Mirador de San Nicolás in Granada - Spectacular Views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada

The Mirador de San Nicolás is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in Granada. Since ex-US president Bill Clinton visited in 1997 and said it has "the most beautiful sunset in the world", the Mirador de San Nicolás has become a must-see for tourists.


The beauty of this viewpoint is undeniable, with the Alhambra and the Generalife face to face, the city at its feet, and the magnificent Sierra Nevada behind.

The Mirador is located in the Albayzin neighbourhood and is famous for the charm of its surroundings, its cobbled streets, white houses, tapas bars, and its people.

Just next to the viewpoint is the Church of San Nicolás of 1525 in the Mudejar and Gothic style, built on a mosque like many other churches in Granada.

This church gives its name to the Square and the viewpoint.

At present the church is closed for restoration. It forms an inseparable part of the viewpoint of San Nicolás and no doubt it shall be preserved for generations.

The Mirador de San Nicolás can be very crowded, especially at sunset and at weekends.

How to Get to the Mirador de San Nicolás?

You can get to the Mirador de San Nicolás from Plaza Isabel Católica in the small 'microbus' (Alhambra Bus) route C31 and C32 that go to the Albayzin.

If you like exercise, you can walk up the hill through some very pretty little Albayzin streets (and probably get a little lost along the way!).

Start at Plaza Nueva, walk along the Paseo de los Tristes, Cuesta del Chapiz, and turn left when you reach the Church of El Salvador, and then keep going along the Carril de las Tomasas.

Where to Eat at the Mirador de San Nicolás?

There are several places where you can eat well at the Mirador de San Nicolás. Some offer magnificent views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada.

If you want to eat enjoying the views, these restaurants are perfect but invariably expensive.

If you have already enjoyed the views of the Alhambra and want to spend less, there are some restaurants about 50 metres from the viewpoint which have no views but offer good, inexpensive food.

Some restaurants near the Mirador de San Nicolás:

Restaurant Balcón de San Nicolás

It has an impressive terrace with about 10 tables, located just below the viewpoint offering stunning views. As you can imagine, in good weather it is full.

Some of their dishes: Fried squid - 18 euros, gilthead fish - 18 euros, seafood and vegetables - 25 euros, Cod Gitano - 25 euros, beer and soft drinks - 2.50 euros.

Restaurant Huerto de Juan Ranas

Another restaurant with great views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada, from where you can also see almost all of Granada.

As always, if a restaurant is in a prime location, it will be expensive, but the food quality, service and the views are worth it.

The terrace is larger than the Balcón de San Nicolás; it has about 20 tables. There is usually a queue to enter. It is located below the Mirador de San Nicolás, slightly to the left.

Two completely different menus exist for the terrace and the interior hall. A special menu for groups is also available. Prices for main courses are around 22-26 euros, for example: Rabo de Toro - 22 euros.

Restaurant Estrellas de San Nicolás

It has a terrace overlooking the Alhambra, also tables behind the restaurant, but with no view.

Just next to the viewpoint there is a small restaurant: Estrellas de San Nicolas. Just next to the viewpoint is this small restaurant. The dishes are delicious but expensive, as in most restaurants in this area.

Apart from the menu (carta), they have a three-course daily menu (menu del día), which costs 21 euros. You can choose between three starters, three main courses and three desserts.

In comparison, the price of a similar daily menu in the centre of Granada is around 10-15 euros.

Some of their dishes: Salmorejo (tomato and bread purée) - 10.50 euros, goat's cheese salad - 12.50 euros, aubergines with honey - 11.50 euros, Tuna Tartar - 19.50 euros.

Bar Kiki and Restaurant el Mirador

These two restaurants are just behind the Mirador de San Nicolás and the church, next to each other with no terrace boundary between them.

They do not have views, but the prices are quite reasonable compared with other restaurants in the area.

There is a good atmosphere, with typical dishes and tapas from Granada, and lots of people. Here you can eat good fish or rice.

Some of their dishes:

Restaurant el Mirador: Fried squid – 9.50 euros, beef sirloin - 14.50 euros, fried anchovies – 8.90 euros, Caesar salad - 6.50 euros, Salmorejo – 4.50 euros.

Kiki: Fried squid - 10 euros, fried anchovies - 10 euros, Cazón: 10 euros, various fried fish: 16 euros.

 

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