The Alhambra is Spain's most visited monument, and its tickets sell out weeks in advance. The safest way in is a visit that already includes your ticket. You don't depend on spaces being left, and someone explains what you're looking at.
Which visit to choose
| If you want… | We recommend | From |
|---|---|---|
| The most popular | Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces guided tour, 4.7★ (21,100 reviews) | €54 |
| The cheapest with a guide | Entry and guided tour with the Nasrid Palaces, 4.7★ (3,516) | €50 |
| Small group, no queues | Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces skip-the-line small group, 4.7★ (8,443) | €75 |
| The best rated | Guided tour with tickets, 4.9★ (1,018) | €84 |
| Something different | Night visit to the Nasrid Palaces, 4.9★ (288) | €54 |
| Just your group | Private tour, 4.9★ (242) | €280 |
| Short on time or budget | Gardens and Generalife (no Nasrid Palaces), 4.5★ (2,256) | €18 |
Why go with a guide
- Your entry is guaranteed, even when the official site says "sold out".
- The guide handles the Nasrid Palaces time slot, which is what trips up most independent visitors.
- You understand what you see. The poems carved into the walls, the geometry of the tiles and the story of each hall are lost without an explanation.
- No risk of fake guides. Unlicensed "Alhambra tours" are offered in Plaza Nueva.
The golden rule: your Nasrid Palaces time
The Nasrid Palaces have a fixed entry time with only 30 minutes of leeway. Miss it and you don't get in. It takes 30 to 45 minutes on foot from the main entrance to the palaces, so arrive early. On a guided visit, the guide plans the route so you don't miss your slot.
What to see inside
- Nasrid Palaces: the Court of the Myrtles, the Hall of the Ambassadors, the Court of the Lions and the Hall of the Two Sisters. Look up: the domes are the highlight.
- Alcazaba: the oldest part. The Torre de la Vela has the best views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada.
- Generalife: the sultans' summer residence, with the Patio de la Acequia.
- Palace of Charles V: the Renaissance palace in the middle of the complex.
A full visit takes about 4 hours.
Getting there
- C30 or C32 minibus from Plaza Isabel la Católica, every few minutes.
- On foot from Plaza Nueva up the Cuesta de Gomérez: a 25-30 minute climb.
- Taxi from the centre.
Mistakes to avoid
- Turning up without a ticket, expecting to buy one there. In high season there are none left.
- Buying from resale sites. They charge high fees and some tickets are not valid.
- Forgetting your ID or passport. Tickets are in your name.
- Bringing a large backpack or pushchair. They have to go in the left-luggage room.
- Rushing. With 2 hours you only see half.
In one sentence
The Alhambra is best enjoyed with your entry secured and someone to explain it. If you're spending more days in Granada, see our guide to Granada in 2 days.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I'm late for the Nasrid Palaces?
You have 30 minutes of leeway from the printed time. After that you can't get in and there is no refund. It takes 30 to 45 minutes on foot from the main entrance to the palaces.
What can I do if Alhambra tickets are sold out?
Book a guided visit that includes entry: operators have their own allocations even when the official site is sold out. The night visit to the Nasrid Palaces also tends to have more availability.
Guided tour or on my own?
On a first visit, with a guide: it guarantees entry, handles your Nasrid Palaces slot and explains the symbolism of each hall, which is lost without context.
How long do I need to see the Alhambra?
About 4 hours to see the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, Generalife and Palace of Charles V without rushing.
