The best way to experience Granada is to put on your walking shoes and go! It’s an easy and safe, albeit at times hot, place to walk. Listed below are some of the better known sights, but don’t stop there. Around each corner, down every seemingly insignificant street, lies some interesting old building, church or park (Parque Xalteva is one of those “tucked away” parks).

Walking to and along the shores of Lake Nicaragua is also highly recommended, as is a visit to Granada’s historic cemetery “Granada’s Cemetery: Where History Comes Alive” (NicaNews 17). And by all means, along the way make time to stop and chat with the locals, some of the most genuine, kindly folks around.

Start your walking tour at the Parque Central. The tall palms swaying overhead provide shade from the hot sun. Relax and enjoy the view of the recently-restored pastel-colored gazebo, the neoclassical Cathedral, and the brightly-colored buildings surrounding the plaza. The little refreshment stands on each of the park’s four corners are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Good luck trying to get out without having your shoes shined! When you’re sufficiently rested, visit the main Cathedral, built around the turn of the century, as well as the Palacio de Cultura and Palacio Municipal, two other neoclassical gems facing the park.