For the best weather and don’t mind tourist crowds, visit during the dry season from November to April. This period offers warm, pleasant weather but comes with higher prices for accommodations, transportation, and excursions.

From May to October, you’ll find the lowest prices and fewer crowds. However, this coincides with the rainy season, which runs from June to October, bringing rainfall across the country. If you’re okay with carrying an umbrella, this is an excellent opportunity to explore Nicaragua on a budget, as airfares and accommodations are at their most affordable.

The average daily high temperature year-round is around 88–90°F. The driest months, December through April, offer warm weather with little to no rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, due to its popularity, booking accommodations and excursions in advance is highly recommended during this time.

Granada, Nicaragua, offers a lively but laid-back nightlife scene, blending colonial charm with vibrant social spots. It’s not as wild as some larger cities, however, it offers a great mix of culture, music, and friendly locals.

Calle La Calzada is a lively pedestrian street in the heart of the city. It is lined with bars and restaurants, perfect for bar hopping and enjoying live music. Many venues specialize in craft beers and creative cocktails, offering a mix of local and international flavors.

There are bars and lounges near Lake Nicaragua that offer a quieter, scenic option for those looking to enjoy a more relaxed vibe with stunning views.

The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish, which is spoken by the majority of the population. In Granada, English proficiency varies depending on where you are. In places frequented by tourists, such as restaurants, hotels, and tour operators, many staff members speak at least basic English to accommodate international visitors. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, and be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.

Granada is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, safety depends on awareness and taking precautions. Granada has a visible police presence in tourist areas, especially around the central plaza and Calle La Calzada. The local population is known for being friendly and helpful, particularly toward tourists. Petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas, especially at markets or in public transportation. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. The city center is relatively safe at night, however, it is always best to avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. Be sure to use registered taxis only if you’re traveling late. Also, be cautious of overchargin or scams targeting tourists. Confirm prices before accepting services like transportation or guided tours. Always stay vigilant and practice common sense to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

No, it is generally not recommended to drink tap water directly. While some locals may drink it without issues, visitors are advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid potential stomach discomfort or waterborne illnesses. Bottled water is widely available in Granada.

Nicaragua observes central Standard Time year-round. The country does not adjust to daylight saving time.

The official Nicaraguan currency is the córdoba (it is sometimes referred to as a peso). It is made up of 100 centavos. Money is denominated in notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 córdobas. Coins are made of 1 and 5 córdobas and 50 centavos.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Granada, such as in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is always a good idea to carry small denominations, as getting change in USD can sometimes be difficult. To avoid unfavorable exchange rates, consider exchanging some money into córdobas at banks or authorized exchange offices. Always check the current exchange rate before making transactions.

There are many street vendors selling quesillos, tamales, revueltas, carne asada, and other local specialties such as gallo pinto (rice & beans), friend plantains, nacatamales, bajo (yucca, plantain, beef mix). At Central Park, we highly recommend trying vigorón, a local specialty made with cassava, yucca, cabbage, and fried pork. Add some pickled chilies and wash it down with some coyolito, a refreshing drink similar to grape or cherry juice. You may also find vendors selling traditional sweets like coyolito candies and candied papaya.

Granada is known around the world for its high-quality rocking chairs which can be seen all around town. The main vendors a bit out of town on the road to Masatepe.

Many visitors buy local and famous Nicaraguan pottery, which you can buy in town, but the better option is to go to San Juan de Oriente where there’s a more varied selection and the experience of meeting the artisans.

Also very typical are the hammocks, there are several hammock stores and factories in Masaya, but you can find them made in Granada on Calle Xalteva, a half block west of the central park at Tio Antonio.

For emergencies, dial 128.

Many pharmacies in Nicaragua have trained staff who can provide basic medical advice and medications. Private clinics and hospitals provide better care and shorter wait times compared to public hospitals. Public hospitals are free but may have limited resources, longer waits, and language barriers.