Granada, Spain

• Granada is at 738 meters elevation at the base of the Sierra Nevada, so it's noticeably cooler than Seville or Málaga. The Alhambra sits on one hill, the old Moorish quarter of Albaicín on the opposite hillside across the valley. The cobblestone streets get steep fast.
• The free tapas tradition still works here - you get a small plate of food with every drink you order. The quality varies but it's real, not a tourist gimmick. English gets you by around Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral, but you'll need basic Spanish in neighborhoods like Realejo.
• The center is walkable if you can handle hills. Albaicín and Sacromonte are serious climbs on uneven cobblestones. Buses cost 1.60 euros and run frequently. Tourist police are visible around major sites. Pickpocketing happens in crowded areas - same as any tourist city.
• Restaurants open around 8pm, locals eat dinner between 9-10:30pm. Small shops close for siesta 2-5pm. Violent crime is rare, but keep an eye on your belongings in Plaza Nueva and around the Cathedral where crowds gather.

Spanish is the main language. English is spoken in tourist areas around Plaza Nueva, the Alhambra, and major hotels. The Tourist Emergency Helpline (902 102 112) has operators in English, French, German, and Italian. The universal emergency number 112 has English-speaking operators. The AlertCops app connects you to police services in English.

• People dress more formally than in northern Europe. Athletic wear outside the gym marks you as a tourist. For churches like the Cathedral or Royal Chapel, cover shoulders and knees. Evening wear leans smart casual.
• Lunch runs 2-4pm, dinner starts at 9pm. Locals actually eat around 10pm. Small shops close for siesta 2-5pm. Tipping isn't expected but rounding up or adding 5-10% for good service is normal.
• Basic Spanish helps a lot: 'por favor', 'gracias', 'disculpe'. When meeting friends of friends, there's the two-cheek kiss greeting (start right). In casual settings, just watch what others do and follow along.
• Avoid bringing up politics or the civil war unless locals bring it up first. With the tapas system, you get a small plate of food with each drink - sometimes the quality improves the more rounds you order at the same bar. Eating alone at the bar counter is normal, not awkward.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Universal Emergency: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• There are 25 daytime bus lines and 2 night lines (Búho) running until 5am on weekends. Single tickets cost 1.60 euros, but a Credibus card drops it to 54 cents per trip. Lines C30 and C32 go from Plaza Nueva up to the Alhambra.
• The center is walkable if you're okay with hills. Albaicín and Sacromonte are steep climbs on cobblestones. Wear shoes with good grip - sandals or smooth soles will have you slipping on the polished stones.
• Taxis and ride apps work fine for late nights or if you're tired of walking uphill. Most trips within the center run 5-10 euros. The metro (light rail, really) stays open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Small red minibuses navigate the narrow streets of Albaicín, Alhambra, and Sacromonte where regular buses can't fit. Same ticketing system as the main buses.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Granada with local guides and curated experiences.