Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

One of the world’s most popular tourist attractions the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Alhambra in Granada Spain has been inspiring travellers for centuries. Recently this Moorish architectural wonder has been chosen to feature in Lonely Planet’s new guide to the world’s 120 greatest man-made buildings.

Alhambra after sunset, Granada, Spain visiting the Alhambra

Perched atop the red hills of Sabika with the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background, the world heritage Generalife palace Alhambra attracts up to 6000 tourists per day. It would probably bring in thousands more but the Spanish government is determined to preserve this spectacular piece of history and so allows only 6000 tourists in.

Granada is definitely worth visiting this is a city everyone should visit, not just to see the Alhambra the beautiful streets flowers everywhere and the food is simply amazing. Even if you only have 24 hours in Granada I guarantee you will fall in love with this city.

There are a few things you should know about how to visit the Alhambra Granada and I’ve laid out all my best tips and tricks for visiting the Alhambra and the entire UNESCO site of the Alhambra in Granada Spain.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can read my privacy policy here.

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Alhambra Faqs

  • When should I buy my tickets for the Alhambra? Buy your tickets online for the Alhambra at least 3 months in advance you must book in advance to get a time slot to see the Nasrid Palaces.
  • What don’t I want to miss seeing at the Alhambra? The Nasrid Palaces are the most visited part of the Alhambra but book a time to see the Nasrid Palaces and make sure you are on time or you will miss your entry
  • Can I buy food at the Alhambra? Take some water and food with you for a picnic there is not much available within the Alhambra
  • Can I use my child’s pushchair or buggy? Pushchairs are allowed on the grounds but not is the Nasrid Palaces although you can take a wheelchair
  • What should I wear to see the Alhambra? Wear good walking shoes as there is a lot to see and a lot of walking. I would also suggest bringing some sunscreen with you and wearing breathable comfortable clothing.
  • What do I need to know before going to the Alhambra? Buy your tickets online at least 3 months in advance.
  • How much time should you spend at Alhambra? Plan to spend a minimum of 4 hours at the site, but if you really want to take in the full site you need to spend the whole day there or plan to come back a second day.
  • What time should I go to Alhambra? I recommend getting to the Alhambra site first thing when it opens. The parking lot is quite large and you could be walking for a while to reach the ticket booths and entry gates.
  • Should I get a guide for Alhambra? A private guide or a tour is a nice idea but you could get stuck in a large crowd and not really get to explore the site as you want to.
  • How long does it take to visit Alhambra? You will need a minimum of 4 hours but personally, we spent 7 hours there as there is so much to see.
  • What is the best time of day to visit Alhambra? As soon as it opens so hopefully you can miss the worst heat of the day.
  • How to get to Nasrid Palace? When you enter, the complex you will walk for at least 15 to 20 minutes down a beautiful pathway beside the gardens called the Calle de Real de la Alhambra and end up in a square and to your right will be the Museo de la Alhambra. The Nasrid Palaces are behind this Museum.
Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada
Alhambra

Alhambra Granada tickets

Always buy your tickets at the official Alhambra website. It can be tricky though to sort out how to get official Alhambra Tickets when you are a world away. We ordered our Alhambra Spain tickets when we were staying in Salobrena which is on the Granada coast of the Costa Tropical, and I have to say it was a rather daunting and confusing website. As you will read further on there are several types of tickets available for the Alhambra including Garden Tickets, nighttime tour tickets and Nasrid Palace Tickets and buying Alhambra tickets can be really confusing.

You may find you can’t get Alhambra Palace Tickets when you are actually in Spain so the biggest tip I can give here is to buy them in advance online and this article will show you how. There are also some tips for getting Alhambra Palace Tickets on the day or a few days before. The Alhambra Ticket offices are on-site at the Alhambra main entrance but if you try to buy tickets here you will find long queues and they may be sold out by the time you reach the head of the line.

Top tip for visiting the Alhambra is to make sure you get your tickets in advance

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada
Alhambra stained glass detail

Buy Alhambra Tickets Well In Advance

To get into the Alhambra, you’ll need to buy a ticket well ahead of time. Go to the official website to choose the date, time, and type of ticket you want. General admission is €14, but there are also tickets for just the Gardens, Evening visits and tours combined with other monuments. Particularly if you’re planning your trip for a popular time of the year (Christmas, Easter, etc.), you’ll want to secure your tickets as soon as possible. They sell out fast!

Important Information: The entry time on your ticket is for entering the Nasrid Palaces — not the Alhambra complex in general. this can get confusing but check your entry time to the Nasrid Palaces and head there as soon as you can. I recommend booking this time first and then going from there to see the rest of the Alhambra complex.

View of Granada from the Alhambra Palace Granada

Map of the Alhambra

Map of the Alhambra Palace Granada

Best time to visit the Alhambra

The truth is that Alhambra is busy all the time regardless of the season, time of day or year. Thankfully the number of visitors is limited but they will reach maximum visits every day. The best time of day to visit the Alhambra is in the early morning, or later in the afternoon.

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Planning your visit to the Alhambra Palace

Once you have purchased your tickets and set your times to visit the Nasrid Palaces (these are part of the Alhambra complex). I would highly recommend you get there at least an hour before your scheduled time. Once you enter the gates of the Alhambra, you will become entranced with the beauty of the place and may end up missing your time. It is also quite a walk from the entrance to the Nasrid Palaces and the way is not very well marked.

entry way to the Alhambra Palaces
Alhambra Palace entrance

Check the map at the top of this article so you know exactly how to get to the Nasrid Palaces. We didn’t realize where the Nasrid Palaces are and went to the wrong one so we had to take a fast run to make our ticket entrance time and we very nearly didn’t make it. 

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

When you enter, the complex you will walk for at least 15 to 20 minutes down a beautiful pathway beside the gardens called the Calle de Real de la Alhambra and end up in a square and to your right will be the Museo de la Alhambra. The Nasrid Palaces are behind this Museum.

If you have children and want to take them to visit, the Alhambra is sure to read Natalie’s article from The Educational Tourist blog about visiting Granada with kids.

The Alhambra houses some of the most important Islamic architecture in Europe. The area of the Alhambra itself includes the Generalife Gardens and the Palacios Nazaries from the 14th century.

pathway to the Nasrid Palaces and the Alhambra palaces

Check out Museuly’s article on 5 Exciting things to do in Granada

Essential tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace

entry way into the Nasrid Palaces showing the Muslim architecture of the Alhambra Palace Granada

The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens are comprised of four what you might call separate areas: There is Alcazaba, Palacio Nazaries, Palacio de Carlos V and the Generalife Gardens. To enter each of these areas you will have to show your tickets. The Nasrid Palace (Palacio Nazaries) visit must be at the exact time arranged otherwise you will miss seeing them as you will not be allowed to enter. The gardens and the Alcazaba can be visited at any point during your Alhambra visit

The History of the Alhambra

As you drive up to visit the Alhambra, you see the monument sprawled across the top of Sabika Hill overlooking the old Moorish quarter of Granda the Albaycin. In the background are the snow-covered Sierra Nevada Mountains.

You can make out the silhouette of the Alhambra’s over 30 towers of which no two are the same or even similar. From the outside and a distance, it looks incredibly imposing but you don’t get a hint of the beauty that lies within.

The easiest way to understand the complex is by the division of four distinct areas: the Alcazaba, Palacio Nazaries, Palacio de Carlos V and the Generalife Gardens.

outdoor fountains in the Generallife Gardens Alhambra Granada Spain

The Alhambra houses some of the most important Islamic architecture in Europe. The fortified complex was first built as a walled citadel in AD 889. Often described as the last Moorish stronghold. It was later rebuilt as the palatial seat of the city’s Nasrid emirs, the last Arab Muslim dynasty in Spain. The name Alhambra is derived from the Arabic al-qala’a al-Hamra meaning “the red castle”.

close up of the Muslim tile work and decorations at the Alhambra that you will see when visiting the Alhambra

The Christians later claimed the Alhambra during the 1492 reconquista when the mosque was replaced by a church before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V demolished a wing of the palace and replaced them with a giant Renaissance building.

In the early 19th century, French Napoleonic troops tried to blow the building up, partly destroying it, and restoration has continued for over 200 years.

muslim tiles and mosaics at the Alhambra

The Alcazaba

This is the oldest part of the Alhambra, which is a fortified military enclosure with towers and surveillance posts where the soldiers lived. It includes the famous Torre (Tower) de la Vela with stunning views of Granada.

ruins of the barracks at Granada

History of the Alcazaba

Granada, Andalucia, Spain - April 17, 2016: people and tourists around the Alcazaba de Granada, the military fortress of the Alhambra, in a sunny day.

The 13th-century Moorish fortress of the Alcazaba is the oldest surviving part of the complex.

Built partly on even older remains, it’s set strategically at the highest point of the hill and its southern edge is flanked by terraced gardens of elm and cypress trees.

The 13th-century Moorish fortress of the Alcazaba

It was the first Nasrid Sultan of Granada, Mohammed I, who ordered its construction when he made Granada his capital. It served as the royal residence until the palaces were built in the 14th century, after which it continued as a military compound.

Visit the Nasrid Palace

The Nasrid Palace was the residence of the sultans of Granada, and they are a set of palaces and courtyards built at different times. These include the Patio de los Leones, Salón del Trono, Patio y Cuarto Dorado, Palacio de Comares, Patio de los Arrayanes, The Mexuar, Court of the Myrtles, the Ambassadors’ Room and more.

Spain, Andalusia / Granada - March 17, 2018: Alhambra - ancient arabic fortress and architectural and park ensemble located on a hilly terrace in the eastern part of Granada in Southern Spain in Andalusia.

Many of us confuse the Nasrid Palace with the entire Alhambra complex and while it is one of the most beautiful places in Spain the Nasrid Palace is not the only thing to see at the Alhambra.

Courtyard of the Lions Granada Spain

History of the Nasrid Palace

The Palacio Nazaries mark the height of the Nasrid dynasty’s rule and were the sultans’ headquarters and home. It is an incredible space that was built from brick, stucco and wood which belies its stunningly decorated interior rooms, halls and garden spaces.

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

The eighth Nasrid ruler, Muhammad V added the finishing touches to the palace with the addition of a harem and the justifiably famous Court of Lions, which is a central arcaded patio supported by 124 columns.

Palacio de Carlos V – Charles V Palace

The Palace of Charles V is a Renaissance building in Granada, southern Spain, inside the Alhambra, a former Nasrid palace complex on top of the Sabika hill. The building has never been a home to the king and didn’t even have a roof until 1957. It was built as part of the Spanish reconquista.

It is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in Spain there is an Art museum on the upper floor while the small Fine Arts Museum of the Alhambra on the lower floor has some interesting Moorish art.  

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada
©By Ingo Mehling – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

History of the Palacio de Carlos V

It was Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon who expelled the last of the Nasrid rulers in 1492 and they set about making the Alhambra a Christian complex during what became known in history as the Spanish Reconquista.

They began building the Palacio de Carlos V and although this early 16th-century addition was never finished, it is still a fascinating piece of Renaissance architecture.

Palacio Carlos a renaissance palace at the Alhambra monument in Spain

Alhambra Generalife Gardens

This is the area or country estate that contains the stunningly beautiful gardens used by the Sultans of Granada as a place of rest and summer residence. The absolutely stunning Alhambra Gardens need an entire day to see just by themselves. Make sure to visit the Upper and Lower Gardens and enjoy the incredible roses, magnolias, tall cypress trees, water features, and medicinal plans – so much to see this is why you need at least a day in the gardens.

Generalife Gardens Granada Spain the Alhambra

It is recommended to allow up to 4 hours to visit the Alhambra but in my experience, I would like to spend twice as much time there as it is an enormous complex. In fact, I would come back and purchase a ticket for the Gardens, as it is almost impossible to truly see them without spending hours getting lost in these amazing gardens.

Generallife Gardens Granada Spain

History of the Generalife Gardens

The final attraction, which is best left to visit last as you may not want to leave and you will definitely want to come back to visit again is the Generalife Gardens.

Generalife Gardens at the Alhmabra

The word Generalife is the castilianisation of its Arabic name Yinan al-‘Arif, a garden of the Alarife (architect). These gardens contain the Sultan’s pleasure palace and gardens that incorporate Moorish gardening traditions, the use of water and gardens of both fruit, vegetables and flower.

The gardens also show Renaissance and contemporary gardening techniques, which have been incorporated as a result of the increasing concern over maintaining authentic gardening techniques.

The Alhambra is separated from the Gardens by the ravine of the Cuesta de los Chinos and was a retreat for the sultan when he wished to escape the stresses of ruling. The Alhambra and gardens were lived in by successive sultans but after the conquest of the City, the property was turned over to the Catholic monarchs of Spain. In the middle of the 16th century, Philip II of Spain ceded it to the Granada-Venegas family, who became the marquis and marquise of Campotéjar, until it was handed over to the state in 1921.

The Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens are now considered one of the world’s most impressive man-made buildings and landscapes and are stunning examples of how these kinds of buildings can be preserved and appreciated for centuries to come.

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Visitor limitations at the Alhambra

The Alhambra is an incredibly popular location as you can imagine and only 6000 or so visitors are allowed in per day to protect the site. You should book your tickets online at least 3 months in advance to get into the various areas you wish to see. Your ticket includes a visit to the Nasrid Palaces, you can choose the time you want to visit the Palaces but you must be at the line before your allotted time or you won’t be allowed in. See below for more details on this aspect of your visit. You can purchase a skip the line ticket and get a guided tour from Viator.

How to get Alhambra tickets

There are several types of Alhambra ticket options, so figure out what you want to see and how long you are in the area. My recommendation is to purchase a general Alhambra entrance ticket and because the complex is absolutely worth a second visit go again to see the gardens with a garden ticket.

Alhambra tickets price

  • General Alhambra Entrance: 14 Euros (daytime, includes everything, self-guided)
  • Generalife Garden Ticket and Alcazaba: just the gardens and the Alcazaba not the Nasrid Palaces 7 Euros (daytime).
  • Night Visit to Nasrid Palaces: 8 Euros.
  • Night Visit to Generalife the gardens only: 5 Euros.
  • Alhambra Experience which includes a night visit and a visit to the Generalife Gardens: 14 Euros
courtyard and orange trees within the Alhambra Palaces

How to buy Alhambra tickets

  • By telephone.
  • In an authorized Travel Agency or buying a guided tour.
  • Buying a Granada Card.

Tickets for the Alhambra Palace on the Internet

You can buy tickets to the Alhambra between two hours and three months in advance of the visit…

Children under 12 years of age are free but you must indicate that you are entering with a child when buying your ticket.

You can buy tickets to the Alhambra on the website tickets www.alhambra-patronato.es

Buy Tickets for the Alhambra on the Phone

You can buy tickets to the Alhambra Palace by calling (+34) 858 953 616.

Tickets to the Alhambra can be purchased between two hours and three months in advance of the visit. You can choose the time of entry to the Nasrid Palaces. The tickets can either be mailed to you or emailed.

courtyard at the Nasrid Palaces The Alhambra

Alhambra Tips – Ticket refunds

In theory, it is possible to cancel your Alhambra tickets at least 5 days before the date of your visit as long as you have not printed them out at the ticket machine and they are supposed to refund your money. However, the reality is that it can get quite complicated so I would advise you to be very careful when booking your tickets.

When you have purchased your tickets, you will have to print them or take the reference code for the ticket purchase to the ticket booth at the Alhambra gates for entry into the grounds. You cannot change the day and time of entry. You can only return the ticket and buy a new one if there are tickets available. Tickets can be returned with a minimum 5-day notice period by writing to [email protected].

Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra

How to get Alhambra Palace Tickets when they are sold out

Granada Card

The other way to get Alhambra tickets when they sold out is to purchase a City Pass, which includes entrance to the Alhambra and entrances to other monuments and museums, free urban bus trips, and other benefits.

There are two types of City Pass: 3 days and 5 days for adults and children. These Granada Cards may also be sold out, particularly during high season or holiday times. You can find more information here at City Pass.

Alhambra guided tours

You can also book a guided tour. There are several companies that sell these tours; the price is between 30 and 60 Euros. You can also do private tours of The Alhambra Palace with just you and a personal guide. 

Gardens of La Alhambra in Granada, Spain

Alhambra Private tour

Private tours of the Alhambra can be booked for groups of up to 20 participants. A daytime tour will cost €175 and a glorious evening tour will be around €250.00.

Visiting Alhambra with reduced mobility

My advice would be to ensure you have a wheelchair to make the trip through the area easier. You could then just take a tour of the Nasrid Palaces and a leisurely journey through the gardens after you see the Palaces.  You should also know for those of you with young children strollers are not allowed into the Nasrid Palaces.

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

How to get to the Alhambra

Bus to the Alhambra

You can take the red minibus Alhambra Bus C3, which leaves every 10 minutes from Plaza Nueva to the Alhambra. The stop where you need to get off is called ‘Generalife‘. The ticket cost is 1.20 Euros; you can buy the bus ticket directly on the bus.

Walking to the Alhambra

The best way is to walk to the Alhambra is down the Cuesta de Gomérez from the Plaza Nueva; enter the grounds of the Alhambra through the Cuesta de Gomérez. I wouldn’t recommend this walk unless you are quite fit as it does take around 30 minutes and it is all uphill. Once you reach the top of the hill, you will see the stairs leading up to the Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia) which will be on the left-hand side. This walk takes you near the Alcazaba and the Nasrid Palaces, which is great if you have a ticket ready but if you don’t you will need to walk another 15 minutes or so to the main entrance.

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

How to Get to the Alhambra Palace by Taxi

Depending on where in Granada you are, staying the taxi ride to the Alhambra will take around 10 minutes or so and cost from around 7 Euros up to around 15 Euros.

How to Get to the Alhambra by Car

We drove to Granada from Salobrena, which is about an hour or less on the coast. Cars are obviously not allowed on the grounds but there is an enormous parking lot before the main entrance and the cost is around 2.50 Euros per hour. There is parking for buses, trailers and caravans.

In Salobrena, we booked our apartment through HomeAway which provides some fantastic options for lodgings all over Spain.

You can reach the parking by Ronda Sur ring (N-323, A44), the highway at the southern tip of Granada that borders the city.

view of Granada from the Alhambra

Food at the Alhambra

There is not a lot of choice within the Alhambra for food so if you get the chance to pack a picnic you can have a lovely lunch in the gardens. There are two hotels on the grounds of the monument both of which offer beautiful rooms and some great food. The Parador is a beautiful location with spectacular views over the Gardens and they serve a more upmarket) read expensive lunch) but well worth it for the views. There is also a small hotel called the Hotel America on the walkway to the centre of the complex where you can get a very nice lunch for 18 Euros served in the outdoor courtyard.

Where to stay near the Alhambra

Interested in hostels in the Granada area? Tom has a great blog post on which hostels to stay at. Fancy a bit of glamping? Check out this cool article by Paulina on the Road about when she was glamping in the cave houses of Granada – a definite must-do. 

The Parador

Paradores in Spain are a network of state-run hotels. They are marvellous properties consisting of restored Castles, Monasteries, Convents, Fortresses, Manor Houses, and Palaces as well as some exceptional modern properties. One of the most beautiful Paradors in Spain is the Parador at the Alhambra is ideally located right within the Alhambra grounds. It is a luxury hotel with the finest of amenities and superb food offerings. This former 15th Century monastery has been converted into a luxury hotel. The restaurant offers locally sourced produce and specialises in Andalucian cuisine.

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Hotel America

The Hotel America within the Alhambra is a small 17-room hotel with beautiful decor and a small restaurant with a peaceful garden patio.

Hotel America at the Alhambra Granada Spain

The Landazuri Hotel

The Educational Tourist blog by Natalie has a great review on a small-budget hotel in Granada called the Landazuri. If you are on a tight budget this could be the perfect location for your visit to the Alhambra.

Archway in the Generalife gardens of the Alhambra palace of Granada, Spain

If you are backpacking on planning on it in Spain check out Vidyut’s blog Triplyzer for some great backpacking in Barcelona tips.

Granada is an incredibly beautiful place to stay there is just so much to see and experience beyond the Alhambra. Check out Perri’s great article on a Weekend in Granada it will give you a load of ideas and tips for staying in Granada for a few days. When you stay in Granada don’t forget to wander the Albaicín neighbourhood, perched on the hillside opposite the palace complex. From here, there are classic views of the Alhambra, particularly from Mirador de San Nicolás.

With the Arabic influence deeply felt in Granada you should take the opportunity to visit a Hamman. A Hamman is a public bathing space that you can read about in Joanna’s article Experiencing the best Hamman in Granada.  

Visiting the Alhambra is a must-do experience for anyone travelling to Granada or Andalusia. The combination of stunning architectural design, intricate detailing and rich historical significance make it one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions. As you wander through the palace complex, you’ll feel transported back in time to a period of artistic and cultural flourishing. From the incredible views from its towers to the serene gardens filled with fountains and flowers, the Alhambra offers something for everyone. So if you’re planning your next trip to Spain, be sure to add this iconic landmark to your itinerary!

Here are a few more articles on Spain for you to enjoy.

Celebrating Christmas in Spain: 22 Traditional Spanish customs

20+ Pros and Cons of Living in Spain

Best 5 Places to Visit in Seville, Spain

Ronda, Spain: A Local’s Itinerary for a Perfect 2 Day Trip

Walk the Camino de Santiago

Visiting Caravaca de la Cruz

Cartagena Spain

Costa de Almeria Spain holidays

Mojácar Spain: the perfect guide to this charming village

8 Unique places to visit in Spain

What is Semana Santa? Celebrating Easter in Spain

I hope you enjoy your visit to the Alhambra as much as we did. Would love to hear what your favourite part of your visit was.

Pin it for later

Tips for visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Author

  • Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

Scroll to Top