When I got the news that our weekend trip to Seville was cancelled due to Storm Leonardo, at first I was devastated. But now in hindsight, I’m so thankful to have spent this time falling a little more in love with Granada. If you’re ever stuck in the city, here are some cheap and cozy ways to pass a serene rainy weekend.
- Read in a cafe or tetería
As a voracious reader, I love to spend my slow Sunday mornings with a warm drink and a good book. Jerusalem Books Cafe, which is only a five-minute walk from my dorm, is my go-to for a cup of hot sahlab and an hour with one of the numerous books offered on Middle Eastern politics, Islam, and Spanish history. Another great alternative is the Tetería Nazarí, where I stopped in one rainy siesta to escape the cold and ended up chatting with the owner in (very broken!) Arabic.
2. Explore the Catedral de Granada
One of the hallmarks of this beautiful city is the Grand Cathedral located on Gran Vía de Cólon. The Renaissance architecture and gorgeous Roman-Catholic motifs make it a must-see for anyone stopping in town. In addition, the Grand Cathedral is conveniently located right next to Calle Alcaiceria, a maze of narrow streets offering numerous Arabic markets, tea shops, and cafes where you can shelter from the rain. This iconic pocket of Granada’s city center provides a seamless marriage of both its Catholic and Islamic roots.
3. Watch a free movie at Espacio V or the Andalusian Film Archives
The Andalusian film archives offer free movie showings on Wednesday and Friday evenings, while Espacio V––hosted by the University of Granada’s film department––offers a monthly film series on weekday nights. One rainy Tuesday, I caught a showing of Jon Garaño’s “80 Egunean,” a lovely Basque film about two childhood friends who, by chance, reunite fifty years later in a hospital room and fall in love a second time. As a huge cinephile, attending these showings is a great way to discover a variety of indie and European films I never would’ve heard of otherwise.
4. (If there’s some sun) Catch a mirador sunset
When the rain cleared up for a couple hours on Thursday night, I hurried up the notorious hills of Albaicín to the Mirador de San Nicolás, which provides a magical vista of the Alhambra and its surrounding hills, to watch the sunset. What’s more, San Nicolás is frequented by live guitarists, adding even more romance to the breathtaking sight.
5. Grab a drink at Bohemia Jazz Cafe
Located in the Plaza de los Lobos, Bohemia Jazz Cafe is a favorite among locals and IES Granada students alike. The walls are covered in newspaper clippings, noir film posters, and faded photographs of jazz singers and movie stars. It’s a great place to take pictures and chat with friends as you’re serenaded by a live pianist across the room. If you’re abstaining from alcohol, like me, there’s a generous variety of mocktails and intricate lattes to choose from as well.
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First Impressions of Granada
Some snapshots of my first two weeks in the city!
Karma Abboud
I am a second-year student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, studying International Studies and Professional Writing. In my free time, I love to read, bake, and write sappy romance novels.
