Your Essential Guide to Visit Alhambra Granada | Timings, Location, Tips & More

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Alhambra in Spain’s Granada province is a palace and fortress complex. The medieval palatine city perched on a hill in the beautiful Andalusia region was once home to the Muslim rulers in the 13th and 14th centuries. Known for the blend of Moorish and Andalusian architecture and stunning gardens, Alhambra is a hotspot for tourists and history buffs. 

In 1984, UNESCO inducted Alhambra into the list of World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore the fortress, palaces, and buildings, and stroll through the beautiful green paths of the enclave. Find out everything you need to know to plan your visit to Alhambra.

Alhambra Opening Hours

Plan Your Visit Alhambra

Best Time to Visit | Alhambra

Plan Your Visit Alhambra

Weekday vs Weekend: Alhambra is one of the most visited attractions in Granada. The medieval town is open year-round and the opening hours vary according to season. However, since the attraction is open as early as 8:30 AM in the morning and night tours extend to 11:30 PM, you can comfortably visit the Alhambra without any hassles. 

You can choose to visit between 9 AM and 10 AM or go for the 3 PM slot to avoid crowds.

Peak Season vs Low Season: The best time to visit Granada is between May and June or September and October, when the weather is pleasant and the average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius. You can also enjoy the festivals during this season. July and August are hot and uncomfortable in the blazing summer. September and October have cooler climates but expect occasional rains. From November to March, the region welcomes winter.

Where is Alhambra?

Plan Your Visit Alhambra

How to Get to Alhambra?

Plan Your Visit Alhambra
Plan Your Visit Alhambra

Know Before You Go

Facilities
Accessibility
Visiting with Family
Rules & Regulations
Dining
Stay
Plan Your Visit Alhambra
  • The Alhambra Shop: The shops sell publications, travel guides, and souvenirs. 
  • Parking: Car parking is monitored 24 hours.
  • Toilets: Visitors can use toilets outside the complex, near the ticket office, Generalife, and Nasrid palaces.
  • Free Lockers: Backpacks or bags larger than 40x40 cm need to be kept in the lockers located in the Access Pavilion and Puerta del Vino.
Plan Your Visit Alhambra
  • Alhambra is a medieval fort, and some of the passageways and routes are not wheelchair-friendly. Visitors with reduced mobility can ask for a special itinerary. 
  • Ramps have been built on some of the uneven areas inside the enclave.
  • Visitors can access a lift to the Palace of Carlos V.
  • Find disabled-friendly toilets at the Entrance Pavilion and Service Pavilion next to Puerta Del Vino.
  • Wheelchairs are available for rent at the Entrance Pavilion.
  • Assistance dogs, touchpoints, and a special audio guide are available for visually impaired visitors.
Plan Your Visit Alhambra
  • Book free tickets for children aged 3-11. For children under three years old, free tickets are available at the Alhambra ticket office.
  • Baby strollers are not allowed inside the monuments.
  • Baby change facilities are available in the toilets.
Plan Your Visit Alhambra
  • Some of the attractions such as Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, and Generalife, can be visited only once.
  • The parking space for bicycles is in Plaza de la Alhambra near the Entrance Pavilion.
  • Access to Nasrid Palaces is allowed only at the time mentioned in the ticket.
  • Photography is allowed but tripods and flash photography are prohibited.
  • Making inscriptions and graffiti is a criminal offense.
  • You cannot undress, take your shoes off, or lie down on benches.
Plan Your Visit Alhambra
  • Parador de Granada Restaurant: Located close to the Alhambra attractions. Only dine-in is available.
  • Alhambra Palace Restaurante: A highly rated Mediterranean restaurant. Only for dine-in.
  • Los Bandios: A top-rated American restaurant outside the enclave. You can dine-in or opt for takeaway.
  • La Bodega de Antonio: Known for its local cuisine and commendable service. Only dine-in.
Plan Your Visit Alhambra

Extend your stay in Granada by staying at a hotel close to the iconic Alhambra.

  • Hotel Granada Center: A top-rated four-star hotel in the city center, known for its quality service and fitness center.
  • Hotel Granada centro Navarrete: A highly rated two-star hotel that is pet friendly and close to the public transport systems.
  • OYO Hotel Plaza Nueva: A budget hotel known for their good service. It is located close to many nearby attractions.
  • Hotel Dauro: Close to the central shopping district and highly rated for their service.

Alhambra Entrances

There are two main entrances to Alhambra.

The Pavilion Entrance: This entrance is located on the east side of Alhambra and is accessible to visitors who do not have a ticket or need to get their QR code tickets.

The Gate of Justice or Puerta de la Justicia: This entrance is for visitors who already have their QR code tickets. Please note that there is no ticket office here. It is close to Alcazaba.

What’s Inside Alhambra?

Plan Your Visit Alhambra
Plan Your Visit Alhambra

Courtyard of the Lions

 This is easily one of the most beautiful parts of the enclave. It is part of the Palace of the Lions, the winter home of late ruler Mohammed V. The centerpiece is the famous lion fountain. The fountain features 12 lions in white marble, while the courtyard around the fountain has 124 ornate columns.

Plan Your Visit Alhambra

Palace of Carlos V

The Palace of Carlos was constructed in 1526 after the Christian reconquest of Alhambra. However, the palace never was completed for reasons unknown. It still remains a massive structure occupying an area of 63 square meters. The design style is High Renaissance architecture.

Plan Your Visit Alhambra

Visitor Tips 

  • Book your Alhambra tickets in advance.
  • We recommend going on a guided tour of Alhambra to make the most of your visit.
  • Don’t limit your visit to the fortress alone. There are a lot of landmarks in the area worth visiting.
  • Set aside about 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire fortress.

Alhambra Tickets & Tours

Skip-the-Line Tickets to Alhambra
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
More details
Skip-the-Line Tickets to Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces with Audio Guide
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
More details
Granada Card with Priority Access to Alhambra
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Transfers Included
More details
All Alhambra: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Nasrid Palaces
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.
Guided Tour
More details
Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Alhambra Complex, Alcazaba & Generalife without Nasrid Palaces
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr.
Guided Tour
More details
Small-Group Tour of Alhambra with Access to Generalife, Alcazaba & Nasrid Palaces
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
3 hr.
Guided Tour
More details
Skip-the-Line Premium Tour of Alhambra with Access to Nasrid Palaces
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
3 hr.
Guided Tour
More details

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Alhambra Granada

Q. Where is Alhambra?

A. Alhambra is a medieval fortress and garden in the Granada province of Spain.

Q. Can I visit Alhambra?

A. Yes, Alhambra is open to visitors.

Q. Why should I visit Alhambra?

A. Alhambra is the remains of a medieval Muslim kingdom in the Andalusia region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Moorish and Baroque architecture.

Q. Can I visit Alhambra for free?

A. You have to buy a ticket to visit the key attractions in Alhambra. Entry to the Andalusian monuments such as Coal Corra is free on Sundays.

Q. How do I book tickets to visit Alhambra?

A. You can buy your Alhambra tickets online.

Q. How much does it cost to visit Alhambra?

A. Your Alhambra tickets start from €14.85.

Q. What is the best time to visit Alhambra?

A. The best time to visit Alhambra is on a weekday as soon as the attraction opens.

Q. What are the Alhambra opening hours?

A. The Alhambra opening hours vary according to season.

Q. Can I visit Alhambra with the kids?

A. Yes, Alhambra is a family-friendly destination. Minors can visit the destination for free but still require a ticket. For kids under three years, tickets can be purchased for free from the ticket counter.

Q. Is Alhambra wheelchair-friendly?

A. Most of the Alhambra areas are wheelchair friendly. You can also rent a wheelchair at Alhambra. Please ask for the itinerary for people with reduced mobility for a hassle-free experience.

Q. Can I buy food and drinks at Alhambra?

A. Yes, vending machines are available at Alhambra.

Q. How long does it take to visit Alhambra?

A. Spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring Alhambra.

Q. Is it worth visiting Alhambra?

A. Yes, Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique ensemble of palaces and gardens from the time of long-lost Muslim rulers of the region.