Alhambra (Alhambra de Granada)

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

How to choose between night and day visits to the Alhambra

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.

Should I buy Alhambra tickets in advance?

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.

What is included in an Alhambra general ticket?

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.

What time of day is best to visit the Alhambra?

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.

Can you bring backpacks into Alhambra?

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.

Does Alhambra have a dress code?

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.

How early do you need to go to Alhambra?

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.

Ways to explore

The Alhambra is broken up into sections: the Generalife Gardens (a collection of courtyards, pools, and fountains); the Alcazaba (the remains 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. You can also explore the Alhambra on guided or private tours to remove some guesswork and gain insights from a local tour guide.

Tickets sell out months in advance, so book early. If you can’t get a day pass, night tours of the Nasrid Palaces tend to sell out later than standard tickets, and you can see the Charles V Palace for free. If you’ve bagged tickets for the whole Alhambra complex, you’ll need at least five hours to do it justice—most guided tours last this long.

Accessibility

Most of the site has ramps and is wheelchair accessible. Visitors with disabilities should visit the Entrance Pavilion for other accessibility information.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, snacks, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes; layers, as the mountain breeze means Alhambra feels chilly at night

Not allowed

Large backpacks and strollers, touching or leaning on anything, smoking (unless in designated areas)

Amenities

Storage lockers, restrooms, cafés

Address

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 transportation from downtown Granada or from nearby cities such as Seville and Malaga.

Driving

From Granada airport, get on the A-92, take exit 241A, merge onto GR-30, and continue onto A-395 until you see the Alhambra exit. The parking lot has space for 500 vehicles, available for €21.70 (US$24.70) per day.

Public transportation

From the bus stop in Plaza Nueva, you can take bus numbers 30 or 32 to different parts of the complex, including the ticket offices at the entrance and the Nasrid Palaces.

Best times to visit

The Alhambra is open year round, with varied hours based on the season and day of the week. Night tours of the Nasrid Palaces help you beat the daytime crowds and see the Moorish details illuminated. For views from the Alcazaba, daytime is best.

Best days to visit

Mondays and Wednesdays for the fewest crowds.

Best months to visit

Granada is scorching in summer, so spring and fall are the best times to explore the complex comfortably. If you’re visiting during the summer months, try to go at the earliest or latest available time slots to avoid the biggest crowds (and the midday sun).

Special events

During the Festival of Granada music festival in the summer, flamenco and live music performances often take place in the Charles V Palace.