Mi Bonito Barrio

Hello, welcome to Granada! My name is Anna and I will be showing you around the best part of the entire city. Unlike the Alhambra, I will show you a hidden gem of the city that is so hidden; most people do not even know about it or know how to locate it on a map- which makes it even more special! What is this magical place you ask? Well, it is the neighborhood that surrounds the street: Calle Musico Jose Ayala! 

 Calle Musico Jose Ayala is the best street in all of Granada. On this street there are apartments that house the greatest people of the city (including yours truly). This street is filled completely with apartments, cars, and a store that sells chicken meals- the perfect combination! The best part of this street is that it is in walking distance to other fantastic landscapes and attractions of the city. Located right next to the river, one can easily take a nice walk/ run alongside the water all the way to “La Parque de Tico Medina,” or go the other way to explore more of the center of the city.   

For the “foodies,” there are a nice variety of restaurants and convenient stores around it that make it easy to grab a meal or a late night snack. Near the river, there are cafes with outdoor seating and umbrellas so people can lounge in the summer heat. Tapas are served there as well, which is always a treat. For the kinds of people who just need an ice cream sandwich pick-me-up, there is a nice convenience store that sells snack foods, drinks, and of course, ice cream.

There is also a public school nearby that is convenient for children living in the neighborhood. Next to the school, there is an open area with benches, trees, and space that people can relax in. The busiest time for the neighborhood is during the morning when everyone heads out to work. Siesta time is fairly busy as well, since people can be seen walking the streets during their time of relaxation. Sometimes there are a group of break dancers that show up occasionally after school that practice their moves using a boom box. According to a verified source (my host parents) these dancers are actually the champion break-dancers in all of Spain! With a free viewing of such talent, there is no way anyone can deny that this “barrio” is the best around. 

So, I am sure that some of you are wondering: how is the nightlife? Well for the dancing queens, I am sorry to say that the neighborhood is very tranquil during the night. The closest discotecas that are popular require at least a fifteen minute walk from the neighborhood. On weekend nights, people come out as they head out to the various pubs and bars across town. Some may consider this a disadvantage, but I disagree. This barrio is ideal for a quiet good night’s sleep, but a prime location to walk to other sources of nightlife. Well, I hope you enjoyed learning about Calle Musico Jose Ayala and the “barrio” surrounding it- adios!