Hidden Gem in Granada
Arguably the Best Place to CHILL in Granada
It’s a bright, starry Saturday night and the whole city buzzes with energy. Every restaurant seems packed to the brim, and enthusiastic chatter fills the air. You really want to sit, chill out, and enjoy a meal with friends, but where to go?
After being turned away from several busy restaurants, my friends and I felt a little discouraged. Everyone- tourists and locals alike-seemed to have already taken all the seats at every single eatery in Granada. As we cast our eyes around the well-lit city streets, a small sign beckoned to us. The sign advertised that “bebidas y tapas” (drinks and appetizers), were available at Monasterio Chill Out Restaurant. Although it would probably be too busy, we decided to take a chance.
We wandered into a small, quiet hotel lobby. A little confused, I asked the front desk worker if there was indeed a rooftop restaurant at the tranquil alcove. He gestured to the elevator and instructed us to go up to the 5th floor.
As the elevator door opened, I immediately knew we had found Granada’s best hidden gem. The rooftop restaurant had several different levels, beautiful lights, and an authentic local menu. We enjoyed our meal surrounded by the entire city, with one of Granada’s most famous cathedrals only a few feet behind us. The air was filled with locals engaging in lively conversations, and the atmosphere was amazing. The food and beverages were filled with traditional flavors of olive and fruits, making the tastes just as incredible as the views.
So we discovered that for the next busy Saturday night in Granada, there’s a hidden gem that caters to every aspect of the human experience. The best spot for scenery, excellent conversations, and of course, relaxation. ¡Gracias Monasterio Chill Out!
Fiona Finger
Hometown: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Major: Psychology
Program: Illinois in Spain: Granada
I chose this program because I love learning the intricacies of language formation and am always looking for unique new words. For this reason, I am so excited to practice my Spanish in Spain! I have always wanted to travel solo, and Spain has the perfect combination of food, friendly people, and great coffee! I aim to truly emerge myself in the culture by connecting to the locals by being part of a host family. I believe this program will help me grow by participating in new conversations and seeing new perspectives!