is hard to go wrong when choosing where to eat in the city, and visitors can spend a whole day sampling the destination’s diverse flavours.
Check back soon for a complete list of all of Granada Nicaragua’s top eateries.
6. Day Trip to Apoyo Lagoon
Like Masaya Volcano, the nearby Mombacho Volcano offers a genuinely spectacular surprise for city visitors within its enormous crater. However, instead of finding active lava flow, visitors to this monumental day trip destination will instead explore a sprawling crater lake surrounded by a viridescent cloud forest.
Nestled away from the urban development and commercialization of the city, the Apoyo Lagoon features a naturally preserved corner of the country, complete with a thick tree canopy and several outdoor adventures, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
While the colourful city offers a historical and charming colonial experience, Apoyo Lagoon provides a quiet escape from the bustling community and is one of the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
7. Visit Granada's Chocolate Museum
While not as renowned as some of the region’s other attractions, the city is home to a unique Chocolate Museum that offers visitors an exploration of the local industry and provides one of the most enigmatic things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
Located right in town, the tour features two legs. The first portion of the excursion transports visitors out to the complex’s own cacao farm, where they explore the growing and cultivation processes of the New World bean.
After learning the agricultural practices of the produce, visitors return to the factory, where they try their hand at creating their own concoction using the authentic Central American methods that European crafters have since adapted.
Check out my complete Nicaragua Travel Guide for more information and itineraries for your next adventure through the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.