A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Granada for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Auckland or Granada?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Granada can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. Granada is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Granada travel costs.

Auckland and Granada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Granada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland than Granada. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Auckland is very popular for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Auckland different from Granada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Granada and Auckland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Granada?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Granada are world-renowned. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Granada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Auckland and Granada offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Dining out in Granada is an experience not to be missed. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Granada have great vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Beaches?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for its Old Town?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Hiking?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Granada?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Auckland or Granada More Beautiful?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Granada is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's a truly beautiful city that maintains a lot of its historical charm. There are beautiful views and charming neighborhoods that are fun to explore.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Families?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very family-friendly destination. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Granada are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and Granada are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Granada is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Granada are great destinations for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Granada is a great city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Is Auckland or Granada Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Auckland and Granada.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Auckland or Granada a more walkable city?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Granada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Granada or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Granada?

It's fun to spend time in either Auckland or Granada. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Granada due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 2-4 days is enough time in Granada.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Granada. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Auckland, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Granada than Auckland. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Granada that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Auckland if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Granada.

One day in Auckland or Granada?

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Granada offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Granada?

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auckland has to offer.

Granada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Granada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Granada?

Auckland is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Granada?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Auckland. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Granada, we can see that Granada is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Granada is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Granada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Granada?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Granada, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Auckland or Granada?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Granada has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Auckland is generally cooler than Granadain July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Granada fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Granada during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Granadain July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Granada in the Autumn?

Both Granada and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year.

Auckland is cooler than Granada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Granada fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Granadain October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Granadain October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Granada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Granada. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Auckland is cooler than Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Granada averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Granada during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Granadain January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Granada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Granada. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty.

In October, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as Granadain April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Granada fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Granadain April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Granadain April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Granada and Auckland