My secret places

Throughout the year, I visited the city and a multitude of places where to have a good time, walk, pass some time, study or have a picnic and party... Here is a small selection of my favourite places in Granada.

First of all, the Carmen Garden, located near the main entry to the Alhambra. This garden, fully free, recalls the Arabic architecture of the Alhambra, and give a good overview of what you could expect to see if you visited the Alhambra. This very quiet, and not that touristy garden, is very pleasant, and overhangs the city giving beautiful view on it. The garden is divided into several parts: there is one with the Arabic architecture style, another overlooks the garden full of palm trees, and another one is a kind of maze alternating with orange trees and impressive fountains. There are other wilder parts at the rear of the garden which look like a real forest. The park opens around 10 am until 2 pm, and it is closed until 4 pm and reopens until 8 pm.

Another place that I love: Plaza Larga in Albaicin. Within the city centre, this plaza is located in the Albaicin not far from the San Nicolas Mirador and is a little bit hidden by plethora of alleys. I don't know why but this place seems different to me. This is typical of the atmosphere and ideals we can imagine about Spain. And yet, it is still a touristy place. Very vibrant on Sundays, there are some bars on huge terraces where sometimes it is difficult to find a seat. The atmosphere reaches a climax around 2 pm when people eat! The omnipresence of street shows and musicians makes this place even more lively. If you want to experience the Spanish vibes without succumbing to the touristic cliché, I recommend to visit this plaza because it is worth, at least, having a drink there.

The Faculty of Translation: Yes, from time to time, we need to be a little bit serious and study. For the future Erasmus students, I recommend you to have a look at the Faculty of Translation near Plaza Trinidad. Within the faculty, there is a very peaceful garden where you can spend the day in a quiet atmosphere. It is a perfect place to revise in the sun! Open all day long, this little patio is specially furnished for students, with a few tables and parasols.

(Source: http://www.sobredos.com)

The last place is a very personal one. It is a little cafe on Calle Gallas Gonzalo named Cafeteria Mundisalado. There is nothing extraordinary about this place, and still it was the first place I went to in Granada. At the beginning of my adventure, when I was feeling bad, it was a place of solace for me. First, thanks to the waiters who are always kind, smiling, and offering biscuits. Also, for its calm atmosphere and the sunny terrace. It looks like a local bar and that is precisely what I loved! No need to dress up, it is the perfect place to have breakfast with friends after morning classes. You are in the sun and you are eating the best "tostadas tomate, jamon y queso" in Granada! I only have good memories about this tiny bar, and I am already nostalgic when I think that I will probably never go there again...

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