TOP 5 TIPS FOR VISITING THE ALHAMBRA PALACE IN GRANADA
The Alhambra Palace is one of the main reasons visitors pour into the city of Granada year-round, yet instructions around how and when to buy tickets to see this incredible monument aren’t clear. Here we try to help you make the most of your trip with a guide of the Top 5 Tips for your visit to the Alhambra Palace.
Here is what we recommend:
Plan your visit in advance
- Since there are limited tickets available per day, book tickets online at alhambra-tickets.es up to 90 days prior
- Morning (08:30h — 14h), Afternoon (14h — 20h) and Night (22h — 23:30h) time slots available
Be aware of your ticket options
1. Alhambra General: €15.40
Morning or afternoon access to the Alhambra and Generalife grounds plus a designated time of entry into the Nasrid Palace
2. Alhambra and Generalife Gardens: €8.40
As above but not including Nasrid Palace
3. Dobla de Oro General: €21.05
Access to the Alhambra and Generalife grounds, including Nasrid Palace. Also includes access to certain heritage buildings in the Albaicín on the day before, day of and day after the date on the ticket
4. Dobla de Oro Gardens: €13.05
Same as Dobla de Oro General but not including Nasrid Palace
5. Dobla de Oro at Night: €16.05
Same as Dobla de Oro General but from 22h
6. Nasrid Palace at Night: €9.40
Includes Nasrid Palace, Alhambra grounds and gardens night access from 22h but does not including Generalife
7. Alhambra Gardens and Generalife at Night: €6.40
From 22h. Does not include Nasrid Palace entry.
Our Top Tips on choosing a type of ticket:
The Nasrid Palace is the most spectacular part of the Alhambra so try not to miss out on seeing it, even if you have to go at night.
Even without the Nasrid Palace, the Gardens & Generalife are nice to stroll around and you’ll get into many main buildings of the Alhambra towers and complex. However, you won’t miss much if you don’t do the full Dobla de Oro which includes entry into some historical houses in the Albaicin.
Picking up your pre-ordered tickets
- Make sure to bring the same credit card with which you purchased the tickets online.
- One handy pick-up option is a kiosk in La Tienda de la Alhambra (Bookstore) at C/Reyes Católicos, 40.
- Another option is the ticket machines at the main entrance to the Alhambra.
Timing your visit
- If you decide to include the Nasrid Palace in your visit, you choose a 1hr time slot to enter. This is strictly enforced so make sure to arrive before the allotted time to ensure entry.
- We suggest arriving at the Alhambra complex at least an hour before the entry time on your ticket to find the Palace.
- If it looks like the long queue might prevent you entering at the correct time, make it known to an official what time you need to enter. (Some people may be in the queue for after your time slot so you will be able to jump ahead.)
And a couple more things…
- Brush up on your history — understanding the history behind the Alhambra is crucial to really immersing yourself in the visit.
- An Audio Guide is helpful to guide you through the buildings and gardens without having to stop and read.
- Bring snacks and drinks as there are limited options within.
- Be prepared to be here for a few hours — wear comfy shoes, bring sunscreen or a jacket as the weather is changeable on the hill.
- If you absolutely just didn’t plan ahead, you’re still in luck! There are spare tickets set aside for on-the-day purchases which you can get at the main entrance — we suggest heading there when it opens to secure them.
Originally published at www.concierge99.com.
