Getting around in Granada?

I'm so confused, did the Granada-info site, but I still don't understand the town. Is it so big you must take a bus around? What is upper & lower Albaicin and where is it? Where is the old silk market bazaar as shown on Rick Steves? I'm staying at the Carmen is it close enough to anything? Leaving in a few weeks. Sure could use your help!

Anita24, can you find a map of the city of Granada there in Westland? That might help. I've never been to Granada but I've seen photos and it's DEFINITELY a city. It's no little walking-village, that's for sure. And they don't have a metro so the only way around is by bus or taxi. I'd have to GUESS, maybe GranadaGirl (or others) can help you here more than me, that the bus system they have there is efficient and frequent.

And what/where is "the Carmen"? Do you have an address or website for this place?

AND HEY! Just for kicks, I GUESSED and found http://www.GranadaMap.com . The main, overall map is pretty crude but it's clickable and this allows you to ZOOM in to the different sections, see street names and iconic graphics of important structures/monuments. (although most of them are not named)

Anyone else? Good luck, Anita24! Saludos, MadridMan

Sorry, the Hotel Carman, Mr. MM. I guess I'm just surprised because you all said Sevilla can be done on foot, I assumed... That is the map I was looking at with no distances noted, that I could see. Sorry if my question appears dumb to you.

Hi, I have also been trying to gather information on this one as I am studying there next semester. I am yet to get a real clear feel for this , so I would also be interested in what others have to say. I think that generally what MM has said is correct, it is a city...I have been told that there is in fact a bus system, and to clear across town, or to the outer areas, you would need to either take a bus, or a taxi. Anybody else know more?

GranadaGirl, WHERE ARE YOU!??!!??!?!?

In the absence of GG I'll step in and say you can walk around all you're likely to want to see in Granada. No need for taxis unless you don't know where you're going, or don't like walking.

Anita - the Albaicin is the old Moorish quarter of Granada, built on a steep hill opposite the hill of the Alhambra. Upper and lower are, well, the higher part and the lower part! Lower is nearer the centre of Granada, and higher is towards Sacromonte (barrio gitano, with flamenco "cuevas" etc).

A "Carmen" is traditional villa with a walled garden (in Granada). Most of them are in the Albaicin or near the Alhambra.

As a visitor, you can walk Granada and see pretty much everything; kelar419, because you will be living in Granada get bus schedules.

What about the Tourist Voucher in Granada. It seems to be a good deal for tourists.

Anita:
If you want to visit the Albaicin I'd suggest you take the bus. There's a tourist bus that goes in a circle up to the Alhambra, around the Albaicin and circles back to the Plaza Neuva (where we picked it up). I think Rick Steve's mentions it in his books. If you can't find info on the bus, I can check through my stuff at home. I rode the bus once around the circuit (I think it took about 45 minutes) just to get a feel for how the city was laid out.

Also, I found a website for your hotel that says it is within walking distance from the Cathedral. Hotel Carmen

Got to tell you, Hotel Carmen has a wonderful rooftop view of Granada and the Alhambra. They have a pool and bar up there which closes in September, that's ok--we took our own bottle of rojas and had it all to ourselves!

After seeing the Alhambra (3 hours and 2 1/2 miles) we did not have the stamina to see any more of Granada--but the Alhambra was worth every inch of pain on my sore feet!