Ultimate Guide to the Top Things to Do in Granada, Nicaragua

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I’d read so many mixed reviews about Granada, so my expectations weren’t that high to be honest, but I ended up loving it! In my opinion Granada is one of those places that’s easy to fall in love with if you actually explore the city and not just walk round the Main Street and the Main Plaza.

The city is colorful, walkable, and full of things to do without ever feeling overwhelming. I came back here twice and ended up spending a couple of weeks here, and it quickly became one of my favorite stops in Central America. If you’re planning a trip, here’s my personal guide to the best things to do in Granada and the nearby area. I’ll first go through the best things to do in the city and below all the best daytrips from Granada.

The best things to do in Granada City

Since there are so many things to do in and around Granada I’ve chosen to split this post in two, starting with the best things to do within the city, and later on you'll find the best daytrips if you want to explore some more.

Take a guided walking tour

If you only have time to do one thing in Granada, make sure it’s a guided walking tour. There are so many different companies to choose from and you probabaly won’t go wrong with any of them. There are also some free walking tours, but you need to pay a tip at the end so the price is pretty much the same no matter what tour you choose.

I absolutely loved our trip which took us all over Granada, learning about the history and culture. We also visited the local market and tasted so many dishes I’d never heard of. We used Guruwalk and had so much fun.

Guided walking tour of Granada, Nicaragua

Visit Calle La Calzada

This is Granada’s main pedestrian street, lined with bars, cafés, and restaurants. In the evenings it comes alive with music, street performers, and plenty of people just hanging out. Even if you don’t stay out late, it’s worth a stroll to feel the atmosphere. I personally don’t recommend eating here, there are so many better options. But grab a drink and enjoy the vibe.

Visit the Cathedral of Granada

You can’t miss the big yellow cathedral in the main square, it’s the heart of the city. For a few dollars you can climb the bell tower and get a great view of Granada’s red rooftops, Lake Nicaragua, and the volcano in the distance.

The Grand Cathedral in Granada

Climb Iglesia La Merced

La Merced is another beautiful church in Granada, and you can climb its tower for a different view of the city. It’s not as high as the cathedral, but I actually liked the view more because you can see the cathedral itself against the backdrop of Lake Nicaragua.

View from Iglesia la Merced

Shop and Eat at the Central Market

Granada’s central market is busy, chaotic, and full of local life. You’ll find everything from fruit stalls to little food counters serving gallo pinto and fried plantains. I explored the market and found so many fun things to try, amongst others a drink made from pineapple peel and a stew that’s said to be the best hangover cure in Nicaragua.

Visit ChocoMuseo

If you like chocolate, don’t skip ChocoMuseo. It’s part museum, part café, and part workshop. You can learn about how chocolate is made in Nicaragua, taste different varieties, and even join a class to make your own. I went in for “just a look” and ended up eating way too much chocolate cake.

Book your chocolate workshop here

Visit the Convento y Museo San Francisco

This old convent is now a museum with pre-Columbian statues, religious art, and information about Granada’s history. The courtyard is peaceful, and it’s a good stop if you want to mix sightseeing with a little culture.

Visit Iglesia Xalteva

Iglesia Xalteva is one of Granada’s most striking churches, and you’ll likely spot its bright yellow façade long before you reach it. It’s located just outside the bustle of the central park and has a special significance as it’s named after the indigenous Xalteva people who originally inhabited the area. There is a lovely park just outside that’s perfect for people watching.

Wander the Colorful Streets

One of the best things to do in Granada is also the simplest, just walking. The pastel-colored colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and big wooden doors make it feel like stepping back in time. I loved starting my mornings just wandering without much of a plan, just exploring the different side streets and ending up at new places every time.

Colorful streets in Granada, Nicaragua

Visit the Fortaleza de la Pólvora

This old fortress was once used to defend Granada and now functions as a small museum. You can walk along the walls and get a view of the city. It’s not as famous as the churches, but it’s a nice stop if you enjoy history.

Watch the Sunset at the Waterfront (Malecon)

Granada sits right on Lake Nicaragua, and the waterfront is a nice place to end the day. Locals gather here for snacks, music, and to watch the sunset. It’s a laid-back way to wrap up your time in the city. Rent a bike and explore the area if you have more time spend here.

Best Daytrips from Granada

There are so many amazing places to explore around Granada as well so you can easily add an extra week just to do this. Some of the places below absolutely deserve a couple of nights too, but if you don’t have time, a day trip is still a great way to explore more.

Take a boat trip to Las Isletas

Just outside the city, you’ll find Las Isletas, a cluster of tiny islands on Lake Nicaragua. You can hop on a boat tour or rent a kayak and spend a couple of hours cruising around.

Some of the islands have houses, others are just covered with trees and the occasional monkey. It’s peaceful, and the views of Mombacho Volcano in the background are stunning.

If the boat tour feels too passive, you can also rent a kayak and paddle through Las Isletas on your own or with a guide. It’s slower, quieter and probably very peaceful. I did a boat tour, but would have loved to do a kayak as well.

You can get there on your own and book a boat or kayak, but we opted for a tour from Granada that fixed it for us. This is the trip we booked.

Book your tour to La Isletas here

If you want you can also spend a night or two here to just relax at a great eco lodge. I didn’t do this, but on my boat trip around the area I saw so many cute places and I wish I had some more time to just relax here.

Best places to stay in La Isletas

Jicaro Island Lodge

Zopango Orchids Island

Isla Mirabel

Hotel El Reith Lake

So many pretty places to stay on Las isletas

Hike Mombacho Volcano

If you want a bit of adventure, head up to Mombacho Volcano. There’s a reserve at the top where you can hike through cloud forest and see craters covered in green. The trails aren’t too long, but the air is cooler up there, which feels great after the city heat. I recommend going with a guide, since they point out plants and wildlife you’d probably miss on your own.

The Best Tour to Mombacho Volcano

Take a Day Trip to Laguna de Apoyo

About 20 minutes from Granada is Laguna de Apoyo, a volcanic crater lake that’s perfect for swimming and relaxing. The water is warm and calm, and there are a few hostels and beach clubs along the shore where you can rent kayaks, grab lunch, or just float for the day.

Best places to stay on Laguna de Apoyo

If you’re looking for a place to relax you might want to add a couple of nights here.

Hostel Paradiso

Casa Marimba

Laguna Beach Club

Explore Volcán Masaya at Night - Not possible at the moment

About 30 minutes from Granada is Masaya Volcano, one of Nicaragua’s most active volcanoes. At night, you can stand on the crater rim and see the glowing red lava below. It was one of the things I was looking forward too, but unfortunately it’s not possible at the moment.

I’m still adding it here so you know it’s not possible because when I went to Granada, every blog I read said to do it even though it hadn’t been possible for quite a while. There was a land slide in the beginning if 2024 and when I visited in 2025 you still couldn’t go there and I got the impression that it would take a awhile before it was possible. So double check and don’t get your hopes up!

Take a Day Trip to Catarina and San Juan de Oriente

Just outside Granada are two little towns worth visiting. Catarina has a lookout point with incredible views over Laguna de Apoyo, and San Juan de Oriente is known for its pottery workshops. Both make for an easy and interesting day trip. I never made it here even though I wanted to so I can’t give any personal recommendations, but it does look like super cute towns if you have some extra time in Granada.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Granada, Nicaragua?

If you’re planning a trip through Nicaragua, make sure Granada is on your list. It’s colorful, welcoming, and full of simple experiences that end up being the ones you remember most.

Granada isn’t just about ticking off sights, it’s about slowing down and soaking it all in. Whether you’re climbing church towers, hopping on a boat through the islets, or just eating your way through the market, the city has a way of pulling you in.

I hope this guide helps you plan you trip to Granada. If you have any questions about travel to Granada, Nicaragua or Central America in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out.

-Ingrid