Granada is one of Central America’s oldest colonial cities. The colorful buildings and the rich sense of history make Nicaragua’s old capital a must-see.
The landscape surrounding Granada offers some amazing day trips too. Cloud forests climb up the nearby Volcan Mombacho making for great hikes, and a tour through the Isletas in the nearby Lake Nicaragua are just some of the top things to do in Granada Nicaragua.
How to get to Granada
Granada is a 45-minute drive from Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, and a bit over an hour from San Juan del Sur.
Renting a car is fairly inexpensive in Nicaragua and this is by far the most convenient and comfortable option. If you want a more authentic experience you can take the chicken bus to Granada. I came across this amazingly written piece about the chicken bus experience that colors it better than I ever could.
Top things to do in Granada Nicaragua
Take a walk around one of the best-preserved historic centers in Latin America. With its colorful houses, terracotta roofs, and an abundance of churches Granada really hearkens back to its Andalusian roots.
To get the best view of the city, climb the bell tower of Iglesia La Merced. From atop this iconic church, you will have spectacular views from the city center all the way down to the lake.
Relax in the shade at Parque Central. This central plaza is the heart of the city and a great place to lounge like a local. There are also some stands that offer really great food and drinks.
One of the best things to do in Granada is top hop into one of the city’s many museums. The San Francisco Convent is a beautiful building that recounts the history of this colonial city. For a more fun, lighthearted experience you can visit the Chocolate Museum of Granada, Choco Museo where a guide will take you through the process of making chocolate and you can try some delicious cocoa and chocolate products.
Where to Eat in Granada
- El Zaguan: Steak house
- Las Colinas Sur: Great big hut restaurant, with a sand floor setting. Delicious, tasty authentic Nicaraguan food.
- Garden Cafe: A little garden oasis in the city serving vegan options.
- Monna Lisa: Italian restaurant and Pizzeria.
- ECO: Great value for money. Highly recommend the Caballo Bayo.
- Pita Pita: Middle Eastern restaurant.
- Kathy’s Waffle House: Known as the best waffle and pancake place in Granada, The restaurant is located across from Plaza Convento.
- NM Culinary: Fine dining.
- Granny’s Vigorón (Vigorón de la Abuela): For an authentic Nicaraguan cuisine experience, make sure to try the vigorón at the main, central park for less than €5. While this is in the Where to Eat section, I count the Vigorón de la Abuela as one of the best things to do in Granada.
Where to stay in Granada
- Casa Bubu Guesthouse: This bed and breakfast offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a shared lounge Casa Bubu is a great place to relax.
- Hotel Plaza Marbella Granada: Provides deluxe accommodations in the heart of Granada.
- Selina Granada: Offers a classic BnB experience inside a beautiful colonial house in Granada.
- Tribal Hotel: Offers trendy rooms and villas in Granada with a modern spin on classic Granadine design.
Did you Know
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8 Must-Do Activities in Granada
- Take a stroll around the colonial city.
- Climb the bell tower of La Iglesia de la Merced.
- Try Vigorón at El Parque Central.
- Hike the Mombacho Volcano and join a coffee tour.
- Go ziplining at the Mombacho Volcano.
- Check out the Chocolate Museum.
- Go on an island hopping tour around Las Isletas de Granada.
- Visit and swim in the crater lagoon of Laguna de Apoyo.
Best day trips around Granada
Las Isletas is a small archipelago of 365 small islands in the lake just in front of Granada. You can take a tour by boat of the islands to see the monkeys and lavish mansions that inhabit the islands. From the same marina that gives access to the boat tours, you can also rent kayaks.
Mombacho Volcano has some of the most beautiful hikes in Nicaragua. Amongst the virgin cloud forest growing on this now dormant volcano, you can find a variety of wildlife. Monkeys and tropical birds are a common sight, and if you are lucky you might get to see sloths as well! You can also go ziplining or join a coffee tour.
Laguna de Apoyo is the best way to spend an afternoon. This volcanic crater lagoon is full of warm water, perfect for swimming in. There are several bars, restaurants, and resorts around the rim of the crater where you can spend your day eating fried plantains and soaking in the sun. These same locales tend to also have kayaks available to rent.
