Paseo de Los Tristes in Granada Spain

The Paseo de los Tristes is one of the essential routes in Granada. It offers an exclusive perspective of the Alhambra, and a romantic and bohemian atmosphere permeates the entire walk. Moreover, walking along the Paseo de los Tristes allows you to savour and discover the colours, palaces, churches, convents, museums and buildings that surround it.

Discover what else you can see in this city in our post: Things to see and do in Granada.

This is an open space that begins at the Puente de las Chirimías bridge. Situated between the Alhambra and the Albaicín neighbourhood, it runs parallel to the River Darro, following the Carrera del Darro street, and is guarded between the Cuesta del Chapiz and the Cuesta del Rey Chico. Tourists in Granada looking for the Paseo de los Tristes might never find it under that name. This promenade appears as Paseo del Padre Manjón, instead of the name it commonly goes by.

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Why is it called Paseo de los Tristes?

The official name of the Paseo de los Tristes is Paseo del Padre Manjón. This sad name is due to the fact that, during the 19th century, this walk led to the cemetery of San José. The funeral processions crossed the Paseo del Padre Manjón towards the cemetery on the hill of Sabika. It was also the point where relatives said goodbye to the deceased before going up the slope to the hill.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

When was the Paseo de los Tristes built?

Formerly known as Paseo de la Puerta de Guadix, the Paseo de los Tristes was built in 1609 on land ceded by the lords of Castril. The fountain, which is still standing today, is also from 1609. Until the 19th century, the Paseo de los Tristes was one of the busiest promenades in the city, where they held bullfights and barbecue festivals.

How many bridges cross the Paseo de los Tristes?

This promenade is well known, but the 14 bridges that cross it are rarely mentioned. Located on the well-known Carrera del Darro and the Paseo de los Tristes, the bridges over the Darro River were a fundamental feature in the urban structure of the city. Among them are the Bridge of the Chirimías, which is where this walk begins, the Cabrera bridge, the Aljibillo bridge, the Espinosa bridges, the Cadí bridge and the Embovedado del río Darro.

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Bridge of Las Chirimías

This is a small bridge on the Paseo de los Tristes next to the Casa de las Chirimías, from which it gets its name. It is of Arabic origin and dates back to 1882. Its location and excellent views of the Alhambra help to perpetuate the romantic image given to the city by the flowing river.

Cabrera Bridge

The Cabrera Bridge links the Carrera del Darro with the Almanzora district, between the river and the Cuesta de Gomérez. As it is located next to the bridge of Espinosa, it is thought that it may have been built at the same time. It dates back to the beginning of the 17th century during the urban remodelling of the Carera del Darro, after the explosion of a powder magazine next to the church of San Pedro in 1590.

Embovedado Del Río Darro

The Darro river embankment conceals the river’s passage through the centre of the city of Granada. It is considered a feat of great engineering and historical importance. Starting in Plaza Nueva, it ends at the mouth of the Darro and the Genil, next to the Zirí bridge. It was built during the first years of the 16th century, when the Catholic Monarchs ordered the widening of the Islamic bridge.

Bridge of El Aljibillo 

The Aljibillo Bridge is got its name because in the past it was necessary to cross over a cistern at this crossing point. It connects the Paseo de los Tristes and the Aljibillo, on both sides of the River Darro. It was built over the original bridge with a semicircular arch to join the two sides of the medina, separated by the river. Only the southern part of the Aljibillo bridge is still the Islamic construction, made of coal and rope ashlars. The remaining part has undergone several reconstructions throughout history, the last one in 1861.

Espinosa Bridges

Located on the Carrera del Darro, this bridge connects the Albaicín with the Churra district. It is believed that this bridge dates back to the late Christian period, around the 17th century.

If you visit the Albaicín it is a good idea to stop at this bridge and cross it towards the Churra neighbourhood to enjoy the magnificent view. A row of beautiful facades of stately houses located on the right bank of the river. At the same time it is of great interest to go into the small neighbourhood of the Churra and climb up to its highest point where you can appreciate an impressive and unusual view of the Albaicín neighbourhood.

Cadí Bridge

The Cadí Bridge is located on the Carrera del Darro in Granada, over the Darro River. Today, only one of its two abutments remains standing, specifically the one located on the bank of the Alhambra Forest. This bridge’s purpose was to connect the two water supply devices (corachas). A grille over the riverbed allowed the passage of water, but not intruders.

How to get to the Paseo de los Tristes?

There are several ways to get to the Paseo de los Tristes, and just like the other important stops in the city, it is best to walk. For example, cross the original Carrera del Darro from the Plaza Nueva, to immerse yourself in the history and magic of the place. It is the perfect way to admire the bridges and buildings, and to visit some of the monuments along the way.

You can also use public transport. There is a minibus “Alhambra bus” which leaves from Plaza Nueva on the C31, and from Plaza Isabel la Católica on the C32. If you want to visit the Paseo de los Tristes from the Alhambra, you can get there by walking down the Cuesta del Rey Chico, or by going down the Cuesta del Chapiz if you are visiting the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods.

The Paseo de los Tristes cannot be reached by car as it is only open for buses and taxis.

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Where to eat on the Paseo de los Tristes?

This is a very touristy area, so most of the bars and restaurants are not very good value for money. However, you can have a beer in the bars located on the Paseo de los Tristes, on the terraces just below the Alhambra and enjoy the views.

Of all the bars located near Paseo de los Tristes and Carrera del Darro we have selected two tapas bars and two restaurants that offer the best value for money. Some are next to the river Darro and others are a little further away, but all are very close to each other and to the location in question. 

Bar La Hermosa on Paseo de los Tristes

A unique, charming space that doesn’t look like a restaurant or a bar, but more like a beer shop. This is a quiet place, located to the left of the Ruta del Azafrán restaurant. It doesn’t have a view of the Alhambra, but it is the best option to try something different on the Paseo de los Tristes. La Hermosa has different food, beers and atmosphere to the rest of the bars. It stands out especially for its craft beers accompanied by quality tapas.

Here, you can taste craft beers from Granada, such as Sacromonte beer, brewed in the city. They don’t have a kitchen, but to accompany the beer, they offer local tapas of cold meats, cheeses, toasts, pâtés, etc. It is an opportunity to recharge, have a drink, or have lunch in a special bar and an even more special location.

Bar Ras on Carrera del Darro

This is a typical tapas bar in Granada, located on the Carrera del Darro about 50 metres from the Paseo de los Tristes. Inside you will find a quiet and pleasant atmosphere, with rustic Andalusian decoration and flamenco music in the background. 

This bar has a wide variety of tapas, and generous portions of homemade Andalusian food. Specialities include veal in sauce, migas, potato omelette and ratatouille. It is open from 10:00 in the morning, so it is a very good place to have breakfast before starting the day’s route. The prices are reasonable considering the area and the good quality of the food. A beer, accompanied by its corresponding tapa, costs 2.20 euros. 

Negro Carbón Albayzín Restaurant

This restaurant, located near the Darro River, is one of the best restaurants in the city for meat lovers. Although it doesn’t have a view, it offers a unique location in the middle of the Carrera del Darro. It has an extensive menu of great quality meats, with a creative touch in the presentation of the dishes. The price is according to the weight of the cut, perhaps a little higher than other places, but in keeping with the quality of the product.

In our post: Best Restaurants in Granada, we tell you more about the best places to eat in the city including this one.

Ruta del Azafrán Restaurant

It is located at the start of the Paseo de los Tristes, at the foot of the Alhambra. This restaurant is a complete departure from the typical tourist restaurant you would expect to find in such a location. La ruta de Azafrán will surprise you with both the quality of the dishes and the service. Inside you will discover breathtaking views of the Alhambra through the large windows, and a very cosy atmosphere. They serve generous quantities of Mediterranean cuisine and the presentation is always great.

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Accommodation along the Paseo de los Tristes

Your choice of hotel is very important, personal and decisive for a trip. On the Paseo de los Tristes there is a wide variety of hotels and flats, and many of them are worth a visit. In this post, we highlight just three of the ones we like the most, with very good reviews, lots of charm and a perfect location. But if you want to know more about other accommodation options, check out our post Hotels in Granada to organise your trip.

El Ladrón de Agua Hotel

This is a 3-star boutique hotel, located on the Carrera del Darro. This boutique hotel is in a beautiful 16th century house with an impressive courtyard full of charm, just a 3 minute walk from the Plaza Nueva. The location is perfect to make the most of your visit to the city. The price per night, per double room is approximately €80.

Hotel Shine Albayzin 

This hotel is also located in the heart of the Carrera del Darro. Hotel Shine Albayzin is a 16th century palace that faces the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra. Its 12 rooms are steeped in history and its beautiful courtyard makes it a very cosy and magical meeting place. The price of a double room per night is around €100.

Palacio de Santa Inés

This 3-star hotel is an elegant, refurbished 16th-century house, located on the Cuesta de Santa Inés. It is a 6 minute walk from the Paseo de los Tristes, a 7 minute walk from Granada Cathedral and an 18 minute walk from the medieval Alhambra complex. The location of this hotel is not as exact as the previous two, but its interior will make you want to walk the 6 minute difference. The price for a standard double room per night is approximately €110.

How to organise your route around Granada?

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• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
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If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.