9 Unforgettable Things to Do in Granada, Nicaragua
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Planning to visit the charming colonial city of Granada? As a top destination for travelers adventuring through vibrant Nicaragua, it’s no wonder. With countless amazing things to do (and eat) in Granada, in combination with a broader Nicaragua itinerary, you’re in for an unforgettable stay!
In Central America’s oldest colonial city, you’ll find decadent chocolate (cacao) drinks, plenty of delicious Nicaraguan food, colorful streets, an authentic local market, multiple grand churches, and, of course, buzzing city squares and green parks. Not to mention, with the active Masaya Volcano, massive Lake Nicaragua, and the Apoyo Lagoon all nearby, outdoor adventures await!
From visiting La Iglesia Merced and browsing the local market, to strolling down Calle La Calzada and eating at the Garden Cafe, here are our best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua! Plus, a few hot tips along the way.
1. Discover Las Isletas on a Boat Tour
Lake Nicaragua, or Lago Cocibolca, is the largest lake in Central America (but it looks more like an ocean!). Without a doubt, exploring this lake and its many islands is the top thing to do in Granada, Nicaragua!
You won’t have a hard time booking a tour of the isletas, as it is the most popular excursion and offers a relaxed, fun way to explore the many mini islands (isletas) of the lake.
Simply catch a taxi to the Asese Port and ask around, book an islets of Granada boat tour, or find a tour through your hotel… and hop aboard to explore Las Isletas on the edge of Granada! If you’re extra adventurous, you can book an islets of Granada kayaking tour. Or you can opt for a party catamaran (book through your hostel, this ends at the famous “party island”).
Have fun swimming in the freshwater, feeding monkeys hanging off trees, and sipping a drink as you watch the sunset (the best time to do the Isleta Tour).
2. Afternoon Trip to Active Masaya Volcano
Unlike most active volcanoes in Central and South America, here in Nicaragua, you can get eerily close to the molten lava just about an hour from Granada! It’s easy to book a Masaya Volcano trip. The volcano can be inaccessible during Nicaragua’s rainy season, so plan accordingly!
We recommend doing an afternoon or “the Masaya Volcano night tour”, which ensures you’ll see the red bubbling lava as the sky begins to darken. How captivating!
The fee for entering the Masaya Volcano National Park is $10 for the evening tours, so a bit steeper than the $2 daytime fee, but well worth it!
Are you a volcano enthusiast? Consider checking out the cone-shaped Maderas Volcano near Ometepe Island. See my full Ometepe Island travel guide here!
3. Day Trip to Laguna de Apoyo
Indisputably, the Laguna de Apoyo is one of the top things to do in Granada. (Okay, technically it’s not in Granada, but the municipality of Catarina in Masaya, Nicaragua.) Still, being just a quick 20-minute ride away, it’s a frequently booked day trip for visitors in Granada – and often a favorite day in Nicaragua!
The Laguna de Apoyo is a freshwater, mineral-rich crater lake formed by volcanic implosion 23,000 years ago. Epic, right? Many of the hotels around the laguna offer day passes to the city folk for a small fee.
We highly recommend Paradiso Hostel for those looking to have major fun in the sun and Casa Marimba if you want a more relaxing, tranquil jungle environment on the beach (with an amazing restaurant, too). Both places offer kayaks, inner tubes, food, drinks, and floating docks. Don’t skip this trip!
P.S. If you want to extend your stay in Laguna de Apoyo (we wouldn’t blame you), then Casa Marimba is one of the best places you could possibly stay!
READ MORE: Laguna de Apoyo, Nicaragua Travel Guide: Where to Play, Stay & Eat
4. Sunset at the Bell Tower of Iglesia de la Merced
It’s true that Iglesia la Merced is beautiful on the inside, but a $1 climb up the spiral staircase to the bell tower, especially at sunset, offers peak viewing pleasure!
This colonial church was built way back in 1534 and offers panoramic views of downtown Granada as well as the magnificent Mombacho Volcano.
Hot tip: If you’re a fan of meandering through colonial church halls, we recommend the two-kilometer walk down Calle La Libertad from Chapel Maria Auxiladora to Guadalupe Church.
You’ll pass Iglesia Xalteva, Iglesia la Merced, and the Cathedral of Granada on the way. What a lovely afternoon!
READ MORE: Why Visit Nicaragua? 10 Reasons to Travel to Nicaragua ASAP!
5. Explore the Local Market
If authentic, local experiences draw you to travel, then you already know that the local mercado is a must!
As you browse, keep an eye on your belongings and follow my other top Nicaragua travel safety tips.
Just a five-minute walk from the city center, down Calle el Comercio, you’ll run into the distinct sounds and scents of the local, open-air market of Granada. Here, you will find avocados the size of your head, freshly picked mangoes (or pitaya, depending on the season), huge blocks of fresh Nica cheese, and all kinds of exotic, organic fruits and vegetables.
Be sure to try some street food from the local market stands! We recommend tajadas (fried plantain chips) and vigaró, a traditional Nicaraguan dish that comes wrapped in a banana leaf. So authentic!
6. Hop on a Horse Carriage City Tour
Perhaps the most romantic way to explore the city of Granada, Nicaragua, is to sit back and relax in one of the classic horse-drawn carriages. Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just too hot out to enjoy a long walk, and why not kick up your feet for a while? For a low cost of around $10 per hour, it’s hard to pass up!
Appreciating the colorful buildings and antique colonial houses surrounding the city streets is much easier while you let someone else take the reins (literally). The carriages are pulled by two horses and can comfortably fit a group of four for a city tour or a quick ride to your Isleta boat tour!
7. Eat a Tostone Burger at Tostometro
Picture it, a big juicy burger sandwiched between two huge tostones, not buns. If you haven’t had a tostone before, don’t worry, you’ll fall in love with this local food (fried, smashed green plantains).
Tostometro is an adorable little local restaurant nestled between stalls at the beginning of the local market. Finding it is almost as exciting as taking your first bite!
Of course, they offer an exceptional veggie tostone burger too, for all of our plant-based friends!
And did we mention, Tostometro is a great location for people-watching, too?
8. Learn All About Cacao (At ChocoMuseo)
The famous Chocolate Museum, ChocoMuseo, located just one block northwest of Parque Central, is a quick and fun thing to do while in Granada, Nicaragua. The grand building of the museum also has a hotel and restaurant, with a beautiful foyer to enjoy your cacao drink and rich brownie.
They offer a “Bean to Bar workshop” as well as a “Chocktail workshop“ – in addition to the free museum.
We recommend checking out this interactive and informative museum while having a day exploring the city of Granada!
9. Visit the Garden Cafe
This next spot is absolutely iconic. If you’ve heard of The Garden Café in Granada, Nicaragua, you probably know it as the spot where “influencers” love to take aesthetic photos – and for good reason! After all, this place was designed around a beautiful garden.
People rely on the Garden Cafe’s dishes to be healthy, local, and light on the stomach (okay, maybe not the calala cheesecake, but I digress). The staff always serves with a smile and enthusiasm, and we love that!
Frothy green matcha drinks photograph well in the open-air dining area – where butterflies also love to mingle in the sun. The Garden Cafe also has an adorable gift shop with beautiful clothing, jewelry, and leather works. If you’re not interested in buying new, definitely scope out their excellent used bookcase. There are many gems!
Where to Stay in Granada, Nicaragua
If you’re looking for affordable luxury hotels in Granada, I’ve got you covered! Before we dive into the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua, let’s talk about the best places to stay:
- Hotel Plaza Colon: This boutique hotel is in front of the main plaza and boasts a huge blue tiled swimming pool, gorgeous verandas, and chic bar “El Bar”. Plus it is the only hotel certified in sustainable practices by the Rainforest Alliance in the region!
- Hotel Dario: You can’t miss this iconic blue and white colonial building turned boutique hotel. The history of this Neoclassical architectural hotel makes it a heritage site to the city of Granada. You’ll not only appreciate the ambiance and central location of this 5-star hotel, but the great food at their El Travía restaurant, too.
- Tribal Hotel: In the heart of Granada, you’ll find the definition of stylish indoor-outdoor living. Tribal Hotel’s tropical garden oasis and plush rooms are complete with cool textiles, earthy tones, and a touch of whimsical charm. On a balmy evening, there’s nothing better than lounging beside Tribal Hotel’s beautiful torch-lit pool and sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail from your private cabana. Chic, luxurious, and easily our favorite hotel in Granada.
Find other amazing deals on Granada hotels and apartments here!
How to Get to Granada
Taxi or Shuttle
If you want to visit Granada, the oldest colonial city in Nicaragua, you’ll find it is a breeze! Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua is the only airport with scheduled flight traffic in Nicaragua, and a short 47-minute drive from Granada makes travel easy. There are plenty of taxis to choose from when you exit the airport, and like most travel in Nicaragua, it is inexpensive.
Generally speaking, taxis and shuttles are super affordable throughout the country. If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Nicaragua, such as from San Juan del Sur, arranging a shuttle or taxi through your hotel is just as easy.
Rent a Car
If you’re feeling adventurous, then you may prefer to book a rental car so you can explore more of the country with ease – and maybe even drive down to Costa Rica. If that’s the case, Discover Cars is our go-to rental car company worldwide.
CLICK HERE to book your rental car now! Free cancellation is usually included, so lock it in.
FIND MORE NICARAGUA INSPIRATION HERE!
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Granada, Nicaragua Travel FAQs
There are so many amazing reasons to visit Granada. A hidden gem, smack in the middle of Central America, Granada has it all: beautiful colonial buildings, stunning nature (like the Masaya Volcano, Lake Nicaragua, and the Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserve), authentic culture, friendly locals, and delicious traditional food. With this list of the best things to do, see, and eat in Granada, you can’t go wrong.
When it comes to safety, Nicaragua doesn’t have the best reputation. However, when you arrive in Granada, we think you’ll be quite surprised by how safe you feel. People in Granada are warm, friendly, and welcoming – and there’s an obvious community of digital nomads and ex-pats living here too. Overall, Granada is safe enough, but as with anywhere else, you should be cautious and follow general safety guidelines. Like… Be aware of your surroundings and keep your wits about you. Don’t be flashy with your cash or other valuables. Use common sense. And remember, there’s always safety in numbers – especially at nighttime. It’s also worth noting that you should steer clear of any political events or protests in Nicaragua. If you can do those things, you should feel (and be) perfectly safe in Granada.
There are no ride-sharing apps in Granada. The city center is small, so you can easily get around on foot. Otherwise, taxis and tuk-tuks are at the ready! Feeling something a little extra? You can also opt for one of Granada’s iconic horse-drawn carriages.
Define “beach”! If you’re asking about ocean beach, the answer is no. But if you’re asking about lake beaches, then the answer is yes! There are beaches in Granada! This beautiful colonial city lines the shore of the largest lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua (or Lago Cocibolca). In fact, one of most fun things to do in Nicaragua is taking a boat tour to the many mini islands (isletas) on the lake.
The beautiful Apoyo Lagoon (a freshwater, mineral-rich crater lake) is also nearby. Taking a day trip here is another one of the most popular things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
Founded in 1524, Granada is the oldest colonial city in all of Central America (that still remains in the same place it was founded). Granada’s centuries-old, colorful buildings and cobblestone streets give the city its charm, while the surrounding volcanoes, lakes, lagoons, and rolling hills offer endless natural beauty. Not to mention, the city’s authentic culture, good food, museums,
There are so many incredible things to do in Granada! Some of our favorites include strolling down the Calle La Calzada, trying Nicaraguan food, and exploring the city via horse-drawn carriage. Not to mention, visiting Masaya Volcano, spending a day at Laguna de Apoyo, and touring the tiny islands of Lake Nicaragua by boat. This guide details all of the best things to do and see in Granada – as well as the best places to stay in Granada!
As far as affordable luxury in Nicaragua goes, you can’t find much better than the Hotel Plaza Colon. This cozy boutique hotel is located right in front of the main square and features a beautiful blue-tiled pool, lovely verandas, and chic bar. Plus it’s the only hotel in the region that follows sustainable practices, certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Plaza Colon.
Have you been to Granada before? What are your favorite things to do there? Visiting Granada and have a question? Leave your comments below!
Bate Bate Chocolate just around the corner on Calle Libertad is much better than ChocoMuseo. The presentation, ambience, menu, and staff are fresh and new, and the chocolate they create is out of this world.
Hi Karen, I’ll have to try Bate Bate next time I’m in Granada. Thanks for the tip!
i spent two weeks in granada, lived with a local family and took spanish classes at casa xalteva. it was just fabulous. i also volunteered to teach some english classes to some of the local students. it was a blast. there was also the opportunity to take several different trips with some of my fellow students. just a wonderful experience.
Thanks for sharing, Doug! Those sound like some some wonderful memories.