Plaza de San Nicolas
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The area
Neighborhood: Albaicín
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Restaurants
1,877 within 3 miles
Attractions
217 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,286 reviews
Excellent
791
Very good
414
Average
67
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Mairwen1
United Kingdom7,497 contributions
Feb 2020
This plaza draws a big crowd, day and night. The views from this lookout point are absolutely panoramic and and the view at sunset is just magical. This was a highlight of our time in Granada.
If you are lucky, you will get a space, sitting on the viewing wall and from this vantage point, you look directly across to the Alhambra and the view also takes in the Darro River and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Just stunning.
The other feature in the plaza is the San Nicolas Church. It’s a large, white 16th century church which probably doesn't get the attention it deserves because pretty much everyone has come here for the view and it’s hard to take your eyes off it.
The plaza generally attracts a range of people selling cheap and cheerful trinkets like embroidered coin purses, castanets etc which they spread out on blankets over the ground. There are always a number of musicians, some of whom can be pushy in their expectation of a donation.
There are several bars below the viewing wall where you can sit in a more civilised and peaceful way to enjoy the view. Crowded as the viewing wall was, there was a lively, chaotic atmosphere that was fun. It was nice to be in a crowd waiting for the sunset with everyone checking watches, asking the people next to them for the time and all but counting down for the sunset.
GETTING THERE: You can catch a C31 bus or taxi but half the fun is walking up through narrow, picturesque streets. It is a steep but steady climb and takes about 20 min from Plaza Nueva. You are mostly walking on pebbled, stepped streets so you need comfortable walking shoes. There’s not much shade so take a bottle of water too. It can be a little tricky to find your way and there are very few signs. We started from Plaza Nueva, walked down Calle Elvira and headed up via Calle Caldereria Nueva. There are a few twists and turns but you have made it when you arrive at the base of long, high wall, opposite the restaurant ‘El Balcon’. A set of stairs beside the wall will take you up to the top of the lookout point.
If you are lucky, you will get a space, sitting on the viewing wall and from this vantage point, you look directly across to the Alhambra and the view also takes in the Darro River and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Just stunning.
The other feature in the plaza is the San Nicolas Church. It’s a large, white 16th century church which probably doesn't get the attention it deserves because pretty much everyone has come here for the view and it’s hard to take your eyes off it.
The plaza generally attracts a range of people selling cheap and cheerful trinkets like embroidered coin purses, castanets etc which they spread out on blankets over the ground. There are always a number of musicians, some of whom can be pushy in their expectation of a donation.
There are several bars below the viewing wall where you can sit in a more civilised and peaceful way to enjoy the view. Crowded as the viewing wall was, there was a lively, chaotic atmosphere that was fun. It was nice to be in a crowd waiting for the sunset with everyone checking watches, asking the people next to them for the time and all but counting down for the sunset.
GETTING THERE: You can catch a C31 bus or taxi but half the fun is walking up through narrow, picturesque streets. It is a steep but steady climb and takes about 20 min from Plaza Nueva. You are mostly walking on pebbled, stepped streets so you need comfortable walking shoes. There’s not much shade so take a bottle of water too. It can be a little tricky to find your way and there are very few signs. We started from Plaza Nueva, walked down Calle Elvira and headed up via Calle Caldereria Nueva. There are a few twists and turns but you have made it when you arrive at the base of long, high wall, opposite the restaurant ‘El Balcon’. A set of stairs beside the wall will take you up to the top of the lookout point.
Written January 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,621 contributions
Mar 2019
The "Plaza de San Nicolás" and the "Mirador de San Nicolás" are just about the same thing. Both sided by the 16th century "Iglesia de San Nicolás" and offering the most unforgettable views of "La Alhambra", "Río Darro" and "Sierra Nevada" mountain range in the background. The square is quite busy, specially on sunsets and early evenings on Summer months, when Flamenco dancers, street musicians and craftsmen bring joy and laughter to locals and tourists. Enjoy!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,300 contributions
Oct 2021
Usually in a plaza you pay attention to what is in your immediate vicinity, like a religious or government building. All eyes at this plaza look outward to the view of the Alhambra across the way. It will be somewhat to very busy most times. It is a good slog uphill but the reward is one of the most classic photographs in all of Spain.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
staledale
1,526 contributions
Oct 2019
Fairly steep walk up to San Nicholas Mirador, which is a small plaza that looks toward the Alhambra and down toward the city of Granada. Incredible views for photo opportunities but the sun can be tricky. We were there around 5pm. Anywhere from maybe 50-150 people there at one time. Some vendors selling tchotchke, some gypsy musicians and some cute dogs. Some quaint restaurants in the plaza and one with an amazing view on the cliff side of the street. Walk next door into a beautiful garden and the Mosquita Mayor de Granada.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
georginak738
Cezac, France7 contributions
Feb 2020
It was a long slow windy walk to the top and Plaza San Nicolas, but well worth the effort. The view across to the Alhambra Palace, lit up in the evening sky was wonderful. The people in the Plaza all seemed happy, enjoying the view, and there was a very companionable feel to it all.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia41,744 contributions
Jun 2019
Plaza de San Nicolas is a plaza you'd be glad to walk to, although it's situated high up on a hill. It's around the Adjibe (or Cistern) of San Nicolas, which is a historic water reservoir that has been there for a very long time! And there is also the Church of the same name, which was closed at the time so we could not go inside. The views from the Plaza are stupendous! You get to see a whole lot of monuments and a variety of sights that you ordinarily might miss out on. The most impressive is, of course, the Alhambra.
Written May 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Werther Veulemans
Leuven, Belgium529 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
When you are in Granada, you should definitely experience one sunrise or sunset while being at the plaza de San Nicolas! Just astonishing, don't forget to bring your camera or selfie stick ;-).
Written August 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel Webb - Spain
Jaen, Spain125 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Go here last thing at night and first thing in the morning, the views are stunning and the atmosphere unbeatable.
Written August 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
stinkwink
Sydney, Australia7,389 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
You have everything here. Church if you’re Catholic, Mosque if you’re Muslim, a stunning view, some vendors selling souvenirs, and a few good restaurants. El Balcón de San Nicolás is my recommendation since the drinks had a reasonable price, and the breathtaking view was free of charge.
Unfortunately, the Iglesia de San Nicilás due to renovation is closed until 28.Febr. 2018. Maybe the Mosque kept its doors closed too from sympathy. Don’t worry; the view is there.
Unfortunately, the Iglesia de San Nicilás due to renovation is closed until 28.Febr. 2018. Maybe the Mosque kept its doors closed too from sympathy. Don’t worry; the view is there.
Written October 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Usman H
Manchester, UK148 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Was simply gorgeous at night time, had the best view of the Al hambra and all of grenada. Doesn't show up to well on a camera. If you come at night time be mindful that it is difficult to get a taxi. You can get a taxi number to call but if you dont speak spanish then it can be troublesome. another taxi driver helped us book one... god bless his soul
Written August 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dogerty321
London, UK
Is there anything else going on around the 12th of june. Like festivals? I'm in orgiva from the 11th Jun to the 18th Jun and hoped there would be loads.
dogerty321
London, UK
My girlfriend needs to withdraw money from the back. She's lost her card so will have to go in and speak to someone. It's a Spanish bank account.. I hope the banks are open tomorrow as there are so many festivals happing in June it's like pot luck..
laura S
4 contributions
Iré a pasar un día a Granada en coche con mi pareja, y sería de mucha ayuda alguna recomendación para encontrar sitio para aparcar y pasear por alguna zona animada y lugares para comer y visitar la ciudad .
Vale la pena pagar por ver la Alambra ? Se hace muy pesada la visita de 3h ?
Rizos2012
Province of Huelva, Spain333 contributions
Siempre, siempre hay que ver la Alhambra, es obligado, merece la pena y mucho. Yo me quede en un Hotel en el centro y al lado había un parking. Yo te recomiendo que busques un parking porque hay cámaras y si accedes al centro te multan, salvo que estés autorizado, por ejemplo para el Hotel; ellos te toman la matrícula y se la pasan a al policía para que te anulen la sanción. Además, es una ciudad muy pequeña y puedes ir a pie a todos los sitios así que te recomiendo que aparques y a disfrutar de la cuidad. Espero haberte ayudado. Un saludo
Plaza de San Nicolas (Granada) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Plaza de San Nicolas
- We recommend booking Plaza de San Nicolas tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Plaza de San Nicolas tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Plaza de San Nicolas:
- (0.01 mi) Flophouse
- (0.09 mi) Apartamentos Alhambra
- (0.06 mi) Las Tres Terrazas
- (0.08 mi) Casa Bombo
- (0.13 mi) Casa de los Neveros
- Restaurants near Plaza de San Nicolas:
- (0.01 mi) Aljibe del Poeta
- (0.01 mi) El Balcon de San Nicolas
- (0.01 mi) La terraza de san nicolas
- (0.02 mi) Restaurante Estrellas de San Nicolás
- (0.03 mi) ¨ El Huerto de Juan Ranas ¨ #JUANRANAS