Granada is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Granada?
A typical traveler spends $50 (C$1,833) per day on a trip to Granada. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Granada based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $24 (C$891) on meals
- $8.54 (C$315) on local transportation
- $34 (C$1,252) on hotels
A one-week trip to Granada for two people costs, on average, $696 (C$25,662). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$348
C$12,831
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$696
C$25,662
-
One Month
Per person
$1,492
C$54,990
-
One Week
For a couple
$696
C$25,662
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,393
C$51,324
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,985
C$109,980
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Granada cost?
A one week trip to Granada usually costs around $348 (C$12,831) for one person and $696 (C$25,662) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Granada on average costs around $696 (C$25,662) for one person and $1,393 (C$51,324) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Granada will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Granada on average costs around $1,492 (C$54,990) for one person and $2,985 (C$109,980) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Granada expensive to visit?
In Granada, budget travelers spend $20 (C$732) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $50 (C$1,833) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $123 (C$4,522) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Granada.
Granada is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Granada can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Central America, Granada is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Central America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Granada.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Granada Expensive?
Granada, Nicaragua
How much money do I need for a trip to Granada?
The average Granada trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Granada travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Granada cost?
Granada on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$7
(C$256)
|
$17
(C$626)
|
$40
(C$1,458)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$3
(C$115)
|
$9
(C$315)
|
$25
(C$929)
|
|
Food2
|
$10
(C$357)
|
$24
(C$891)
|
$59
(C$2,184)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$4
(C$142)
|
$10
(C$382)
|
$30
(C$1,098)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-4
(C$52-157)
|
$4-11
(C$138-413)
|
$10-31
(C$377-1,132)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Granada is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $20 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, Granada has plenty of hostels, including Hostel Oasis Granada, De Boca en Boca, and Hostal Azul. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Granada will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $50 per person, per day.
In Granada, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Los Patios Hotel Granada is a great choice for families, and Hotel Casa San Francisco is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Granada.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $123 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Nicaragua Ease and Private Transport to Top Destinations - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Granada
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Granada can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Granada in the off-season is $83, but in the peak travel season it will average around $155. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Granada to range from $55 to $343. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Granada for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $34 (C$1,252). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $17 (C$626) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Granada? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Granada include:
- Hotel Los Chilamates starting at $60
- Los Patios Hotel Granada starting at $111
- Hotel Plaza Colon - Granada Nicaragua starting at $111
- Hotel Estrada starting at $74
- Hotel Casa San Francisco starting at $53
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Granada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $8.54 (C$315) per person, per day, on local transportation in Granada. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Granada is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.54
C$315
Granada is a small city and it's possible to walk most places around town. There are also buses and minibuses that travel many places. Large, outdated American and Canadian school buses frequently travel routes and will stop to pick you up if you glance in their direction. Minibuses run on a somewhat set schedule but are slightly more expensive.
Aside from walking, taxis are generally the easiest way to make your way around the city. It's possible to hire a taxi for an entire day to show you the whole area, but it is best to get a recommendation ahead of time. If you arrange everything in advance, you can even have them pick you up at the airport. Basic local taxis have set prices and if you're taking a trip within town you can expect to pay about 7 to 10 cordobas during the day and 15-20 cordobas at night.
A slightly more glamorous way to see the city is by horse-drawn carriage. Called coches, these carriages travel from the cemetery in the southwest to the converted Rail Station in the north and the water from to the east. The tour is about an hour and a half and costs about US$30.
Boat tours also leave from Puerto Asese to Granada's islets.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada for $40 details
- From San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Granada for $39 details
- Leon: One way shared transfer to Granada for $39 details
How much does it cost to go to Granada? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Granada will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Granada
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Granada can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Granada is $24 (C$891) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$24
C$891
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Granada is around $24 (C$891) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $59. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Granada are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $10
- Dinner: $7 to $17
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Granada has an excellent reputation as a culinary city. For budget travelers, there are many street vendors that offer tamales, carne asada, gallo pinto, fried plaintains, and many other local dishes. On local specialty is Vigoron, which is made with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and fried pork rind, all served on mashed yucca.
As Granada's economy has become increasingly dependent on tourism, it's restaurant selection has grown and diversified. There are high end restaurants that offer everything from organic international dishes to seafood, tapas, or Asian fusion. You can also enjoy local fish platters at Asese, which sits on the edge of Lake Nicaragua.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Carry your own water bottle instead of spending on drinks. It's also a positive step for the environment.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Listed below are typical food prices in Granada, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Granada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Granada typically cost an average of $10 (C$382) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$10
C$382
There are some great sights around town, many of which are rooted in the city's beautiful colonial architecture and its historic past. There are six beautiful churches around town, each with its own unique architecture and story. They are also in varying stages of disrepair. These churches include the Cathedral, La Merced, Guadalupe, Xalteva, San Francisco and Maria Auxiliadora. Also make sure you visit the historic fort built in the 18th century, Fuerte La Polvora. It has some interesting exhibits on its main level. Lake Nicaragua may not be the most beautiful lake, but if you head to the waterfront during the day you'll see many Nicaraguan families enjoying a picnic or relaxing in the sunshine. Also make sure you walk through the town's local market, which is a fascinating experience in and of itself. Here you'll find anything from local fruit and produce, to freshly slaughtered meat, or children's clothing and shoes. It offers you a chaotic glimpse into the everyday life in Granada.
If you're looking for an interesting way to get out on the lake, there are boat tours. The boats leave from Puerto Asese and you'll have a guide who can tell you all about the nearby islands.
There are many tours and activities that you can enjoy while you're in Granada. Boat tours of Lake Nicaragua can be a fun way to get on the water and meet the local people on the islands. It's also possible to go horseback riding, hiking, or take a canopy tour on the side of Mombacho Volcano.
A nice way to explore destinations in Granada is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Paddle Boarding and Meditation Wellness Experience in Las Isletas for $33 details
- Boat Tour and Granada City Tour for $130 details
- Granada colonial city & Isletas boat tour for $75 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Granada are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Granada
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.48 (C$275) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Granada per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.48
C$275
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Granada are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Granada. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Granada
The market of Granada, Nicaragua
Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.
Granada's climate is relatively consistent year around. High temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius in March to 27 degrees Celsius in the late summer and fall. Low temperatures are in the low 20s Celsius year around. Rainfall is most frequent from late spring through the fall months and September is the wettest month of the year.
Neighborhoods & Around
Granada is located on the edge of Lake Nicaragua, which ranks twentieth in size world wide. The streets are narrow and charming, making the city fun to explore. The Central Park has the Cathedral and many colonial houses surrounding it. It's in the middle of town and you'll find many shops with handicrafts or snacks nearby. The local market is also an interesting area worth a visit. There are shops and stalls that sell anything and everything.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.