Granada's streets were laid out in a grid pattern over 500 years ago, with a big central plaza called Parque Central right in the middle. The yellow Cathedral of Granada overlooks the plaza, and children play football and chase pigeons in the square every afternoon. Horse-drawn carriages called coches still clip-clop through the streets, carrying tourists between the colourful buildings.
The city is right on the lake, and from the lakefront you can take a small boat out to see Los Islotes - a cluster of more than 350 tiny islands, some so small that only one or two houses fit on them. Monkeys live on some of the islands, and birds nest everywhere.
Granada has kept many of its old buildings carefully. The churches, museums, and mansions are painted in brilliant yellows, blues, greens, and pinks that make every street look like a carnival. Inside some of the old buildings you find open courtyards full of tropical plants, singing birds in cages, and fountains.
Food markets in Granada are full of tropical fruit - mangoes, papayas, passion fruit, and guavas. Street vendors sell gallo pinto, vigorón, and fresh juices. Sitting in the square eating something delicious while the cathedral bells ring is what many visitors remember most.