The old Moorish quarter sprawls across the hill opposite the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. Whitewashed houses line narrow cobblestone streets that wind uphill past exotic shops, North African teahouses, and small restaurants.
Head to the Mirador de San Nicolás for the classic Alhambra view — it's especially magical at sunset when the palace glows against the Sierra Nevada. Nearby, the church of San Salvador sits on the site of the Great Mosque of Granada, and San Juan de los Reyes still has its 13th-century minaret, a reminder of the quarter's layered history.
For souvenirs, look for traditional Granadino pottery — white glazed ceramics decorated with bold blue patterns. The rose gardens tucked between the houses are worth seeking out. After dark the Albaicín comes alive with terrace bars and intimate flamenco venues.