How to see the Alhambra from the San Nicolás viewpoint (Albaicín Granada)

If there was a visit that I was clear about that I had to make during my return to Grenada After many years without visiting the beautiful Andalusian city, it was to go to Saint Nicholas' lookout.

What's more, the last time I set foot Grenada While passing through during a trip to the south, I made a stop exclusively to see the aforementioned viewpoint.

Now, on our most recent getaway to the historic Andalusian city, I had planned visit the Albaicín neighborhood, for which I signed up for one tour, just as I always like to do to get to know a city.

And said visit, in which we also arrived at gypsy neighborhood of Sacromonte, and in which here you have all the information to reserve it, had Saint Nicholas' lookout as a final stage, already at dusk.

What better way to end your visit to the Albaicín!

How to visit the San Nicolás viewpoint in Albaicín

Chus, the guide, told us that the Saint Nicholas' lookout It is considered the most visited tourist enclave by tourists in all of Spain.

I don't know if this is an exaggeration, but if you don't already know it, when you first arrive you won't be surprised that it could be a true statement.

Located in the highest part of the charming Albaicín neighborhood, whose origins date back to the time of the Muslim occupation, the views you have of the wonderful Alhambra of Granada they are spectacular.

From there you can perfectly distinguish the entire palace complex, with the nasrid palaces, palace of Charles V and in the “bow” of it, the Alcazaba and candle tower.

I tell you that during your visit of Granada It is possible that you will go up to said location more than once, especially if you are a fan of photography as is our case, since you will seek to portray the scene at different times of the day and with different light situations.

On our getaway I went up a couple of times, the first after dark and the second when it was approaching sunset.

Since our visit did not coincide with a particularly tourist time, such as the month of December, although there were many people, it was possible to move around the viewpoint.

And I say this because I understand that during the most touristy times, right at sunset there is a real crowd of people that makes it very difficult to enjoy the sights. panoramic views of the Alhambra.

Of course, you will always find the viewpoint with a great tourist atmosphere, with artisans selling their products, flamenco singers, musicians...

How to get to the San Nicolás viewpoint

It will be simple for you get to the San Nicolás viewpoint from Plaza Nueva, true axis of the tourist area of ​​Granada, at the foot of the hills of Albaicín and Alhambra, well you just have to start going up the busy streets of New Boilerworks o Old Calderia.

In this way, their own winding will lead you to said viewpoint, already in the upper part of the neighborhood.

Church of San Nicolás in Albaicín

When on the contrary you find yourself visiting the Alhambra, in the panoramic views from this monument towards the Albaicín, it will be very easy for you to locate the viewpoint by distinguishing the Church of San Nicolás.

It is a building that was built in Moorish style in 1525, which throughout history has had various vicissitudes such as collapses or fires.

Specifically, in one that occurred in 1932 it lost its original wooden ceiling. Moorish style.

Currently you can access the interior of the Church of San Nicolás not beyond the open door, as the building is closed to people while awaiting essential works to consolidate its structure to avoid possible collapse.

New Mosque of Granada in Albaicín

I also tell you that almost next to the aforementioned church is the New Mosque, the only one of Muslim worship left in Granada.

Their grounds They are open to visitors until dusk and it is a very good alternative to the San Nicolás viewpoint well it has similar panoramic views of the Alhambra and you will surely find its viewpoint with almost no visitors.

In short, the Saint Nicholas' lookout It should be an essential visit on your trip to Granada.

Guided tours of Albaicín

For your getaway to Granada, in addition to the aforementioned, here you have information on a guided tour of Albaicín and Sacromonte, which includes the visit of the madrasah, whichever was first University of Granada founded by Muslims.

Here you have another alternative of the guided tour of Albaicín, with a two-hour walk.