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

Should you visit Granada or Cambridge?

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

Should I visit Granada or Cambridge? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Cambridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada than Cambridge, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Granada is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cambridge is known for its food, shopping, and small town charm. Granada is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Cambridge is popular for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

How is Granada different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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

Cambridge is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. 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 Granada or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Granada or Cambridge Better for its Old Town?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge 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.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Cambridge Better for Hiking?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

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.

Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Cambridge?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

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 Granada or Cambridge Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Cambridge.

Granada is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Granada or Cambridge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Cambridge make for a superb place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Granada or Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Granada or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Granada is very popular with students. 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 Granada or Cambridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Granada and Cambridge.

Granada has some public transit options. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Granada or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Granada?

How long in Granada or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Cambridge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cambridge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Cambridge 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 Granada or Cambridge?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Granada. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cambridge, you'll find nightlife and food. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Cambridge?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Granada. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Cambridge, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cambridge has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Cambridge?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Granada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cambridge is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Granada or Cambridge?

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Cambridge, we can see that Cambridge is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cambridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cambridge than you might in Granada.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Cambridge?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Cambridge, 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.