Alhambra Visiting Tips
Alhambra Visiting Tips
If you are visiting Granada, or the Andalusia region, a visit to the Alhambra is an absolute must but a bit of advance planning is necessary. In this article we provide useful tips to help you plan your visit and enjoy your Alhambra experience to the fullest.
Buy your Ticket in Advance - We've said it before and will say it again: buy your tickets for Alhambra in advance! If you don’t, you might not be able to visit the Alhambra as tickets on the day are hard to come by. Due to high demand and the restricted number of daily visitors, tickets sell out far in advance, especially tickets including access to the Nasrid Palace. So book as soon as you know your travel dates. Read our Alhambra Ticket Guide for more information regarding the different ticket options available, the ticket prices, what to do when tickets are sold out and much more.
Take a Guided Tour of the Alhambra- Taking a tour of the Alhambra is a great way to fully immerse yourself in a cultural experience you will never forget. Your expert guide will tell you all about its unique history, help you understand the cultural significance and give you insights about the Moorish architecture of this incredible Unesco Heritage sight.
All guided tours grant you fast track access to the Alhambra. You will meet your guide at a designated meeting point then he/she will whisk you past the long lines and straight into the venue where your tour will commence. Tours also have much better last minute availability and are thus very popular with visitors who did not manage to book tickets in advance.
Visit in Spring or Autumn - You will find the best weather for visiting the Alhambra in and around the Spring and Autumn (between April and June or September to November). You will be able to enjoy warm weather in the day and cool evenings. Spring in the Generalife gardens is particularly beautiful when you will find the flowers in full bloom.
Try to avoid July and August when the heat of the Andulisian summer can be extremely intense, especially in the early to mid afternoon when the heat reaches its maximum point in the day. During this period the best time to visit is early mornings or late afternoons - mornings tend to be a bit cooler but you will encounter more tour groups.
December through March are also good months to visit the Alhambra. At these times of year tourism is at its lowest and you will be able to enjoy the experience in a less crowded context, both at the Alhambra and in Granada in general.
Bring your ID - All tickets for the Alhambra are issued as named tickets, meaning your name will be included on the ticket issued. You will need to present your ID to confirm your identity at the entrance.
Don’t be late to the Nasrid Palace - Entrance into the Nasrid Palace is restricted to the assigned entry time on the ticket. If you show up late, you will not be granted entrance. Please note that it takes about 15-30 minutes to walk from the main entrance to the Nasrid Palace so plan accordingly.
Leave big bags at home - Bags above the size of 35cm will need to be checked. The locker room is available close to the entrance of the Charles V palace and is free of charge.
Wear comfortable shoes - There is no dress code for the Alhambra but wearing comfortable shoes is recommended as you will be on your feet for several hours. In the summer apply lots of sunscreen and bring a hat.
Bring some Food and Water - Prepare a picnic, bring some food or a snack which you can enjoy in the designated areas. There are some kiosks which sell food and beverages near the Wine Gate (close to the Alcazaba), but they are expensive. Water fountains with drinkable water are available through the complex
How to get to Alhambra from Granada City Center
Getting to the Alhambra is very easy! Granada is a small city and there are a number of options using public or private transportation.
Walk - It’s a short walk from the city center along a beautiful street lined with trees (great for shade in the summer). It should take you less than a half hour. From Plaza Nueva, walk up Cuesta de Gomérez. It’s a steep hill lined with trees which is great for shade in the summer. If you have already purchased tickets in advance you can take a shortcut on Puerta de la Justicia (Gate of Justice) or Puerto de los Carros (Cart Gate).
By Bus - Hop on the mini bus from Plaza Isabel Catholica in the centre of town. You can catch the C30, C32 or the C35, all of which take you to the Alhambra.
By Car - Getting to the Alhambra by car is also an option. Convenient parking is available about 5 minutes walk from the main ticket office and entrance. The car park is open 24 hours a day and prices are reasonable.
By Taxi - Granada is a small city. You can catch a taxi from pretty much anywhere in the centre and get to the Alhambra in less than 10 minutes.
Opening Hours
The Alhambra is open year round except for December 25th and January 1st.
From April 1 to October 14:
Day Visit: Monday through Sunday: 8:30am - 6pm
Evening Visit: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00pm to 11:30pm - 6pm
October 15th to March 31st:
Day Visit: Monday through Sunday: 8:30am - 6pm
Evening Visit: Friday and Saturday: 8:00pm to 9:30pm - 6pm