KOOP DE LIJN ALHAMBRA TICKETS OVERSLAA
An all-inclusive guided tour of the Alhambra with skip the line access
- Explore the opulent seat of the Nasrid Emirs on this 3-hour guided tour, with access to all parts of the Alhambra that are open to the public
- Have the liberty to choose between a Bilingual, English, French or Spanish guided tour, and understand this historic work of art better with the help of an experienced guide
- Your itinerary will include the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife Gardens, the Alcazaba, the Palace of Carlos V, the unique Patio of the Lions, and the Bath of the Mosque
- These tickets allow you to reschedule your visiting dates
- Discounted tickets: Children aged 3 - 11 enjoy reduced prices on their tickets
- This experience cannot be canceled, amended or rescheduled
Visiting a variety of monuments and historical attractions in the city of Granada, all with one card!
- The Granada City Card gives you access to Alhambra (including Alcazaba, Generalife, and the Nasrid Palaces), Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Cartuja Monastery, San Jerónimo Monastery, Science Park Museum, Zafra’s House, Cuarto Real, Sacromonte Abbey, and Casa de Los Tiros Museum
- Explore the Moorish fortress of Alhambra and discover its complex decorative programs with enchanting gardens and fountains
- Save time and money as this card also allows 9 trips on the Granada bus network and 1 trip on the tourist train, which will help you easily get around the city
- The card is valid for 5 consecutive days before the date is chosen and ends on the day of your visit to the Alhambra
- Discounted tickets: Children (2-11 years old) are eligible for reduced ticket prices
- These tickets cannot be canceled/refunded once the booking has been confirmed
Guided tour of Alhambra with skip the line access to Alcazaba and Generalife
- This wholesome 3-hour tour of the Alhambra allows you access to the plush Generalife Gardens, Alhambra, and Alcazaba.
- With guided tours that run throughout the week in English, Spanish and a Bilingual tour with both, this experience allows you convenient and seamless access to the Alhambra.
- Gain skip the line entry into the Alhambra and discover its architectural influences as you delve into its history with your experienced guide
- Admire the Moorish gardens of Generalife, with cool turquoise water, flower beds, and lush greenery
- Discounted tickets: Children under the age of 12 enjoy reduced prices on their tickets
- This ticket cannot be canceled, amended or rescheduled
A premium tour of Alhambra in its entirety!
- Skip the lines and discover the crown jewel of Spain on a small group tour of no more than 10 people
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Palace with a multi-lingual guide of your choice, and take a scenic stroll at the Generalife Gardens
- The immersive tour allows you to visit the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba, Palace of Carlos V, the unique Patio of the Lions, and the Bath of the Mosque
- Discounted tickets: Children under the age of 11 enjoy reduced prices on their tickets
- This ticket cannot be canceled, amended or rescheduled
Guided day tour of Alhambra from Seville with skip the line access
- Depart from Seville and head to the Alhambra for a guided tour through its palace complex and surroundings
- Grasp the subtleties of the Islamic architecture and art that festoon the palace, with critical insights from your expert guide into its history and roots
- Visit the many attractions housed in the Alhambra complex, such as the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife
- Discounted tickets: Children aged 11 and under enjoy reduced prices on their tickets
- These tickets cannot be canceled/refunded once the booking has been confirmed
Alhambra Tickets
An official UNESCO heritage site, the Alhambra is one of Spain’s top visited sites, drawing over 6000 people every day. It’s a fortress and palace perched on the top of a hill, overlooking the old town of Granada and set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada peaks.
This marvelous piece of Islamic architecture was originally built in the 9th century as a walled city but the current structure dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries when it served as a residence for the Moorish monarchs of the Nasrid dynasties. The name Alhambra derives from the Arabic al-qala’a al-hamra (the Red Castle) due to the reddish color of its outer walls.
Nasrid Palaces
The Nasrid Palaces is the Alhambra’s central attraction and showcases the finest Islamic architecture in Europe, owing to the perfectly proportioned rooms and courtyards, intricately moulded stucco walls, beautiful tiling, finely carved wooden ceilings, elegant patios and beautiful facades with complex Islamic geometric designs.
It was the official residence of the first Moorish king, Mohammad I, and has continued to serve as the seat of the Nasrid emirs. The Nasrid Palaces are divided into three key areas - the entrance through Mexuar, the administrative and public part of the complex, the Palacio de Comares, the emir's official and private residence, and the Palacio de Los Leones, a private area for the royal family.
Generalife Gardens
The Generalife, the emirs’ gorgeous summer estate, dates to the 14th century and derives its name from the Arabic jinan al-‘arif, meaning ‘the overseer’s gardens’. Situated farthest away from the rest of the Alhambra buildings, the enchanting Generalife palace and gardens used to the emirs’ summer home. The perfectly manicured rectangular gardens, with colorful flowers, towering trees, an amphitheater and small fountains evoke a resplendent imagery.
As you leisurely stroll through these gardens, you will arrive at a string of elegantly designed rectangular plots, the Jardines Nuevos or the Lower Gardens, which lead up to the whitewashed Palacio del Generalife, the emirs’ summer palace. From here you can see the Alcazaba Fortress on the other side of the hill.
Alcazaba
This military rampart is the oldest segment of the Alhambra, dating back to the 9th century. Built and originally used as a residential quarter by King Mohammad I until the completion of the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress was mainly used for military purposes. Although the fortress is mostly in ruins, the Torre de la Vela or the Watchtower is a must visit. Once you climb up the winding staircase leading up to the tower, be prepared to be mesmerized by the breathtaking views, including the Sierra Nevada in the backdrop. The tower is also historically significant as the one where the cross and banners of the Reconquista were raised in January of 1492.
Alhambra Timings & Best Time To Visit
The opening hours of the Alhambra in Granada are as follows:
Mid-October to end March: daily from 8:30am to 6pm
April to mid-October: daily from 8:30am to 8pm
Please note that the Alhambra remains closed on December 25 and January 1.
Best Time To Visit The Alhambra
The best time of the year to visit Alhambra is during the Spring months of April-June, when the weather is comfortably warm and the Generalife gardens are in full bloom. The Fall months of September-November experience pleasant temperatures and it is a great time to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds. Try to avoid the Summer months of June-August as the temperature sometimes soars to 40°C.
As expected, weekends attract more people than weekdays. As the Alhambra complex is an expansive site and requires quite a bit of walking, it will take you 3-4 hours to go around the place. We suggest you visit either early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the day-trip bus parties and tour groups. Early morning is also a good idea during summers to beat the heat. You can start with the Nasrid Palaces and book the earliest spot of the day (8:30 am) before the hordes arrive and it becomes impossible to take photos.
Getting To The Alhambra Using Public Transportation in Granada
There are two entrances to reach the Alhambra – the pavilion main entrance to the far east of the Alhambra and near the Generalife and the Gate of Justice entrance, which is closer to the old town but only for visitors with QR barcoded tickets.
Bus – For €1.40, the C32 or C30 city bus will pick you up at the Plaza Isabel and drop you off near the ticket office at the entrance to the Alhambra. Buses leave every 10 minutes.
Car – Getting to the Alhambra by car will take about 10 minutes. Several parking lots are available near the Pavilion entrance. Tickets cost €6.35 for 3 hours and €8.15 for 4 hours. However, driving is restricted in many parts of the old town, so it’s better to use the main roads circling around the center and approach the Alhambra from the south.
However, driving is restricted in many parts of the old town, so it’s better to use the main roads circling around the center and approach the Alhambra from the south.
Taxi – Taxis from the city center will cost about €6-8, depending on where your accommodation is located. Taxis are the most affordable and convenient option to get to the Alhambra.
Visiting The Alhambra - Insider Tips
- Don’t be late - Due to the popularity of the Nasrid Palace, the guards only allow 300 people in every half hour. This means you must choose the exact time slot you wish to visit when you buy your ticket and reach the gate on time.
- The best views - As the Alhambra towers over Granada, soak in the fantastic views of the town and the Sierra Nevada peaks from the watchtower in the Alcazaba fort, from the windows in the Nasrid Palaces, and from the Generalife Palace.
- Travel light - Only small backpacks are allowed inside the Alhambra complex – coin lockers are available at both entrances. Inside the Nasrid Palace, it is compulsory to carry backpacks in front or by hand.
- No strollers - Although they are not allowed inside the Nasrid Palaces, there is a free service for loaning baby-carrying backpacks.
- No tripods - Sad news for many photo enthusiasts but do not carry a tripod to the Alhambra complex.
- Carry identification - Always carry your ID, preferably your passport. There are check points each time you enter a different palace.
- Keep tickets handy - Tickets are scanned at multiple points, such as before entering the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, and Generalife. So keep them undamaged and at hand.
Alhambra Tickets
An official UNESCO heritage site, the Alhambra is one of Spain’s top-visited sites, drawing more than 6,000 visitors each day. The Alhambra palace is perched on the top of a hill, overlooking the old town of Granada and set against a beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
This marvelous piece of Islamic architecture was originally built in the 9th Century as a walled city. The current structure dates back to the 13th and 14th Centuries when it served as a residence for the Moorish monarchs of the Nasrid dynasties. The name Alhambra is derived from the Arabic phrase Al-Qala’a Al-Hamra (the Red Castle) due to the reddish color of its outer walls.
There’s plenty to see and do here! With an Alhambra ticket, you get access to the stunning Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba military fortress and the pivotal attraction, the Nasrid Palaces.
Your Alhambra Tickets Explained
Since the Alhambra is one of Spain’s most-visited attractions, visitors will always experience long waiting lines at the entrance. The best way to avoid wasting time is by opting for skip-the-line Alhambra tickets. With this ticket, you can bypass the long waiting lines and get priority access to the Alhambra, including the Alcazaba fortress, Generalife Gardens and if included in your ticket, the Nasrid Palaces.
There’s no better way to explore the historic structure than by opting for an Alhambra guided tour. Your local tour guide can speak several languages including but not limited to English, Spanish and French. They will guide you through all the important areas of the Alhambra complex including the Alcazaba fortress and Generalife gardens, informing you about its history, architecture and design, and other interesting trivia.
The Nasrid Palace is the main attraction of the Alhambra, visited by millions of visitors each year. Owing to its popularity, a standard Alhambra ticket does not include access to the Nasrid Palace -- you would have to book a ticket that specifically provides access to it. This ticket would give you skip the line access and a guided tour of Nasrid Palace.
If you’re looking to save time on commute, opt for Alhambra tickets that provide return transfers. By opting for a ticket with return transfers, you don’t have to worry about planning transport from your hotel to the Alhambra, and back again. As part of this ticket, you will be picked up directly from your hotel, taken to the Alhambra, and then dropped right back.
Explore the Alhambra
The Nasrid Palace is the Alhambra’s central attraction, showcasing the finest Islamic-era architecture in Europe. It boasts perfectly-proportioned rooms and courtyards, intricately-molded stucco walls, beautiful tiling, finely-carved wooden ceilings, elegant patios and beautiful facades with complex Islamic geometric designs.
This iconic structure was the official residence of the first Moorish king, Mohammad I, and has continued to serve as the seat of the Nasrid emirs. The Nasrid Palaces are divided into three key areas: the entrance through Mexuar which is the administrative and public part of the complex, the Palacio de Comares which was the emir's official and private residence, and the Palacio de Los Leones which served as a private area for the royal family.
This military rampart is the oldest segment of the Alhambra, dating back to the 9th Century. Built and originally used as a residential quarter by King Mohammad I, until the completion of the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba fortress was mainly used for military purposes.
Although the fortress is mostly in ruins, the Torre de la Vela or the Watchtower is definitely worth a visit. Once you climb up the winding staircase leading up to the tower, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views, including the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the backdrop. The tower is also historically significant as the one where the cross and banners of the Reconquista were raised in January of 1492.
The Generalife, the emirs’ gorgeous summer estate, dates back to the 14th Century and derives its name from the Arabic phrase, Jinan Al-‘Arif, meaning ‘the overseer’s gardens’. Situated farthest away from the rest of the Alhambra buildings, the enchanting Generalife gardens and palace were used as the emirs’ summer home. The perfectly manicured rectangular gardens are laden with colorful flowers, towering trees, an amphitheater and small fountains, evoking resplendent imagery.
While you stroll through these gardens, you will arrive at a string of elegantly-designed rectangular plots, the Jardines Nuevos or the Lower Gardens. These lead up to the whitewashed Palacio del Generalife, the emirs’ summer palace, from where you can see the Alcazaba Fortress.
Plan Your Visit
Alhambra opening hours vary based on the time of year you plan to visit:
From April to mid-October: 08:30 AM to 08:00 PM.
From mid-October to end of March: 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM.
The Alhambra is open on all days of the week.
The Alhambra is closed on January 1 and December 25. It is otherwise open through the year and every day of the week.
The best time to visit the Alhambra is between April to June and September to November. During spring, you can enjoy the Generalife gardens in full bloom, while fall season offers pleasant weather and less crowds. The busiest time of the year is during summer, between June to September.
Getting to the Alhambra is possible by car, taxi or bus. You can also opt for Alhambra tickets that include return transfers.
Yes, if you want to get to the Alhambra by bus, you can take buses C3, C30 or C32. They will drop you directly in front of the Alhambra entrance.
Yes, you can take a car or taxi to get to the Alhambra. A journey from Granada center to the Alhambra would take about 10-15 minutes.
You can avoid long waiting lines by opting for skip-the-line Alhambra tickets. With these, you get priority access to major attractions at the Alhambra, including the Alcazaba and Generalife gardens.
Not all Alhambra tickets include access to the Nasrid Palace. When you purchase Alhambra tickets that specifically include access to the Nasrid Palace, you get skip-the-line access as well.
Yes. Your Alhambra skip-the-line tickets do include a local, multilingual tour guide.
Most areas of the Alhambra are accessible by those on wheelchairs. Areas like the Generalife Gardens and some parts of the Nasrid Palace are accessible with assistance by those with limited mobility. However, areas like the Alcazaba are not wheelchair-accessible owing to its ancient structure.
Yes. Storage lockers have been made available at the Granada for visitors, since attractions like the Nasrid Palace do not allow you to carry backpacks and luggage.
Yes, small cafeterias and vending machines have been made available to the public inside the Alhambra.
Yes, paid parking has been made available right outside the Alhambra for visitors.
Alhambra Tickets FAQs
Q. What can I access with my Alhambra ticket?
A. A standard Alhambra ticket includes skip-the-line access to attractions like the Generalife gardens, Alcazaba fortress and Palace of Charles V among others.
Q. Does my Alhambra ticket include access to the Nasrid Palace?
A. Not all Alhambra tickets include access to the Nasrid Palace. You would have to book tickets that specifically allow access into the Nasrid Palace.
Q. Does my Alhambra ticket include guided tours?
A. Yes. Your Alhambra ticket includes guided tours of the major attractions within the complex.
Q. What does a return transfer to the Alhambra ticket include?
A. Some Alhambra tickets include return transfers; you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel after your tour, allowing you to save time and money planning commute for your experience.
Q. Can I get skip-the-line Alhambra tickets?
A. Yes. Your Alhambra tickets include skip the line access to major attractions within the complex. This allows you to bypass the long waiting lines.
Q. What is the cancelation policy for Alhambra tickets?
A. Most Alhambra tickets cannot be canceled, rescheduled or amended. It is highly recommended that you plan your trip in advance.
Q. How long will a tour of the Alhambra take?
A. The Alhambra complex is vast, with multiple attractions to visit; therefore it is recommended that you dedicate almost an entire day to this experience. Please also arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled slot.
Q. When should I book tickets to the Alhambra?
A. Owing to its popularity, tickets to the Alhambra often sell out weeks before. It is recommended that you book your ticket online well in advance to your trip to Granada.