Alhambra (Alhambra de Granada)

The Alhambra is broken up into sections: the Generalife Gardens (a collection of courtyards, pools, and fountains); the Alcazaba (the remainders of a Moorish fortress); and the Nasrid Palace (the main palace complex). If visiting on your own, choose from four official ticket types that include access to various areas at different times. Or, explore the Alhambra guided or private tours to remove some guesswork and gain insights from a local tour guide. No matter how you visit, book early, as the number of daily visitors is limited and tours and tickets sell out fast.

• The Alhambra is incredibly popular, so be prepared to wait in line, even to pick up pre-booked tickets. Choosing a tour with skip-the-line entry will help maximize your time.

• Visitors with disabilities should visit the Entrance Pavilion for information about accessibility. Wheelchairs are available.

• The complex has four restrooms: in the Entrance Pavilion (near the ticket office), the Pavilion of Services, the Low Gardens, and the Sultana's Court.

Some visitors walk up to the Alhambra on one of the scenic routes from the city center. These paths are on a bit of an incline, but many believe the views are worth the slight workout. Those who would rather rest their legs can take a bus or taxi, or drive up independently (note that parking spaces are limited). Most guided Alhambra tours include round-trip transport from downtown Granada or from nearby cities such as Seville and Malaga.

The Alhambra is open year round, with varied hours based on the season and day of the week. Much of your visit will be outside, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. If you're visiting during the summer months, try to go at the earliest or latest available time slots to avoid the biggest crowds.

The Alhambra is beautiful at all hours, so this is a matter of preference. Day tours are most common, but on a night tour, you get the unique experience of seeing the incredible site lit up against the dark sky. Visitors should note, however, that night tickets are separated between Nasrid Palace only or gardens only and cannot be combined. If you want to see both, choose a morning tour or afternoon tour.

Yes, you should buy tickets for the Alhambra in advance—it’s Granada’s top attraction and tickets sell out fast. You can buy same-day tickets at the entrance, but they’re first come first served. You also have to buy tickets at least two hours before your allocated entry time to the Nasrid Palace.

As the most comprehensive pass, the General admission ticket includes access to all areas of the Alhambra: the Nasrid Palace, the one-time sultans’ residence and most impressive part of the complex; the Alcazaba fortress; the Generalife, with its summer palace and idyllic gardens; and the Renaissance-era Charles V Palace.

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for a morning slot as near to the Alhambra’s early morning opening as possible. Most visitors arrive mid-morning, so coming earlier will mean shorter ticket collection lines and fewer crowds. Alternatively, the crowds thin a little after lunchtime.

Yes, you can take backpacks into the Alhambra, provided they don’t exceed 15.74 inches (40 centimeters) by 15.74 inches (40 centimeters). If your backpack is larger, or you have luggage or a baby stroller, you’ll need to leave them in the ticket office cloakroom or the services pavilion.

No, there’s no official dress code for the Alhambra. That said, it’s best to dress respectfully and perhaps avoid sleeveless tops and shorts, or any garment that could be considered offensive, as some parts of the complex are religious. Comfortable shoes are a must, though—exploring involves lots of walking.

If your ticket includes entry to the Nasrid Palace, get to the Alhambra at least 1.5 hours before the Nasrid time slot on your ticket—missing it means no entry. You’ll need 20 minutes to reach the palace after entering, and it makes sense to visit the Alcazaba and Charles V Palace en route to it.