With its rich history, stunning colonial architecture, and a sprinkling of volcanoes for extra drama, Granada is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook; one with a soundtrack of marimba music and the occasional horse-drawn carriage clattering by. Its a must stop on the backpackers itinerary as you travel north or south through Nicaragua. Hostels like Oasis, (highly recommended) provide an experience allowing you to meet fellow backpackers, take sunset booze cruises or get tickets to the INFAMOUS Tree House Hostel parties. Most of the hostels here work together and you will find different events at different hostels on different nights. Its backpackers centric and its fantastic.
It does feel fuelled by booze, late nights and live music, however there is more to Granada than this. A lot more, it has a deep history that is entangle with the sister city of Leon (which you can find out more about in our 3 unmissable things to do in Leon Post).
The area on the lake has indigenous origins however the Spanish would establish Granada in the 16C creating a bustling town on the Lake Nicaragua. Let’s take a journey through the city’s past, its architectural wonders, and the charm that keeps visitors coming back for more. Today we will look at the history of this fantastic little town what to do before topping the whole thing off with a bit of safety advice.
GRANADA NICARAGUA - CONTENTS LINKS
Granada’s Origins
Granada wasn’t built to blend in; it was built to stand out. Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, this lakeside city was one of the first European settlements in mainland America. The Spanish intended Granada to be a beacon of colonial power, with its prime location on Lake Nicaragua offering a key trade route.
But, of course, being a colonial prize comes with some drama. Over the centuries, Granada faced pirate raids, political power struggles, and even an attempt by a rogue American filibuster named William Walker to take over (spoiler: it didn’t end well for him).
Despite these challenges, the city has managed to preserve its colonial charm, making it one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in Central America. As I have suggested in the Leon post above you should really twin the free walking tour of Leon with Granada as your guide will give you further insights to this story. Guru, who I usually endorse for walking tours do not seem to have one here and when I think back, I am sure I did mine through Selina hostel, which is now in 2025 the 'Socialtel Granada'. However Oasis will likely have one if the now Socialtel Granada do not!.
The Architecture of Granada Nicaragua
Granada’s architecture is like a love letter to the Spanish colonial era, with a dash of tropical flair thrown in for good measure. Walk through the city, and you’ll find:
Brightly Painted Facades: The buildings here come in every shade of the rainbow; turquoise, ochre, coral, and more. It’s like the entire city was designed to be photographed at golden hour.
Elegant Courtyards: Many homes and buildings are centred around lush courtyards, often filled with palm trees, fountains, and a hammock or two, perfect spot to sweat out last nights activities.
Grand Churches: Granada’s churches are the crown jewels of its skyline. The Cathedral of Granada, with its iconic yellow facade, is the city’s centrepiece, while Iglesia de La Merced offers panoramic views from its bell tower.
Wooden Shutters and bespoke balconies: The intricate balconies and an extra layer of charm, perfect for daydreaming about colonial-era gossip sessions.
The builds are picturesque and the main streets feel clean and well looked after. Granada used to be an alternate holiday home destination for those looking for something different, however this all came a cropper when civil war broke out in 2018. I imagine with this level of uncertainty in the air buying a second home in a location like Nicaragua is something that can scare a lot of investors away.
Exploring Granada’s Iconic Landmarks
The Cathedral of Granada
Located in the heart of the city’s central square, this bright yellow cathedral is impossible to miss. Built in 1583 (and rebuilt several times since), it’s a symbol of Granada’s enduring faith and resilience. Step inside, and you’ll find soaring arches and peaceful chapels; a perfect escape from the midday heat.
Iglesia de La Merced
If you’re up for a little adventure, climb the bell tower of this 16th-century church for the best view in town. From the top, you’ll see the red-tiled roofs of Granada stretching out to meet the shimmering waters of Lake Nicaragua, with the looming silhouette of Mombacho Volcano in the background.
Convento San Francisco
This former convent-turned-museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Its collection of pre-Columbian statues, some dating back over 1,000 years, offers a glimpse into the region’s indigenous past. The courtyard, lined with ancient stone
carvings, feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones set (minus the boulder traps).
A Note On The Churches
I usually like to keep my blogs out of politics, however it is worth noting that the catholic churches are going through a particularly tough time in Nicaragua due an article from La Croix International published in August 2024 states.
"In April 2018, priests opened their churches to hunted students and, as much as they could, treated injuries caused by Sandinista batons and bullets. From the pulpit, they denounced numerous human rights abuses."
My fear here is what will happen to the churches and the people who maintain them. Only the future will be able to let us know, Alas if you are in Granada visiting these building is a must.
Granada Today
Fortunately, Granada isn’t just about its churches; it’s a vibrant, modern city with plenty to offer today’s adventurers:
The Market Scene: The local market is a sensory overload of fresh produce, sizzling street food, colourful crafts and even daily household items, it seems to spill out from a central location and sprawl out onto the streets. You can feel the energy change as you are drawn into what looks like dark alleys that lead onto stalls after stall. If you are in Oasis hostel, you will be near by. Ill drop the location on a map below. (orange shop front marker).
The Calzada: This pedestrian-friendly street is the beating heart of Granada’s social scene. Lined with restaurants, bars, and live music, it’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere. (Red middle marker)
Eco Adventures: Just outside the city, you’ll find opportunities for kayaking on Lake Nicaragua, hiking up Mombacho Volcano, or taking a boat tour of Las Isletas; a cluster of 365 small islands formed by volcanic eruptions.
I have dropped a little walking route below which I will go into in more detail in a separate post explaining a bit more about each point along the path. It is easily walkable in a day, just 5km so without stopping and is essentially the path I took in the video above. It is around an hours worth of walking, hit these spots and you have seen the most important architecture sites in Granada.
Finally lets look at the current safety of Granada heading into 2025.
Safety in Granada 2025: What You Need to Know
Granada is one of the safest cities in Nicaragua, and for the most part, it’s a welcoming destination for travellers. However, like any other place, it’s essential to stay informed and take basic precautions. Here’s what you should know before your trip:
General Safety
Low Crime Rates: Compared to other cities in Central America, Granada has relatively low crime rates. The city’s focus on tourism has led to increased police presence in key areas, making it a safe destination for visitors.
Friendly Locals: Nicaraguans are known for their hospitality, and you’ll find most people in Granada happy to help or offer a friendly smile.
Things to Watch Out For
Pickpocketing: Like in any popular tourist destination, petty theft can happen, especially in crowded areas like markets or bus terminals (especially Rivas which I have gone into in Is Nicaragua Safe for Backpackers? . Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid flashing valuables. If you are exploring markets this is where you should pull out the anti theft travel bag. If you do not have one of these on you then make sure pockets are zipped or you have a lock on your regular day bag. Naturally do not go anywhere without TSA locks.
Nighttime Caution: While the central areas of Granada are generally safe, it’s a good idea to stick to well-lit streets and avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighbourhoods at night. Gentlemen be aware of ladies who approach you later on in the evening.
Scams and Overcharging
Tourist Pricing: Some vendors and taxi drivers may inflate prices for tourists. Brush up on local costs and don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially for transportation or souvenirs.
Fake Guides: Occasionally, unlicensed guides may offer tours of the city or nearby attractions. Stick to reputable tour companies to avoid scams or subpar experiences, generally around Granada your tours are the city walking tour, the volcano of Masaya tour and boating tours of the lakes. The one thing to note is that Granada is a small place, and most of the hostels are pretty well hooked up with experiences, or go through the get your guide links above.
Health and Environmental Safety
Heat and Hydration: Nicaragua’s tropical climate means high temperatures and humidity. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks during the hottest parts of the day.
Street Food: While Granada’s street food is delicious, it’s best to stick to vendors with high turnover and freshly cooked items to avoid any tummy troubles.
Mosquitoes: Depending on the season, mosquitoes can be a nuisance. Bring repellent and consider wearing lightweight long-sleeved clothing in the evenings.
As always I recommend taking something like a Grayl water bottle (not cheap but gives you great pieces of mind), I have even run filtered water from hostels and hotels through my own filter as I have seen some filters in Nicaragua and Guatemala that looks as though they were installed 2 decades ago! Better to be safe than sorry!
Cultural Etiquette
Dress Modestly: While Granada is a tourist-friendly city, dressing modestly when visiting churches or religious sites shows respect for local customs.
Learn Basic Spanish: Though many locals working in tourism speak some English, learning a few Spanish phrases can go a long way in building trust and navigating the city.
With its colourful streets, historic landmarks, and welcoming atmosphere, Granada is a relatively safe and hassle-free destination for travellers. By staying aware of your surroundings, respecting local customs, and taking a few basic precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy this stunning city to the fullest. I have put the full Nicaragua Safety post below and have also linked the Nicaragua backpacking page to help you plan your own trip.
If you have been to Granada, please let us know how you got on in the city and what you loved or hated about it and please let backpackers know any tips you think are important.
Take care backpackers until the next one
Jack
For the curious explorer
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