A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Windsor for Attractions, Old Town, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Granada or Windsor?

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

Should I visit Granada or Windsor? 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 charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Granada and Windsor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Alhambra
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Granada or Windsor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada. Although Granada and Windsor are popular destinations, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Windsor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Granada different from Windsor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Windsor 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 Windsor?

Granada
Windsor

Granada is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.


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

Granada
Windsor

Foodies will find both Granada and Windsor both to be nice destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Granada or Windsor Better for Nightlife?

Granada
Windsor

Granada is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Granada is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Granada or Windsor Better for its Old Town?

Granada
Windsor

Granada is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.


Is Granada or Windsor Better for Hiking?

Granada
Windsor

Granada is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Windsor?

Granada
Windsor

Granada is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Granada or Windsor Better for Families?

Granada
Windsor

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Windsor.

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 Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.


Is Granada or Windsor Better for Couples?

Granada
Windsor

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Windsor make for a high quality 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 Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Granada or Windsor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada
Windsor

Granada is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Granada is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Granada or Windsor Better for Students?

Granada
Windsor

Granada is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.


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

Granada
Windsor

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

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 Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

Is Granada or Windsor a more walkable city?

Granada
Windsor

Granada and Windsor are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Windsor is a very walkable city. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Windsor or Granada?

How long in Granada or Windsor?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Windsor to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Windsor 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 Windsor.

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

Couples should spend more time in Granada than Windsor. 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 Windsor 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.


  • How many days in Granada or Windsor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Granada 2-4 
    Windsor 1-2

One day in Granada or Windsor?

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. This 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 Windsor?

In Granada, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Granada has to offer.

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Windsor has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Windsor?

Granada is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Windsor 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 Windsor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Windsor or Granada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is €123, while the average daily cost in Windsor is €175. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Granada and Windsor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Granada 59
    Windsor 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Granada 118
    Windsor 164
Compare Hotels in Granada and Windsor

Looking for a hotel in Granada or Windsor? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Granada


Hotels in Windsor


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Granada Hotel Prices and Windsor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Granada 22
    Windsor 77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Granada are as follows:


  • 7 Trip Bus Pass
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

Also for Granada, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cordoba and its Mosque from Granada with Private Transfer: $262
  • From Transfer to Seville with Cordoba Guided Tour: $749
  • From Granada; Private transfer to Sierra Nevada (all hotels): $171
  • Granada - Jaén Airport Transfers in a VIP coach: $235
  • Granada Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Granada Luxury Private Airport Transfer: $214
  • Granada Private Intercity Transfer to Malaga: $175
  • Granada Private Transfer from the city centre to Granada Airport: $55
  • Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes Sedan: $142
  • Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes minivan: $218
  • Granada to Cordoba Private Transfer: $265
  • Granada to Malaga Airport Private Transfer: $229

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Windsor?

Prices for flights to both Windsor and Granada change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Granada 37
    Windsor 46
Typical Food Prices in Granada

For Granada, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Sangria
    2.50
  • Sandwich to go
    3.00
  • Bocadillo & Drink
    6.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Granada

For Granada, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sacromonte Caves Flamenco Show with Dinner: $62
  • Dinner and Show flamenco in the Albayzin Granada: $62
  • Walking Food Tour: $75
  • 2-Day Geopark Desert, Ancient Culture and Food Tour: $169

Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    2.92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Granada 28
    Windsor 31

Tours and Activities in Granada

For Granada, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.21
  • Sacromonte Caves Museum Admission Ticket: $5.35
  • Granada City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Sacromonte Abbey Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Granada Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket: $7.49
  • Self-Guided City Exploration Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Granada (Alhambra): Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Albaicín and Sacromonte’s Iconic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Historic Center and Lower Albaicin Walking Tour: $9.62

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Granada 24
    Windsor 8.82

Sample the Local Flavors in Granada

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Granada:

  • Granada Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour - by Oh My Good Guide!: $77
  • BEST OF Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Windsor, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Granada or Windsor?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Windsor, 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 Granada or Windsor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Granada or Windsor in the Summer?

Both Windsor and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Windsor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Windsor averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 195 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Windsor. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Granada 25°C (77°F) 
    Windsor 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Granada or Windsor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Windsor. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Granada is generally much warmer than Windsor. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Windsor fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Windsor. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Granada 19°C (67°F) 
    Windsor 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Granada or Windsor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Windsor. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. Granada is much warmer than Windsor in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Windsor fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 52 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Windsor. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Granada 12°C (54°F) 
    Windsor 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Granada or Windsor in the Spring?

Both Windsor and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Granada is much warmer than Windsor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Windsor averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Windsor. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Granada 16°C (60°F) 
    Windsor 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Windsor and Granada

Granada Windsor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)