The Only Guide You'll Need To Granada, Nicaragua

I spent the first month of my full-time travel in Granada, Nicaragua, and absolutely fell in love with the city. Granada is a city that so easy to fall in love with….think colorful, colonial-style architecture… and stunning cathedrals…..a backdrop of towering volcanoes. From hiking said volcanoes to exploring the nearby islands and lakes to gorgeous dinners out, there's something for every type of traveler here.

Getting There

If you're arriving by air, the closest airport is Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) located in Managua, which is about 45 minutes away from Granada by car or taxi. Many major airlines fly to MGA. Once you arrive at MGA, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus or hire a private driver to Granada. Hostels will often offer a shuttle or private pickup, too, so double check with them! 

Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport

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Getting Around

Taxis can be found on almost every street corner and are relatively cheap compared to taxis in other countries. Taxis in Granada don't have meters, so negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in. If you're staying within city limits it should only cost a few dollars, but double-check with the driver before getting in anyways. A few new friends and I had an adventurous, slightly terrifying taxi ride in a car that sounded like it could break down at any moment...and then got charged triple what we should've once we arrived. 

Where To Stay

I've listed some options to help you find the perfect place to stay for your next adventure, whether you're looking for a communal experience or a private retreat.

Hostels

Selina Granada

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This is where I stayed for my whole time in Granada and I really liked it. I heard from others that the layout made it more like a hotel and a bit less social, but because I was working, it ended up being a pretty good balance for me. The staff was amazing, the coworking space was excellent, and it was in a very convenient location in town.

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Amenities:

✰ Solid wifi

✰ AC

✰ Large kitchen

✰ Library

✰ Cinema

✰ Great coworking space

Think...boutique hostel, accommodation, coworking, community, art, design, wellness, sustainability, local guided experiences.

Hostel Oasis

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The Oasis hostel is where everyone would flock for their infamous "booze cruise", which, to be fair, did look super fun.

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Amenities:

✰ Free breakfast

✰ Bikes for rent

✰ Tours

✰ Swimming pool

✰ Shuttle to Paradiso (Laguna de Apoyo)

Think....backpackers, budget, dormitory, rooftop terrace, city view, colonial architecture, social atmosphere, cultural immersion, central location.

Hostal De Boca en Boca

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I didn't stay here, but the reviews were amazing and I would probably stay here if (when!) I visit Granada again.

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Amenities:

✰ Spacious dorm rooms

✰ AC

✰ Well-stocked kitchen

✰ Great location

✰ Free breakfast

Think.....backpackers, central location, affordable rates, communal spaces, rooftop terrace, social atmosphere, private rooms, dormitories, free breakfast, walking tours.

Hotels

Hotel Real La Merced

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I passed this hotel several times on walks around the city and absolutely adored the pretty pink architecture, so I looked it up and it had amazing reviews. It's also one of the only hotels in Granada that offers room service, if that's something you're into!

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Amenities:

✰ ATM

✰ Dry cleaning

✰ Airport transportation

✰ Room service

✰ WiFi

Think....colonial architecture, central location, courtyard, indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, on-site restaurant, rooftop terrace, city views, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, laundry service, conference facilities.

Hotel Estrada

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I didn't stay here but I passed it quite a few times and it's absolutely stunning. Reviews were super high (and mentioned in-suite jacuzzis, delicious breakfasts, and amazing staff).

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Amenities:

✰ Free Wi-Fi

✰ Air conditioning

✰ Complimentary breakfast

✰ On-site restaurant

✰ Central location

Think....rooftop terrace, city views, charming courtyard, colonial architecture, central location.

Where (And What) To Eat

From street vendors to high-end restaurants, every city has its own unique culinary culture. In this section, I'll dive into the must-try dishes that I loved and my favorite restaurants to help you get a taste of the city's food culture.

Restaurants

The Garden Café

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We went here probably every other day. It's a short walk, is absolutely stunning and has such good food! (And a ton of gluten-free options). I highly recommend the fish tacos and passionfruit cheesecake!

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Café de Arte

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Another favorite! Delicious smoothies and artists painting on the other side of the restaurant every time I went. The chicken panini was really good!

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Casa Marimba

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Okay so technically this place is in the laguna, not Granada. But I promise that it's beyond worth it! The owner was amazing (and an insanely good chef) and the views are magical! I would go back to Nicaragua just to get to go again!

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pita pita

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I lived in the Middle East for five years so my standards for good Mediterranean food are HIGH...and this place absolutely fits the bill. The falafel is perfectly crispy yet fluffy, the hummus is creamy and flavorful, and the portions are very generous. Plus, the prices are very affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. I highly recommend the sample platter so you can get a little taste of everything!

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Dishes To Try

Churrasco

If you eat meat, definitely try churrasco while in Granada; it's grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce, fried plantains, and gallo pinto (rice and beans). You can find churrasco at many restaurants throughout the city. I don't even like steak very much but this was so, so good.

Quesillo (street food)

A quesillo is a rolled tortilla filled with cheese, pickled onions, and crèma. It sounds simple but after walking around the city all afternoon or coming back from a day of kayaking, it absolutely hits. There are a few different vendors selling them, but the best one is a guy who's usually on the corner of Calle Real Xalteva and Calle 14 de septiembre (across from the Hotel La Merced) around sunset.

Vigorón

This is another quick street food grab: boiled yucca topped with pork rind and cabbage salad. Yucca is big in Nicaragua and I haven't yet met a variation that I didn't like. 

Nacatamal

Nacatamal is a traditional Nicaraguan dish and one of my favorites in Granada. It consists of a banana leaf-wrapped package of masa (a dough made from corn), stuffed with pork or beef, rice, vegetables, and spices (my favorite is pork!!). It's steamed until the ingredients are cooked to perfection and served with a side of gallo pinto (rice and beans). 

Things To Do

Walking tour (free)

Do not sleep on the free walking tours! They're a great way to explore the city and learn about its fascinating—and sometimes sombering—culture and history.

I took the free walking tour that the Selina offered. It started in the main plaza, Parque Central and took us through a meandering, leisurely stroll through the brightly colored houses of the town. You'll get to see the city's casonas, which are beautifully restored colonial mansions dating back to the 16th century. You'll also get to explore the local markets and three stunning cathedrals.

Honestly, the real highlight was our tour guide. He had grown up in Granada and had even been baptized in one of the cathedrals we visited. He had the best suggestions for local food and was so passionate and knowledgeable about the city's history. 

Guided tour of Masaya Volcano

Masaya Volcano

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Masaya Volcano (also called "the mouth of Hell") is an active volcano just a quick drive from the city, and it's pretty breathtaking. Most tours will go right around sunset so that you can actually see the lava glowing inside the crater, which is insane. The energy is really powerful, even on days where the visibility is less than perfect. Another cool thing about Masaya Volcano is how important it is—and always has been— to the local indigenous people. It has a powerful historical significance and it's a major part of their spiritual and cultural practices.

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Guided boat tour of the Isletas

Isletas of Granada

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The Isletas are home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, and a wide range of bird species. And the views are seriously breathtaking - you can see the Mombacho volcano in the distance and the colorful houses of Granada along the shoreline. The tour will take you around several of the islands, where you can soak up the sun, take a swim in the lake, and sometimes even visit some of the local fishing villages. You'll get to learn about the history and culture of the region from your tour guide, and you'll have plenty of opportunities for amazing pics along the way.

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NOTE: Selina Granada also offers kayak tours and stand-up paddleboard tours of the Isletas!

Day trip to Laguna de Apoyo

Paradiso Hostel & Restaurante

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Paradiso Hostel is absolutely stunning but truthfully, it can be a bit touristy and it's not for everyone. Also, the wifi can be a bit iffy, so maybe don't plan on working remotely from here! That said, the hostel has a laid-back, bohemian vibe and it offers some of the most stunning views and experiences in the area. You can kick back and relax in one of their many hammocks, swim in the lake, or go kayaking or paddleboarding. There are also convenient (and cheap!) shuttles from at least one hostel in town (Oasis).

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NOTE: You can absolutely visit the lake (which is in a volcanic crater!) without spending the day at Paradiso. It's just one of the more convenient options.

Treehouse Jungle Rave (Fridays)

Heavy disclaimer here: raves in general, but especially this one, are just not my vibe. However, it was such a draw for almost every backpacker I met in Granada that this list didn't feel complete without it.

So, the weekly Treehouse Jungle Rave takes place at the Treehouse Hostel just outside of Granada. You can take a taxi or snag one of the shuttles from various hostels in town (Townhouse has one for sure). If this sounds like something you'd be into, you can check out their Instagram page (linked below) both to see who'll be playing and to reserve tickets. 

Treehouse Nicaragua

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Frequently recommended tips: Go early to see the sun set, go with friends, be safe!

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Treehouse Hostel Instagram

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Chocolate Museum

Nicaragua is known for its chocolate and coffee, and is one of only nine countries recognized as having the best cocoa in the world by the International Cocoa Organization. There are places across the country to buy it, but the Chocolate Museum in Granada is a cool place to learn more about its history and get to make your own!

Chocolate Museum of Granada

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The museum is located in a beautiful colonial building in the heart of Granada, and features exhibits that explore the history of chocolate in Nicaragua and around the world. You can see the different varieties of cacao beans and learn about how they're harvested and processed. But probably the best part of the Chocolate Museum is the tasting room, where you get to sample the amazing chocolate made there. You can try everything from traditional Nicaraguan hot chocolate to artisanal chocolates made with local ingredients like coffee and rum. The museum also offers chocolate-making classes, where you can learn to make your own chocolate from scratch and try out your chocolatier skills by adding ingredients like spices and nuts.

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Where to go next:

If you're looking for: laid-back vibe, stunning views, total disconnection, volcanic hikes, island life

Ometepe Island, Nicaragua [guide coming soon!]

If you're looking for: surfing, sunsets, zip-lining, Spring Break vibes, nightlife

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua [guide coming soon!]