Granada, Nicaragua, a city steeped in history is certainly one of the most charming cities in the country. With its cobbled streets and impressive colonial architecture, is a destination brimming with cultural richness, natural beauty and enough things to do and see to keep you occupied for a few days. Nestled beside the serene waters of Lake Nicaragua/Cocibolca, Granada beckons travellers with its multi coloured building facades and laid back atmosphere. Here are some of the top things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
1. Explore the Colonial Architecture: As you wander through the historic centre, you’ll be mesmerized by the architectural beauty that surrounds you – honestly one of the nicest things to do in Granada is simply wander and take in the ornate facades of centuries-old churches and multi coloured buildings. Take a leisurely stroll down Calle La Calzada and make sure to look up at the wrought-iron balconies. Some of the highlights of the city include –
- Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada)
- La Merced Church (Iglesia de La Merced)
- San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco)
- Xalteva Church (Iglesia de Xalteva)
- Convento San Francisco
- Palacio Episcopal
- Casa de los Leones
2. Take a boat trip around the Isletas de Granada: Only a couple of minutes away from the bustling city, visiting Isletas de Granada makes you feel like you’re truly immersed in nature. It’s possibly to take a guided boat ride out on the water for about $40 for the whole boat – so obviously cheaper if you’re with friends, or at least wait for others to gather nearby. It’s a leisurely boat ride in the shadows of the volcano, where you’ll sail past some of the 300 tiny islands dotting the shimmering waters of Lake Cocibolca. We saw some fantastic wildlife and birdlife including white faced monkeys and Kingfishers only an arms length away. Be sure to ask to sail past so called ‘Monkey Island.’ Many of the islands are privately owned by some of Nicaragua’s wealthiest people and the captain is usually happy to point out some of the properties during the journey. Although it’s only an excursion of around an hour, it was one of my favourite things to do in Granada, Nicaragua due to the incredible beauty and surprising wildlife.
Tour Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
3. Visit La Polvora Fortress: Perched on the edge of the city, La Polvora Fortress was built in 1748 to keep gun powder. El Castillo Fortress, located on the banks of the San Juan River had a problem with conserving the gun powder due to high humidity, so to store and protect the gun powder, the La Polvora Fortress was built. It was later used for accommodating troops and as a prison. Explore the fortress’ interior chambers, where there are numerous exhibits explaining the history.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
4. Stroll Through Parque Central: Wandering around Parque Central – unsurprisingly in the centre of the city – is one of the nicest things to do in Granada, Nicaragua. It has a lively energy, often with music blaring out of speakers & couples/young families walking around and eating snacks. There is a statue of Granada’s founder, Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in the centre of the park and numerous impressive buildings surrounding the greenery. It’s a great place to seek shade during the day and there are benches to relax on. It’s worth coming back in the evening too however as at night the park comes alive with the melodies of street musicians and the aroma of street food vendors enticing passersby.
Open Daily: 24 hours.
5. Indulge in Culinary Delights at Mercado Municipal: Visiting markets is always one of my favourite things to do when visiting a new place and indeed no visit to Granada would be complete without sampling the flavours of Nicaraguan cuisine at Mercado Municipal. Nestled within the heart of the city, this bustling market offering street food snacks, fresh fruit & vegetables and various meats as well as clothes and other wares. Some top suggestions include trying gallo pinto, Nicaragua’s beloved rice and bean dish, or vigorón, a savoury salad of pork rinds and yuca. For drinks, then you can try a glass of tamarind juice or indulge in a sweet treat of bunuelos – crispy fried dough drizzled with honey.
There are plenty of little side streets to wander around and unlike some others in Central America it isn’t necessarily laid out in specific areas – so you’ll often find clothes next to meat, and juices next to souvenirs!
Market Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
6. Browse Artisan Crafts at Mercado de Artesanías: If you’re a fan of textiles, crafts & art then visiting Mercado de Artesanías is one of the top things to do in Granada, Nicaragua as this is where local artisans showcase their finest creations. From handwoven textiles to carved wooden masks, the market is a treasure trove of unique handicrafts. At some stalls you’re able to watch as the artisans demonstrate traditional techniques passed down through generations. It’s a great place to come for souvenirs and photo opportunities.
Market Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
7. Climb Iglesia de la Merced’s Bell Tower: This iconic landmark offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the city, with sweeping vistas that on a clear day stretch from the shores of Lake Cocibolca to the distant peaks of Mombacho Volcano. You’ll need to climb the narrow staircase to the tower’s summit – there is no disabled access – where you’ll find yourself with 360 views of the city. There are some huge bells at the top of tower and plenty of great photo opportunities over the rooftops below. There is a small admission charge of around $1 to climb the Iglesia de la Merced bell tower – but it was one of my favourite things to do in Granada, as well as the best viewpoint I found.
Tower Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
8. Tour the Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum of Granada is home to an extensive collection of artefacts dating back thousands of years – the galleries are filled with ancient pottery, jewellry, and ceremonial masks from ancient civilisations such as the Chorotega and Nicarao cultures. The museum offers educational resources and information about ongoing archaeological research in the region and is a great place to explore for anyone interested in the history and culture of Nicaragua.
Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
9. Capture Sunset Views at Mirador de Catarina: For breathtaking views of Lago de Apoyo and the surrounding countryside, head to Mirador de Catarina. A short drive out of around 7km from the city, you’ll arrive at a scenic overlook – a vantage point offering unparalleled views over the water. There are plenty of food vendors and people selling snacks/drinks as well as numerous markets stalls with colourful souvenirs on sale. Try to time your visit to arrive just before sunset to witness to watch as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s a great photo spot and nice place to relax in the evening.
Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
10. Experience Vibrant Nightlife on Calle La Calzada: In the evening, the popular Calle La Calzada comes alive with Granada’s nightlife scene. This bustling street is lined with a mix of restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can sample traditional Nicaraguan cuisine at a local eatery, or visit one of the lively bars for a cold Tōna beer whilst listening to live music. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening with friends or a lively night on the town, Calle La Calzada has something for everyone.
You’re sure to ensure your visit to the city and I hope these suggestions of things to do in Granada, Nicaragua help you plan your trip!
A Life Well Travelled 